Spa Valley Railway - Latest News

Yes, they do get into Tunbridge Wells Jonnie. Earlier this year I just stopped to avoid hitting several that came out of the trees from the direction of the A264, jumped down and then ran accoss Halls Hole Road in front of me.

Bryan B

 

Especially the deer!

 

There was certainly a feeling of awe seeing them side by side - and both wearing 75F!
Really hoping I can tweak my schedule next weekend to get back!

 

Bulleid Pacific Update – Luck is not on our side...

We are sorry to be the bearer of further bad news and to be honest we are absolutely gutted to have to be writing this, but luck really is not on our side and unfortunately Bulleid Pacific 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ will not be available for service this weekend.

Upon arrival of the engine late last week, 34053 underwent a thorough inspection both out of steam and then in steam. Unfortunately, during the steam test on Saturday 13th, it became apparent that a steam leak had developed on a boiler fitting located on the “live steam” side of the boiler. By the term “live steam” we mean something constantly exposed to boiler pressure, that cannot be isolated using a valve. Due to the location of the fault, it has been discussed with our boiler inspector and he has advised the fitting is removed for inspection/repair/replacement. We are currently discussing this with Southern Locomotives and fellow Bulleid colleagues, to see if a spare fitting can be located. At the time of writing, we have drawn a blank.

The work to implement a swap of the fitting isn’t a 5-minute job, which requires some dismantling to get at. It then requires testing before the engine is signed off fit for traffic. With volunteer availability later this week limited following last week’s efforts to inspect and test 2 other engines, it is unlikely the engine would be available to meet its rostered turns this weekend even if a fitting became available. Unfortunately, the engine’s late arrival has not helped. Had it arrived when we had hoped, we would have had another week to implement repairs and we are genuinely gutted the spectacle of two Bulleid’s running together on the Spa Valley Railway is something we shall have to wait for a little while longer. We don’t make these decisions lightly but the safety of the people operating the engine is paramount and must come first in these situations.

Bulleid Pacific 34072 '257 Squadron' will instead operate top and tail with Class 25 D7535 this Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July.

 

Thanks for the update @Jonnie These things happen with steam locos built many decades ago.

Re the six trains now shown as operating on each of the 20th and 21st July. Will all these be operated on both days just by 34072 top and tailed with the diesel loco? That at least would still provide a good Bulleid weekend for some of us, and of course be a fitting farewell to 34072 before that loco starts on its travels soon afterwards.

Bryan B

 

Unlucky. I know from bitter experience how fickle steam locos can be. Hopefully you’ll have ‘53 up and running again soon.

 

An enjoyable day with 34072 today, except my heat intolerance these days meant I had to leave after the fourth of six trains when the heat and humidity significantly exceeded my tolerance limits.

A 'through the vegetation shot' at Forge Farm Crossing taken with me emulating a dainty ballet dancer by standing on tip toes - which I fell off and staggered backwards like the clumsy oaf I am a milli-second after I took the attached.

And passing Groombridge Junction.

Bryan - the Royal Ballet School tell me I failed the audition - B

 

No Bulleids on Sunday 21st July due to a broken spring being discovered on 34072.

 

Thanks for that information @Jonnie and for your FB page posting that earlier today, just in time to stop me coming over to 75F again for 34072 this weekend.

Hopefully the broken spring will be repaired quite soon. And Jonnie, will 34072 work passenger services again this summer out of 75F before going off to the Mid Hants please?

Bryan B

 

34072 is leaving tomorrow so I'm afraid not.

 

Class 50 50021 'Rodney' arrived yesterday for its starring role in our Summer Diesel Gala which takes place from 2nd to 4th August. Class 03 03063 and Class 33/2 33202 are due next week and the Prairie is swapping and going to Mid Norfolk for their 40s event. It then all swaps back around the week after.

 

I wonder @Jonnie if there is any news about repairs being done to get 34053 back into service please? I think a specific part had to be sourced before this could be started.

Bryan B

 

Are we still expecting both Caley locos to be running next weekend?

 

Yes I believe so. 55189 has arrived as can be seen behind 4144 today (in front of 31430)

Andrew

 

Friday and Saturday is 55189 and 828.

Sunday is the 34053 renaming event. Looking at the event page, 55189 is not in use.

Sent from my SM-A137F using Tapatalk

 

The event details are on our website: https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/...5th-birthday/ac7b27ffc375e763efa2c7baeebab1b5

34053 enters service on Sunday 1st September.

 

55189 at Eridge yesterday afternoon. To me, it seemed to be performing much better than its previous visit a few years back, but still as lovely a loco as it was then.