June 2008
News from May has now been moved to the News Archive section of this website.
Latest News...
14 &15 June 08 -Severn Valley Railway
The society held its AGM over the weekend whilst the loco was involved in a mini "Royal Engine" gala alongside 6201 "Princess Elizabeth".
On Sunday morning the loco sustained a crack to the middle right-hand axlebox, the 't" bolt locating section breaking away on one side whilst refitting the keep after it had to be removed. With the keep still supported securely on the remaining 3 bolts the SVR staff deemed the loco fit to run, however the tender will now await to be lifted to replace the damaged box.
10 June 08 - The Royal Train, Severn Valley Railway
After many months of hard work the icing on the cake was finally here as the 6024 proudly hauled the Royal Train along the length of the Severn Valley Railway from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. The day had been several months in the making and kept tightly under wraps but as the sun shone brightly in Shropshire all the nail biting moments of the past few months were forgotten as the loco performed faultlessly over the 16 mile route with the 450 ton train.
This was not only a great day for the Society but also the Severn Valley Railway whose hard work & perseverance through the terrible floods of last Summer rightly got the credit they deserved with a fantastic day of celebration. Our thanks go to them for inviting the Society to haul their special train and for all their hard work in helping us get the loco back operational.
We also owe a great deal of thanks to all the people who’ve assisted us over the last few months (too many to name here) but especially the Great Western Society at Didcot, for whose help & assistance we are extremely grateful.
There’s plenty to read, see & watch on the internet of this special day. Here’s some links to keep you busy...
http://scottlewis.fotopic.net/c1531387.html - Scott Smith’s Photographs
http://www.shropshirestar.com/2008/06/11/charles-and-camilla-charm-county/ - Shropshire Star article
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btHHxC8Um8g - PSOV Footage
7 June 08 - GWS, Didcot to SVR, Bridgnorth
The support coach was delivered yesterday from Rampart's in Derby to Didcot. So, with all of our gear on board we bade farewell to our home for the past 5 months to head off to the Severn Valley Railway and a very special engagement.
The run was marred slightly by an overheated tender bearing at Banbury, but with a stop in the siding North of the station to inspect and carry out a repair the loco, water wagon & coach continued on their way without any further problem reaching Bridgnorth later in the evening.
We've had an excellent time as guests of the Great Western Society, for whose help & assistance we are extremely grateful.
31 May, 01 June 08 - GWS, Didcot
After a sucessful hot boiler examination and VAB inspection during the week, the loco spent some time running in on Didcot's demonstration linke, including hauling the Royal Mail demonstrations on Sunday afternoon.
The loco heads off now next weekend to the Severn Valley Railway for a special engagement.
