34072 - 257 Squadron

Hi all,

Does anyone have any news as to the state of play with 257 Squadron please? I understand that she is going on for overhaul after 34053 'Sir Keith Park'?

Does anyone know the time it might possibly take to overhaul the loco? I would certainly love to see one of SLL's Bulleids back on the mainline again as shown here; http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/34072/34072_Restoration.html (Bottom of the page)

Many Thanks

Andy

That's the plan; Sir Keith Park should be out of the works in the second half of 2011, and serious work on 257 Squadron could start then, assuming 80104's overhaul is also completed. Hard to estimate how long the work will take, at least a year as quite a lot of boiler work is required. That means quite a lot of money will be required too. If you sign up for an SLL share you can get one of Richard Green's prints of 257 Squadron.

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/Company/Shareholders_Scheme.html

Looking good for 34072 on the Southern Locomotives website. I have to say that SLL are doing a fantastic job!! Of course could be a few years off with having to build another tender tank. Does this mean new wheelsets also??

The Bulleid tender wheels were cast several years ago. I think 24 were made, enough for four tenders, including one not for an SLL loco (Braunton?). 6 are currently at Buckfastleigh awaiting assembly with tyres and axles as one of the first steps of the new tender for 257 Squadron.

Hi all, with 34053 SKP now out of Hersrton Works. Quote from SLL website. "Work has started to get the outer casing removed from the loco. The cab is in poor condition, and we will have to do some work on this so that when it is removed it will hold its shape. We also have to make arrangements for the loco to be moved to a place where its boiler can be lifted and the frames deep cleaned. The frames and wheels will then return to Herston for overhaul, and we'll make some major decisions about the boiler."

Some fantastic pictures and updates located here; https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/Restoration2012?feat=content_notification#5764399061151837106 showing overhaul under way. There appears to be alot of work to do to get her steaming such as new cab and new casing which will be required to be made.

35005CP wrote:Some fantastic pictures and updates located here; https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/Restoration2012?feat=content_notification#5764399061151837106 showing overhaul under way. There appears to be alot of work to do to get her steaming such as new cab and new casing which will be required to be made.

Yes, there's a lot of work to do, but not on the scale of what was required for Sir Keith Park. 257 Squadron was running up to 2001, and it is basically complete, except for a new tender which is already being constructed.

Work has started a fantastic rate on 257 Squadron; but it seems more help & money is needed. If 257 Squadron is to be steamed again before 2016, when 34028 Eddystone (Ticket expires 2014) and 80104 in 2016, then some ideas need to be put across I think. Fundraising of some kind could be an idea, or even loaning a loco to another preserved line, maybe?
Many thanks
Andy

Andy, all five operational SLL locos are in revenue earning use (something of a record) so there's no scope to lend one elsewhere (except for occasional galas maybe). A large chunk of the money required to complete 257 Squadron will need to come from our loyal supporters.

257 Squadron's frames have returned to Herston Works after cleaning, and are back on the bogie and rear truck. The long task of rebuilding the loco can now commence.

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

There's a news update on the SLL website, including some items on 257 Squadron. http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

Work is continuing at a great pace on 257 Squadron! Pics here; https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/25Restoration2014?feat=content_notification#6046925969145496866

Some photos on 34072 being rewheeled yesterday, starting here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/25Restoration2014#6078478083984495554

Hi everyone,
There are further updates to 257 Squadron's Overhaul; https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/24Restoration2015?feat=content_notification#6118635771136419026
Tender almost complete as well as the Smokebox! Looking great!!
And good to see a new eager volunteer helping out with the Overhaul!
Cheers
Andy

Yes, 257 Squadron is coming along quite nicely. It's good to have a young volunteer joining us. Also last week an experience engineer came along. There's plenty to do, and new faces are always welcome.