Schools Class "Cheltenham"

35022 would be really long term

 

what ever it is, im sure that all will be clear in due time at least they are getting locos, and safeguarding the lines long term future does the future arrival of 925 effect 850 in any way, is the NRM happy to have 2 of its locos on the same line?

with all these engines coming to the line, when the bunch collection leaves at least it wont put to big a hole in the loco stock,
the only question is can you outshop another 2 engines in the next 2 years to replace 31806 and 73096 , assuming that the 5 isnt out ticket by then and i cant see the other engine being 34073, unless its been sold because you know who owns it?

 

Yes, we're delighted. MHR have a good relationship with us and we're pleased to work with them.

 

Just look at what engines suitable for the MHR are currently out there , given that they have just purchased the brighton tank , could it be a 9f? or given the good links with a certain wealthy loco owner a brace of MN's and again Sir frederick pile on the avon valley is a possibility, but i believe that southern locomotives are trying to get the owner to move in with them? if it is this engine, that would be a scoope from the MHR

 

ANTHONY: thats only because you know smithy would let you play with them , and why not

 

It doesn't matter who gets or keeps 34058 as long as it gets restored. From what I gather from the limited information circulating out there, the group currently working on 34058 have been collecting and manufacturing the myriad bits and pieces needed to restore her, which probably accounts for the fact that there has been little visible progress. However, this approach is methodical, and should ensure that most things are to hand when assembly begins, whoever does it.

 

847 and 73082 will need to go in for reassembly; and then I believe 65 for complete strip down / overhaul. Which I guess would take us to 2012 - 2013 at least.

Tom

 

80151 I believe will be a priority overhaul as it's the easiest of all the 4s to do. The Maunsell Loco Society want to do some work on the bottom end of 928 after 847 is finished and then they'll start on 541. So quite busy at SP for the next few years.

 

I don't know the condition of 75027, but how can the overhaul of 80151 be any easier? The condition of 80151's boiler is an unknown quantity until it is stripped down and inspected.

 

75027 ( as well as 541,1618 & 80064 )will require a major overhaul according to Bluebell News Winter 2009.
92240 requires less than a years work to run again.

 

Thanks Paul, I was trying to find that copy of BN to say exactly what you did.

 

I think most of the Ropley regulars have known that this move was in the offing for some time, but it's great to hear final confirmation. The Eastleigh connection is an unexpected twist though.
Cheltenham will eventually be great for the Mid Hants; powerful, economical and built to go up hills.

Thanks are due to Colin Chambers and his team, whose constant stream of good news provides a little ray of sunshine for us all in these dark and depressing times.

 

Hear hear!

Chris:

 

Been reading back into the past re Schools class locos and their wonderful performances on the Bournemouth Limited. (pre war). Mention was made of them being prone to slipping a bit on starting and at slow speed because of the combination of just 4 driving wheels and the size of the wheels. Not sure that will be a very significant factor with loads of circa 5 cars on the Mid Hants though.

 

On the NYMR, we found the key with 30926 was keeping a good tyre profile. Initially, the loco had some problems but has been fine since the tyres were reprofiled (and have subsequently been renewed), so 925 should manage okay on the Mid-Hants.

Steven

 

I remember seeing a TV program some months ago with 30926 at the NYM. The program was shot in the late evening and shows 30926 having a few big slips with lots of sparks coming off the wheels.

 

Oh yeah 'Yorkshire Steam'. It was on recently on one of the Discovery channels. There's nothing like a powerful 4-4-0 with big wheels on a steep bank with a heavy train! IIRC the grip problems were not helped by some Arriva trains operations on the bank.

 

Takes 7 Mk 1s over the NYMR with no problems. At one time we were allowed to take 8 with it.

Cheltenham will have no problems over the MHR, which is nothing like as steep.

 

Ah, yes. The Arriva skid pan training, where they put a film of soap solution on the track and then teach drivers how to cope with locked wheels on a down grade. Great fun when you happen to be driving the next train uphill over that section of track!

Memo to any operating managers out there. If you're ever asked to provide facilities for this training, say no!