Restoration of Locomotive 34053 'Sir Keith Park'

[34053]

Here are the latest details of the ''Strictly Bulleid'' Spring Steam Gala 2017 at the Swanage Railway (Friday 31st March to Sunday 2nd April) when 34053 'Sir Keith Park' returns (at last!) to her 'home metals' of the Southern Railway:

http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/ ... eam-gala-2

Also running will be other 'visitors':
- 34046 'Braunton' (Taking on the identity of scrapped Bulleid 34052 'Lord Dowding'.
- 34092 'City of Wells'
- 34081 '92 Squadron'

Together with 'resident':
- 34070 'Manston'

Herston Works will also be open, where 34072 '257 Squadron' can be seen, tantalisingly close to completion.

All in all, a veritable feast of 'Bulleid' Locomotives!

PW

[34053]

I am pleased to say that the 'Strictly Bulleid' Steam Gala at the Swanage Railway (Friday 31st March to Sunday 2nd April) was a resounding success . There was good weather each day and I understand that the number of visitors over the 3 Days exceeded all expectations.

Each of the 'Bulleid' Locomotives (3 'Original' and 2 'Rebuilt') ran well and the experience was worth every penny of my '3 Day Adult Rover' Ticket. There were some particular 'volcanic' performances from Original 'West Country Class' 34092 'City of Wells' (affectionately known as 'The Volcano'). Obviously, I was very pleased to see 'Battle of Britain Class' 34053 'Sir Keith Park' running on 'home metals'.

There was also the experience of being able to run beyond Norden, towards Wareham, on the Main Line connection as far as the River Frome Bridge (approx. 4 miles beyond Norden). Regular Passenger Services are expected to run into Wareham itself from June this year, for a '2 year Trial Period'.

On the Final Day (Sunday) the Locomotives ran with Headboards that they would have carried during their working lives, eg:
'Golden Arrow'; Man of Kent'; 'London-Paris Night Ferry'; 'The South American'; 'The Cunarder'; 'The Royal Wessex'; 'Atlantic Coast Express'; 'Oriana P & O Orient Lines'; 'Union-Castle Express'.

Just to give you a 'flavour' of the Gala, here is a YouTube clip that I have found (31st March) [Part Day 1 of 3]:



Enjoy.

PW

[34053]

I am delighted to report that the 'Strictly Bulleid', ''End of Southern Steam 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala'', was '....the most successful Gala in the history of the Swanage Railway'. You can read all about it in the following News item, posted on the Swanage Railway website on 5th April:

http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news/de ... -gala-ever

PW

[Vulcan Bomber]

Each of the 'Bulleid' Locomotives (3 'Original' and 2 'Rebuilt') ran well and the experience was worth every penny of my '3 Day Adult Rover' Ticket. There were some particular 'volcanic' performances from Original 'West Country Class' 34092 'City of Wells' (affectionately known as 'The Volcano').
PW

If my memory serves me correctly, City of Wells is fitted with a Geisel Ejector instead of a regular blast nozzle​ to improve her draughting and making her ( in theory) cheaper to run so you should find she chuffs a lot louder and harder than any other spam can.

[34053]

Each of the 'Bulleid' Locomotives (3 'Original' and 2 'Rebuilt') ran well and the experience was worth every penny of my '3 Day Adult Rover' Ticket. There were some particular 'volcanic' performances from Original 'West Country Class' 34092 'City of Wells' (affectionately known as 'The Volcano').
PW

If my memory serves me correctly, City of Wells is fitted with a Geisel Ejector instead of a regular blast nozzle​ to improve her draughting and making her ( in theory) cheaper to run so you should find she chuffs a lot louder and harder than any other spam can.

Yes VB, you are absolutely correct and sound of the exhaust, with the 'Geisel Ejector', is different to that of a conventional 'Bulleid' and this Ejector no doubt contributes to the 'volcanic' performance of 'City of Wells'. There is also a noticeable difference in the shape of the chimney - this being a narrower, rectangular 'slot', rather than circular:

"A Giesel ejector is a suction draught system for steam locomotives that works on the same principle as a feed water pump. This ejector was invented in 1951 by the Austrian engineer, Dr. Adolph Giesel-Gieslingen. The Giesel ejector ensures improved suction draught and a correspondingly better use of energy. The existing blast pipe in a locomotive is replaced by several small, fan-shaped, diverging blast pipes, from which the diffuser gets its flat, long, drawn-out shape".

PW

[Vulcan Bomber]

The top of the chimney is infact the top of the Ejector. The last numbered 9F, 92250 was trialed with a similar Geisl Ejector when it was built, it improved the engine but the savings is made were small so no other 9F was fitted..... 92250 kept hers up until she was scrapped.

