Cackler

I visited the Thursford Collection today and found quarry Hunlet Cackler very much out of use, but at least secure and in the dry.
The Thursford people operated the loco around a neighbouring farmer's field until about 1993, but a dispute over land rental charges arose so the line closed and was eventually taken up. After a period standing out in the open, Cackler is now located on a single length of track in a rather odd part of the museum. As part of the reserve collection, the engine sits in an area known as Fantasy Land - a large barn decked out with Christmas decorations, reindeer, Santa's Grotto etc - a very incongruous site in late June!. The engine itself, unfortunately, has a large stuffed Pink Panther effigy sitting on its tank top and the traction engines alongside are 'driven' by stuffed Father Christmases.
Regrettably, there are no steamable engines of any description at Thursford, and when I asked I was told there are no plans to restore any more of the road engines (or indeed Cackler) so the collection is now rather 'static' in that regard.
One wonders if the Thursford people might part with Cackler if a suitable person or railway came along and made the right offer with the promise of restoration and operation. Pie in the sky, perhaps?

 

How undignified. What's the explanation for the Pink Panther being there? Sounds to me as if the taste police should pop round and take the exhibits into care.

 

I think it's time to have a go at the euromillions.............................................

 

They will not let it go, many have tried...I wouldn't even recommend anyone has a go.

 

I was one of them some time ago the excuss was they couldn't get it out from where it was.

 

Im sure they could get it out if the money was right but to be fair I have always wondered what had happened to her. At least shes under cover.

 

Perhaps we should ask how much they want for the Pink Panther and see if they'll throw the loco in for free.

 

I wasn't going to mention the word 'taste', but now that you've mentioned it the whole museum is a bit tacky. However seeing Cackler and hearing the gentleman playing the Mighty Wurlitzer more than made up for it!

 

I think it is worth while reiterating, UNLESS YOU HAVE SERIOUS WONGA TO THROW AT THEM, PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THURSFORD ABOUT PURCHASING CACKLER!

It has been stated that they have no intention of allowing the loco to leave under any circumstances. I think we need to respect their wishes, even if it is a shame... As stated above *fingers crossed* EURO MILLIONS... I think Thursford would be my first call, even before I told the wife...

 

It appears to be in fairly authenthic quarry condition although it does have air pipes at the back (I presume this is because it only went round in circles). Shame it is stuck there but at least I've had it for haulage many years ago.

The Museum did recently have a sale of reserve fleet rollers, which they always said they would never sell. Perhaps things have changed?

 

There are two air pipes hanging out of the cab back in one of the pictures, though I suspect that they just attach to a valve rather than the loco being the source of the air. I'm reasonably certain that the condition of the paintwork is more down to the years sat in the former station platform following closure of the railway and prior to her moving inside than it is to being an original paintjob.

However, mechanically, yes, I agree she has had very little changed - but then neither has her twin, Jerry M, and only minor tweaks have been made to their cousin Lilla.

 

Or if that's their Santa Grotto, go along at Christmas. When you're sitting on Santa's knee and he asks you "What would you like for Christmas?", say "That one, please!"

Richard

 

Hi Andrew that comment made my day thankyou

 

There's also GINETTE MARIE, just down the road at Strumpshaw Hall. Last time a saw her she was bit like CACKLER, hidden in a corner unloved with odd bits and pieces leant up against her.

 

Also not for sale!

 

Another photo of Cackler, complete with Pink Panther and Christmas Decorations can be found here
http://www.uklocos.com/final-results.asp?action=display&id=4755

 

I just wish Cackler could go to the Hollycombe Steam Museum to be with Jerry M!

 

The pity is that the Cushing family won't release her, and not only that, but they have let the boiler certificates run out on their collection of road locomotives as well, meaning that none of them are workable. Cackler's location is, well, tacky to say the least.

 

Sounds like a bad situation all round, yes its very nice that the loco and the engines are there for future generations, but would of been nicer to see them running.

 

Well, it appears to be safe, and things change with time. At one time it was thought be be impossible to get the American emigrants back, but I think the majority have now returned?