SVR Diesels

After a successful diesel gala, 33108 has been withdrawn from use for traction motor repairs, body work and a repaint.
https://33pres.com/home-page/loco-roster-2/
I also understand that D821 will be receiving some work this summer as well.

 

For the 2021 Autumn Diesel Gala Nos 24081 and 31466 will join members of the SVR’s home fleet for four days of diesel traction from September 30th to October 3rd.

Patrick


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The SVR have signed a deal with Class 20189 Ltd to hire 20048 until October 2022, to assist resident D9551 working Bridgnorth based turns that are seeing increased diesel usage due to the coal supply problems.

 

Wasn’t there a pair based there until recently?
Wonder what happened to them?

 

I have the gen that 48 will arrive later today.

 

Rostered to run Wednesday to Friday next week.

 

One of its former owners is planning a visit next Thursday

 

Convoy arrived a few minutes ago.

 

A type 1 is going to be a lot cheaper to operate than a type 5. Plus the hydraulics need a fair bit of time to prep and warm up, whereas a Class 20 is little more than push a button to start.

 

All unofficial but I think the announced position is as below, though it can be quite fluid:

Main line: 2x50
Home fleet operational: 14, 17*, 2x50, 2x52
Hired in/visiting: 20**, 31*, 40, 46**
Not operational: 33, 35, 37, 42, 2x50, 52, DMU

*The 17 and 31 are to go back to their base railways
**The 20 and 46 are summer hires

 

There s also the thought (hope ?) that the cost of hiring will be more than covered by the extra income generated by the use of rare locomotives on passenger service as the Class 20s are expected to generate more custom from Type 1 enthusiasts (Chopper Chasers). The experience /reality will be interesting to monitor.

 

Absolute rubbish Fred, when a certain pair were based there not so long ago they weren’t necessarily rare, in fact they were very well used, (not necessarily on passenger trains too) for whatever reasons certain people decided that they could do without them and off they went.

Both machines are proving very useful on a railway where they and their owners are made to feel welcome.

Certain people at the SVR should really look at themselves and Swallow their pride that they’ve now had to go back and hire in something that they had on the doorstep in the first place.

 

At least ten other Class 20s have operated SVR passenger services (20007, 20050, 20059, 20090, 20142, 20170, 20188, 20189, 20205 and 20227). Of those 59 and 188 were based there between 2007 and 2017.

 

I totally disagree with your assessment but as one who remembers the introduction to service of D8000 - and played a part in its successful rescue from a scrapyard - I admit to being one who likes the Class 20 for both haulage and photography. Whilst some people can" "do without them" there are others who admire and follow them hence the question asto what difference in custom arises (i.e. whether they attract additional custom) is one to monitored

 

Fred, I’m a big 20 fan (I’ve had a little involvement in 48 with its past owners) I’m not having a pop at you in particular, I’m just not happy at how the owners of a certain pair were treated at the SVR, perhaps my emotions are getting the better of me?
I have a huge love for EE type ones, I’m rather disappointed I won’t be around 48’s turns at the end of next week.

 

I caught SVR based Class 17 sole survivor D8568 on the WSR webcams over the weeked. At the risk of annoying purists, I have to say, IMO the BR blue really suits the loco!

A quick web trawl threw up the comment that certain modifications had been undertaken to improve the reliability of this once notorious class. Can any of our number expand.on the nature, extent and effect of those modifications?

 

Sadly it appears the many ones have people with a resistance to owt other than kettles despite the fact that the operation of diesel traction - especially at the moment - is both economic and effective in helping heritage lines operate services. Even the Bluebell is willing to accept the benefits despite many members not being happy with the decision although - to its credit - it tries to maintain a Southern ambience with its choice of locomotives.