At the moment 6046 is in the yard for the first time in quite a while, on Tuesday it had a boiler changed and it is now reunited with its original boiler. The other one was put on while lining everything up with the frames, while work went on with the original one. But of course they were not identical and the new cab had to be slightly altered to fit. While it was over the pit the overhauled pony was positioned and secured in place.
It can be seen on the Churnet Valley website, go to information on the top bar then webcams. I don't know how long it will be out of the shed but on the left hand side you can just see the tender of 5197. the loco is on display until 6046 is finished. Cheers Jeff
Has there been any progress on the the S160s in the States. Is the GSMRR exReader RR no.1702 running yet or is it still under overhaul ?.Is the TVRM 610 still running and is it due for overhaul shortly. Any progress on the other locos, it would be a great shame if they were left to rot away. Is there a website over there in the USA that is for the preservation of any ex army steam locos. Cheers Jeff
Went to the gala yesterday, but as I was working there had no time to video it, but found this morning this little gem on youtube. The little Yankee tank as we call it but it's a S100 lookalike was superb. the video is on http:www.youtube.com/watch.?v=BU6nkY_NUY8 you can still watch the webcams today. Enjoy Jeff.
Well the S100 is storming little engine, pulls 6 coaches with ease up the inclines. Very impressed considering I just assumed it was a switcher with limited speed and power. Our steam gala is coming up on 6th,7th of Feb. we have 5 webcams, so it will be possible to see it in action then.Unfortunately the 2 S160s will be on display in the yard and will not be in range of the webcams.The work has slowed a little on 6046 over Christmas and with the preparation for the gala, but will soon be back on track. 5197 is still in the state it was when withdrawn, still looks good and will be cleaned up for the gala. The website for the cameras is www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk hope you will look during the event. Cheers Jeff.
Can you believe it, no sooner does the S160 expire than the Railway gets in another American designed loco. This time its a S100 switcher or shunter as we call them .It is a Yugoslavian built loco based on the 106 locos that were originally supplied for the war effort. They completed another 90 locos, but with plate frames instead of bar. This one was built in 1960 no.62-669 and ran till about 1992.
This was then purchased by a group in England calling itself the 62 group who wanted to restore it to the same condition as the locos supplied to England by yourselves. These were used for dock shunting and 2 have survived into preservation. Our Southern Railway took them into general stock after the war. After Nationalisation they became USA class 30000 series.
The 62 group have carried out numbering them from where BR left off they have 3 locos and have starting with 30075 which is the one we have accquired until March. That means beside helping out with the Santa it will still be available for our steam gala in February. Looking forward to seeing it run down the valley, hope the whistle is as good as the S160. Hope you all have a excellent Christmas, will be in touch in the New Year and let you know what I think of the S100. Cheers Jeff.
Well it finally happened, 5197 was formally declared a non runner and withdrawn from service today. It had a leak in its main steam pipe but had been struggling for several weeks with minor failures. It will be sadly missed, but the good news is that 6046 is progressing well, the boiler has been placed on the running gear, although only temporary and the new cab put in place. It is still on schedule for running in the 2010 season so fingers crossed. will miss the mournful whistle till then. Cheers Jeff.
Latest update 6046, the boiler was lined up on rolling chassis yesterday checking out all the fixing points which appeared ok, than goodness. You can check out the photos on http://chris17.photopic.net/ it's coming together nicely. Still on schedule for July next year.
5197 is still running for another month although it's showing signs of coming up to its time for overhaul.Its last apperance will be in the Anything Goes Gala next month where anything thats capable of running will run, could be interesting. Jeff.
For the largest surviving steam loco type the honour probably goes to the German wartime Class 52 2-10-0. Including post-war boiler replacements, and without checking as to exact numbers, but believe something in the order of 200 still survive.
On November 14/15 the railway is running an Anything Goes weekend and unfortunately it will be the last running of S160 5197 before its overhaul, so it will be a special day. A second boiler for it is well advanced so hopefully it won't be to long before it's servicable again. Meanwhile 6046 is progressing well with conrods fitted and most of the running gear done.The steam tubes are being fitted so if all is well we will not be without a S160 for to long. Looking forward to seeing it running. Cheers all. Jeff
S160 5997 has arrived back on the Churnet Valley Railway and will run until its ticket expires in January, well worth a visit to see everyones favourite US loco in action . It says a lot about the design of the loco 66 years since it was built and still as reliable as ever. 6046 is now having all its motion bushes turned and its beginning to look like a loco again can't wait for it to run. Cheers Everyone.
