70013

Lets take that as good news. At some time in the future theres a chance that coffins wont be mandatory, though i suspect the former MK1 Pullmans will be first in the Queue.
If there was a impending ban on MK1 Stock this wouldnt be happening would it. .

 

Here's the news re: CDL installation - https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/news/the-jacobite-2026-season-update

 

The same NRM who are happy to have 5305LA remain custodians of 777 & D6535? No, that surely can't be it.
There were a lot of issues with the previous GCR management. The very public falling out with GCRN, and the 7027 debacle, were the bits that everybody noticed. But you can be sure that that wasn't all.
But, all water under the bridge now, so lets just leave it at that.
I hadn't realised that 5305LA would be the operators again, but it is the obvious solution.
(And the loco won't be fitted with air brakes, as far as I know...)

 

Strictly speaking the TOC will be the operator not 5305LA? 5305LA will be the custodian and maintain the loco?

 

I understand that the NRM will not allow any changes to the original design of their locos and that would include the addition of an air pump. To slightly correct your statement, only three main line registered locos are airbraked 60163, 6233 and 60103, the rest retain their original braking system with the addition of an air pump and combined brake valve for working airbraked trains. I understand that at the next overhaul 60103 will have its original vacuum system for engine and tender reinstalled.

 

The 5305LA will provide support crew for 70013 when it's out on the mainline but the GCR are now the custodians.

 

Now into August and the boiler is still at Tyseley.

 

Latest summer 2026 edition of G.C.R. mainline someone has written about 7MT 70013 Oliver Cromwell the inner firebox on the boiler at tyseley awaiting a copper welder to weld up a crack on the inner firebox seam.