Tornado

Well, the first driving experience of 60163 at the NVR is on the 17th of October, so about a fortnight to get it ready? It can at least get from Tyseley to the NVR without needing low-loaders.

 

Might it end up going from GCR to NVR, thence towed to Tyseley ?

 

Seeing as it would have to be low loadered out of Quorn anyway, going east towards NVR as opposed to Tyseley would make sense.....but this is the A1Trust we're talking about.

The only thing that would maybe force their hand is if they're committed to set dates with NR on the cambrian to test the new safety gubbins I guess...time will tell

 

A bit heavy for the Cambrian, methinks.

 

It was meant to be doing ETCS testing between Shrewsbury and Newtown, but that was due to the test track at Melton Mowbray being out of action. As that was repaired months ago, I don't see why it would need to go to Wales anymore. Though it probably would be cheaper - a day's use of the test track costs between £10,078.97 and £23,823.01 per day, plus £2253.34 for use of the ETCS facilities!

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Network-Rail-RIDC-Price-List-2024-25.pdf

 

How much it costs is not necessarily important - depending on whose paying...

 

Last I heard there was work still ongoing on the regulator valve. Presumably this wasn’t part of the boiler refurbishment.

 

I thought it came under the heading of a network change (like retention tanks) so I would assume it is NR's dime.

 

It could be that the Cambrian would be 'hired out' at a cheaper rate, but still pricey I would think.
There has to be a reason that training and testing of Tampers, &c. on the Ludgershall branch stopped with privatisation. Heritage railways were cheaper than Railtrack (where BR had simply let it happen). (It was noticeable how the branch deteriorated after it stopped getting free maintenance!)
Pat

 

I'm not sure our track would take something that size!
https://cambrianrailways.com/

 

Naa - it'd be fine on there. No bridges, and used to take freight traffic... all good

 

Anyone know what’s happening with the loco? I’ve seen recent pics of her still inside the shed at GCR, dome cover off.

 

I think somebody said a few days ago it was still in the shed There's been no mention if it's done anymore running since the firebar needed replacing. Truth be told I'm becoming disinterested in the whole overhaul saga. Despite Mr Davies saying there will be regular updates, once again he's gone into silent mode. If the Trust can't be bothered to keep us covenantors informed then I can't be bothered to carry on my monthly payments.

Dave B

 

This is precisely why regular updates are so important. <BJ>