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6023

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Eightpot, Oct 4, 2011.

  1. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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    I have to ask - do you have any evidence to support any of the claims made in this post?

    It is my interpretation that it has been moved from Didcot at the request of the contractor after an issue which led to the contractor refusing to work on it on site. I interpreted that this was done with the approval of the powers that be who have also instigated an investigation.

    To suggest that the group has somehow spirited the loco away without the approval of the GWS seems a little fanciful, especially on a site such as Didcot where there is no direct road access, its not like someone could have concealed under their coat!

    I think (and this is a wider issue not based on the quoted post) that the various sources of information on this thread just illustrate whats happening with counter claims made under assumed names - in all honesty I have no idea who to believe, but these stories will continue until some sort of solution is found.
     
  2. pmh_74

    pmh_74 Well-Known Member

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    On the contrary, I would suggest that this serves to support & confirm their reputation...
     
  3. Christopher125

    Christopher125 Part of the furniture

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    Pathing is going to be a network wide issue going forward, but gauging could actually become less of an issue - not only will the loading gauge altered for larger containers as well as overhead wiring, but for the longer 26m IEP vehicles too.

    Chris
     
  4. Pannier Man

    Pannier Man Member

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    Richard Croucher, GWS chairman, has prepared this update on 6023's boiler work:

    We are aware how much everyone wants to see 6023 in operation and share people’s disappointment at how long the repairs to the boiler have taken. We are also disappointed that technical and personnel issues which should have been resolved privately at Didcot have turned out to be anything but.

    On the advice of the 6023 Project Engineer, an outside contractor was engaged to undertake the repairs needed to the boiler firebox and work started at Didcot in early 2012 and much of this was completed by the end of February. At that point, our Insurance Inspector asked for a method statement to be prepared for the repair of the firebox copper lap joints which involved specialist copper welding and this was submitted ...to the insurance company in April. The insurers finally came back with their approval in June and arrangements were then made to obtain some copper plate and start work at the beginning of August. Unfortunately the provision of the copper plate was withdrawn by the supply source at the last minute and an alternative was obtained with work rescheduled to start on August 28.

    Regrettably over the previous weekend graffiti remarks derogatory to the contract boilersmith were written on the inside of 6023’s firebox by person or persons unknown, which he naturally found offensive and caused emotions to boil over. However, the contractor confirmed that he was happy to complete his contract at his Loughborough works and 6023 was moved there on 6 September. The firebox has now been prepared in readiness for the specialist copper welder and the work is expected to be done during October/early November. Once this is complete, the boiler will be subject to a hydraulic test to identify any leaking stays and a decision taken on what further work, if any, needs to be done in anticipation of a full steam test.

    Apart from the alterations which still need to be made to the oil feed pipes in the leading driving axle under keeps, all mechanical work is complete and only final touches to the TPWS/OTMR applications need to be made.

    Whilst at this point we are unable to give any firm date for 6023 becoming operational, we remain committed to the completion of the 6023 to main line standards as soon as practical and we will provide a further update on progress and completion in due course. We can then all enjoy the fruits of what remains an outstanding and successful restoration which we hope will grace the main line for years to come.

    Source GWS facebook page



    From me Pannier Man; it transpires that the "Graffiti" was written in chalk and could well have been rubbed off by a less sensative type.
    However, that water too has well and truly passed under the bridge also, and 6023 is now probably in the best place to have the contract completed.
     
  5. goldfish

    goldfish Nat Pres stalwart

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    That rather depends on what the message was…

    Either way - done now. Embarrassment on all sides by the look of things. Onwards and upwards…

    Simon
     
  6. Tobbes

    Tobbes Member

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    Sorry for the ignorant question, but if there's a new hydraulic test, does that re-set the 10 year boiler ticket?

    Thanks

    Tobbes
     
  7. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    No it simply tests the integrity of any repairs carried out - the clock is still ticking! Ray.
     
  8. JMJR1000

    JMJR1000 Member

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    Yes that is a bit of a worry, but shouldn't be too much of a problem, they can easily have it extended as the boiler hasn't been used during it's wait to be repaired.

    If not, then at least it will (hopefully) have an easy time with it's next overhaul. Well, that is if they'll have time for it then... They'll have a few more toys to play with at that point, i.e. 2999, 4079, 1014 & (possibly though unlikely) 4709.

    Those lads at Didcot have all the good stuff don't they...?
     
