MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Perhaps the SLL loco's might come the other way and end up at Ropley?

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I wish we had the space for that!!! Can you imagine having another one of there Bulleids at Ropley. Would be great for the enthusiast but not very economical


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What are you talking about?

Still, what are you talking about? Too cryptic for me.

 

Err, no - as I said, its the rumour mill (not me) so we'll just have wait and see what happens..........................

 

I don't. We have four, and we don't need anymore. This time next year (fingers and toes crossed) have seven working locos. Not much need to hire in anymore.

 

That's why your incharge and I day dream lol


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I do my share of dreaming. Mostly about things like covered accommodation for all our locomotives, preferably in the style of a SR running shed and preferably Guildford with its part roundhouse. I want to see the Bulleid coaches in service, and the 2 Mk1 CKs. It would be great to restore the Maunsell brake at least to its former BR role as the tool van for the 45ton steam crane. I dream of figuring out how to get another 50,000 people a year to visit the line....... On the loco front I want to see all 3 S15s running, and I'd like to borrow the M7 and the Q1 from the NRM one day, and perhaps the T3, and before 76017 goes out of ticket be able to have not just 75079 but 80150 in service....all three types of std4.

 

Which is ironically the same number, balance and configuration of Bulleids as the MHR had in the early to mid 1980`s. Except that 34058 is different in naming convention, being a Battle of Britain rather than a West Country which 34016 is.

What is interesting is that the MHR have the oldest Merchant Navy and the oldest and youngest light pacifics in preservation, plus one from just over the middle of the build batch.

 

That would be lovely. I have seen loads of photos of Guildford and it would be brilliant to see something like that

All railways dream of that and from the MHR is certainly doing the right things to attract visitors especially families.


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It could be feasible, if the N boiler was sent away to a reputable contractor and the frames were overhauled at Swanage. AFAIK the biggest problem with the frames is a large crack behind one of the driving wheels that was previously repaired by BR. These sort of frame repairs are becoming common place nowadays, just take 60019 Bittern and 30506/499 as examples. The N`s firebox will need major surgery or complete replacement, but again it has all been done before, with the Flying Cash Cow... oh sorry Scotsman!

Also a possible boiler swap would speed things up a bit, as 31625`s boiler maybe quicker to repair and its been done before at the MHR, hinted at in the press release.

 

Should they leave Swanage (which it seems won't happen) then its possible that the collection could be scattered. Norman and 34053 are based away from Swanage already but the SVR will have 34053 and 34027 together soon so no real need for the rest of the SLL to join them.

As for the Moguls. It's sad to see them go but the MHR have done well to get replacements in.

 

Dream would be complete if the vision also had one of the Maunsell Society out of use U`s on long term repair and hire to the MHR. It would help fill the gap left by the departing John Bunch trio.

Ah well we can only dream!

 

Just testing you

 

Anyway, here''s a small gallery of today's move!

http://daverydingphotography.zenfolio.com/34016_bodmin_25_06_14

 

where is 34016 off to then?

 

Well its currently at Southall. But if rumours are true it maybe heading north, to Carnforth for restoration to mainline running.

 

Thanks, a shame it ends like this, but good if it makes it back on the mainline

 

From what I remember reading in the past, Sir Fred has the oldest light pacific boiler in its frames originally from 34001?

Although it is sad to see Bodmin leave, replacing her with a BoB (in the long term) completes the set so happy times ahead.

The Moguls will be personally missed having been visiting the MHR from day 1. It is however pleasing that they are staying in the south and all being returned to traffic and the MHR have some great replacements in the wings.

Overall, a great result all round and everyone can move on to happy times.

 

Nellie was out on the Belle last night.

850 Lord Nelson by timz2011, on Flickr
Wadebridge was on the RAT

34007 Wadebridge by timz2011, on Flickr
Cheltenham was coing on-shed just as I arrived:

925 Chelthenham by timz2011, on Flickr
And the U was indeed not in steam yesterday

31806 by timz2011, on Flickr
I believe there may be a few more chances to catch the U before the departures to Swanage, but that no dates are set in stone at this point.

 

I've just checked the excellent book by Richard Derry, on the light Pacific's. You are indeed correct 34058, is fitted with boiler no. 1266, originally fitted to 34001" Exeter " from new.