MHR Restorations and Overhauls

How true..........

 

that will be at the Auturm gala,2017 then, 35006, 34092, 34007 35005 ,with 41312,41313 and 30055 on station pilot duties, and 30506 on a pick up freight

 

I believe that the model will come with additional parts fully fitted, but only as "that's the best place to store them." Upon receiving, you must take all the bits off and stick them on again...

I'd like to think that whatever happens 6 beats 5, the boiler's been passed out for a start! They are also at the stage of painting, although doubtless it will all have to be sanded off as they used brunswick green instead of what's called Brunswick green but is actually something else...

 

At this rate, they'll need a new certificate for the boiler...........

 

That came up not too long ago, apparently the boiler man was happy to say it was ok but not give them a certificate until closer to a finishing date, so we're safe on that score at least!

 

Railways can't run without engineers and operators, but they also consume vast amounts of cash and skilled fund raisers are needed to "feed the fire" in that direction also!

I think I was one of the pioneers in that respect for coach restoration - I've always held that as a semi-skilled person if I can spend a day or two at a Gala raising the funds to employ a skilled person for a week that is a far more sensible use of my time than being self indulgent and wielding a paint or screwdriver. I have found it very difficult to convince some of my colleagues though!

 

It's quite a coup for mid hants, though not entirely surprising.
I can imagine several railways would love to be hosting Bittern for a year.

 

Okey Dokey, now that the dust has settled regarding Bittern............

I think its safe to come out the woods now.............

I'm sure someone asked recently what restoration projects were on the go, other than Loco's.............. well, as its near year end - time for me to do a bit of tub thumping, drum banging, trumpeting on behalf of the Wagon Group, with special mention for the guys working on this particular project!

It is not a restoration as such, but a conversion of Ex LMS Sliding Door Van M 514791 into a Southern Railway Diagram No. 1529 Cattle van!

It is believed that no such diagrams of this cattle van exist, although overall the “new” wagon will be some 18 inches shorter, as it is constructed directly on the existing 10 foot wheel base of the LMS van.

So obviously it is not a 100% replica, but it is intended to capture the flavour of the SR design. Whilst there is still a fair bit to complete, it adds another wagon type to the Mid-Hants freight train and should be running at some stage next year, though not at the SSG.

Below are a couple of images, the first showing what the LMS Van was like before the conversion started, and the second showing where the project is to date!

(neither image is mine, but published with permission.)

 

An update about the ELR Gala visitor: It appears that 92212 is going North instead now in January.

 

Great photos Druid I'm in the "Friends of the Mid Hants Wagon Group" on Facsbook and love seeing the progress they are making with that BY wagon

 

As amusing as it is making jibes at 35006's will it, won't it saga, I'm sure we can all agree that when they are done it will be a quality job. Plus let's face it, when it comes to the restoration and overhaul of steam locomotives in general, the most common quote we get from those involved in the project when mentioning completion dates, tends to be "it'll be ready when it's ready."

 

Oh god yes it's friendly, I am lucky enough to work on a merchant navy that has been in steam during preservation and that is a huge task. Got nothing but admiration for the 35006 society who are bringing there beast back from Barry condition. I will be one of the first to the GSWR when she is in steam to see the fantastic job they have done.

 

Definitely I can't wait either, and it will certainly be a quality job when it's done. It is a bit of a joke on the railway though, as for as long as anyone can remember it's been ready next year! I think 2016 is a realistic goal reading the latest update. With 7903 coming back in 2015 we could then by 2017 have 6 steamable locos.

 

You best get your finger out and finish some coaches for them to pull ;-)

 

By 2017 we'll have 3 interchangeable rakes (hopefully all equal, rather than preferences as now) with a couple of spares to swap out. I think that's pretty good!

 

That is impressive young Alex

 

Not a major restoration, but progress on the "Watercress Belle" set as John Kay, Dan and Bernie Gutezski (if I've spelt this right) Clive Warneford Richard Bentley and Bob Deeth. aided and abetted at various times by myself and Jim Lawrence, moved the Generator set out of the old BG and into S80223, a rather splendid Blood and Custard BG that has been ably fitted out by John Dan and Bernie to serve as generator car, workshop, changing rooms (Ladies and Gents) pudding cupboard and lavatory!

 

Out of interest, what companies operate photo charters on the line? Want to try one and thought one on home territory would be a good bet for my first go.

 

I'll send you a PM with their details - it's not a "company" its Matt & Warwick......... they do a few on the line but not as many as you may think....... the sooner you get things sorted your end for working member & PTS the better.....