SVR Loco Newsy News / discussions

Thank you for the update; appreciate it.

 

I understand 1472s wish to have "our" GWR branch line back, and, having had 813 and 3 Toplights on "Locals" on Saturday, one cana feel really good about the job. However, the reality is that we, the SVR, are not, and, really, never have been, a GWR branch line.
We are a heritage tourist attraction, and a major one, regionally, and nationally. The reality is that my "Local" was packed, as were the others that I saw on Saturday. I ran into Arley on my only run there and there must have been 150 people on the platform.
I am not complaining. This was a great sight, but it is also our reality. We produce these Galas and they are deservedly popular, which mean large numbers of people attend, to be entertained. It is why we have visiting engines and run an intensive timetable, to carry the numbers. It is why large numbers of volunteers work many hours in all departments, and why people like me sign on at stupid o'clock in the morning, (0430), or work all night. We have to carry them.
It's why the Welsh Highland runs Garratts with 11 large coaches, instead of a George England, or Russell, with 2 or 3. Times have changed and we have had to move with them to survive and thrive.

We can still produce the ambience, because the infrastructure is there, but it only survives because of the commercial stuff. Choose your times and locations and you can still get your fix!

 

Don't forget @jtx 1472 seems to think a Bulleid pacific is wrong on an ex WR branch line albeit one slightly north of the West Country!

 

The frames and running gear are advanced with some work needed on the front cylinder and valve chest covers.



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But the boiler, and while I'm no expert, seems to need a lot of work. Neither tubeplate is in place, nor the inner doorplate and foundation ring. These would be followed by large and small tubes, header and elements, so a bit still to do.

 

Thank you for taking the effort to update on progress, and for your previous post as well. 75069 is one of the engines that I remember in service up on the SVR when I was a child, so its good to know that its coming along.

 

There is a rumour that 6023 is going to come for running in to fill the gap left by 34053 I did enjoy a ride behind 6023 at the great central would be good to see it at the SVR for a short time.

 

Would a "double red" King require any special restrictions on the line?

 

6024 has visited previously, as have LMS and LNER pacifics which aren't exactly light.
Maybe a restriction on the number of uses and anything that a guaging run would flag up.

I would be surprised if it saw regular (daily) use, assuming the rumours of its visit are true of course.

 

I seem to recall when 6024 has holidayied in the past it wasn't exactly a 'daily use' engine, although with half term coming up maybe advertising it's use in the local press could see it's use for a week maybe?

 

Large (or should I say heavy) locos have traditionally been weekend and bank holidays use only on the SVR, WC light Pacifics excepted. Fears over the infrastructure have often been expressed. However, I remember about 15 years ago both 60009 + 34027 being used in daily service, with the smaller engine being the five or 8F. It was a great time to live near the railway and fill time during the school holidays. Think this was associated with no 9 being run in after overhaul.

6024 has had some extended periods on the railway, but has never been used regularly. Whether this is due just to hire agreements or deliberate I don't know.

 

Going back 20 years ago when 6024 was a semi permanent resident a guy in Bewdley PWay told me it had a habit of knocking keys out of chairs, as regards using a King regularly, I'd say it's a tad overpowered, why use it when something like 43106 can do the same job?

 

Because it is waaay cool?!!

 

No it's not Waaay cool, it's an overweight out of gauge lummox! There is a reason why there's 3 Kings and 18 Black 5's left!

 

I like overweight, out of gauge lummox!

(Please don't tell my wife...)

 

To be fair Ross, I'm pretty sure this how my good lady would describe me, especially when I have my GW shirt button Tee on!

 

It always comes back to livery froth.....!!

Have you tried BR black with vertical pin-striping? Very slimming!

 

I'm more a BR large logo man mate!

 

Are you saying Black 5's are not worth the scrap metal they are made of?



I kid, I kid!! (Backs slowly out of the room.....)