Restoration of Locomotive 34053 'Sir Keith Park'

[34053]

Here it is, confirmation on the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, of the hauling by 34053 'Sir Keith Park' on 22nd August 2012, of its first passenger train since 1965:

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

PW

[Nickt]

Hi Guys. Some recent photos of SKP on SVR here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 0242914866

[34053]

Some more pics have now been added to Nickt's link (above); see pics 66 to 76 incl.

PW

[34053]

Here are a couple more pics of 'Sir Keith Park' on SVR Service Trains (77 & 78):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 8030487202

PW

[Minty4371]

Posted on Facebook.

Here is your chance to be one of the first to drive and fire newly-restored Bulleid pacific locomotive No. 34053, ‘Sir Keith Park’ [courtesy of Southern Locomotives Ltd] as it hauls a full-length train along the whole length of the Severn Valley Railway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth!
•Selected dates available in November
•Only two participants per half day session
•Morning or afternoon sessions available
•On the footplate throughout the return journey
•Up to ten places in the train for family and friends (conditions apply)
•Photographic opportunities
•Commemorative certificate and other mementos of the occasion
•Complimentary tickets package to complete the occasion
£995 per person inc. VAT

Locomotive No. 34053, ‘Sir Keith Park’ has recently been returned to full working order for the first time since its withdrawal from service by British Railways in 1965. Now you can have the opportunity to experience the sheer power of this massive machine as you open the regulator and your 300 ton train starts to move slowly away!
As if that wasn’t enough, you will also be invited to try your hand at keeping boiler pressure ‘up to the mark’ as you shovel coal into the massive firebox!
A fully qualified crew will be with you throughout the experience. They will be able to share with you some of the ‘tips of the trade’, show you around the locomotive and give you a chance to operate the other controls located around the footplate.
The crew will also be on hand to assist those who may find some of the activities physically demanding.
Selected dates are now available in November 2012. For more information and to book please give our Footplate Experience Co-ordinator a call on: 01299 403816
(Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm)

[34053]

The '...£995 per person....' Price Tag may seem a bit steep, but what with the cost of the Coal (the Bulleid 'Pacifics', such as 'Sir Keith Park' can be rather 'hungry' Locomotives!) etc, the 16 miles of the run, each way, plus the 'fringe benefits' also included, it's more or less the 'going rate' for a 'Footplate Experience' these days (but worth every penny!).

PW

[34053]

Some more pics have now been added to the SLL 'Galleries'. See Nos 79 to 89 incl. by using the link below:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 2812954754

PW

[34053]

Here are some latest Pics frm the SLL Galleries. See Pics 90 to 105 incl. using the link below (don't forget to scroll up, if necessary, to read the title):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 2270058658

PW

[Dan4th]

This Is Good!

She seems to be settling-in well

It's also nice to see her being well
tended to and properly serviced!

Thank you, Ray

Danf.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Some lovely footage of SKP this past weekend::::::::::



High Rez if your compooter will allow

D.

[34053]

Thanks Dan, that's absolutely brilliant. First time that I have seen (and heard) SKP really working hard against the gradient...and she sounds magnificent!! I will be experiencing this first hand, in a couple of weeks' time, when I visit the Severn Valley Railway for a few days.

PW

[Dan4th]

I went and had a look around, and I
found that vid.....

Not all SKP, but enough, I'd say....

I'm waiting for one of her barrelling
down the flats at full chat

Maybe a train-to-train

I will look forward to your report, sir!

Danf.

[34053]

Later this week I shall be heading North for the Severn Valley Railway. Southern Locomotives Ltd (for whom I Volunteer) are holding their Shareholder AGM at SVR this year (not at Swanage, as in previous years) so that we can see 34053 'Sir Keith Park' 'in the flesh' (and in operation) for the first time since the Locomotive left Herston Works and headed up the M5, on the journey to Bridgnorth. Very much looking forward to it and, no doubt, there will be a pic or two to share with you, when I return.

PW

[MOD]

I hope the weather stays kind for you Ray.


ibw

[34053]

Later this week I shall be heading North for the Severn Valley Railway. Southern Locomotives Ltd (for whom I Volunteer) are holding their Shareholder AGM at SVR this year (not at Swanage, as in previous years) so that we can see 34053 'Sir Keith Park' 'in the flesh' (and in operation) for the first time since the Locomotive left Herston Works and headed up the M5, on the journey to Bridgnorth. Very much looking forward to it and, no doubt, there will be a pic or two to share with you, when I return.

