With pledges of more than £50,000 already received for the Great Western Society’s project to build a new example of Churchward’s magnificent 47XX mixed traffic 2-8-0, physical work has now started.
The first major job has been the careful dismantling of prairie tank 4115, one of the ‘Barry Ten’ which will now be the major donor locomotive for 4709. This has been carried out at the Llangollen Railway where a large number of common GWR parts have been retrieved not only for 4709, but also for other future projects. Wherever possible parts have been unbolted, and where rivets are involved these have been carefully torched through the centres to minimise damage. The tanks, cab and bunker have set aside for further use, while the boiler – which did not form part of the items donated to the GWS – has been despatched to L&NWR at Crewe.
During November 2011 further dismantling took place with the removal of the pony truck assembly and its associated components, allowing the wheel sets to be dropped out. The next job was to remove the extension frames and cylinder sub assembly from the main frames which has been achieved with complete success.
The dismantling has revealed that the extended Barry sojourn of 4115 seems to have been kind and a large percentage of the structure common to the 47XX is not only available but is in much better condition than expected. For example, all of the 41XX front end unit is capable of renovation.
The mainframes have now been ordered and it is expected that they will be cut in February. Much research has gone into the steel specification and Tata has been most helpful in advising on the most suitable material.
The use of components reclaimed from an existing locomotive presents surprising challenges when deciding which holes can be drilled in the new mainframes in the machine shop. As the frame plates are 1¼in thick it will be important to minimise drilling on-site so as much as possible will be done immediately after the frames are cut. All refurbished components will be positioned and spotted through their existing holes. Extensive verification of the drilling plan will ensure that the correct result is obtained first time.
A full assessment of the condition of removed components is now underway. When the new mainframes are delivered to Llangollen they will be aligned with the un-refurbished extension frames from 4115, thus providing the first glimpse of the impressive size of 4709.
The project team has been able to preserve a very significant number of components from 4115 and this has given 4709 a major advantage as a rebuild project compared to a new build, as well as providing a worthy and respectful re-use of 4115’s parts. Such parts include driving wheels, extension frames and brackets, frame stays, footplate supports, brake hangers, the vacuum brake cylinder and reservoir, weighshaft and bearings. The availability of these original GWR parts and the consequent cost saving should enable the 31-foot mainframes for 4709 to be assembled relatively quickly.
In due course the three existing 5ft 8in driving wheel sets from 4115 will be refurbished, to be joined later by a new, fourth driving wheel set. A pattern maker has been identified who is very keen to begin work on making the pattern for the fourth wheel set, and discussions have also taken place with a foundry who are equally keen to undertake the castings.
Two other donor locomotives, 5227 and 2861, will also yield up many other parts, in particular the axles, axle boxes and horn guides from the former which were common between the 47XX and 5205 Classes. 5227 also has trailing axle boxes with increased side clearance which are unique to the 5205 and 47XX classes.
The cylinder block from 2861, with outside steam pipes, is identical to that of the 47XX and this will be used for the rebuild. A simple solution has been provided for the different saddle radius to take the Swindon No 7 boiler and this is currently under review by the VAB.
Progress to date has been achieved thanks to a very small core team of people both for design, physical works and financial contributions. We have established a project team led by Paul Carpenter, who will be the 4709 Project Engineering Manager for the GWS at Didcot. Work is planned to progress consecutively on several fronts at several locations. At Didcot, a team has already started work on the restoration of the 4000 gallon tender. At Llangollen, there is a huge pile of components that require cleaning, refurbishing and painting.
If you would like to help and would like to join these teams, at either Didcot or Llangollen, please contact Paul at pcarpenter100@btinternet.com. You can be assured of a warm welcome – there are jobs for volunteers of all ages and all abilities.
The first stage of the Project (provision of the rolling chassis and restoration of the tender) is expected to cost in the region of £200,000. Whilst all donations, large or small, are always welcome, particularly in the early stages to get things established, like other similar projects success depends on a large number of people making regular contributions every month and we are hoping to build up a good base of covenanters, irrespective of the amount of contribution, to achieve that aim.
Over the years many people have expressed a desire to see a 47XX 2-8-0 in action again and we hope those who wish to see this will now come forward and give their support to help us deliver 4709’s chassis during 2012.
With the progress on the locomotive construction becoming more evident as the project enters its final few years, a new web site is launched.
The last surviving Great Western Railway ‘Saint’ class locomotive went to the breaker's yard in 1953, long before the standard gauge steam railway preservation movement got under way. From that moment many people have dreamed of building a new example of Churchward’s iconic design, which influenced almost all subsequent British steam development.
The widely held passion for the ‘Saints’ has led to that dream becoming reality and a new ‘Saint’, No. 2999 Lady of Legend, is being constructed by the Great Western Society at Didcot Railway Centre.
The 2999 Lady of Legend web site provides more information about the Saint Project, the latest news of the rebuild, and how you can be part of it.
The Great Western Society is not responsible for the content of external web sites.
