Liam Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 It was announced on the SVR's website on Friday that Bulleid Pacific no. 34053 'Sir Keith Park', or commonly known as 'Skip', is to leave us at the end of the year and head to the Swanage Railway, where its overhaul was undertaken. It first steamed in preservation at the SVR and some memorable events have occurred since, such as a RAF dedication ceremony to Sir Keith Park (the fighter pilot) and a race against a Morgan in aid of BBC Children in Need. However, it does raise the possibility that another of the Southern Locomotive Limited's locos (maybe Sidmouth?) could come to the SVR in exchange for Sir Keith Park, so the sight of two Bulleid Pacifics in Western Region territory might still be possible! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMS2968 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Hmm... Let's hope not! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liam Posted August 27, 2017 Author Share Posted August 27, 2017 Well I'm a fan of Swindon products, but at least they are preserved, even if miles away from home! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMS2968 Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 I haven't got anything against the engines as such, but there are issues with them on the SVR. Firstly they do struggle on some parts of the line, especially the restart northwards out of Highley. Then there is the coal consumption, which is heavy, and it isn't helped by not a 'Home Fleet' loco, so steaming fees are higher than using one of those, so the mpd tends not to run it if possible. There's still a Bulleid pacific on the SVR, and that is probably enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Blandford1969 Posted August 27, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 27, 2017 As a preference I prefer driving SKP to TV as find the brake valve sticks less and the regulator has more sensation. Its been great having this engine and I know it has helped us enormously over the last few years. I look forward to the engine which has been got for next year till 75069 and 2968 are both back in traffic. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris M Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 I'm a GWR fan but I love seeing the Bullied Pacific on the SVR. They are beautiful pieces of machinery even though aren't the best at climbing hills on the SVR. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyram Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Having experienced Sir Keith's problems on the Highley exit I understand how crews may not be sad to see it go. I have enjoyed many a good run too so I am sorry it is going. Good to know it is heading to its home region. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liam Posted August 28, 2017 Author Share Posted August 28, 2017 Having experienced Sir Keith's problems on the Highley exit I understand how crews may not be sad to see it go. I have enjoyed many a good run too so I am sorry it is going. Good to know it is heading to its home region. Yes, many a time has Skip been slipping on Highley bank, and about this time last year it was out of action for at least three weeks after it completely failed one day. But hopefully those problems will be rectified when it heads down to Swanage as Bewdley and Bridgnorth MPDs have more experience dealing with GW and LMS locos. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyram Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Yes, many a time has Skip been slipping on Highley bank, and about this time last year it was out of action for at least three weeks after it completely failed one day. But hopefully those problems will be rectified when it heads down to Swanage as Bewdley and Bridgnorth MPDs have more experience dealing with GW and LMS locos. I think it may well have been this time last year I was on a train, hauled by Sir Keith, that needed three attempts to depart Highly due to slipping. It was a dry, warm summer's day too! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcm@gwr Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 As a preference I prefer driving SKP to TV as find the brake valve sticks less and the regulator has more sensation. I can't comment on 'Skip', as I haven't had the pleasure, but I would agree that TV does have a slightly 'stiff' regulator, it was a bit daunting for the first drive of a 'big' loco! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Davexoc Posted August 28, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 28, 2017 I think it may well have been this time last year I was on a train, hauled by Sir Keith, that needed three attempts to depart Highly due to slipping. It was a dry, warm summer's day too! I was behind TV in mid-July and that not only struggled northbound out of Highley, but also southbound out of Bridgenorth. Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PhilH Posted August 28, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 28, 2017 As a preference I prefer driving SKP to TV as find the brake valve sticks less and the regulator has more sensation. Its been great having this engine and I know it has helped us enormously over the last few years. I look forward to the engine which has been got for next year till 75069 and 2968 are both back in traffic. Steam brake sticking on a Bulleid?.....surely not.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Better make sure you've got the right one. Some lines are too keen to swap names/ numbers on these engines for some reason so hopefully they don't get mixed up! Brian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMS2968 Posted August 29, 2017 Share Posted August 29, 2017 I'm sure that Phil Swallow will ensure that the one on which he has just spent a small fortune is the one that stays on the SVR! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now