34081 overhaul progress

When's the exam scheduled to take place? It looks beautiful, by the way - I've always been a fan of the '1948' liveries where BRITISH RAILWAYS is so proudly displayed on the tender along with the new running number, yet all in Big Four liveries.

 

We were pretty chuffed first time around but there's a lot of new people involved this time so hopefully they'll feel as thrilled as we did back in 1998. If tomorrow goes well, the lining will be completed, a few small jobs done and we'll be ready for the boiler inspector.

 

Did it ever run as s21C181 - would be an interesting livery variation?

Tom

 

Sadly not. She was outshopped in September 1948 so has been 34081 from the start. We have at least one member who would pay gladly for her to be Southern 21C181 with a Southern smokebox plate.

 

That does look rather splendid. The early BR livery is a perfect choice for that machine. Nice one.

 

Always loved seeing 34081 in that livery. Good to see 92 Squadron back.

First time I saw it was October 1998 I think. We popped into Wansford on our way to a family holiday and 34081 brought a train in from Peterborough. Seen her at least 3 times at the Bluebell as well.

 

Early January.

 

It's bright, it's gaudy and a fair few of us love it. Plus it's an era that's not so widely represented in preservation. Others aren't so keen and prefer BR drab dark green so the compromise is she'll change colour at some stage in the future.

 

Awesome. I rode on the footplate of this machine in 1998 as a 15 year old on the NVR..... still remember how loud that hooter is when you are stood just below it!

 

That does look rather splendid.
I presume there's still some lining out to finish off and is that smokebox door original from BR days? There appears to be tell-tale bolt holes.

Edit: Should have read all the posts first regarding the lining.

 

1997-ish at a guess? 1306 was boiler-less at the time, Gerald Boden (I think) showed us round and was explaining a lot of the restoration work that they were doing on 1306.

I think one of the 34081 guys was rather impressed with my Jumper which my mum had made with a cutout of a teatowel from the KWVR with 34092 on it!

The blue 'b' class was running.

Chris

 

Yes, more lining to be applied and no, it's a new smokebox door but some wag decided to fit the smokebox number plate on a whim. That's in spite of the fact she was being painted malachite at the time.

 

Whilst sad to hear 34081 will not be going main line I'm pleased to note that that it will be on tour to various events. In some respects heritage hopping is a better choice which allows people to get closer to / spend time with locos and that all helps the marketing for both loco owner and heritage line. Look forward to it heading north sometime.

 

Well done to everyone involved, gives me an excuse to pop over to Peterborough at some point in the new year!

 

Last time I saw 34081 it was sat in a siding at Weybourne. Hope it makes a visit to the NNR some time in the future.

 

And I'd like to hope it will visit the Bluebell again, but in view of its Malachite livery, it would be good to hold back for a bit so that a reasonable Bulleid rake can be assembled behind it. Latest Bluebell update suggested that coach 5768, a corridor composite, should be ready before the end of next year

 

She looked absolutely fine on this Bullleid/Maunsell rake so no need to hold back too long.
34081 '92 Squadron' Horsted Keynes 18/10/1998. by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

 

Malachite Bulleids look good on anything. Proper livery for them IMHO.

 

Footage on Twitter of her moving around the yard apparently under her own steam - so presumably things are looking good.

 

Yes, things were very good. A list of snags has been prepared for action, but is not overly long. Two videos of the last two days of action are now available.

Day One



Day Two


John