Preserved O4 and Q6 - update please

[kudu]

I don't follow the preserved scene in great detail but would appreciate up-to-date info on the O4 63601 and Q6 63395.

I'm particularly unclear about the O4. Is it now permanently withdrawn from active use, where is it and where is it hoped to display it? Is the planned Leicester North museum now abandoned? It's hard to know how up-to-date websites are.

Is the Q6 back in service, or is it still being worked on at Grosmont?

I need this info for a series of (essentially historical) articles I'm writing for my local society magazine. Answers to these I hope simple questions appreciated.

Kudu

PS If someone can tell me the present location of GWR 2818 - Shildon or Swindon? - thanks for that, too.

[jwealleans]

Q6 was certainly in traffic earlier in the year...NYMR website shows it 'undergoing boiler overhaul - expected 2018'. Can't be a major overhaul if it's back in service this year. Any NELPG members know any more?

[drmditch]

2818 has left Shildon, and I believe has gone to Swindon.

The Q6 is in the final stages (it is to be hoped) of overhaul.
The NELPG website link for that locomotive is .... here....

I am afraid I don't know about the O4.
Is it a National Collection engine?

[kudu]

Thanks for your information, jwealleans and drmditch.

The O4 is indeed part of the National Collection, on permanent loan to the Great Central Railway. It seems it last ran in 2012 (in BR livery as 63601 - see photo on O4 page of this website) and may now be intended for static display. I'm hoping someone can provide more definite information on the present position and plans.

Kudu

[Horsetan]

...The O4 is indeed part of the National Collection, on permanent loan to the Great Central Railway. It seems it last ran in 2012 (in BR livery as 63601 - see photo on O4 page of this website) and may now be intended for static display. I'm hoping someone can provide more definite information on the present position and plans....

Latest issue of Steam Railway reports that all the funding is in place for 63601's overhaul, and that all that is awaited is the go-ahead from the (N)RM.

[Pyewipe Junction]

I wish the funds could be raised to bring one of the ROD/O4s in Austalia back to the UK>

It is a disgrace that such an important class has been reduced to one example.

[60526]

I think that the word disgraceful is a bit strong. Personally I'd prefer funds to go towards a new cylinder casting for Green Arrow, getting Butler Henderson back running? Perhaps one of the Atlantics, or both? Perhaps instead of making a new V3 and a V5?

[Pyewipe Junction]

I think that the word disgraceful is a bit strong.

Well I don't. Locos like the O4s, J11s and others contributed massive amounts to the railway economy. I agree that B-H and Green Arrow should be brought back to operational condition.

[Muzza]

I wish the funds could be raised to bring one of the ROD/O4s in Austalia back to the UK>

It is a disgrace that such an important class has been reduced to one example.

Best of luck.
As I understand it, Australian Government legislation regarding large moveable cultural objects (eg. an O4) makes it difficult to export such an object. Nor do I think any of the owners are willing to sell.
The irony is that even with 3 of them over here, the only one that I have managed to see is the UK one.

[Horsetan]

.... Nor do I think any of the owners are willing to sell.
The irony is that even with 3 of them over here, the only one that I have managed to see is the UK one.

The Dorrigo pair are in scrapyard condition, and have been for many years. But so are almost all the engines at Dorrigo. The way things have gone on down there, I'd be surprised if anything steams this side of 2050.

I've long thought that there just isn't the money or the time available to the owners to embark on restoration. Buying them after withdrawal was the easy bit. We've got our own example over here: LMS "Crab" 42893, the owner of which seems to have spent more money in recent years on legal fees instead of restoration. There's not much left of the engine now.

[STAFFORDA4]

Q6 63395 looked fit and healthy today on Severn Valley Railway at their Autumn Gala
Was all ready and waiting for its arrival, nicely lit at Bridgnorth, when camera battery died..Lesson learned!
Understand the loco will be back in time for NYMR Gala 28-30 Sept along with J27

...........and some strange looking green loco(s)with bits of copper and brass stuck on!

[Albert Hill]

Q6 becomes NER T2 in May following paint job.

[silverfox]

I think that the word disgraceful is a bit strong. Personally I'd prefer funds to go towards a new cylinder casting for Green Arrow, getting Butler Henderson back running? Perhaps one of the Atlantics, or both? Perhaps instead of making a new V3 and a V5?

What V5.. unless all locos have to have a log book now

[Albert Hill]

V4 is a more useful loco than the V2 having better route availability over expected use over the heritage sector and mainline.

V5 never got off the drawing board if it actually got there.

[Atlantic 3279]

Q6 becomes NER T2 in May following paint job.

Quite rightly so.