MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Had an interesting chat to one of the Urie Group volunteers at Ropley on Sunday- he was working on the right hand new frame section, using part of the old frame as a jig. I hadn't realised that the frames had been cracked so far back (between leading and second coupled axles) They hope to use the same welder that is doing 506's frame.

 

Wadebridge and the Black 5 on Belle and RAT duty last night. It was an unexpected treat to have the 5 on the RAT, as usually we would have expected Wadebridge. Everything seemed to run to time, so I assume no issues for either crews.
Visible at Ropley were Nellie, Cheltenham, Bittern and two shunters (12049 & 08 032).
The 9F is still hidden away from public view, presumably still awaiting the superheater tubes?

Links through to the on shed locos (not the best photos in the world).

Maunsell Schools Class 925 Cheltenham by timz2011, on Flickr


08 Class Shunter 08 032 : Gresley A4 4464 Bittern : Maunsell Lord Nelson Class 850 Lord Nelson by timz2011, on Flickr


Gresley A4 4464 Bittern by timz2011, on Flickr

 

9F is awaiting 3 things before being released to service. 1) replacing a broken spring 2) finishing and then refitting the brake pull rod 3) steam test to prove the superheater elements. Could well be done before the bank holiday.

 

And it was a treat for us to have Wadebridge on the Belle for a second week running - superb driving last night, all on time (if not early) Probably more sedate on the Belle than the RAT which seemed quite noisy last night!

 

Wadebridge seems to have responded very well to the work over the winter. Every time I've been behind her she has performed admirably.
Regarding that kind of behavour on the RAT, I agree that's just not on. I'm pretty sure that anyone spotted doing that would be turfed off, but spotting them is the problem (presumably it's not something that happens often).

 

A taster from this mornings charter with 45379.

 

I am guessing that the new ashpan is fitted now? http://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/blog/entry/finger-trouble

 

Wow! Spectacular!

 

Why, thank you

But wait until you see the rest - I've got a "few" to go through before I put a gallery up...........

 

I'll look forward to it DD. Is it somthing to sit down a savor with a nice beer?! ;-)

 

I hope you had a spotter if you're on standing on the down with your back to traffic
Smoke bomb I guess? Your processing definitely makes for spectacular shots.

 

I'll let you be the judge of that......... but most definitely with a decent ale to hand.

Its going to take me a while to sift through the 400 images (in my defence, I was there at 5am.........) so hopefully some time during the week!

 

Of course.

And thanks for the kind comment.

 

Time for you to sit down with that beer...........

Black (5) Magic.............

 

Love the one of it going through the pine trees thats a cracker. Nice one!

 

Some rather brilliant photos there Dave. Will have to try and come along to the next photo charter.

 

Thanks Simon!

Yes you will wont you.......... I believe the "plan" at the moment is for the annual November weekend featuring either the Ivatt or the Std4, depending on whether one or both are available - as soon as the invite lands in your inbox - say yes straight away, or you'll miss out............

Ta!

 

Are there any updates/pictures of the overhaul of 41312 or hints at when it may be back? Thanks.

 

Have you booked the Autumn steam gala in your diary?

 

Thanks for info.
No, sadly can't make the gala. Long way to come from Scotland! I am hoping that it will be the loco to feature on Matt Allen's annual charter weekend in the autumn which I can make!