RPSI - More great news

131 is back in steam, and has done a mainline test run. I think it is now a question of completing the finishing touches and necessary certification, safety gubbins, etc.

 

Not yet - she needs her own tender first. As I understand it the chassis overhaul is starting/started now that No4 is out and about again. I would imaging it would be next year before she's out on the mainline (very happy to be corrected if she's out earlier!).

Keith

 

Thanks for the replies!

 

Another welcome announcement on development's at the RPSI's Whitehead base: http://www.steamtrainsireland.com/whitehead_2020/

 

For those eager to see 131 running on the mainline (that's right, a Victorian 4-4-0 which has never before steamed in preservation, on the mainline), please support the tender appeal: http://www.steamtrainsireland.com/appeal/

 

Sadly it appears from press reports that 171's return to steam is being shelved for now, partly to stagger the availability of engines. A shame for those of us who were hoping for a triple-GNR railtour as 85 must be due to withdraw around 2020. Let's hope 131 can get back on the mainline very soon, and that 171's overhaul can be restarted before too long.

 

Would really like to see 171 out again but I'm sure this is for the best.

First. The idea of having so many boiler certificates all expire together which could easily leave the RPSI at best with one locomotive able to time a section at 50 mph.
Which for pathing among the service trains is jolly useful.
It is reasonable to reckon that four locos are needed: two available for traffic, one spare and one under maintenance. That 131 is on the horizon is a godsend that will achieve this. However, given how long really heavy overhaul work can take there is good need to make this five and a twin NCC tank to 4 would be excellent. Given that the new build Patriot " The Unknown Warrior" organisation are determined to progress to an LMS Fowler 2-6-4t this might even justify a spare boiler among three locomotives
- the Bluebell have two different spare boilers, one of which seems to be particularly useful with their good workhorses the SER/SECR 0-6-0 tender engines.

Second. 171 is a remarkable engine and there may very well be something that could benefit from some extra time. It deserves the best.

But I would be delighted to see all three Great Northern Railway 4-4-0 out together on the 5' 3' by say c 2003-2004. And it would ensure there would be three complete sets of GNR loco fittings: valves, gauges, lubricators, injectors, ejectors, brakes - Derby ones as known in Northern Ireland are commoner.











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