6880 Betton Grange

Nice panning shot Martin!
Betton Grange looks fantastic - Well done to All concerned.

 

It would certainly be nice to have something other than radio silence on this, especially as the May visit was mentioned (including the intention to run public services) on the SVR website itself when 6880 was withdrawn from the spring gala. The week you mention starts tomorrow, so people are going to draw their own conclusions anyway - but the best way to stop speculation would be not to leave a great empty space for it to occupy!

 

I agree, part of me now wonders whether it will be ran in ready for GWSR in less than three weeks time

 

WSR have announced that Betton Grange will be visiting in July https://www.west-somerset-railway.c...railway-announces-visit-of-6880-betton-grange

 

It now seems unlikely that it will be able to both run in public service on the SVR in May and visit the GWSR gala on the last weekend.

 

The more time passes this week the more likely it won't either.

 

Given that those responsible indicated that the loco would be pulling trains at Railway A on date X, then that changed to Railway B on date Y, etc, it is perhaps now wisest on their part to keep schtum until it has actually travelled to Railway R and is confirmed to be ready for use.

 

I take that point, but in the SVR's case time seems to have run out already - obviously 6880 isn't there this weekend, the following one is the Spring Diesel Festival and the one after that is the GWSR gala. At that point I'm minded to say that prospective passengers (who are after all customers, remembering how often we're reminded that a more commercially hard-headed approach is required in today's heritage rail) deserve better than a continued lack of any updates at all.

 

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It appears that the 6880 team have done a really excellent job in producing Betton Grange to what looks like a very high standard, and that is absolutely worthy of congratulation. Certainly I am more than happy to join in that. Well done all. Communications, on the other hand...

I'm sure there are various factors behind the scenes that would help explain what's gone on with 6880 since January, including things that aren't in the public domain - but that doesn't help anyone except those few who are already privy to such things. The SVR announced the May visit on its official website, and at that point a line is crossed and if the date isn't going to be kept that needs to be on the website too. It's surely not beyond the wit of a competent organisation like the SVR to put out a simple holding statement that doesn't tread on the owning group's toes.

The SVR looks very likely to gain the unwanted distinction of being the only line to announce 6880 twice and have it appear on neither occasion. I think reasonable people are happy to be understanding that a steam locomotive is a very complex project that can have all kinds of teething problems. Locos being withdrawn from galas, for example, happens sometimes and it's just one of those things. However I don't think, in today's highly competitive leisure environment, that they're especially happy to accept being told nothing at all. I don't think they should be, either.

I imagine Betton Grange will run on the SVR eventually - given what it is and what the SVR is, it would be strange for it not to - and I'll be delighted to see it whenever that happens. Again, I am impressed by the locomotive itself and by the years of very hard work and great expertise that have gone into getting it steaming. I can't deny that this spring's events have rubbed off a bit of the shine for me, though.

 

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What I fail to understand from the 6880 groups point of view is commiting to these railways before it had even turned a wheel in anger, let alone revenue earning service.

I understand the want to create enthusiasm/ demand to see the loco at events but get the thing running, problem free first before commiting. Otherwise it will create a negative reputation for the loco and group that they cant live up to the commitments they have.

 

At the WSR gala last weekend we were informed by two railway uniformed volunteers separate places/times, that the loco is coming in June and will stay the summer, quote, unquote, when discussing its non-appearance.

 

Not forgetting that the North Norfolk Railway's website advertises Betton Grange as visiting from 1st August to 2nd November

 

You wouldn't put a bet on a Grange appearing anywhere with the lack of solid information at the moment! Pun intended.

 

What is the hold up getting 6880 out of Tyseley? Been nearly a month since the launch. Assuming there's tweaks being made before test runs can begin.

 

Trackside seem to think 29th June to 28th July.

 

Someone at the Bluebell yesterday told me it's going there for the Giants of the Steam Gala later this year!

 

Just checked the original information and July was non specific as to which year …

 

If its contracted to do the North Norfolk from August to November. I doubt it'll visit the Bluebell this time around.