The Great Western Society is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Heritage Railway Association Large Group Award for 2011. This recognises 50 years of excellence within the railway preservation movement, culminating in the restoration to working order of Steam Railmotor No. 93, which entered traffic in May this year after a seventeen year rebuild .
Richard Croucher, Chairman of the Great Western Society, said: “I am delighted that the GWS has won the main HRA award for 2011 which fittingly marks a momentous year as well as the 50th anniversary of the society. This really is the icing on the cake after we managed to acquire the new 50 year lease of Didcot Railway Centre to safeguard the future. We are particularly proud to be able to join the small band of organisations which have won the main award three times, the previous occasions being in 1974 and 1981.”
2011 has been arguably the most successful year ever for the Great Western Society and Didcot Railway Centre. It has organised several major launch events, including one for the newly restored King class locomotive 6023, outshopped in blue livery, as well as the Steam Railmotor. In April two Kings, 6023 and 6024, were together at Didcot, and in June the new-build A1 pacific Tornado was posed with the Steam Railmotor. Visitor numbers to the railway centre have increased by about 13% in 2011, compared with 2010 which itself was an improvement on previous years. With the security of the 50 year lease, work has already started on a new services building to improve the capacity of the electricity supply for planned visitor enhancements.
The GWS was previously the recipient of this prestigious award in 1974 to recognise its running the Vintage Train of GWR locomotives and carriages on the main line. It received the award again in 1981 for developing Didcot Railway Centre as a major visitor attraction, together with giving a major overhaul to the boiler of national collection locomotive Evening Star, enabling it to run on the main line.
Thomas has been enjoying himself at Didcot Railway Centre, taking all his young friends to see Father Christmas in his grotto, to receive a Christmas present. Day Out With Thomas to Meet Father Christmas days are on 3/4, 10/11, 17/18 and 21/22 December. Duck is also around giving rides in our vintage carriages, and our shop and restaurant are open. Next weekend 17/18 December is really pretty full up with all of Thomas' young visitors, but don't worry if you haven't booked your place yet as there is still room to come and see Thomas on Wednesday 21 or Thursday 22 December.
If you'd like to visit on either of those dates, just 'phone us on 01235 817200, during office hours, to book your place. See our Day Out With Thomas page for more information.
A limited edition 'OO' gauge model of Class 57 diesel locomotive 'Pendennis Castle' that was unveiled at the Centre last summer, commemorating the 175th anniversary of the GWR, is now in stock and available to purchase. The Bachmann model faithfully depicts the lined green livery and comes with presentation box, numbered certificate and etched brass name and numberplates.
Commissioned jointly by RAIL EXCLUSIVE models and the Society, the majority of the 1,000 item run has been pre-ordered and has been delivered to customers. New purchasers please call 01780 470086 anytime, or visit www.railexclusive.com.
The Great Western Society is not responsible for the content of external web sites.
Both standard and 'DCC sound'-fitted models are available, with a small stock of the former available in the Didcot shop. The Society will benefit from all sales of this model as a donation to restoration projects will be made by the commissioning party once the model becomes as sell-out.
Thursday 6 October became a historic day in the saga of Great Western Railway preservation when Richard Croucher, Chairman of the Great Western Society, signed the lease of Didcot Railway Centre for exchange with Network Rail. The signing took place in the Museum and Archive at the railway centre, watched over by the GWR clock that formerly did duty at Paddington station.
Richard said: “I am pleased that we have now raised sufficient funds to be able to complete the acquisition of the new 50 year lease of Didcot Railway Centre and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us and made a financial contribution to allow the Great Western Society to achieve this aim. It draws to a close nine and half years of negotiations and I would like to thank my colleague Ian Smith for his perseverance throughout this time and encouragement to just keep going. We are now starting to look at the next stages of development at Didcot Railway Centre, which the long-term security of tenure allows us to undertake.”
Locomotive No. 1340 - ‘Trojan’ will be coming out of service in October. To mark this event an additional steam day will be held on Saturday 8 October to bid her farewell for the time being.
‘Trojan’ was built by the Avonside Engine Company of Bristol in 1897 for Messrs Dunn & Shute of Newport Town Dock. She was purchased by the Alexandra Docks Railway in 1903. On absorption of that railway into the Great Western in 1923 she received the number 1340.
‘Trojan’ arrived at Didcot in April 1968 and, after a protracted overhaul, entered traffic, for the first time in preservation, in 2002.
She will now need to have the boiler removed and inspected, and no doubt other work, before she can steam again. Initially however No. 1340 will join the ranks of our locomotives on static display.
Would you like the chance of a lifetime to realise a childhood ambition and drive a steam engine.
The remaining railway experience days for 2011 are now fully booked - but the dates for 2012 have been announced:
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In recognition of 50 years at the forefront of UK railway preservation, Train Operating Company, First Great Western has named High Speed Train power car No. 43024 after the Great Western Society. The nameplate reads: Great Western Society 1961 – 2011, Didcot Railway Centre.