[34053]

The top of the chimney is infact the top of the Ejector. The last numbered 9F, 92250 was trialed with a similar Geisl Ejector when it was built, it improved the engine but the savings is made were small so no other 9F was fitted..... 92250 kept hers up until she was scrapped.

Thank you for the info' VB. Who knows by how much the development of/improvements to, the design of Steam Locomotives would have been progressed, but for the indecent haste at which they were withdrawn and/or scrapped?! I suppose conversion to oil firing (which was in the process of being trialled) was the next obvious step.

PW

[Vulcan Bomber]

The top of the chimney is infact the top of the Ejector. The last numbered 9F, 92250 was trialed with a similar Geisl Ejector when it was built, it improved the engine but the savings is made were small so no other 9F was fitted..... 92250 kept hers up until she was scrapped.

Thank you for the info' VB. Who knows by how much the development of/improvements to, the design of Steam Locomotives would have been progressed, but for the indecent haste at which they were withdrawn and/or scrapped?! I suppose conversion to oil firing (which was in the process of being trialled) was the next obvious step.

PW

I only know really what was done with the BR Standard's, 3 9F's were trialed with a screw style stoker, then if you want to read up have a look at the 10 Built with a franco-crosti Boiler.... We also had the Duke of Gloucester, 3 cylinders with Capprotti Valve gear, in for overhaul at the minute this engine could run at just 3% cut off.

[34053]

'Sir Keith Park' will be visiting the Mid-Hants Railway (aka 'The Watercress Line') for their 'Summer Gala' on Saturday 1st July/Sunday 2nd July; plus Friday 7th July/Saturday 8th July/Sunday 9th July*. This will be another commemoration of the 50th Anniversary the 'End of Steam on the Southern' in 1987 (*actually on the 9th July) - as was the recent 'Strictly Bulleid' Gala at the Swanage Railway.

'Battle of Britain Class' 34053 'Sir Keith Park' will also be joined by the following, operational, 'visitors':

- 'Merchant Navy Class' 35006 'Peninsular and Orient Line'
- 'Battle of Britain Class' 34081 '92 Squadron'
- ''Battle of Britain Class' 34052 'Lord Dowding' [Actually 34046 'Braunton', but renamed for these Events to represent 'scrapped' 34052 - and also to have the unique opportunity to run two, consecutively numbered Locomotives, with 34053]. Note: This Locomotive will be at the Gala for 1st and 2nd July ONLY.
- 80078 BR Standard 4 Tank

Additionally, the following 'Bulleid' Pacifics, which are currently 'In Restoration', will also be on display:

- 'West Country Class' 34007 'Wadebridge'
- 'Merchant Navy Class' 35005 'Canadian Pacific'
- 'Battle of Britain Class' 34058 'Sir Frederick Pile'
- 'West Country Class' 34105 'Swanage'

Also, from the 'Home Fleet':

- 41312 Ivatt Class 2MT
- 76017 Class 4MT

As you can see, an amazing collection of Steam Locomotives, including no less than EIGHT 'Bulleid' Pacifics.

Well worth a visit:

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/product ... ummer-gala

PW

[34053]

'SIR KEITH PARK' IS LEAVING THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY:

Yes, at the end of this year, 34053 will be making the move back to Dorset and to her 'real home' (being a Southern Railway Locomotive) at the Swanage Railway. A statement issued by the SVR, on 24th August, reads as follows:

''We'll be bidding a fond farewell to Sir Keith Park at the end of the year, so our Autumn Steam Gala will be one of your last chances to travel behind it!

No. 34053 has been resident on the Severn Valley Railway since its inaugural run in 2012, and has steamed up many highlights. Some memorable moments include; the Steam and Morgan car challenge in October 2012, and the inauguration ceremony of the loco in August 2013, which involved a flypast from a Spitfire and Hurricane at Bridgnorth.

The agreement for operating the locomotive with Southern Locomotives Limited (SLL) has a break clause every two years, with the next renewal date at the end of 2017. We have mutually agreed that the option to renew will not be actioned at the end of this year, with 'SKP' moving to the Swanage Railway for the rest of the locomotive's certificate. This is a mutual agreement with the owning group, and leaves every opportunity for further locos from the SLL fleet to visit in future years.

A farewell weekend for the engine is likely to take place in November, with No. 34053 operating alongside No. 34027 Taw Valley for, what could be, the last time.

We would like to thank Southern Locomotives Ltd for all of their work and assistance, and for allowing ‘Skip’ to run at the Severn Valley Railway for the last five years. We are sure that she (or is it he) will continue to be a popular locomotive and a consistent performer at the Swanage Railway for the remainder of its boiler certificate.''

