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Lyd

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by SpudUk, Nov 6, 2009.

  1. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    As long as L&B can bear to send her back to Wales, 'Lyd' is scheduled to work at the Ffestiniog gala, so looking forward to seeing her again next weekend, perhaps among the slate landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
     
  2. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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  3. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    Thanks, Andrew.

    Accommodation already booked and looking forward to a sunny weekend in Blaenau!
     
  4. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

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    Optimistic to associate this moment with maturity. If the L&B had been involved and assisted in building the engine yes maybe.

    But its otherwise just an event in history.The L&B is going to need to make big in roads to infrastructure to extend , to make a statement..Of the sort you describe.
     
  5. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    I don't think he means the locomotive itself, but the presence of a Manning Wardle on the L&B and the attention and publicity the L&B has recieved as a result, and the logisitics behind this gala being greater the previously, plus the signigicance of the date with the last train and its rebirth. Its not just about who built the bloody loco
     
  6. Old Kent Biker

    Old Kent Biker Member

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    If not yet fully mature, we are certainly growing up, and getting beyond the gangly teenager stage!

    It is certainly a significant step forward, and whilst I'm sure nobody at the L&B has any illusions that there is still a long way to go, it has given them (and the rest of the heritage sector) a taste of what is to come. The mere fact that the FR allowed not only the loco but two of their coaches to visit attests to the confidence, strong links and excellent working relationships that are being forged between the two. The L&B has a lot to learn as well as a lot more to achieve, but with the level of support from well established groups such as the FR seen last weekend, anything is possible. Everybody involved in putting on the Gala should be warmly congratulated.
     
  7. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

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  8. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    What I meant was martin.andrews49 comments about the L&B coming to maturity were not about the loco itself but the significance of this event, but whatever...
     
  9. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    It is quite amazing how 'engineer' can turn success into failure. The building of Lyd by those involved deserves nothing but the highest praise

    but he goes on to say:-

    "Sadly the new L&B have no facility to do such work had it taken a different route it could be building such examples, itself, Like YEO rather than contracting others to do it.Like LYN.This whole thing is about acheivement and recognition.That is what puts you on the map."

    It would seem that in his opinion funds should have been spent on building an 'Exmoor Lodge' to build these wonderful things down in Devon. (with him, no doubt in charge)

    What 'puts you on the map' is a well run railway because it is this that visitors come to see, Agreed, enthusiasts go mad at new restorations and builds but they are but a very small percentage of traffic. What I see is the start of a well run railway. Yes there are a lot of things that still need to be done but I well remember the FR which just ran across the Cob. The object of the excercise was to show an MW back on L&B metals. 100% a success.

    "The mere fact that the FR allowed not only the loco but two of their coaches to visit attests to the confidence, strong links and excellent working relationships that are being forged between the two."

    Spot on Martyn!

    Congratulations to all who were involved and I am just so sad to have missed it.
     
  10. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

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    Misrepresentation of what I have written previously your post is offensive and incorrect.


     
  11. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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    Did he misinterpret your post before or after you edited it, I wonder?
     
  12. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

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    I have not edited out any detail with any of my posts on this thread?? He interpreted what is currently up for anyone to read at present.

     
  13. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    Engineer wrote and it is still posted, these paragraphs

    "Sadly the new L&B have no facility to do such work had it taken a different route it could be building such examples, itself, Like YEO rather than contracting others to do it.Like LYN.This whole thing is about acheivement and recognition.That is what puts you on the map.

    The L&B was an entirely self supporting organisation in its first 25 years of life having both an operation and all the support tradesmen as well to keep it operating. No it did not build its own loco's in 1900.But having a workshop in this day and age enables you to do just that and build all those special things you need, that are very expensive to buy. "

    Unless I am suffering from some severe reading comprehension difficulties, my post stands!
     
  14. Sheff

    Sheff Resident of Nat Pres

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    I don't follow Engineer's logic either.

    Take Tornado for instance - the A1 Trust have a very nice workshop, but the major components (boiler and much of the frames and tender I believe) were out-sourced otherwise the engine wouldn't be running around today. The is always a cost-benefit assessment to be made for any project of keeping it in-house or contracting out some or all of it, dependent upon the desired time/cost/quality plan. Sure you can do it all in house, but you might not get the delivery date and/or quality you wish for.
     
  15. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    I think there are ways to read both L&B posts and Engineers

    I raised the point that Lyd's visit to Woody bay should be a catalyst to put the line on the map , a statement of intent and the great launch of the push to parracombe and the escape from the current operation. I await developments.

    In theory Lyd's glory could have been the L&B's rather than Boston Lodge's and I read a little too much triumpalism into L&B's post re Lyd in respect of the L&B but that may well be my reading rather than anything intended

    Sheff's post is right in that some parts could have been outsourced , but in theory and especially with narrow gauge engines building locally can be a little simpler given smaller components

    anyway

    nothing should detract from the achievement of those involved that Lyd is running and we have an L&B Manning Wardle in operation
     
  16. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

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    I also commended "Highly" those who built the engine, and the standard of engineering that has gone into it , but the input to build it was not inspired by the current L&B. I remember the AGM when James announced he intended to build a Manning Wardle based on "Yeo" with modern redesign .

    He invited the L&B to take a part in the project but his offer was declined at that time , I guess from memory 15 years ago.At no time since has the L&B ever contributed to its construction. For James that's probably a good thing in hind sight.

    My point is returning to Martin Andrews post about the L&B being recognised, that the current L&B is not making progress with expansion at present, much as some people like think and to portray it is.

    Many people know how hard it is to build a railway some have done it, or just a single item such as a coach or wagon and by any standard it will take years to build a significant part of the L&B that is creditable greater than there is now between Woody Bay and Killington lane..

    Reality is there is very little money about , those who have it are very carefull where they let it out to . The operation at the L&B is not generating massive surplus, some debate it is in fact holding its own, but , whichever way, the millions suggested that are needed will not come from operation.

    It was nice for many people to see and enjoy Lyd at the L&B and a good Gala was put on for the purpose, many enjoyed it Brilliant , I understand that Gala's are a sort of not for generating income situation but more for the people who want to be there.

    Commercially the whole concept of runninag a MW on the 1 mile of line even if the L&B had compatible coaches, prices itself out of business after the initial feel good factor has gone.

    Sadly commercially it is too big to do the job efficiently.If you consider its rental cost transport and Fuel use, its a luxury for a few days.That does not reflect on the fact it is a superb piece of engineering construction, I recognise that aspect and commend all those involved, I had a good look around it at Launceston "Nice work".




     
  17. MartinBall

    MartinBall Guest

    What a surprise that when everyone is feeling good about Lyd and about the L&B Gala that a certain someone (Mr Grumpy perhaps would be a good name from the good ol' Mr Men) always has to come on here and pour cold water over everyone.
    Ah well, we've all learned to expect it... :)
     
  18. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

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    Sorry Mr Bright and cheerfull here, as always, Thorouhgly full of Reality as usual.

    Water is usually cold unless you pay money to heat it.

    It was a Good Gala many people traveled there and enjoyed it.!!

    Have a happy day .. The efficiency in operation for 762 is about the same as Lyd !!


     
  19. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    TheEngineer, good to see your so positive...
     
  20. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    "Reason: Bitchy comments removed "
    but they were absolutely spot on!

    Some just harp on like a talking parrot.
     

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