No.34028 'Eddystone' Mainline

SLL announced today via their news and a Trackside exclusive that it is their intention to return 34028 to the mainline equipped with air braking.

Southern Locomotives Ltd | Latest News (southern-locomotives.co.uk)

 

Great news to have the potential of another air braked large loco.

 

And, further down the line, 34010. Obviously a long way off but it's cool to see the long-term planning in action.

 

Seems like a sensible move. There is a dearth especially in The South of class 7/8 power. If the SLL believe there is enough work to justify it alongside Wadebridge (I know thats being carried out by a different org) supposed to also go mainline, then more power to them.

 

I would imagine they are looking towards the Swanage belle or such work, there is I believe an registered POB, at Swanage, that it could use for support coach, Does this mean then, that 31806 is losing its mainline equipment, ? As regards another engine being so fitted, I would still say there's a case for 35025 to one day, become the SLL's roving ambassador, gauge friendly, with a bit more in reserve than a light pacific, and of course, being main line registered, it could be moved around the country a lot easier, epecially if visits to other lines, is fitted in with rail tour work,

 

No the equipment being fitted to 34028 will not be coming from 31806.

It was mentioned in the announcement to shareholders that this isn't a given and that money still needs to be found. Any who would like to see 34028 on the mainline then please buy a share/make a donation.

Andrew

 

From this news and that it's been Railtour operators i believe that asked SLL about considering possible main line work, are WCRC not planning to fit air braking to other loco's that don't already have it? Is this is what's caused Sll to reconsider, its loco usage on the main line, If this is the case, arn't WCRC shooting themselves in the foot, they have just purchased more airbraked stock, but only have one steam engine of their own, air fitted

 

I would imagine purchasing a load more air braked stock would indicate an intention to add air braking to locos that don't yet have it. Plus surely they have more than just 1 steam loco fitted with air brakes - all of Riley's Black 5s are for a start, aren't they?

 

Sorry what I meant was owned in house, riley's 5's are all duel fitted, yes, but are hired, and this year, his engines have been the main stay of steam operations by West Coast,

 

The equipment for Main Line running has been fitted and tested but there is an issue with some of the electronics, so some new components are being fitted. This has caused a delay but the steam ban due to hot dry weather has not helped...

 

Was in steam this afternoon when I walked past, not sure if testing on the Swanage has moved any nearer, as it was also in steam a couple of weeks ago.