82045 The way ahead?

The idea behind having 82045 in traffic towards the end of 2025 is to avoid both 4150 and 82045 coming out of service at the same time, thus putting a strain on resources when both need overhauls.

The railway will have enough motive power for the peak season/ 9 coach trains with 75069. 7802, 13268, 4150 and 34027 when the overhaul is finished. For the off season we will have 82045, 4150. 7802, 7714, possibly 1501 ( being explored as a quick turnaround option). Dare I say it but the 3 car 108 DMU as well. 1450 and 2x auto coaches.

 

I think you may have slightly misunderstood the relevant paragraph in the Chairman’s report. 82045s home WILL be the SVR. Requirements, costs and finances have changed dramatically in the last few years. 82045s efficiency and power will serve the SVR well when she comes into service.
Bringing back to life an extant class of Loco is no mean feat. A hat tip to the team and supporters involved in its construction.

 

What has always impressed me about the 82045 project is how much enthusiasm it has engendered for a class which apart perhaps from 82019 and 82029's swansong at Waterloo, was somewhat overlooked in the BR steam era. The reasons for wanting to build, say, an A1 are pretty obvious and don't need to be elaborated upon here. I can also see why the B17 project, after a shaky start, is now gaining some serious momentum. With 82045, right form the start, the team has very successfully sold the concept of recreating a somewhat overlooked class of tank engine to the enthusiast community. I have made one single donation to the project (If I visit the SVR again before 82045 steams, I may well make another!) and was sent a most pleasant thank you letter from (I think) Mrs Massau. This is just one small illustration of why the project is so widely seen in such a positive light. Furthermore, unlike some other new-build projects there have been no quality control problems with components and no hackles raised due to cannibalising bits of extant unrestored engines. In short, the 82045 group has quietly and effectively got on with the job with the net result that a most useful engine should be in action on the SVR before too long. Well done to all concerned from me too.

 

7812 is still a SVR based loco as is 813. Some or all of these will work elsewhere from time to time and no doubt the owners of locomotives on commercial agrements will be keen to ensure that as far as possible their loco(s) are out working and earning towards their next repair/overhaul. Those locos already include 82045,4150, 7802,7812,813,1450,34027 and perhaps in time 13268. They can't all be properly utilised by the SVR given the current level of steam operation - but it is clear that nationally there is an increasing shortage of mid range serviceable heritage railway steam power.

 

My apologies, as I say perhaps I’m overthinking things and I’ve maybe read things the wrong way?
I really don’t want to stir the pot

 

I hope you are right. I certainly don't read it that way.
"The other consideration is the demand for a replacement locomotive in the SVR fleet. Whilst we will continue with the plan to launch in 2025, there may not be a demand for the locomotive to form part of the fleet" doesn't sound entirely optimistic

 

There were a lot of eyebrows raised and considerable debate on this forum about this time last year when it was announced the SVR were freezing loco overhauls temporarily. We are now seeing the reasons why. The railway has more than enough motive power in the pipeline and with less demand than previously.
82045 will however see more than enough use though and it's original mantra of being a useful and economical loco will bear fruit in an increasingly expensive environment. The SVR would be mad not to capitalise on the positive publicity of its launch.
And, if there is a downturn in work for her on the SVR, I'm sure there will be railways queuing up to hire her. Just remember, 7802, 7812 and 813 are all SVR locos but have spent long periods on hire away from the railway in previous years - it's economics - and private loco groups have to pay for the next 10 year overhaul somehow.

 

When you put it like this, the SVR is in a very good place loco wise for the next few years.
Interesting comment about 1501, a decision that has my utmost support!! I had also forgotten about 1450 returning, what is it's load limit for the SVR?
Perhaps this debate should continue on the SVR loco thread!

 

Its worth pointing out that SVR based locos maintained in operating condition give the SVR flexibility even though particular locos may operate elsewhere for a spell. All such arrangements are made cordially with full SVR and owner input.

 

February update now live: http://www.82045.org.uk/news/82045_news-feb24.html

 

That link didn't work (misplaced underscore / hyphen) - try http://www.82045.org.uk/news/82045_news-feb24.html

Tom

 

Thanks Tom. Now working.

 

82045 would not be out of place on the NYMR, of course - the class, along with its (still extinct) 3MT Mogul cousins, did some good work on the route and the long-lost Whitby-Scarborough line.

A gala with both 82045 and the new G5 in operation would be VERY popular, I would suggest.

Mark

 

March update now available: http://www.82045.org.uk/news/82045_news-mar24.html

 

That's the February update, the March one is:-
http://www.82045.org.uk/news/82045_news-mar24.html

 

Thanks. Now corrected. Early morning, heavy fingers!

 

The April update: http://www.82045.org.uk/news/82045_news-apr24.html

 

The May update: http://www.82045.org.uk/news/82045_news-may24.html

 

Good progress on several fronts - Well Done!

 

Further to the recent May update. Today, 30th May, the boiler has been turned and is held by chains ready to be trial fitted into the frames as soon as the wheeled frames are shunted into the boiler shop.
This manoeuvre may have already occured !