Schools Class "Cheltenham"

As I am unable to attend Railfest (see the 'things that wind me up' thread for full rant details), can anyone in the know tell me what the plan will be with Cheltenham afterward?

I am guessing back to the MHR and into service, with an 'official' into service weekend held at a later date? Or will she be kept cold until september and the gala?

 

Hello Jamie.
I understand the Loco is to be kept under wraps until the Autumn Gala though IMHO this is putting all ones eggs in one basket so to speak.

I would prefer to see "Cheltenham" have it,s own special weekend say at a quieter time to maximize income and for the visitors to be able to appreciate it more.

However the final say possibly lies with the management and the NRM.

Best regards
Chris:

 

Thanks Chris, that's a shame, seems a little bit of a waste of good time that could be spent running - and ironing out bugs before a big gala!

Fortunately it now looks like Railfest may be an option for me due to Std Tank working me through the pain that is the modern rail ticket system, but I still hope to see Cheltenham at the MHR this year and enjoy a ride behind her.

 

I agree Chris. Shakedown runs, official launch into MHR service and then pride of place at the Gala is the way I'd do it but then it's not down to me.

 

Are you a photographer by any chance? if so there is a full day charter I think in November with this Loco and a long freight set.

Regards
Chris:

 

Send me the details please Chris, and I'll see if i can make it - a weekend one would be ideal!

cheers

Dave

 

You could try this site: Tickety Split

It only does single journeys so far, but the splits are pretty much the same as what you would do if you did a return journey. However, it is possible to improve even on this site's recommendations. It just takes time and patience!

 

Dave , have just sent you the full details on your private E-Mail.

Best regards
Chris:

 

Got it

Thanks Chris.

 

Locomotive News | Watercress Line

All the Cheltenham Blogs are in the same place now on the Mid Hants Website.

They tell the whole story of the 18 month overhaul.

 

Reading Railway Magazine over the last few day. I read on page 64 under sidelines. That Cheltenham has be requested by the Great Central Railway but no agreement has been signed. Can anyone confirm that she is attending the GC gala?

Thanks

 

Today at Ropley 925 was taken out of the wheel drop shed. It can't be to long now before 925 starts running trials.

 

Very nice photograph, 925 looks smashing! I know the MHR management won't want us to see 925 in action until Maunsell Magic, however I would quite like to capture her in action as an introduction to my film. I was wondering if, when she starts running in, someone could post the dates that she is due to be working/running in? Of course, if the MHR do not wish to publish dates for running in, that is fine and is entirely understandable.

James at SVN

 

I don't think we will be publicising the dates. No doubt the news will leak out quickly though. She did look nice in the sunshine this afternoon.

 

Completely understandable, thanks for the reply.

James at SVN

 

Whilst I do like seeing the V class with the original chimney, I find it strange that no member of the class with the Bulleid chimney was preserved. I suppose it all came down to aesthetical preference and proximity to original condition when choosing the members to be preserved, but it would have been interesting to see how they compared in preservation.

 

I seem to recall that the difference was so negligible they decided not to bother with the second 20? I think they look far better with a 'normal' chimney.

 

Yes, I'm sure I read that although the Bulleid front end made a big difference to the Nelsons, the same modifications to the Schools and the Arthurs did not produce sufficing improvement to warrant all of the locos being converted.

 

I'm working as "Under Chef " on the Watercress Belle next Saturday....can but hope! (PS 31806 ran it's second turn on the Belle, so I am keeping my croutons crossed)

 

Surely to have 925 on the Belle next weekend is a big hope. I would think running in trials would happen on a week day.