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Dean Forest Railway

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by Talking to Bears 00, Sep 16, 2018.

  1. Respite

    Respite Member

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    What is the current situation with Rennes please, is it stopped for repairs?
    I thought it was still within its ten year boiler period?
     
  2. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I believe boiler issues and I don't think they are repairing her.
     
  3. oldmrheath

    oldmrheath Well-Known Member

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    Had a trip behind the Prairie on Weds, I assume that's the only steam available as I couldn't see Swiftsure and think that was going elsewhere?

    Jon
     
  4. Paul.Uni

    Paul.Uni Well-Known Member

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    Swiftsure is now at K&ESR
     
  5. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Yes indeed 5541 is the only working engine at the moment.
     
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  6. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    A very popular loco for the railway IMHO. It looks and sounds wonderful. <BJ>
     
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  7. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Yes I was there a couple of Sundays ago (3rd April) and was running and sounding well then.

    I don’t think 9681 is far off, although I think there’s only about 12 months or so on 5541’s current ticket.
     
  8. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, 5541's certificate is the end of next year sometime, it should have been this August but has been extended.
     
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  9. D7076

    D7076 Well-Known Member

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    I’m sure atleast one 08 and D9521 are also working locomotives and the majority of DMUs are also working engines .
     
  10. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Yes indeed correct, I was talking about steam in reply to the original post, which was talking specifically about available steam power.
     
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  11. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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    All 5* DMU cars the DFR DMU Group own are in service next weekend, plus IRIS, when the group/railway celebrate 30 years of the first cars arriving at Lydney.

    * - also own 50632 and 52044 ex PBR but these are being stripped for spares and then scrapped.
     
  12. 73101 The Royal Alex

    73101 The Royal Alex New Member

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    Repairs currently underway.
     
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  13. lil Bear

    lil Bear Part of the furniture

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    So 5541 until December 2023?
    9681 hoped to return in 2022
    Latest News - Dean Forest Locomotive Group (deanforestlocogroup.org)
    WD152 - awaiting boiler repairs?
    2413 Gunby - under active restoration.
    Steam Locomotives | Dean Forest Railway

    Called in on Sunday after visiting the GoApe experience at Beechenhurst. Trains seemed busy, it is a hidden gem of a railway.
     
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  14. mdewell

    mdewell Well-Known Member Friend

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    Visited DFR on Monday and had a couple of very nice runs behind 5541. It was quite busy but not crowded.
    I think my last visit was not long after they had started regular running to Parkend and it was all little basic then. It is still quite basic as befits a rural location but you can see it is more like the finished product now. All nicely painted and the signal box and full signalling is now in use (only commisioned a couple of weeks ago).:)

    PS. I can also recommend the ice creams from the bike shop around the corner at Parkend. ;)
     
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  15. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    9681’s boiler underwent its first steaming today following passing its hydraulic test - on the home straight!!!
     
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  16. mdewell

    mdewell Well-Known Member Friend

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    Great, now it just needs some wheels under it. :)
     
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  17. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Just a long shot. Is 5541 still working on the line? Was planning a visit but information is pretty limited. No map, no gradient profile although I guess it's along the river valley?
     
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  18. H Cloutt

    H Cloutt Member

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    You have probably found this but here is a link About Us | Dean Forest Railway
     
  19. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Many thanks. Hope to pass through on Sunday and try for a ride behind 5541 on the service around midday - 11:50 if I read the T/T correctly.
     
  20. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Visited the DFR yesterday and met 5541. A nice line but with no scenic beauty unless you like looking at trees.

    But they have got the visitor element right. A round trip from their HQ is about 90 min so not too long. Plenty of time to look at the loco at Lydney and also Parkend including the ancient water ceremony viewable from the bridge.

    It's what the public wants and all they need. Good museum as well.
     

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