Riley and Son Ltd: Locomotive Engineers

Wasn't the original term 10 years from 2016 so one assumes the answer is probably up to the KWVR?

 

And presumably whether Rileys have a continuing use of its services - seems like 35009 has been quietly progressing and they've also acquired 5163 since they originally took 5212 on. Meanwhile WCRC seems to be retrenching including from its West Highland monopoly

 

While there is some work happening on 35009, it is many years away from completion.
5163 is on lease from the owners and is probably a few years off completion.

 

Latest news from Ian Riley. <BJ>

''5407's overhaul is complete and has been repainted to the finest EVER job that I have seen, she will be moved to complete steam tests at the ELR but then immediately moved elsewhere for safety as the ELR have no available covered accommodation''.

 

I'm always amazed by the quick turn arounds Riley does for the Fives. Hope 45407 will come back down South again, been ages since I've seen it.

 

According to what I've just read elsewhere 45407 has left tonight for 10A and is booked for the CME on Saturday!

Don't shoot the messenger.

 

Why do they paint smoke boxes Matt black? It was never the case in BR days. Or pre nationalisation for that matter.

 

Or is it leaving very early on Saturday?
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U78779/2026-02-28/detailed

 

It left Riley's on a low loader but didn't know if it being taken direct to 10A or the ELR first. Obviously the latter.

 

Question for the Stanier experts : Smokebox in matt as opposed to gloss black; was this a thing that some works/sheds did back in the day and not others or something more for more modern heat resistant paints?
Either way, you can't beat a Black Five in any condition but hey, this looks special to my eye!

 

Smokeboxes do get hot but back in the day were painted gloss. It was quite common to have to repaint the smokebox as the paint burned away and this was done at sheds. It was thus common to see an absolutely filthy engine but with a shiny, freshly painted smokebox. The modern matt black is heat protective paint.

But as for your last comment, I'll stay with a Stanier Crab!

 

Thanks @LMS2968 - I remembered right. So many good engines, I find it hard to have favourites but I too would like to see more Crabs running, with fowler tenders and in BR black naturally.

 

Having read the Facebook comments I believe the Smokebox paint choice is down to 2 things….1) that’s how the owner likes them 2) I believe it’s quite a good heat resistant paint. Neither of which I can find much flaw in the argument considering the work they do!

I always feel they look a little odd at first, but it soon weathers.

 

Facebook suggests ELR for steam tests first (which I assume is where she went by road last night) then on to 10A Saturday.

If this is the case it will be what feels like a comparatively rare solo performance for 45407 in England, on that, is there a reason why 44871 seems to be the one that’s always sent down from Fort William when required whereas 45407 seems to always stay in Scotland?

 

Mr Riley signs the Jacobite route as a driver. I think that’s all that needs saying why 54 is up there so much. If I was able to drive my pride and joy over the WHL extension every day I probably would keep it there too!

 

Naturally on both counts @2857Harry

I was just looking through my photo archive and would say that the three Black Fives running at East Lancs in October 1995, (5407, 45337 & 44767) all had what looks like an "eggshell" semi gloss finish to their smokeboxes.
In December 1991, 44767's smokebox at NYMR was gloss. Whatever the finish, they look good to me!

 

While talking about paint, the Heritage Painting division of Riley's have posted an apology for anyone who sees the five on the way to Carnforth. It would seem they haven't had the time to paint the tender, so there will be a marked difference between the finish on the loco and tender. They will start it next week at Carnforth, and it will be finished in time for the Buxton run.

 

Just Enjoy the 5(0) shades of Black/Grey - Fives

 

I seem to remember reading in one of Essery’s books that the LMS painted smokeboxes in a gloss graphite based heat resistant paint that rapidly turned to a matt or eggshell finish due to the heat generated. Whatever is historically correct Riley’s engines have a more durable finish than those painted gloss. Are modern heat resistant paints not particularly heat resistant?