The nameplate was unveiled by the Managing Director of FGW, Mark Hopwood, at a ceremony at the centre at noon, on Saturday 10 September, on the first day of the GWS' 50th Anniversary Gala. Mark commented, “It gives me great pleasure to be able to recognise the achievement of the Great Western Society. While First Great Western prides itself on innovation and looking to the future, we also respect and recognise the rich railway heritage of the Great Western Railway. I believe this is a wonderful way to recognise the contribution the Great Western Society has made to railway preservation.”
Chairman of the GWS, Richard Croucher said, “The Great Western Society is delighted that First Great Western should honour our first 50 years of railway preservation by the naming of one of their HST power cars at Didcot Railway Centre, and we look forward to seeing it traverse the old Great Western Railway territory over the forthcoming years”.
The body of Coach No. 290 has been separated from the underframe to allow restoration to commence.
290 was built in 1902 as a composite with two 1st class and two 2nd class compartments. After it was replaced by more modern carriages 290 became a tool van at Chester, which helped it to survive into the preservation era. However, the interior was completely stripped and will all need to be replaced.
The reason for all the activity now is that a film company has hired the underframe so they can put a new body on it for a forthcoming production to be filmed at Didcot. Once the filming is finished the railway centre will have a restored underframe for 290, making a major step towards eventual restoration of the vehicle which has been in the restoration queue at Didcot for some time.
Unusually 290 is fitted with Mansell wheels which have a steel rim and a steel centre connected by teak segments that are supposed to make the vehicle quieter to ride in. A cable connecting the rim and centre provides an electrical connection to make sure the vehicle works track circuits. Being for 1st and 2nd class passengers, 290 gets the quiet wheels while 3rd class passengers in other coaches make do with noisy steel wheels. The Mansell wheel was patented by Richard Mansell, 1813 - 1904, who was carriage superintendent for the South Eastern Railway at Ashford, and later became locomotive superintendent for the railway.
The team is making fast progress with restoring the chassis, having stripped and painted the metalwork and started on re-assembly. Is this the only preserved GWR vehicle whose wheels carry the famous LNER varnished teak livery?
On 29 July, prototype gas turbine locomotive No 18000 finally arrived at Didcot Railway Centre having completed the short rail journey from Didcot West Yard.
Owned by the Pete Waterman Trust, the locomotive will be handed over to Didcot Railway Centre to be the new custodians, in an official ceremony on 10 September, during the first of two weekends celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Great Western Society.
18000 was ordered by the Great Western Railway in 1946, and delivered in 1949 to the newly nationalised British Railways. Built by the Swiss company, Brown, Boveri et Cie, the locomotive spent its working life on the Western Region of British Railways, operating express passenger trains out of London Paddington station.
With many unforeseen maintenance and reliability problems, the locomotive was not as successful as hoped, and was withdrawn by British Railways in late 1960. Stored at Swindon Works for four years, it returned to mainland Europe, where, for more than ten years, it was used, in substantially altered form, with the gas-turbine power unit removed, for experiments concerning the interaction between steel wheels and steel rails, under the auspices of the International Union of Railways. In 1975 it was moved to Vienna and displayed outside the Mechanical Engineering Testing building.
In the early 1990s it returned to the UK, where it spent periods at Crewe, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and, most recently, at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
The journey from West Yard started at 15:15, arriving in the sidings alongside Didcot station at 15:20. The locomotive was parked there for three hours until the Friday rush hour had calmed down, and 18000 could be towed the final few yards into the railway centre, arriving at 18:50.
Now that 18000 is at Didcot, a group is being formed to undertake conservation work and information displays. There is no realistic possibility of re-instating the original type of power unit, therefore, a different approach is to be taken. It is intended to work towards returning No 2 end cab - the more complete one - to original condition. Externally, some repairs are needed, to be followed by a repaint to the original livery of black and silver. Internally, there is a good deal of conservation to be undertaken. The intention is to use 18000 as the focal point of a display relating to the post WW2 business plan for the 1950s, published by the GWR under the title NEXT STATION, of which the new gas turbine electric locomotive was an important part.
Further research work is also being undertaken on and off site, our greatest wish is find an original sound recording ...
6023 has now completed its running in on the Mid Norfolk Railway and arrives back at Didcot on 10 August.
During its stay in East Anglia it operated for 22 days and ran 1822 miles. The locomotive has completed all that it had been sent to do and the Great Western Society would like to thank the Mid Norfolk railway for their assistance in achieving this. Mechanically 6023 passed with flying colours but a few snags have shown themselves which need rectification before 6023 can re-enter traffic. Unfortunately one of those is a small oil pipe into the centre driving wheel axle box underkeep which has been fouled by being hit by a spoke which will necessitate the centre driving wheel set having to be dropped out to achieve the repair.
As a result it will not be possible for 6023 to attend the Severn Valley and Great Central galas this autumn and the Great Western Society is sorry for the disappointment this will cause although it is hoped that attendance at a similar event in due course can still be arranged.
6023 will be on show at Didcot for the GWS 50th Anniversary Gala in September. Work will continue to allow 6023 to debut on the main line during 2012.