Rheidol tank on the WHR

Probably good for 2 or 3 and a brake van up the hill on a dry day. It would be quite happy on a full VofR rake along the flat bit though. The problem with bringing FR stock is it is a load more stuff that is likely to derail on every check rail.

Tim

 

I don't think the wheel back-to back dimensions are a problem, contrary to popular opinion. My understanding was always that the GWR used Gibson rings for fixing the tyres and that was the problem. However, about 3 or 4 years ago my local group of the WHR (RhE) had some MoD wagon wheelsets at the Talyllyn Railway for regauging. I phoned Pendre Works one day and enquired as to progress, and was told they were next in the queue, as there were some VoR driving wheelsets in the lathe. I asked the gentleman I spoke to to settle something for me, and would he mind measuring the VoR back to back dimensions. He told me to hold the phone and went down and measured them - when he came back he informed me they were identical to the FR dimensions. I think the real stumbling block is the overall width of the Rheidol 2-6-2Ts - they would not be able to work on the FR, but might get up the WHR perhaps as far as Rhyd Ddu. Beyond that point the NWNGR bridges are pretty narrow and I think they would be (literally) the sticking point.

 

Rheidol Tank back to back is 21"

It is a bit of a non starter for the time being. Realistically at present we aren't in the position where a loco can be loaned out. Of the three Rheidol tanks, two are operational and both are really required to be available for service on the VoR.

Regards,

Will

 

A Rheidol Tanks wider than a South African Garratt ?!.

Then again we are talking about GWR here so out of gauge is somewhat apt!.

 

a Rheidol tank is only some 6" narrower than a King David thats it!

as for the back to back I have heard that they would fit too, but im leaving that debate to someone else...

 

I bet you weren't expecting that!

 

Idle thought, just putting it out there; the VoR has a very distinct 'off-season' when literally no passenger trains run for 4 or 5 months. Is there a possibility of one doing the rounds of other railways during that season?

 

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

 

The mind boggles....

 

A treasured memory is of someone who was Bertie Wooster's Aunt Dalia to the life observing "Don't like travelling on the Rheidol; seats are too hard for me bum and I like a little comfort in me old age"! The seats certainly have an evil beading around the top of the backs cunningly designed to dig into the shoulder blades.

Hence the Spanish Inquisition comment.

P.H.

 

Just what I was thinking. I know they use that period for maintenance but I'm sure one could be spared?

If one was released I'm not sure where it would fit other than perhaps the Brecon Mountain or maybe South Tynedale? According to wikipedia, the width of an NGG16 is 7' so if the WHR has been rebuilt to suit these, the Rheidol tanks might be a tight squeeze.

 

No. 9 paid a very brief visit to the BMR to work Santa Special trains in the early '90s, when the two lines were under common ownership. I've only ever seen one photo of this visit, however - I don't suppose any NatPres members have any more lurking in their archives?

 

It didn't visit outright it was running as it had just been overhauled at the BMR.

 

Hang on, are you seriously suggesting that the VoR locos have a larger kinematic envelope than a 62 ton NG/G16?

 

The VoR engines are 2415mm over the bunker, a bit more with the handrails added. NGG16's are 2340mm over the non existent cab roof extensions, and less than that now, ( VoR engines are also wider than, say SLR No 14 ). So the problem is not height or back to backs, it is the overall width.

The pub talk is that a VoR tank can squeeze through NWNG bridges with the handrails removed, not sure I would like to try.

Regards

Peter