MHR Restorations and Overhauls

I am pretty sure 34007 ticket runs out in early 2016? So unless she gets an extension won't be running that year? I imagine this is why they are pushing on with Swanage

Last time I saw 34058 was at the bottom of the head shunt, as far as I know they have a container load of bits made for her, ready to go for when it gets pushed into the shed but don't think anyone is actually working on its overhaul?

 

Re:34051 Winston Churchill.

Perhaps the MHR could indulge in some skulduggery to get the tongues wagging and get the railway rags interested. Why not couple the newly refurbished tender of 34051 to 34007 Wadebridge, effect an identity change on said loco and steam her on 30th January 2015, 50 years exactly after the great mans death!

Not exactly as good as the real loco working but it would at least get a bit of publicity, with 50% authenticity. Just a thought LOL

 

Of course the only snag in that plan, would be that 34051`s tender would need spinning 180 degrees. Ah well nice idea while it lasted.

 

That would take about 20mins the next time there is a low loader on hand. (Which at the rate we are loaning engines out at the moment is about once a week minimum).

 

I was really impressed by the guys from the Urie Society on Saturday does anyone know the progress of there 2 locomotives?

 

You using a whip on those poor low loader chaps?

 

80150 & 34058 are out of sight in Alresford headshunt.
There are a couple of photos on my flickr site of 30828 (30499 is behind it) & 75079 as well as the tenders for 76017 & 30506.

 

When is the black 5 due to return and Bodmin leave?

 

I wonder if while 34051 is in the works undergoing cosmetic restoration 34007 could "borrow" her nameplates for the War on the line event in June?

 

Would it not simply be easier to wheel 34051 out of the shed?

 

Not if it's part the way through its makeover.

 

It could end up making it look like Barry Scrap Yard if that were to happen. I say go with swapping over the plates! What a Memorial and fitting Tribute that would be?!

 

Seeing as its only a cosmetic overhaul I cannot see them still working on it in June? I might be wrong but thats a long time for the work they are doing (esp as the tender is nearing the new paint stage).

 

Depends on the funding though. As far as I know the target for the restoration has yet to be reached.

 

Assuming that she is finished by then that would be a good week end to unviel 34051 to the public or if she isnt then once she is how much organising would it take to arrange something, you have 3 NRM owned engines on the line, 2 of them working, stage an thank you to the NRM weekend with services being hauled by 850 and 925, 34051 could be on stactic display, either at ropley or in the carrage dock at Alresford. or if its going to be next year, now, see about hiring 70013, if she is down at Southall at some stage for the week end

 

Wadebridge was in the cattle dock at Alresford last night.
Off on her travels again?

 

She was back for the gala.

 

"Wadebridge was in the cattle dock at Alresford last night.
Off on her travels again? "


She is off to the West Somerset Spring Gala. 31806 is going to this as well (if she hasn't gone already).
http://westsomersetrailway.vticket....g-steam-gala/01566408536ecf4297e215e6d478c7e8

 

I like the way 31806 is down as an N class on their website! Hopefully people won't be to disappointed when a U turns up.