THE BRISTOLIAN 28/03/2009

I was out near Box yesterday hoping to see 5043 on the outward run. News of the failure obviously travelled through the grapevine quite fast so we were in the car heading home much sooner than planned! Disappointing not to have seen it because I haven't seen 5043 in steam yet! Would've looked fantastic with the train headcode and Bristolian headboard too. C'est la vie!

As an aside there were 3 or 4 of us at this location near Box waiting for the train yesterday - it's down a lane from the main (A4) road that comes down to track level by a gate to what appears to be a p-way access point. (see photo below). There was a chap who strolled up to the gate (early 60s, EOS 1 round his neck, tweed jacket....you get the picture!) who promptly suggested we'd all get a better shot if we climbed over the gate and walked down into the yard nearer to the tunnel! I was just perplexed at the ignorance of someone who certainly 'looked' like he should know better! My (measured) response was that I was happier shooting on a 140mm lens and staying in a place that isn't blatant trespass. Hey ho.

 

She does sound very "sick" on both clips :smt022 A real shame for the Tyseley lads who must have been devastated as this was a long awaited trip with 5043 on the route she worked in steam days. Hopefully they will try it again in the future.

 

Hi Guys,

Good shots guys.


Mine are now up at: http://mark-walker.fotopic.net/c1674116.html


Yesterday was a very unfortunate state of affairs,big commiserations to Bob,Alistair and all the rest of the crew,it must be a real downer to have that happen.Hope everything can be sorted soon,well done to Arthur and Mr Whiteshouse for keeping us updated on the tannoy with the goings on throughout the day.

Cheers,
Mark

 

Good photo, and just for the record, it's the site of Box station, with train emerging from Middlehill Tunnel.

 

...

 

As far as i am aware yes it is.

 

5043 at Didcot

 

Hi Guys, sorry but I can't make any official comment on what happened yesterday. But I would just
like to say thank you for your concern and your kind comments they are much appreciated.
I will pass on your comments to the other members of the crew who don't use forums like this.
Once again thank you, it's reading your posts especially those of Alberta 45562 who was on the train,
make days like yesterday seem a little easier to bear.

 

Bummer

Sorry to hear about the problems, i hope the damage isnt too bad and shes back up and running soon.

 

Does anybody know what caused the Radius Rod to bend? Following possible causes come to mind:
1. Stuck/stiff valve
2. Material failure of rod
3. Material failure of other associated component
4. Lubrication problems
5. Foreign body
6. Others?

 

1. Speculation
2. Speculation
3. Speculation
4. Speculation
5. Speculation
6. Speculation


At least wait for an update,no need to ask questions.

 

Exactly. We don't want a repeat of the 73096 thread, full of armchair engineers.

 

The 73096 thread has produced a wide range of posts. Some have been disposable but others have shed useful light on how a loco is designed, built and repaired. If this thread goes the same way it will be no bad thing. I don't really understand what a radius rod is (part of the valve gear, but what does it do?), nor what might cause it to be bent. I'd like to know more. However, the 73096 thread has the advantage of the photos posted on the MHR web site and contributions from people who were on the train and/or working at Ropley shed on the day. Without similar postings from people involved on Saturday, we don't have such good information, and discussion will be rather more speculative. Can anyone from Didcot or Tysley help to enlighten us, please?

 

Why not? What is the reason for people with no clue what so ever to speculate on the problem? I don't think we need to know unless Bob want's us to,and if he does i'm sure he or someone else would tell us,all speculation does is cause arguements,build tension and quite often its wrong.

Cheers,
Mark

 

I'd like to add my sympathies to Bob, Alistair and the rest of the support crew.
No sooner had they arrived at Didcot and the wheels had stopped turning, they were at it trying to affect a repair, with a spare radius rod on route.
Anyone who has played with Castles will know how little room and how close the rod is to the underside of a "mainline hot" boiler barrel, and when it's bent, it ain't gonna come out without a fight. They worked solidly without a break and finally got it out mid to late afternoon, but by then returning with the train was probably not an option as they still had to re-assemble. They were still working away at it when I left Didcot at 17:00.

If they havn't already made it home, I hope they get a kind planner who can find them a path at a sensible time.
Best of luck guys.

As for the speculation.... I'll wait to hear it from the man himself next time he's in here or at Didcot again.

Page 105 of the Steam Loco Enginemen's hand book shows GW Walschaert's valve gear.

 

EOM Has just passed my house 5.30..(Warwick) Light engine without support coach... Obviously returning to Tysley..Seemed to be going well...

 

The Support coach was on the back of the train on Saturday,have they taken the wheelbarrow!

 

I hope so or it means a trip to the local garden centre before we go to York. :-k
There again if there was no room for it on the engine they could have hitched to the rear of
the tender!!!!
Any reports of a Castle sighted doing 60mph whilst towing a wheelbarrow?