  9. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Why do you think it can easily be extended because it hasn't been used? There is a good argument that boilers can deteriorate faster when not used than they do when used, especially if they are not stored properly and I doubt that 6023's recent boiler storage will meet the conditions necessary for good storage. Boiler usage extensions are not related to time in steam or without water in them.
     
  10. Ruston906

    Ruston906 Member

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    has there been any news on progress being made with repairs at Loughborough
     
  11. gwr4090

    gwr4090 Part of the furniture

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    Boiler insurance certificates are issued annually, and are not issued for more than 10 years consecutively unless the boiler has been stripped and inspected. I gather that following recent changes, there is now no prospect of this being extended, whether or not the boiler has been steamed.

    David
     
  12. Kerosene Castle

    Kerosene Castle Well-Known Member

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    So let me get this straight; you're old, you've been involved with the GWS for 20 years, you've been involved with more than one project, you've been in the operating department, you seem to know a LOT about 6023, and you live in Harrow.

    You don't have an MBE as well by any chance, do you?

    Ciaran 'Thin Bloke' Johnson Esq.
     
  13. jake1971

    jake1971 New Member

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    Just to stop the rambling and unfounded accusations as to the identity of the contributer, you need to look at Fat boys contributions to work out that it is not a member of 6023's team.
    We are trying our hardest to getting 23 up and running but are continually hampered by these unfounded and unhelpful comments from the few who will not grow up and let it go!
     
  14. simonhi99

    simonhi99 New Member

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    Here here, well said.

    I have been on the forum but never posted much before but felt it was about time I did so.

    I have never seen or read such a lot of childish drivel before in my life, some of the comments are just pathetic. This was once a glorious steam locomotive, and thanks to the work of KE2, GWS etc etc has been restored to almost fully working condition. What is the point in blathering on about who did what and why?

    What we want to see is the locomotive back on the mainline doing what it was built to do. So come on children put your toys back in the pram and get on with the job in hand.

    Rant over!

    Simon.
     
  15. buseng

    buseng Part of the furniture

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    6023 is not the only loco to come under the petty squabble/toy throwing situation. There are many others going back years.
    It's worse than a school playground & it is time these people grew up & got on with the job in hand, ie get these locos up & running.
     
  16. Kerosene Castle

    Kerosene Castle Well-Known Member

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    I'm not actually convinced, or particularly bothered, either way, but it's hardly unfounded is it? Anyone can change a few things to make it sound like they're less involved than they really are. That's the problem, the implication is most definitely there - maybe Fat Bloke didn't consider that. What Fat Bloke needs to realize, is that his comments are not helping the cause he feels the need to defend. Such comments won't change anything for the positive, but merely create more unrest and speculation. If his best interest is to see the engine run again, then it might be advisable to keep such thoughts to himself. Unfortunately it seems there are still loose cannons on both 'sides', but if you're going to anonymously write something provocative, be it on the internet or in a boiler, you're going to implicate people you may not necessarily want to implicate.

    Ciaran
     
  17. jake1971

    jake1971 New Member

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    The man you are trying to implicate with your accusations has not had anything to do with this forum,I cannot imagine he has even seen this thread? The fact he can hardly drive a computer is also another clue!! Please give me and this forum the foundation for your thoughts on the source of the contributer and I will gladly answer them.
    I can personally guarentee that the comments have not come from within the 6023 group as the are only focused on getting 23 up and running so it can be returned to Didcot where she belongs. If you wish to comment on Fat Boys contribution then please do, he/she like you has the right to say what he/she wants on the subject, at the end of the day this is a discussion forum. Please lets keep this from getting personal, if fat boy wants to stay annomonous then thats his/her choice.
    I will be on site Saturday if you wish to discuss/debate this further, I am more than happy to put the facts straight on this one for you.

    Regards
    Nick
     
  18. Pannier Man

    Pannier Man Member

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    As a die hard GWS life member it would be really nice if the Mods locked this thread and stoppped BOTH factions airing their dirty laundry.
    It's doing neither the GWS, 6023 or the 6023 group any favours.
    Who's going to want to risk their hard earned cash on a railtour ticket while cr@p such as this is going on?
    Re-open it again when the loco is up and running!
     
  19. philw2

    philw2 Member

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    6023 website has been updated today. All v. positive and lots of upside..

    No timescale though.
     
  20. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    To be honest, I just skip over the squabbling on the thread now, just looking for updates on progress at Loughborough.
     

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