MHR`s Bob Allen appointed engineering manager for 70000`Britannia`

According to the latest Heritage Railway magazine i see that Bob Allen has been appointed engineering manager for 70000`Britannia`.

Does this mean that the MHR will lose him as their engineering manager? Or is the role running alongside his current MHR position.

 

i would hope that it will mean 70000 being ropley based and maintained there working onto NR metals for its rail tour duties that way he doesnt have to leave his MHR duties , given the facilities at Ropley thats got to be the best option

 

I was watching film of Oliver Cromwell on railtours and did not appreciate what fine machines the Brittannias were. It may be sacrilege but I could not imagine a MN putting in the performances I saw on Youtube! (THis will kick a hornets nest). I also look forward to seeing it at Ropley alongside Canadian Pacific!

 

My Dad told me about this last week. He was told by a volunteer at the MHR that BA has "left" the MHR to work for the Royal Scot and General Trust.

I don't know about being Ropley based but I have heard that 70000 will visit the MHR. My Dad was told last week though that another "Big Name" engine is due to visit this year other than those listed on the website.

 

The same article states that 70000 is to be Southall-based, and with several Hoskins engines arriving there one would imagine it would be a full time job.

 

It is a full time job.

Regards
Chris

 

After thinking about this, i do seem to remember seeing the position advertised in one of the monthly mags a few months back.

I wish Bob well in his new post and would imagine he will still volunteer at the MHR from time to time as and when his new job allows. Am i right in thinking that he owns/part owns the DMU`s based on the line, he will still like to play with his "toys" occasionally if this is the case.

 

Are the Hoskings fleet going to be Southall based just for rail tour duties , what about other times? if they are using the Former Flying Scotsman facilities i would hope that bob does undertakes an extensive look of whats there and if its fit for use and the working standards , because he will need to convince a lot of very sceptical people that standards have gotten better since 6100 was "restored" there .
I still am of the thought that ropley would have been a better home for the following reasons, better facilities for testing repairs and in between rail tours the engines would be in better condition if they are used occationally

 

The problem with basing the Hoskins fleet at Ropley is it would create storage problems and there isn't really much spare workshop space there. As for running, the MidHants would be paying out hire fees whilst its own newly restored locos sit out of use. Doesn't make sense for the Mid Hants I would have thought! Better to make use of what is already there, and bring in the Hoskins ones as occasional visitors for galas.

 

It might get a bit crowded at Southall anyway Martin. 6100, 60019 and 70000 will be in residence. Don't know what else will be kept there. 5029 is based at Tyseley and 34046 will be based at Bristol for it's first year of ML work but may move there afterwards. Also there is the new addition to the Royal Scot and General trust another western loco................