MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Lee, I am sure there is a good reason but surely it would be a good idea to finish perhaps 1 or 2 other restorations first?, otherwise they are going to be short of space and the work force, (paid staff and volunteers), will be stretched to the limit.

Add to that the ongoing maintenance to the running fleet.

Just my opinion.

Chris:

 

Well the capacity exists to do the work that is needed, and the owner would like the engine back in service so it seems a good idea to get on with it, as the work required is relatively minor (barring unforseen problems) and as that cannot be said of some of the other stuff we are working on it makes sense to have a plan B.

Mention was made of 506. No one has any idea how long the overhaul will take. We first need to work out what needs repairing and to do that means some very delicate work to remove the cylinders. It is going to take quite some time before we know what repairs will be needed.

 

No overhaul is relatively minor. I think straightforward would be a better word. Once you get the boiler out of the frames, then your unforseen problems could appear. (Hopefully not)

 

Wasn't able to get a photo of SFP as it is stored on the back road (far right on the attached photo next to the trees.) I did manage to get a quick snap of 80150 in Alresford headshunt which is in the same road as 45132.

 

Seems sensible, the Ivatt is also presumably frugal with coal and water- ideal for mid week services. I know that 506 will get the care she needs even if it takes a little while..in the meantime 825 is visiting to wet our appetite for Southern 4-6-0's!

 

I think I know a certain person and the same peeps...

 

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, it still does not alter the fact that there are too many projects tying up limited workshop space and machines.

Although I fully agree with those that say the Ivatt is an ideal candidate for restoration, I ask again for is going to work on this project, and will those with so much to say on this thread take their hands off the camera and help phyisically with the restoration?

Forever a cynic

Regards
Chris:

 

31874 is now in Ropley paint shop. Can't wait to see her in black again.

 

Which means no coaches are being painted Lee.

Not ideal is it?

Regards
Chris:

 

I'm just looking forward to seeing 31874 in BR black before the loco moves away.

 

Thought she was going into Southern Wartime Black as 1874?. Presumably she must be having some of the details such as the smoke deflectors and smokebox handrails will have to be refitted.

 

To restore 31874 to 1874 properly you would have to change the cylinders frames and outside steam pipes to name just a few!!. However Its nice to rid it of its James guise .....

 

Mr Smith and his merry band of 925 Cheltenham fame will be taking on 41312 ....... Manpower ... Happy Now Chris..?

 

Yes thanks David, about as happy as you are.

Always a pleasure

Regards
Chris:

 

Great to hear that. I know Mr Smith was eager to move on to another project to keep the team that was built up together.

41312 should keep them occupied for a while until the money target to start work on 35005 `Can Pac` is raised.

I read in the latest Mid Hants News that will happen once the figure raised exceeds £50,000. Seems sensible to me.

Meanwhile if John Jones has the cash in the bank for 41312 and a team is willing to carry out the work, then more power to their elbows!

 

Re: 31874. Isn`t she just having a BR shed standard repaint that wont take too long. Or is Duncan too much a perfectionist to allow that to happen?

Anyway, only another week or so and it will be back to coaches.

 

RE: 41312 is this to be done at Ropley, or is she moving to Eastleigh ?
1874 , does it really matter that the BR modifications will still be there? at least she will look better with a fresh coat of paint , anythings got to be better than Sodor red ,Actually a black unlined N class with southern sunshine lettering will be a preservation first wont it? none of the preserved U's have ever been turned out in southern black

 

Not that I know of. 1618 and 1638 on the Bluebell have carried Southern Olive Green with 1618 due to have her repaint to BR lined black as 31618 completed at some point. 31874, 31806 and 31625 have also carried BR lined black with 31874 and 31625 having carried Sodor red.

SR Wartime Black is rare on most Southern Locos.