Sir Keith Park to SVR

[neal]

Whilst the potential duration of it's stay is unclear, it is confirmed that the newly restored rebuilt Battle of Britain Class, Sir Keith Park (34053) will reside at the SVR at least until the end of this year.

 

Southern Locomotives have switched the locomotive's destination from Swanage to Bridgnorth, on the basis that Swanage do not currently need a further pacific.

 

The loco will arrive in April for commissioning and running in turns, and will then earn her keep supplementing the somewhat depleted SVR roster.

 

 

I look forward to seeing her, and hopefully she will stay long enough to work alongside Taw Valley when back in service.

 

 

Some SVR purists have voiced opinions that the hiring in of a 'contract' loco is at the detriment of railway, however to attract more visitors (particularly outside of gala events), this must be considered a necessary evil.

 

 

It would be great if 34053 became a long term resident. Not sure whether there are any aspirations for main line works for the loco.

 

 

N

[Blandford1969]

I'm just looking forward to seeing how she compares both on efficency and power compared with TV, which will hopefully be running again by the end of the year.

 

The questions of costs of hiring in locos is certainly a topic of disucssion at the moment from the Board downwards as we are rather low on engines. Hopefully 1501 will be back by September, although we loose 2968 this year so an extra loco will come in handy.

[neal]

Don't the 2968 guys have wads of cash stashed away for a quick overhaul?

 

N

[Blandford1969]

They do have money saved up as does 4930 and 80079, the issue is getting locos through the works has slowed down for a number of reasons.

 

With many engines (not 2968) those original volunteers who restored their engines handed it over and with the effects of age and other duties have either moved on, died or now do other duties. This means the pool of volunteers to help with restorations has fallen.

 

Our engines run much higher mileages 100,000 between overhalls is common now and engines are overhaulled to a much higher standard, which means while they are great when they come out the time and cost of those overhauls is higher. The shed only has one set of lifting jacks, although we are now able to use the wheel drop, which is saving alot of time and it has been mooted to do an overhaul using the wheel drop, going one wheel at a time. At the moment in the shed is 813 - mid overhaul, 6634 -on hold waiting for progress on its boiler (slowed by copper theives), TV, coming back together slowly, 828 on the jacks at the moment and 4566 being worked on over the wheel drop. In fact the shed has so many being worked on that 2857 had to be stripped, worked on and put together in the yard.

 

As the railway wants to maintain certain standards the number of jobs volunteers can do has diminished without paid staff being around to sign things off and guide volunteers so productivity has fallen over the last 20 or so years.

 

In short where as we used to turn out 1 engine per year, your lucky to see one every 2 or 3 years. The problem has been recognised by the Holdings company and changes are being made, which will hopefully start seeing engines being turned out again more quickly.

 

Being an anything bar Western man I would be delighted if that and 6443 were got through the shops quickly. The thought of having to run driving schools with the 28 is not appealing!

 

Looking on the brighter side for some, with the BN 08 broken its back to steam pilot engines for the gala and having a go on Joem on the local is going to be great.

 

Duncan

[neal]

The locomotive was due to arrive at the SVR today (it was parked off the M27 overnight).

 

Haven't seen any pictures yet, but can't wait to see her in steam at her new home.

 

N

[roundhouse]

Well, looks like I will have to make a trip to the SVR this year tosee Sir Keith Park then!

[Tom Bayford]

Now landed at the Valley