34028 Eddystone

I thought that we should kick off a thread about Eddystone, as one of the small number of Bulleids in regular use at present. There's a bit on the SLL website about 28's service on BR, but no logs or anecdotes:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/34028/34028_BR_Service.html

Likewise a number of photos on the SLL galleries:

http://southernlocomotivesltdphotogallery.fotopic.net/c1739744.html

For anyone interested, Eddystone will be hauling a private driving charter special on Wednesday 22nd September. It's called the Dorset Drum Express and is sponsored by Coombe Castle International Ltd, who sell English cheese around the world. Dorset Drum is one of their products, and comes from a farm near Blandford. There's more information in this link:

https://sites.google.com/site/dorsetdrumexpress/

I seem to remember seeing a pic/video of Eddystone on the S & D, can anyone confirm this or am I finally losing my marbles?

Pete

34028 wrote:I seem to remember seeing a pic/video of Eddystone on the S & D, can anyone confirm this or am I finally losing my marbles?

Pete

Well it did particpate the the S & D recreation event on the Bluebell in 2003.

http://southernlocomotivesltdphotogallery.fotopic.net/p60557212.html

34028 wrote:I seem to remember seeing a pic/video of Eddystone on the S & D, can anyone confirm this or am I finally losing my marbles?

Pete

Found it! It's in Peter Smiths book "Mendips Engineman" showing 34028 piloted by 73051 on the down Pines express.

Pete

I managed a visit to Swanage last Thursday specifically to spend a day in the company of 34028. In spite of leaving home at 05:15 a most enjoyable time was had and I managed to grab a few photos of 34028 on the railway which can be seen here http://paulgildersleve.smugmug.com/PaulGilderslevePhotography/Swanage-Railway-Thursday-23rd/24956863_4XzK4s#!i=2044723053&k=ctJBLH3

Regards,

Paul

How long before Eddystone is due for overhaul? Can anyone tell me please?

Pete

Next year I believe? Going by the SLL website. I am sure Nickt can tell us more? I do vaguely remember Eddystone receiving some remedial work; so maybe the next overhaul won't be as lengthy?

Last week I went to Swanage and as a SLL shareholder I was privileged to be given the opportunity to drive 34028 which was quite fantastic! As a bonus 34070 was in action working the service trains. My photos from the day can be seen here http://paulgildersleve.smugmug.com/PaulGilderslevePhotography/Swanage-Railway-Thursday-4th/25760786_QrVpS5#!i=2130744448&k=KKSB553

Cheers,

Paul

Eddystone's ticket expires on 17th August 2014. It will be in service on Swanage Railway pretty much every day until then, and on its final day it will also run the evening service, normally a DMU. After withdrawal the boiler is likely to be lifted and sent north for overhaul, but the work on the frames and motion will mostly need to wait until 34072 257 Squadron has been completed, hopefully mid 2015. So with luck Eddystone will be back in service some time in 2017. All this will take a lot of work and money, and as ever your assistance and support is welcomed.

Meanwhile a group of the volunteers arranged a "playday" on 21st July to enjoy the loco while it's still in service.

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLocomotivesLtd

With only 4 more days to go before it's Overhaul here are some recent pictures of Eddystone. Apparently a new Tender Tank will be made as part of the Overhaul.

https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/50SLLAtSwanage201314?feat=content_notification#6046929570494071426

Two tender tanks have been ordered, one for the name frames under construction at Herston and the other for the frames of Eddystone's current tender. It's not certain which will run with Eddystone and which will go with 257 Squadron, which should re-enter service in about a year from now. The choice will be determined by the rate of progress; obviously getting 257 Squadron back into service asap is the main issue. They'll both be cut-down versions.

Here are a few photos of Eddystone's last day in service starting here: https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/50SLLAtSwanage201314#6048868128364797058

SLL has launched an appeal to help fund 30428's 10 year overhaul, which will include some major boilerwork.

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/34028/34028_Appeal.html

This is some really excellent news regarding Eddystone. Link is here; http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html