Restoration of Locomotive 34053 'Sir Keith Park'

[34053]

I have received the great news that 'Sir Keith Park has left Herston Works (following a thorough check over, including a 'Piston and Valve' inspection on each of the 3 Cylinders). The Locomotive is now 'back home' again on the Swanage Railway, after 5 years of running on the Severn Valley Railway, for the remaining 5 years of the Boiler 'ticket'.

PW

[Dougs]

Great news will be logging on to the web cam to see her from time to time

[Minty4371]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n-EfigyZuc

[34053]

Many thanks for the YouTube clip Robert. Welcome Home 'Sir Keith Park'.

Did you notice that the 34053 numbers have now been replaced with those of the correct 'Southern' style? (The 'font style' has changed, plus the numbers are outlined in black). This was done at Herston Works, during the recent maintenance work.

PW

[Minty4371]

Hadn't noticed the number style change. Sorry.
Hope she has a good time on the line.
Shame I will never see her again in person.
I will only see her in photos/videos.
Missed getting a photo of the writing on the slide bar.

[Dougs]

Wow she looks awesome

[34053]

Swanage Railway held their 'Works Outing' Spring Gala last weekend (Friday 23rd March to Sunday 25th March) which saw their 'Home Fleet' Locomotives in action, including 34053 'Sir Keith Park'. The first official appearance of this Locomotive, since returning from 5 years at the Severn Valley Railway and since her last appearance at the highly successful 'Strictly Bulleid' Gala (March/April last year).

Also running was 'Home Fleet' Class 33 Diesel D6515 'Lt Jenny Lewis RN' to 'Top and Tail' Trains beyond Norden, to the River Frome Bridge.

I have found a very good YouTube video that covers the first day of the Gala:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWgRmJHLeOg

As usual, select 'Full Screen', turn up the Volume and enjoy!

PW

[MOD]

Thanks for that Ray. SKP is much missed up here at SVR, especially by my grandson Luca. I will have to bring him down to Swanage this summer, if we ever get one...

Ian

[34053]

Here are some more Photos that have been posted recently, by Southern Locomotives Ltd. Unfortunately, 'Sir Keith Park' had developed an axle box 'problem' and SDR Engineering, at Buckfastleigh, at short notice, kindly accommodated the Locomotive on their 'Wheel Drop', to enable us to carry out the necessary work. These Photos show this work.

Please use the link below to see the Photos ('my' Pics Nos 92 to 101 incl.):

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM ... ZKTkxmaWZn

PW

[Minty4371]

Link does not work Ray.

EDIT:
Link now works. Thank you.

[MOD]

Thanks Ray. I hope you are well. I have copied your post to my eldest grandson who loves SKP and misses him dearly.

Ian

[34053]

Thanks Ray. I hope you are well. I have copied your post to my eldest grandson who loves SKP and misses him dearly.

Ian

Thank you Ian. It's good to hear from you again.

Yes, I am well and still enjoying working on Locomotive Restorations and Overhauls.

Although it is nice to see SKP back on 'home metals', the SVR was a great place for SKP to 'stretch her legs'. I had a couple of great experiences driving SKP through Bewdley Tunnel, back to Kidderminster from Bridgnorth, on our annual Shareholders 'Drive & Fire' days, when SLL also held their AGM at The Engine House. Really enjoyed my time on the SVR. I still keep up my Membership and am pleased to support such an amazing Railway.

PW

[34053]

5 years ago today - the Recommissioning of 'Sir Keith Park'.Here are the Photos (from the Southern Locomotives Ltd website):

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN ... taMWtBYXpn

A Great Day!

PW

[Dougs]

Was remembering it too, Facebook came up with a 5year ago memory of my son and myself doing an outdoor pursuits day in the same area we could hear the whistle and spitfire hasn’t it gone quickly.