SVR Loco Newsy News / discussions

Just to add to the list GWSR have been running either 2 days a week with 2 steam, or 3 days a week, 1 day 2 steam and 2 days 1 steam 1 diesel.

For a lot of us here who have very fond memories of visiting the SVR over many years, it feels very strange that quite often now we're running more steam than our elders and betters! That's no judgement on who's right or wrong, it just feels strange!

 

It’s the diesel gala on the NYMR this weekend. AFAIK, once this is out of the way, the plan for the coming week is 3 steam. Two off New Bridge and One off Grosmont so I’m intrigued as to where you get your figures from.

 

Just based it off the Red Timetbale on the website which shows S, D, and A for the Auto.

 

Swanage also one steam, with a diesel also only on Tues, Weds and Sat.

 

Helston, no steam, diesel only.

 

Things do improve significantly on the SVR when Timetable B becomes current (slip repair permitting) with from the website:
"Timetable B is running on this day, with two steam locomotives, one heritage diesel locomotive and our heritage diesel multiple unit in service. Across our six stations, there’s so much to see, do and discover, including The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley open 10.45am – 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)".
I'm sure many will look forward to that.
The SVR service just seems too lean to be attractive re steam on the shoulders of the main season.

 

Not sure comparison to the NYMR is probably the best if you want to believe some of the comments on their management strategy on the sister thread to this one.
I also don't think you can criticise the SVR for exercising caution and trying to control costs when passenger numbers are taking a hit with the line not fully open.
I will just point out that the SVR have run 2 outstanding steam and diesel galas this year and passenger numbers were down on each compared to last year.

 

From the 4150 Fund via email today.

Great news and a big step forward, at approximately 1200hrs. today (Monday 4th August) our boiler successfully passed its hydraulic test. Therefore, we will be working with Phil D. from the boiler shop to get the boiler ready for the steam test, which we hope will be later this month.

 

Bad news from the EMF, again by email today. Following repairs to the washout plug which caused 7812 Erlestoke Manor to miss the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala, the locomotive was able to re-enter traffic on Tuesday 21 October. Unfortunately on Wednesday 22 October 7812 suffered a serious piston failure (unrelated to the previous problem). The WSR has worked through the valves and pistons; the valves are in good order but the left-hand piston is broken. Operational and mechanical investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the failure and the necessary repairs have already commenced.

If I may quote Jane directly, "This is a huge disappointment for both the WSR and the EMF. They are losing a popular locomotive whilst repairs are carried out and we are losing steaming fees in a year when the steam restrictions at SVR prevented 7802 Bradley Manor from running over the Summer. Can I take this opportunity to thank colleagues at the WSR for the care they give our locomotives and the way they have dealt with these two situations in recent weeks."

Fingers crossed the repairs will not be too involved or expensive.

 

That's utterly rotten luck- especially with what happened with 7802 previously too.

Best of luck to the EMF getting it repaired quickly.

Chris

 

I guess the only silver lining is this has happened at the end of the season rather than start - however, mention also made that 7802's earnings were also much reduced by fire risk on the SVR.

 

Latest Branchlines indicates repairs are underway on 7812 at the WSR and 7802 has been withdrawn at Bridgnorth to check it's cylinders. Indications are damage was caused by a core plug becoming loose inside the cylinder.
Both locos are intended to be back in service at their respective railways in time for festive services.
https://www.svrlive.com/blnov25

 

7325 is due to be taken to Bridgnorth on the 16th to be assessed for the cost of overhaul.

 

It would be nice to see 7325/9303 back. By my reckoning its been at the SVR for over 50 years of which only 8 have been in steam (arrived in 1975, restoration started in 1979, entered service in 1992, failed with a severely leaking boiler during the 2000 boiler crisis).

 

That however does rather paint the picture of how costly it might be to get it back.

 

Doesn't 7325 have a good chunk of money already in the overhaul pot though? It was being considered for overhaul before Covid. IIRC correctly its owned by SVR Great Western Association, so has fundraising behind it. Clearly locos that have active funds being raised will be considered a priority over those that are not.

Whilst the boiler may require work, if it has only operated for 8 years, mechanically it maybe quite good, it was a mainline runner up to being withdrawn. When compared against 80079, 48773, 43106 and some others that have done over 100k miles on the SVR, it maybe quite favourable.

Interestingly, Branchlines mentioned a generous bequest which has been donated to Hinton Manor's overhaul fund, that may leapfrog it up the queue as well!

I do hope that 1501 continuing to loiter around Bridgnorth shed is an indicator something may happen to her, once 7714 is retired in a couple of years, the valley will be without a pannier for the first time in decades.

 

Now moving on the 23rd.

 

and the fact that 7714 expires next year if unless an extension is considered

 

Well it’s never going to be cheap is it?
How many thousands are you asking for the loco you support’s current overhaul?