General Nene Valley Discussions

I was told a while ago that a boiler inspector had said that Derek Crouch needed little more than a new set of tubes to get her back into traffic. Is this the case?

 

Would it not be simpler, quicker and hence probably cheaper in the long run to try and book a slot at a ground lathe and turn them in situ (motion would need removing and transport is involved but the dismantling involved would be a lot less, and you don't have an immobile loco sat on jacks while turning is done)?

Steven

 

So

Sorry for repeating duff info John. Shame bringing her to Hornsey to have her tyres turned there isn't an option, we have no way of shunting dead locos around at the moment.

 

Already looked into that and it is under consideration, also want to look at the axleboxes etc at the same time if we take the wheels out.

Plus it will make the job of painting the frames in Rail Blue easier

John

 

Just plain blue to start? Any chance of it going large logo at some point?!

 

Full XP64 job to start with, got the taste for it after flirting with it at the NNR a few years ago

John

 

Nice!

 

Off the top of my head, I'm not sure. I understand it is fairly minimal work required on it. Unfortunately in the short term 2 of the more active members of the SLG have got boiler apprenticeships at other railways so progress has slowed on these slightly

 

Thanks for the updates. Is the Beano right about The Meg coming back after overhaul, or is that uninformed speculation?

Not that Steam Railway is ever guilty of making stuff up of course.

 

I'll ask the question next time I'm up. If it's something that is allowed to be told I'll let you know when I do!

 

Well a month and a half has slipped by since my last update.

Unfortunately I haven't made it down to the sheds to discuss the Meg, Derek Crouch and other long term steam issues.

Santa's are starting to ramp up for the year so it's pretty much all hands to the pump with that.

5337 performed well on the Santas the weekend just gone.

We also now have Swiftshaw, austerity no. 75006 on site for up to 5 years. The crews this weekend didn't look to have an overly taxing job with her as she is booked as Wansford Station pilot/reserve for the Santa season.

22 has failed with issues with the firebox and will head back to Scunthorpe in the new year.

The photo below is of the 5 warming the stock prior to the first train of the day on Sunday



Also recently, Swedish Railcar no. 1212 won the HRA award for the Best Self Propelled vehicle. We believe this is the first time a 'foreign' vehicle has won an award with the HRA

 

The delightful Swedish railcard will in operation later this month and into February. More info at: http://www.nvr.org.uk/events/winter-railcar-sunday-specials

A ride on this vehicle comes highly recommended. I took my mrs & mother-in-law on the Winter Warmer trips in 2015 and both have asked to go again in 2016

 

Not much room on a railcard.

To answer an earlier question, I have been told that the Polish 0-8-0T will be returning in due course.

 

Doh!

...On a serious note, I'm glad to hear the Polish tank may return to action - nice engine. I would hope that when it does, that the NVR tries to get the local media interested, striking a chord with the Polish community. We all suffer with a spot of longing for our homeland - I'm a Welshman living & working in Peterborough