PW

[34053]

34053 will be 'on her travels' again next month. Following the Severn Valley Railway Autumn Gala (21st - 24th September and which includes some all night running) SKP will be visiting the following 'Autumn Galas':

- Great Central Railway (5th- 8th October).

- Llangollen Railway (13th - 15th October).

The Locomotive will then return to the Severn Valley Railway until January, which is when 'Sir Keith Park' will 'return home', to the Swanage Railway.

PW

[34053]

I am pleased to say that the 'Strictly Bulleid' Steam Gala at the Swanage Railway (Friday 31st March to Sunday 2nd April) was a resounding success . There was good weather each day and I understand that the number of visitors over the 3 Days exceeded all expectations.

Each of the 'Bulleid' Locomotives (3 'Original' and 2 'Rebuilt') ran well and the experience was worth every penny of my '3 Day Adult Rover' Ticket. There were some particular 'volcanic' performances from Original 'West Country Class' 34092 'City of Wells' (affectionately known as 'The Volcano'). Obviously, I was very pleased to see 'Battle of Britain Class' 34053 'Sir Keith Park' running on 'home metals'.

There was also the experience of being able to run beyond Norden, towards Wareham, on the Main Line connection as far as the River Frome Bridge (approx. 4 miles beyond Norden). Regular Passenger Services are expected to run into Wareham itself from June this year, for a '2 year Trial Period'.

On the Final Day (Sunday) the Locomotives ran with Headboards that they would have carried during their working lives, eg:
'Golden Arrow'; Man of Kent'; 'London-Paris Night Ferry'; 'The South American'; 'The Cunarder'; 'The Royal Wessex'; 'Atlantic Coast Express'; 'Oriana P & O Orient Lines'; 'Union-Castle Express'.

Just to give you a 'flavour' of the Gala, here is a YouTube clip that I have found (31st March) [Part Day 1 of 3]:



Enjoy.

PW

Unfortunately the 'embedded' YouTube clip of the 'Strictly Bulleid' Gala (referred to above) 'is no longer supported'. However, here is just the link to it again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJSzpAHXA9I

PW

[34053]

'Sir Keith Park' is due to leave the Severn Valley Railway and return to the Swanage Railway on 11th January. Initially, the Locomotive will enter Herston Works to be checked over, having clocked up approx. 35,000 miles at the SVR and has visited other Preserved Railways as a 'Guest Locomotive' at their various Galas. SKP's time at the SVR also means that 'she' is now half way through 'her' 10 year 'Boiler Ticket' already!

Looking forward to seeing 34053 running on 'home metals' again.

PW

[Minty4371]

May she have a safe journey back home.
Hope she has a good time running on the Swanage Railway.
Glad I saw, photographed and rode behind her at the Nene Valley Railway.

[34053]

Thank you Robert.

PW

[34053]

As previously mentioned above, 'Sir Keith Park' is returning to the Swanage Railway in a few days' time, having operated at the Severn Valley Railway since July 2012. Please use the link below to see a selection of photos taken during 'her' time there:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP ... oxOXJSVkxn

'Double Click' on the first photo and then follow them through to read each caption and date.

Enjoy.

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you for the link to the photos Ray.

[34053]

'Sir Keith Park' made the return journey from Bridgnorth to Swanage, by Road, on Thursday 11th January (as scheduled). The Locomotive entered Herston Works to undergo a 'check over', before returning to Service on the Swanage Railway.

Southern Locomotives Ltd have posted some Photos on their website. Please use the link below to see these Photos. Pics I to 6 incl :

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

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you Ray.
What is a P&V Examination please? (as seen in the description of photo 5)

[34053]

Thank you Ray.
What is a P&V Examination please? (as seen in the description of photo 5)

It stands for a 'Piston and Valve' Examination, Robert. Just to check that there are no possible problems in that 'department'.

Thank you for your continued interest in SKP.

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you for the reply Ray.
Hope everything goes well and no problems are found.
Hope 257 Squadron is running soon as well.

[Dougs]

Thanks for the update Ray, such an awesome locomotive. Long may it keep rolling

[34053]

Thank you, Dougs. I'm looking forward to seeing your 2.5'' gauge version of 'SKP', in due course.

PW

[Minty4371]

Statue of Sir Keith Park in London, taken on Friday 2 March 2018







More information here: http://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/sir-keith-park

[34053]

Thank you Robert.

I was privileged to be invited to the unveiling of both the 'Temporary' statue of Sir Keith Park (on the '4th plinth' in Trafalgar Square) on 4th November 2009 and also the above 'Permanent' statue (in Waterloo Place) on 15th September 2010.
Both events were attended by many of the remaining Battle of Britain Pilots at the time. Sadly, with the passage of the years since, the numbers are now reduced to single figures (just 7 when I last looked).

PW