Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

Looks can be deceiving. When I had a look earlier this year, much of the rust seemed superficial (although this was from a distance, so it could be a lot worse close up). Either way, a fair amount of sand/grit blasting would be needed to clean her up. The main thing in her favour is that she comes complete with tender, thus substantially reducing the costs and time needed to buld one from scratch.

 

the problem is going to be the state of bearing surfaces, if these have been left unprotected then you have a lot of work to re do, yes it will be easier to restore than say another ex barry MN that has had no work done, but only a very few organisations or very rich people will have the funds to restore her, and how many railways can afford another large pacific , i dont expect this engine to be going cheep either, after all how much was wanted for 34073 in total unrestored condition? the person / persons behind this engine will want as much as they can get for her

 

Which is not going to be easy in these credit crunch times.

I understand there is only one owner though so he should be easier to negotiate with rather than a number of people.

Regards
Chris

 

The sandbox pipes were different as well (angled?).

 

An oft-quoted figure that has achieved the status of a myth! When I joined the MHRPS in May 1983, I had a guided tour of Ropley, including the shed. I was told that 35018 was 18 months from steaming, and that Ropley 'box would be ready by Christmas. If the first prediction is as accurate as the second turned out to be, it will be many years yet before she actually turns a wheel under her own power.

 

Nontheless Andrew there was a lot of work put in to 35018 before it was stopped.

Lets hope that all the work was not in vain.

Regards
Chris:

 

I'm not entirely sure, I'll have to dig out some photos. Either way, whoever restores it would be well-advised to take these differences into account because of its historical importance as the prototype rebuild. It would be a shame to pass-up this opportunity for the sake of standardisation with the other class members, regardless of the financial benefit. I just wish I had the sort of money that would ensure a sympathetic restoration...

 

i can conferm that , this was the case, i believe it was planned to bring her into the shed and start the boiler work , but the owner could not afford the cost of the tubes, so it was stopped
mechanically, she could have been up and running with in 18 months at that time, subject to Richard Heather raising the funds needed to complete the restoration if my memory serves me right, the boiler was in very good condition and would have not needed much work

 

A bit more news on the SLL website regarding 34053. The inside motion is complete, whilst £10,000 has been raised out of the £38,000+ needed to complete the boiler in the first four weeks of 'Sponsor a Tube'. However, much more money is needed, as a brand new smokebox and ashpan needs to be fabricated. I refer those interested in the sponsorship scheme or purchasing a share to the company's website for further details.

 

Hi everyone,

Looking on the MHR web site today the announcement of Battle of Britain 34058 Sir Frederick Pile is now making her way to the MHR.

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Loco/View/340

 

At this rate your going to have to lay more sidings , either that or extend the head shunt towards winchester to make more room so whats next on your shopping list? an ex turkish 8f maybe just right for climbing the alps? and to stop your black 5 from feeling lonely

 

:clap2: What a top website. Great items on the nuts and bolts detial of the loco work going on there.

 

Top news Lee, something a lot of us have been expecting for a long time.

Also congratulations to you for coming first in the railway magazines photographic competition, a great credit to you:

Regards
Chris:

 

Thanks for your kind words Chris.

Lee

 

So this was the Bulleid that was mentioned as moving to the MHR a few weeks ago. Funny, I never thought of an unrestored example but couldn't see what restored example it could have been.
Hopefully 34058 now has a real future and I look forward to hearing about progress with this. The Mid-Hants just doesn't seem right to me without at least 2 Bulleid's running at a time.

Cheers,

Paul

 

I think there were a few pointers over the last few months. However, there were also various rumours surrounding this locomotive, an example being that there was an interest in the higher echelons of SLL. However, I think its fair to say that SLL have plenty to get on with, with 34053 nearing completion, the overhauls of 34072 and 80078, and beginning the restoration of 34010. However, there is always the question of what will happen once 34010 has finally entered service... I think that the MHR now boasts the joint highest number of Bulleids on a single railway!

One final word: Spare a thought for poor old 34073 this Christmas. Once Ropley start to tackle 34058, she will be the last unrestored ex-Barry Bulleid 'Light Pacific'.

 

Ths only leaves two other Bulleids with a bleak future.
35010
35018

Ps anyone out there with any news on whats happening to 35010.

Thanks

 

Sorry I forgot about 35022 & 35011.

 

35010 seems to be still on Colne Valley Railway as of September this year. Listed as SR 4-6-2 Merchant Navy Class no. 35010 "Blue Star". Static display awaiting restoration.

 

Its nice to read that another Bulleid will be back in action but does that mean Can Pac is slipping ever further down the que?