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Isle of Wight Steam Railway Loco updates

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by gwalkeriow, Feb 6, 2014.

  1. Buckeye

    Buckeye New Member

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    Thank you for that - I feel a trip over on Sunday coming on.
     
  2. cav1975

    cav1975 Member

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    For the first time for many years all the service engines - at least for the next 2 or 3 months - will be engines that worked for British Railways. W8 (not ready yet), W11, W24 & 41298.
     
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  3. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Good to know - I bought my father-in-law a footplate ride for later in May, when he comes over from NZ: if the service engine is Calbourne, he is gong to have one jealous son-in-law!

    Tom
     
  4. Islander

    Islander Member

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    Tom,

    I hope your father-in-law had a great time on W11, that was a rare opportunity for a 'Terrier' footplate experience as we usually do them on the bigger locos - not a great deal of space for passengers on a 'Terrier' as you know!

    For anyone else who is interested, the IWSR now offer the opportunity for Footplate Experiences, have a look at our web site for details.
     
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  5. Islander

    Islander Member

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    Following a significant repair to the rear of the frames, W8 'Freshwater' will be back in service ready for our Spring Bank Holiday gala.

    'Team Terrier' really pulled out the stops to get W8 back in traffic for the gala. Last Sunday they were swarming all over her to get the final reassembly jobs done, a steam test and loaded test trial took place on Tuesday. For a picture of W8 at Smallbrook have a look at our Facebook page.

    The line up for the Gala will now be W8, W11, W24 & 41298.

    The Gala is shaping up to be a great weekend, lots to see and do. The WTT is available on the Gala website page.
     
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  6. andrewtoplis

    andrewtoplis Well-Known Member

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    Tony, are we changing the train weight limit for W8, the facebook picture shows more than we would usually take?
     
  7. Islander

    Islander Member

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    The picture is of a test run, so it may have been intentionally loaded up. I believe the current limit for a Terrier is 80 tons, imposed some years back. In the past we used to go out with 4 bogies which would be around 90 ton+ depending on the make up of the train, the Chathams being heavier than the Brightons. Not long after the Smallbrook extension opened W11 headed the Steam Show exhibitors special, 5 bogies (fully loaded) so clearly over 100 ton. Hard going on the uphill sections but still managed it!

    Train weight isn't often an issue these days as the Terriers tend to be rostered on Duty 2 of two train service days, so out with the 4-wheelers. I can't remember the exact weight of the current set but I'm sure it's under 70 tons.

    With a Terrier on the 4 Wheelers there is nothing under 100 years old, with most vehicles considerably older - W8 is 140 this year with W11 only 2 years behind. W24 is 125 this year and most of the bogie coaches are now over 100 - time flys when you're having fun!
     
  8. gwalkeriow

    gwalkeriow Well-Known Member

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    One of the 4 wheelers NLR composite 6336 is 152 years old being built in 1864!
     
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  9. cav1975

    cav1975 Member

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    Given the current (excellent) mechanical condition of the terriers surely it is time to review the weight limit.
     
  10. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Thanks Islander - yes we had a good day. When I saw the Ivatt in steam as we went to the ticket office I was reasonably certain it would be that, on account of cab space, so being bumped forward half an hour to the Terrier was a bonus! Father-in-law enjoyed himself, and the loco seemed to be running very well. We had a couple of trips up and down; that one behind the Terrier in one of the Ventnor West carriages; and a trip in the afternoon behind the Ivatt in one of the bogie carriages, plus spent some time in Train Story and also the vintage vehicle show. You can tell your IoW Fire and Rescue Service colleagues that having fireman's uniform dressing up clothes for a four year old and six year old went down a storm, even if they were huge on them!

    Thanks as well to @gwalkeriow as well, for a really informative trip round behind the scenes.

    Tom
     
  11. Grashopper

    Grashopper Member

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    Not really; sensible load limits help to preserve the condition of the locomotives. While they may be capable of hauling more, it is better to run them within these limits for the sake of reliability, longevity and maintenance costs.
     
  12. andrewtoplis

    andrewtoplis Well-Known Member

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    You should have said hello Tom, Islander and I were driving the engines on Sunday!

    Re train loads, just wondering if a terrier could take the 'full' train of eight four-wheelers when complete?
     
  13. Drewry Car

    Drewry Car Member

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    Hi, I note that the railway has taken the retrograde step of removing the roster from the WTT for the weekend and offering it for sale on the day. I will be travelling over with the family on the 14:00 Red Funnel ex Southampton on Saturday and had hoped to squeeze in a run with the Ivatt on the Saturday before heading for the hotel in Newport. My sole reason for heading to the Island is a run behind the Ivatt but the family don't share my enthusiasm... Can anyone with access to a roster confirm whether it is worth me arriving at Havenstreet from say 15:45 on Saturday and still get the Ivatt in? I will gain considerable family Brownie points if we don't have to go back on the Sunday... Thanks
     
  14. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Were you driving the Ivatt? TBH, we only just caught its last trip after I had caught up with my wife and kids that I'd accidentally left for about two hours longer than planned <oops/> and after getting back to Havenstreet, we needed to head straight off for the ferry! Maybe next time.

    Tom
     
  15. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    Yes, that is a pity. I had been planning to visit on Monday, and would be happier making the long journey if I knew that all locos would be working that day. Sometimes on other railways, people have turned up to find that their favoured loco and main reason for the visit is not working that day. Can anyone confirm that all four (Terrier x2, Calbourne and 41298) are scheduled to work on Monday, please?

    John
     
  16. Islander

    Islander Member

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    8, 11, 24 & 41298 will be working on all three days of the Gala, notwithstanding any unforeseen circumstances.
     
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  17. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    Thank you, Islander. I appreciate the need for the disclaimer - best laid plans of mice and men ...!

    John
     
  18. Islander

    Islander Member

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    I've just come back from doing a pre-gala shunt, all four locos have now been lit up ready for tomorrow. And the Real Ale bar is ready for action!
     
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  19. Islander

    Islander Member

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    I've just spotted your question. If you arrive at the time you expect you will still have the opportunity to fit in a round trip behind 41298, it will be the last loco in service on all three gala days. I hope you make it!
     
  20. Islander

    Islander Member

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