PW

Well here I am, back from Bridgnorth, after an amazing time. Not only was I able to see and hear 'Sir Keith Park' in action........................................I actually got to have a 'Drive and Fire' on her! Fantastic Experience and she performed magnificently. I will post a few pics and a compilation video in due course. Watch this space!

PW

[Dan4th]

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be watching for that, Ray

Danf.

[Minty4371]

Thank you Ray. Glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to your photos and video. Did you get any photos of 82045?

[34053]

Thank you Ray. Glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to your photos and video. Did you get any photos of 82045?

Unfortunately I didn't get any pics of 82045. I saw the Frames on the Thursday afternoon shortly after arrival at Bridgnorth, but didn't have my camera with me. After that, things got a bit busy the other days and so I didn't get another chance.

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you for your reply Ray. A picture of 82045 on 21 October.

This was taken from their Facebook page.

[34053]

Thank you for the photo Robert

Now, here is a little bit of a 'taster' for you all. Click on the link below to see the pics on the Southern Locomotives Ltd website of the activities on 19th & 20th October (Photos 2-33 incl):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 6464886642

Don't forget to read the captions below each photo (Nickt certainly has 'a way with words').

My pics and video will follow, in due course.

PW

[Dan4th]

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Photo #23 belongs on your wall, Ray

Danf.

[34053]

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Photo #23 belongs on your wall, Ray

Danf.

Yes, I must admit that, I really like that one as well - the glow (and heat!) through the Fire Door and the swirling steam from the Loco'......

PW

[34053]

23.10.12: Well here I am, back from Bridgnorth, after an amazing time. Not only was I able to see and hear 'Sir Keith Park' in action........................................I actually got to have a 'Drive and Fire' on her! Fantastic Experience and she performed magnificently. I will post a few pics and a compilation video in due course. Watch this space! PW

Here is the Compilation Video (approx 8 mins) of the 13 video clips I took on 19th October. There were three return trips from Bridgnorth (to Kidderminster) that day: 0930; 1230 and 1530 hrs. I was Firing (for the first 8 miles) and then Driving (for the last 8 miles) on the 1530 Departure from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster so, as it was a bit busy on the footplate, I was unable to take a video of that particular journey. However, I think that you will 'get a flavour' from the clips I took from the leading carriage, on the return journey. The Locomotive was hauling the heavy LNER 'Teak Set' and which comprised seven coaches, weighing over 30 tons each. Enjoy!



[The pics will follow, as soon as I 'sort them out'].

PW

[Dan4th]

Now, THAT was worth the wait!

Especially the last two minutes or so....

I can tell lots of work has gone into those
cars as well, and they look lovely

All we need now is pics of PW wielding a
shovel in anger!!!!!!!!!

Thank You, Ray!

Danf.

[34053]

Here are the Pics:

The entrance Car Park to Bridgnorth Station. The sections at the back with the SVR lettering were, originally, the chutes from Coal Wagons above, for the Coal Merchants to collect the coal below:




Bridgnorth Station entrance:




The Boiler for 34010 'Sidmouth' (a 'future' SLL Restoration Project) in the Yard at Bridgnorth:


'The Railwayman's Arms' - a popular Pub on Bridgnorth Station:


'Sir Keith Park' at Bridgnorth:






Taking on Coal and Water at Bridgnorth:


Happy for it to now be our turn on the Footplate:


On the Footplate at Bridgnorth, ready for the 'off':


Mama Wedgy took this photo. Who would have thought that the day would include Elephants! (West Midlands Safari Park, near Bewdley. These Elephants also featured in the Olympic Torch Relay, when it was carried on the SVR):


At Kidderminster Station, at the end of our turn on the Footplate:


Views of the Boiler Backhead:




'Sir Keith Park' returns from running round the Train, for the return journey to Bridgnorth:


Leaving Bridgnorth, we pass the Main Line Service entering Kidderminster 'Network Rail' Station:


'Sir Keith Park' simmers at Bridgnorth, at the end of a busy day:


Sunset over 'Sir Keith Park':


A fantastic day and what an experience!

PW

[Xplumberlives]

Marvellous Ray, you look justifiably proud!