Crewe 15th August

[Solario]

I was invited to have a quick look around Crewe Heritage Centre & Works yard yesterday. See link below.

The Duchess was in steam & left on a test run to Chester & back after failing a few days ago (hot boxes, I think).

Number 9 was receiving attention to its valves to investigate broken rings.

The 8F boiler is from the only remaining Doncaster built example, although I doubt whether the boiler was constructed at the Plant. The firebox is being separated from the barrel, it will then be modified by having a piece carved out of the bottom and then fitted to a new barrel for the GWR County project. The 8F boiler is 7 inches shorter than that of the County. I understand that the old barrel has already been sold to someone for spares. I also understand that the frames & wheels from the 8F have been sold to Riley's for spares.

The only other bit of news that I picked up was that Royal Scot is now in the works (after languishing outside for quite some time). I believe that apart from the crank axle problem that other things are not quite right and it is going to have a thorough strip down (boiler included) before being reassembled.

I hope the link works!

http://flickr.com/gp/68743229@N05/006fgG/

[Rlangham]

Very nice! Although I usually don't like BR livery (especially on pre-grouping locos), it does look impressive on these big beasties, especially the A4s where the lack of valances somehow improve the looks. Apart from seeing King Edward II steaming in a goods yard whilst en-route to Devon a few years ago, i'm yet to see mainline steam so perhaps should try and change that with an A4 before too long