45379?

Maybe it's just me but I have seen virtually no publicity or fanfare for the restoration of this engine. Whenever a new first time resoration completes it is a reason for celebration across the whole movement - (witness all the goodwill from everyone towards 2807 when it completed earlier this year) - but 45379 - moved under its own steam recently for the first time since 1965 - has elicited very little excitement.
For the Mid Hants this is a missed opportunity - I haven't seen anything on local TV nor the local press. I'm happy to be corrected if I'm wrong but previous restorations seem to have attracted a lot more publicity than this one, which has crept quietly into the fleet of restored engines. Coming so soon after the fire this would have made a great phoenix from the ashes story for the media.
I'm hoping that at least Steam Railway might put it on the front cover!
Am I wrong?

 

It was certainly shown on BBC1 South Today a few weeks ago, I remember it being refered to as as The Black Five as if that were its name!

Gary

 

I understand that local TV and press did cover this engines return to steam.

As for Steam Railway, over to you Danny Hopkins.

Regards
Chris:

 

Thanks Gary and Chris - I'm happy to be proved wrong! I must have been washing my hair when it was on

 

There have been plenty of Black 5's in lined BR black returned to steam this year, with more 5's to come, so the lack of front pages and column inches isnt really surprising. The U on the other hand will be a different matter, at least in the specialist press.

Chris

 

The Black 5 was featured on Meridian news on Friday (10th Sept) as a friend at work saw it. Also I saw the film crew with Tim Beere at Ropley filming the loco departing with the train we were on.

 

Yes, but 45379 is only the second ex-Barry Black 5 to be restored (45337 being the first), so this is quite an achievement in itself. Also 45337 has just returned to steam after overhaul.

 

She certainly looked superb. SR have a similar shot to this from me but I supect it wont get used as it's is still 'just another' Black 5.

Don

 

Oops my mistake.

Chris:

 

why isn't this in the steam traction forum?

 

As with all things new and unproven when an engine is returned to steam for the first time after an ex Barry overhaul there are many thing to fettle and adjust as you would expect with an engine with so many New parts and its not possible to arrange too much coverage in advance ,
Its return was aimed for the S and D weekend and the publicity localy was aimed and suceeded in the local area as its bums on seats that pay for these things.
I will say that even as one of the railways" Official Photographers" we are none the wiser to when things steam or run fresh out the box that the rest of you !!.
I know Heritage are doing something on the return of this loco to service as its conciderd a Major restoration by them and no doubt Danny has had summissions as well so we shall see what printed.
David