MHR steam galas March & Sept 2009

Crikey, that's a heck of a big bit of metal missing. As to repair, and when, we will have to see won't we. I have no doubt that the cylinder will be repaired or replaced, but I don't know how likely it is or note that it will get done before the next overhaul, depends on too many things. She's going to leave a hole in the roster whatever, and be missed by all the crews - fabulous engine.

BTW anyone had a std 5 cylinder cast in preservation? Just wondering if there is a pattern somewhere.

I also hear that the 33 sent to the rescue failed too.......I thought it was Friday 13th yesterday!?!

 

It is due in for overhaul next year, so it is very unlikely that anywork will take place until 2010.

The 33 suffered a traction motor flashover resulting in a small fire over Ropley points.

 

The MHR website photo:
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/tw/pics/nt14c09a.jpg
doesn't really show how much of the cylinder casting actually came off. This is the bit which was left at the lineside:
[attachment=0:179kqhu7]mhr-cylinder.jpg[/attachment:179kqhu7]
Sorry for the blurred photo, but this was taken from a passing train.

It happened on one of the first trains today, and the line was blocked for about 90 minutes. The delays weren't helped by the first rescue loco (a class 33) also breaking down, but the Mid-Hants staff did a great job keeping things running as best they could and letting everyone know what was happening. In the end, we had some interesting train formations: Nelson banked by the Ivatt with only 3 carriages, and double-heading with Ivatt/Met tank and Bittern/Wadebridge.

Well done Mid-Hants, and hope the damage isn't as bad as it looks ...

Richard

 

Let's hope so it came from the top.

 

Well we needn't have worried about the timetable since the dramatic failure of 73096 soon put paid to that! Actually the railway coped very well. Once 73096 was rescued and services resumed it was decided to run 3 trains over the entire length of the line (i.e. no Alton-Ropley shuttles) and with the trains running to no set timetable! It was a question of turning them round as quickly as possible and letting them run - maybe all galas should run that way! Bittern, Nelson, Wadebridge and the odd but interesting combination of Met 1 and the Ivatt did the honours. The Well Tank did the Alresford-Ropley shuttles. A good day out despite the morning's mishap.

 

Thanks Richard, it's nice to know we did a good job. I was on duty at Medstead & Four Marks, and we there knew about as much as the passengers did. The line was blocked from around 10.30-12.00, approx service was running normally (albeit with no timetable and many changes) by around 3.

The cylinder casing on the lineside will not be moved until various inspectors/RAIB?/insurance have seen, photographed and done whatever else they do.

 

Down at Alresford we had a few interesting trains , Wadebridge and Bittern Top and Tailing , even Double heading at one point, was also nice to see the Ivatt and Met 1 work together.

 

It was mentioned earlier that 73096 is due for overhaul in 2010. This is not the case, it returned to service in 2002, so its 10 year overhaul is 2012.

Bad news about it though. I have always resented the fact that the railway always seemed to use 73096 as its mainstay of the fleet, but now that it is likely to be out for a few months it seems rather sad. As a volunteer said to me, 'you dont know what you have until you've lost it'.

BTW, why did the Ivatt carry a Lymington Flyer headboard?

 

Doesn't this depend on a locos condition though? I understand 73096 was quite tired as she was on limited duties, so maybe thats the reason why she wouldnt have seen out the full 10 years?

She was the last steam loco to run on the Lymington branch? So probably fitting she wore it on her last few days in service before overhaul.

 

Some happier photos from today ...

[attachment=4:wxvevllb]20090314__007.jpg[/attachment:wxvevllb]
[attachment=3:wxvevllb]20090314__014.jpg[/attachment:wxvevllb]
[attachment=2:wxvevllb]20090314__019.jpg[/attachment:wxvevllb]
[attachment=1:wxvevllb]20090314__026.jpg[/attachment:wxvevllb]
[attachment=0:wxvevllb]20090314__038.jpg[/attachment:wxvevllb]

Richard

 

It was definately a core plug and not water in the cylinders.

 

For us non-techies, what does a core plug actually do?

Richard

 

Thanks for the help kieranhardy, it was a good day even if the service were disrupted.

Does anybody reckon the MHR will have to hire in an extra engine to cover for 73096? it is a big bummer and will set the workshops work back a bit, so seeing 92212 and 31806 in service by the end of the year is looking more unlikely. Repairs will cost a lot so more financial pressure of the MHR who will have to pay for the repairs.

 

post deleted by original poster

 

45321 did something similar, but not quite as bad at Church Fenton last year. Block repaired.

 

I also think it also happen to a Standard class 4 some time ago. But I can't remember which one.

 

In technical terms "Oh Bugger" That's a serious chunk to blow off though. Must of been a rather big shock to the crew when it happened.

When 73096 came to the SVR she was one hell of a tool and it would be a shame to lose her for what could be a fair amount of time.

 

I believe it happened to 75014, incident occurred at or near York if i remember correctly.

 

My sympathies to the organisers of the gala. A big blow tothe weekend
I hope they will recover and have a good day tomorow