SVR Loco Newsy News / discussions

What is it about the 50s? We used to get a lot of complaints, about the stinking exhausts, from passengers in their BR days. I don't know why they should have been any worse than any other EE product but they definitely were. Was DP3 the same? I never got to see it before its unfortunate end. Maybe it was the design of the exhaust system itself.

 

I agree that sometimes the diesel crews don't seem to realise the offense that their machines can cause, what I was more trying to discourage anyone else from starting a steam vs diesel rant here and now.

 

Agreed, lets not develop this one! More to the point would be a sighting of 1501 starting its running-in travels.

I picked up a nice copy of Brian Haresnape's "Collett and Hawksworth Locomotives" in a charity shop today, the book contains an image of sister engine 1502 at Keresley Colliery, looking an absolute wreck. A contrast to the fully lined black livery now applied to 1501.

 

A suggestion - if certain Diesel types are prone to "clagging out" the roof at Kidder, why not issue a directive that on arrival, they should uncouple and run round immediatly ?, if the station throat is unavailible to permit a run round immediatly, they could sit at the top end of the loop by the signalbox.

 

Something along those lines! I was actually going to order food but then couldn't bear the thought of eating in the prevailing atmosphere. A shame really; I always pop into Kidderminster on my way to and from from Wales because it's a good place to have a break from driving. A coffee, sandwich and another opportunity to see what the tourist trap has to offer - DVDs, books etc which I could buy on-line but I'd rather give a preserved railway my custom.

I'll be there again this Friday on my way to the WLLR's do over the weekend, hopefully the air will be breathable, you really could have caught bronchitis last Sunday!

All the best to the SVR, hopefully a lesson will be learnt.

Regards

 

Interesting how people use Kidderminster as a "stop-off" on a longer journey. Must be something to do with decent toilets, food and drink, and a quick "fix" of steam railway atmosphere! (absolutely no pun inteneded...). Indeed today I am making a long journey "up North" from the south-west midlands, and Kidderminster is my first break of journey for an hour. (free parking on Comberton Hill!) However whilst I avoid the £3 SVR parking, I do buy food and drink in the Museum, and usually a book as well.

..and who knows, maybe a shiny black pannier might just appear light engine!!

 

For short periods it's cheaper to park in the Network Rail Car Park - which is also better surfaced than that of the SVR!

 

Ah thankyou! Never thought of that!

As an aside, decent weather ahead for the weekend, lets hope the operating department supply trains with sufficient coaches northbound from KDR! Still appears a bone of contention with overcrowding. ( I appreciate limitations on the smaller engines).

 

1501 is out light engine for running in turns today. There are some photos of it at Highley on the svr forum.

 

It seems to be overcrowding on certain trains while others appear almost empty. Maybe the TT needs some re-thinking (as suggested by Bradleyman) and the steam turns on Saturday Mornings/Lunchtimes always seem busier than the diesel trains. I don't travel sufficiently often on a Sunday to know what the pattern is like then.

 

I think the stats show that the majority of journeys originate from KDR and BY, notably KDR, therefore it makes sense to have the bigger engines (when we have them...) and longer rakes starting at KDR. Yet SKP has been starting from Bridgnorth.
I was surprised when I travelled a couple of Saturdays ago to see how well filled the 0955 diesel-hauled ex KDR was, mainly families and other "ordinary" passengers. BS2 was Erlestoke Manor, but BS3 was the Pannier on what in-effect was four and a half coaches, because of the Obbo, buffet, brake etc. I believe also there was a party booked.
It does appear that if you want to guarantee overcrowding northbound then the operating dept have a short rake, and the marketing department book a large group travel job with reserved accommodation! I am sure they dont do it deliberately, but talk to eachother guys...please!!

 

You mean CS2, CS3, etc I think.
Tbf the Great Western set isn't the best operationally. The GW dislike of opens mean that you very rarely achieve the nominal number of seats as people prefer to sit 6 (or less) to a 3rd class compartment rather than 8 as the GWR used.

 

Sorry yes, table C northbound.

Cheers

 

I travelled that day behind 3650, and the large party from South Wales - while obviously very welcome - occupied a high proportion of the limited accommodation. I overheard a lot of grumbles.

 

Well, 1501 has done two test runs (Thursday and Monday) and is due to do a loaded test run today, if it hasn't already done it.
7812 is at the Bodmin and Wenford, and is due back at the end of next week.
SKP seems to running well, but is having difficult starting at times.

 

Apparently SKP failed last night but not seriously.

 

5164 heading to Bridgnorth later today to cover for SKP which is being repaired. 1501 also out on loaded test run, and apparently out again tomorrow

 

I hope that is the case. It will make a nice distraction in an otherwise regular timetable!

 

Nice to see 1501 as being listed for service on the Bridgnorth departures from Wednesday next week (subject to successful tests Mon / Tues). The Coal tank is also due to arrive shortly for a photo charter on Friday. Motive power is sudenly looking a lot healthier!

 

34053 was not in traffic September 5th and replaced by D8059
2857 was taken off BS3 September 9th and replaced by D821. She has become prone to broken split pins under axleboxes; happened a couple of times recently; another one found September 9th, so she was failed as a precaution and sent to Bridgnorth for attention in the week. Unfortunately changing these split pins isn't a trivial task (SVRA forum).

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Patrick