Just a quick update on what's happening with the 2 S160s. 5197 is now running in it's 12 months extention and will be taken out of service in January. It is hiredout to the East Lanc. Railway at the present time.
6064 is still being restored with the lastest date given January next year so hopefully it will be 1 out, 1 in. It has had new bushes fitted in both the motion bracket and expansion links. The reversing arm has been modified to left hand drive the same as 5197. The boiler front tube plate has been riveted in place so hopefully it won't be to long before the retubing starts.
I've heard that a Canadian firm is interseted in modeling a S160 does anyone know anything about it. Cheers to all.
Just to let you know that you can now see the progress of the restoration of 6046 and the routine maintenance of 5197 on the Cheddleton MPD site http://chris17.fotopic.net/ The boiler off 6046 is coming along well and it has been decided to complete the rebuild of 6046 instead of swapping boilers with 5197 which will be out of ticket in December.
Hello all, Just an update on the 2 S160s, this is from a friend who is involved in the running and restoration of them.
5197 The engine failed on 9th August with a loud knocking from the L/H valve. It was stripped down that evening to reveal a broken rear valve ring which had damaged the back of the valve head. The valve head was removed from the spindle and machined in a lathe to remove the damaged part of the valve. It was then re-assembled and refitted about midnight. It returned to traffic the next day. It was used in traffic 18 days in August.
6046 Boiler, the coded welder started on Tuesday 12th August and by Thursday the new lower door plate section and both new firebox sides had been welded into place. The flange has been welded onto the tubeplate and now awaits sending away for machining.
Frames, the axleboxes have been remetalled and machined and work continues with a view to having a rolling chassis by the end of the year.
Tender, the brake gear has been fitted to the tender, most of which was manufactured in house. The tender tank has been bolted down and new sieve boxes fitted.
Will keep you informed of developments at regular intervals. Cheers Jeff.
Well we had a great gala last weekend, the S160 was in fine form,it was used banking a train from Froghall and the sounds of it pushing it's heart out was magic. It also worked singley and in double headed modes.There was also a queue to drive it for $18 and there is a video of it on U tube with wheelslip ( it's by br73082 ) mixed in with other locos in the gala. The second S160 was on display, framework complete,cylinders rebored almost ready to receive the wheels. The tender tank had been set upon it's wheels and frame.It's getting there. Cheers.
For some great photos of S160 5197 look up www.davegibsonphotography.co.uk he is the offical photographer for the Churnet Valley. The photos are mixed with others in the galleries so enjoy.If there is much response I will get him to start a separate gallery on the 2 S160s. Cheers Jeff.
The tender tank for 6046 has now been fabricated from new and is ready to lifted on the refurbished bottom end. The work on the engine is progressing, but will slow down as the 8F 48173 recently purchased will shortly take priority. 5197 is still running well, rode behind her on Sunday for the Wizards Weekend with the Grandaughters.It sounded great echoing down the valley on a lovely sunny day. Yes Tulyar15 it is the Churnet Valley Railway and you would be most welcome at any time.
Now heres a bargain on February 23rd ( Gala weekend ) between 12-30 and 17-15 YOU can drive the S160 from the bay platform down the demonstration line for just £10 or $20 if you can make it .Cheers to all, Jeff.
samoht wrote:that both the TVRM and our own CVR both have tunnels, ours is slightly longer at 1593 ft and still uses wooden keys to keep the rails in place, it is dry and when we walk the line ( I'm in the p-way ) its nice and cool in summer and warmer in the winter. Cheers Jeff.
Jeff,
I'd be inclined to suggest that the differences - if there are any - would be negligible.
They were built to a specification laid down by USATC and I should imagine that specification was rigorously adhered to.
As a UK comparison I'd suggest the 8F. The majority of 8F's were built during WW2 at a variety of locations but to Stanier drawings. Externally it was impossible to deduce where they were built.
Have you been to "You Tube" and checked out the videos of the 610 at the TVRM? They have some nice stuff on her and the 4501 too. Also look up "S-160" and there are some great shots of the ones running in the UK.
Roger
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