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Didcot Railway Centre,The Saint Loco 2999's first public unveiling in temporary Black livery (17 november 2018).
The first public display of the reproduction 'Saint' converted from the GWR 'Hall' class 4942.
Although D9516 wasn't a GWR loco it was constructed at Swindon being one of the class of 56 built there thus becoming the final UK locomotives made at that now long gone Works.They were good engines but became redundant after just a few years due to BR's changing freight patterns.Many including this one ended up in industrial service for quite some time.This one going to BSC-Corby for 13 years. This loco arrived here in 2014 having been bought from the Wensleydale Railway.Note the cast numberplate,an unoriginal homage to its larger brother the D1000 'Western' type,also fitted with hydraulic transmission.
..17 november 2018..
6998 'Burton Agnes Hall' seemingly ready for service has in fact been 'oos' since 1996 waiting for a 10-year boiler overhaul.Seen at Didcot Steam Centre where it has been based practically all the time since withdrawal from BR service in 1966,over 50 years ago.At least it didn't suffer the indignity of being dumped in Woodham's Yard for multiple years so in fact is a true original.
..17 november 2018..
2908 'Lady of Quality',in reality 2999 'Lady of Legend' athough in fact an un-rebuild of Hall-Class 4942 'Maindy Hall' poses on the turntable at Didcot Railway Centre showing off the large Castle-Class size wheels that were the hallmark of the 'Saint' design.Not long now before it actually moves under its own power,another 3 months probably!
..17 november 2018..
Here is GWR-2999 viewed from the other side,this time wearing 2908 'Lady of Quality' plates.The original loco was scrapped way back in December 1950 after a service life of 44 years.
..17 november 2018..
The almost 'ready to run' GWR-2999 or as it is shown here as 2983 'Redgauntlet' sitting on display on the turntable in Didcot Railway Centre. It is only in this black livery for a short time as when it is ready for steaming in the Spring of 2019 it will be refinished in GWR-Green.Luckily it was a perfect day lightwise for these one time only valedictory shots.
..17 november 2018..
This is an original 'Redgauntlet' nameplate that is temporarily fitted to 2999 the GWS's replica 'Saint' locomotive that is yet to moved under its own steam,although that is now only a few months away!
..17 november 2018..
This is the GWS's recreation of a 'Saint' nominally to be numbered 2999 'Lady of Legend' but for this special day was specially numbered 2983 'Redgauntlet' on this side and 2908 'Lady of Quality' on the other. Here is the Redgauntlet side with 2983/2908 sitting on the turntable out on the lawn area at the back of Didcot Shed.A fine piece of reproduction furniture!
..17 november 2018..
5322 was yet another 'Barry Rescue' locomotive way back in 1969.The engine arrived at Didcot in 1973 and is sadly another loco needing major boiler work so is now purely a static exhibit.
Click HERE to see it in Barry Scapyard way back in 1968.Photographed by me 50 years ago!
..17 november 2018..
The Wantage Tramway No-5 is actually part of the National Collection.Built in 1857 it lasted in service at various places including Wantage (It was there from 1878 to 1946) before finally becoming a museum piece in 1948 at Wantage Road Station not very far from Didcot.When that station closed the loco eventually found its way here to the GWS Shed in Didcot.Sadly a badly cracked firebox currently prevents it from steaming again but you never know.Anything is possible in todays preservation world!
..17 november 2018..
5900 'Hinderton Hall' is a fine example of a loco brought back to full working order from being a total wreck at Woodhams-Yard in Barry S-Wales.Built in 1931 it lasted until 1963 then ended up in Barry.1971 saw it purchased by the GWS and moved to Didcot where it was fully restored to mainline condition,even taking part in the 1985 GWR celebrations hauling several excursions.However since May 2018 it is now purely a static exhibit due to its boiler certificate becoming expired.
..17 november 2018..
GWR 2-6-2T 6106 was originally used on suburban services out of Paddington until displaced by the 1st generation DMU's.It did remain in service however until 1967 and has resided here at Didcot ever since.A total of over 50 years! Of note is this is the only example remaining of this particular class of Tank-Loco.
..17 november 2018..
The Blue 'King Edward II' 6023 that has recently returned here from a summer season down on the Torbay & Dartmouth Railway stands next to the 0-4-2 Tank 1466 in the yard on Didcot-MPD.The Auto-tank has been artificially dirtied up in readiness for use on a photographic charter on the branch demonstration line later.
..17 november 2018..
This loco 08604 was originally pressed into service in July/1959 as D3771.It was eventually entered preservation after final withdrawal in July/1993,over 25 years ago.It now resides permanantly at the Didcot Railway Centre doing all the donkey work moving the preserved stock around the site as necessary.Until recently it was in lined BR-Green but is now as you see it.