Blandford1969

I should have said that while this class appears to have been unloved you really need photographic evidence for your chosen engine. Earlier engines had keyholes in the tank for filling the sanders, which later engines did not have....but I have got photos of earlier engines loosing the key holes and later ones getting them. Next the engines had cranked tank vents which again on later engines were then straight pipes against the cab, again there are examples of changing over.

When you say drawings which ones are you thinking of?

Dare I ask about progress on the Fowler 2-6-2?

For those who may be interested at Kidder museum on Saturday 2nd Jan they have their Photo fair with lots of dealers from 10am to 4.30pm.

It will make a lovely model. I've not seen any photos of WC/BOB at Bude in the 50's but there are some with far more knowledge on here. Are you able to share the drawings on this thread?

I'm not sure if Sidmouth's boiler was ever used for measuring up for TV at Bridgnorth in the end (it has no e in it) and has languished in the yard since its arrival. It would be nice to see another West Country restored.

stunning, we will look forward to seeing more

Some who missed out on Royal Scot might be interested to know that it will be running on ordinary services on the October 17th, 18th, 24th & 25th. Sadly not a day I have a turn so wont get another go.

Steam tests were carried out over last weekend with the insurance test on Monday. Fingers crossed she is ready in time for the Manor 50 event.

Good to know at least the Fowler 2-6-2 is waiting a test build and that a Stanier is a possibility, even if some time in the future.

I forgot about the smoke deflector which on the driver's side is modified as the air pump parts are behind it so is different to before preservation

Here's it as well on Saturday with some nice detail video and yes I was seeing how slow she would move onto the train,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BpfeeeirEY&spfreload=10

Indeed it was a good trip, I offered them two West Country's and a 28xx in exchange for it, but they would not take it. In terms of the differences to BR days these are as follows: -Air brake pedestal to the left of the reverser (I was surprised expecting a standard Stanier one which I had assumed would have been fitted on rebuilding. -Above that you have got the air gauges (which partly obstruct your view out of the front window (although I normally drive with my head out, so its not a problem) -To the right of the reverser is the button for the AWS again a new fitting -On the Fireman's side there is an extra box in the corner (useful for sitting on when running tender first) which you cannot really see -What you can see on the fireman's side is some form of a lubricator which is tied in with the air brake system -There is a bell in the roof on the drivers side. In terms of the experience as I have posted elsewhere along the lines of an old cigar advert. Happiness is ............. a Royal Scot. She goes like an electric train with fantastic acceleration and the ejector is so good you can leave braking a bit longer in the knowledge you can drop the vacuum further and then it will blow off sufficiently quickly to do an effective but smooth stop, especially useful with a busy platform. I will be honest in not wanting to get off her. In looking across at the level you posted I could not see clearly under the boiler and agree with where you are going. Your doing a great job with the model and it will be nice to see if finished. If you want any more shots let me know as talking with the support crew they were suggesting it may stay for a few more weeks.

The Stanier ones are certainly an attractive looking engine (to me anyway) that and the Fowler ones also appeared at quite a few places have always had a interest for me, well that's my excuse anyway. Roll on kits for both..

Did he mention at all the Fowler one he was working on?

It does sound very much like there is a jenny under the cab or its an electric train from the noise from the tyres, which apparently is from the way they were turned. (hint for a good wind up and it being fitted with a ringfield motor) It is a fantastic engine and a credit to the team who have restored her. Its brake is one of the best LMS ones I have ever had and you can leave the last braking in platforms later, which when busy is better than crawling at one or two miles and hour and risk doors opening; then put a larger application in and know it will blow off to give a nice stop. The parts I noticed were mainly stamped 6100, however the reverser was from 23. Whichever it is I can see why they were well liked engines.

I've a 1960s neg that does not have the bell, why it would be gone I have no idea, but personally I prefer no bell (its easier to get round with an oil bottle as there is not much space on the front platform

Hi Tim, Here are my shots. I had not seen the others when I took mine. She goes like a dream and has a brake to die for.... wonderful. Sadly there is a screen in the smokebox so it is not possible to see the tubeplate. Kind regards Duncan

My office for the morning. Happiness.............................................................is a Royal Scot.

Tim, No worries, it really will be no trouble. I will probably pop down on Friday evening just to have a walk round her. I admit to being rather excited at the realisation I will drive one on Saturday. The only question is if I bring my Pines Express headboard out as I have a neg of Royal Scot leaving Bath on the northbound Pines. Are you ok if I post the photos into this thread or would you prefer them elsewhere? best wishes Duncan

Hi When you say footplate height shots under the boiler what are you trying to get, I might be able take something while oiling her up on Saturday am. I will see what else I can take for you. Best wishes Duncan

Nice shots, I'm really looking forward to Saturday morning and finding out what she is like to handle, I see my fireman for the trip has already familiarised himself (visible in the bottom photo)

For those interested you can possibly two west country's next week one working off each end. In addition on Monday 14 Royal Scott will start running in assuming all goes to plan.

Nice photos Gareth. Post away. Was there any sign of Royal Scot when you were at Kidder? - looking forward to driving that apart from trying to get to the middle engine which I understand is accessed over the bogie!

The railway owns the land till just before Burlish halt. Recently the line has been in discussions with Rail Safety Solutions about them using the spur for training purposes, they will be using the trackbed initially up to Mount Pleasant tunnel for training new track workers in laying and lifting track. It means some of our staff will get training and as I understand it we will get use of the track at weekends. As 2968 says though the costs of maintaining 16 miles are enough. This winter we need to replace a section on Eardington bank. Rail last time i knew was £54,000 per half mile, More work is needed on the viaducts at Bewdley - last year we spent around £250,000 on 2 arches, work is needed on Borle and Falling Sands viaducts; and that's just standing still. Of course there is also the new buffet to go up at Bridgnorth and other improvements, although those for the accommodation will take longer.