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Bluebell Motive Power

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Orion, Nov 14, 2011.

  1. A1X

    A1X Well-Known Member

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    It's not a big issue to anyone who doesn't have an obsession for undermining the Bluebell at every possible opportunity.
     
  2. Paul42

    Paul42 Part of the furniture

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  3. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    SVR has had occasional Spring problems for a period now , partly due to more material in new ones ordered
     
  4. 46118

    46118 Part of the furniture

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    Martin: I'm sure I read somewhere that --as you say--after some recurring problems, the SVR changed spring supplier.

    46118
     
  5. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Of course, before the 9F could initially enter service on the Bluebell, certain "work" had to be done, but this is neither the time and place to discuss that, if you know what I mean - though I am sure everyone knows what I am implying about the standard of maintenance at the MHR, nudge nudge, wink wink...

    The point is, steam engines, by there very nature, wear out. Work had to be done to the 9F when it was at the Bluebell to repair components that had worn out, and no doubt work will need to be done when it returns to the MHR, and no doubt more work will need to be done between now and the end of its ticket. That's simply what happens; it isn't a slur on the maintenance standards of either organisation. Ultimately, it is down to the owner if they consider any particular railway is an appropriate venue to run their engines.

    Maybe if Chris spent as much energy in telling us about positive happenings with the MHR wagon group rather than this endless one-man campaign to do down the Bluebell, things might be a bit more productive.

    Tom
     
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  6. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    All said by Tom above, I think, and the matter that's been raised is a good example of when 'no post' is a good post. But this is Nat Pres!
     
  7. agalpin

    agalpin Member

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    Just out of interest when was the 9f last weighed?
    There have been a great deal of problems from one certain spring supplier over recent years, but I would be interested to know when the loco was last weighed.
    Transport by road has been known to affect the distribution of weight on locos and should be factored in when arranging transport but I have found a complete lack of willingness for this to be accepted by all.
     
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  8. threelinkdave

    threelinkdave Well-Known Member

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    I am led to believe that SVR weighs all locos visiting the line and its own following work. Weing is however facilitated by having an in track electronic weight measuring system at Bridgnorth. What facilities do other railways have
     
  9. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    AFAIK, it is routine practice to weigh all visiting rolling stock to the Bluebell to ensure the weights on each wheel are within specification, and also to re-weigh any rolling stock after overhaul or after any work that may have upset the weight distribution.

    Tom
     
  10. agalpin

    agalpin Member

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    Routine practice is not always followed and this particular practice is often seen as a nice to have rather than a necessity as it can often take several days to perfect particularly with kelbus gear and a 9f has a lot of wheels!

    I know that a lot of locos that are moved around by road for galas are often not weighed if only at railways for a few days.

    Another example of the make do and mend culture that is pandemic within the heritage sector I am afraid.
     
  11. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    By "routine practice" I mean "something that is done as a matter of routine…"

    Tom
     
  12. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Happy day for Maunsell lovers on the weekend's Santa specials:

    1511254_10152134996682386_249122416_n.jpg

    (Not my photo - via www.facebook.com/bluebellrailway)

    The third train was in the hands of the Black 5.

    Tom
     
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  13. 73129

    73129 Part of the furniture

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    Now that 847 is back in action. I wonder if anyone at the BB has considered putting on a mini gala in the near future say in Jan/Feb. Could be a well attended event. I would think having the following loco in service would be a good line up. 847,1638,45231,592. There wouldn't be any transport costs which is the biggest cost of running a gala and Jan/Feb is always the quietest months of the year.
     
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  14. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    We'd normally hold our Branch Line Gala on the last weekend of Feb; however, don't see any reason why we shouldn't run a rescheduled Giants of Steam event, while we still have the Black 5. Would be nice to see! January would be out because of the infrastructure works on Freshfield Bank.

    Tom
     
  15. Matt35027

    Matt35027 Well-Known Member

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    My thoughts exactly.
     
  16. A1X

    A1X Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone thought of maybe asking someone at the railway? Yahoo group or similar?
     
  17. threelinkdave

    threelinkdave Well-Known Member

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    Just for interest SVR 1501 broke a spring yesterday.
     
  18. malc

    malc Part of the furniture

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    Should be an ideal event to run the DMU.
     
  19. Grashopper

    Grashopper Member

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  20. cct man

    cct man Part of the furniture

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