Harry Needle - Presereved Locomotives

[wensley]

Harry Needle currently owns 31166, 31188 & 47703 which are all stored at Wensleydale Railway. '166 is to be scrapped outright and will be towed to Stockton by rail. '188 is to have the engine removed on site which will be re-used on another project away from the line. This will be the first engine lift at Leeming. The body of the loco will then be transported to Stockton by road. 47703 will be moved away will '166 and will then be tripped to Barrow Hill for overhaul and sale to DRS.

It is F*****g ridiculous that locos like this are being sent to scrap when the power packs are in 'perfect' :???: nick and all they need is a bit of TLC to get a bit of 'Ped' action on the line.

03144 is to leave the line later this year and Harry may just become the flavour of the month with rumours of nights in shining armour...

 

[theblackwatch]

166 is hardly in 'perfect' condition - it needs its cylinder liners replacing, which is quite a major job requiring many man (or woman) hours work either an engine strip or removal (not sure which).

 

[wensley]

166 is hardly in 'perfect' condition - it needs its cylinder liners replacing, which is quite a major job requiring many man (or woman) hours work either an engine strip or removal (not sure which).

Maybe not but '188 started first time with little trouble and revved up ok. The only issue with this one is it won't take power. 47703 did work OK and will be great when its restored but it seems a shame that '188 can't be tinkered with to get it going. But at least the engine is going for something useful.

 

[theblackwatch]

If people had wanted to buy these locos for continued preservation, they've had plenty of opportunity - Martin Nixon has been advertising the 31s for sale since 2006. I'm sure we'll see an increase in 'preserved' locos heading for dealers/breakers in the next few years. As you say, at least they will provide some useful spares for other members of the class.

 

[wensley]

Yes, there are many locomotives that have now had thier initial usage and are not in servicable condition. I am really surprised there was no interest in the 31s. However, 31188 starting first time was a shock. There was no clag what so ever! It was a 'nice' surprise when the turbos threw out a jet of black water, the fitters had their days exercise. There was an attempt to take power using a bit of wood...the less said the better but lets just say the locos condition was prohibitive and the attempt failed. The engine lift is set to take place on site in a couple of weeks as soon as insurance and crane hire has been arranged.

 

[wensley]

The engine comes out of 31188 this Wednesday and it will travel to Thompsons in the near future.