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Welcome to the blog section of this archive for photographs of heritage English Electric Type 4 and Type 5 diesel locomotives. The contents of this blog is not restricted to English Electric locomotives per se but reflects the casual musings of the author. Deltic DuoI paid a half-day visit to Didcot Railway Centre the other day having heard that they were staging a small diesel gala. Amongst the other traction present on the day, I was pleased to see these two interlopers deep in the heart of Great Western territory. Hello, GoodbyeI seldom get to visit the Mid-Norfolk Railway so when the opportunity for a week-end break in Norwich coincided with a diesel gala I jumped at the chance. After several years, it was good to see and hear 50019 Ramillies in fine form. This was scheduled to be one of its last workings as it is due an extensive overhaul in the near future that will see it out of operation for a lengthy period. I am hoping that it will be finished by the next time I manage to visit this railway again - in a couple of year's time. SteamingA marvellous sight greeted me upon my arrival at the East Lancashire Railway the other day - that of locomotive 40135 warming the stock using its operational boiler. There is something really evocative about steam heating. This method of warming carriages has long since gone with 1986 being the last booked year for regular use in British Rail. The Class 40 Preservation Society have done an excellent job to reinstate such a feature on this locomotive. A New FutureThe future for 50033 Glorious is becoming clearer with a possible sale to a third party. In 2003 the NRM decided to dispose of the locomotive, subject to a suitable home being found, because of an inability to commit to future maintenance and storage costs. 50033, still owned by the NRM, spent a period on loan to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway during 2004 until a home was found at the STEAM museum in Swindon as an indoor static exhibit. It had been planned for the locomotive to relocate to RailSchool, at the Royal Docks Heritage Railway in East London. This plan was abandoned and since 2007 it has been dumped outside in an unserviceable condition at the Birmingham Railway Museum, Tyseley. On a separate note, a replacement power unit has been found for 50044 Exeter in Portugal and recently transported back to this country. Bitter SweetIt's with mixed emotions that 2012 draws to a close. On the one hand the year saw the return of 50026 Indomitable to an operational condition after 22 years. There was also the welcome move of 50027 Lion back to the Mid-Hants Railway where it will see far more use. On the other hand however, 50044 Exeter whilst looking spectacular externally, requires attention to its power unit costing tens of thousands of pounds. This being the case, I urge readers to join the The Fifty Fund or make a donation. Without these funds we will be unable to continue mainline running with 50044, which will in turn reduce the opportunities for our other mainline locomotive, 50049 Defiance to operate on the mainline. |
