KWVR NEWS AND UPDATES

[alexl92]

Ok so if the WD is almost back, and being unique is presumably one they'll want to keep overhauling as long as posible, and the experience with the 8F has increased the likelihood of that returning (thankfully), where does that leave 5820 Big Jim? 3 heavy freight 2-8-0s would be overkill on a line like the KWVR...

 

[Iskra]

Ok so if the WD is almost back, and being unique is presumably one they'll want to keep overhauling as long as posible, and the experience with the 8F has increased the likelihood of that returning (thankfully), where does that leave 5820 Big Jim? 3 heavy freight 2-8-0s would be overkill on a line like the KWVR...

They can always loan one out, there will be pretty much always be demand at other railways for steam locomotives.

 

[HertiageFan]

They can always loan one out, there will be pretty much always be demand at other railways for steam locomotives.

Wensleydale polar express…

 

[Iskra]

Wensleydale polar express…

Wensleydale would probably appreciate one over the summer too.

There are quite a few other candidates too- Ecclesbourne Valley or even the North Yorkshire Moors could probably benefit from another powerful loco. Given the seemingly positive working relationship with the GCR, one could end up there too.

 

[Gwr12345]

Wensleydale polar express…

They require air brakes though

 

[HertiageFan]

They require air brakes though

5820 is air braked

 

[xotGD]

The 20 and Standard 4 in action today with the elves.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Does anyone know what running steam loco is running tomorrow ?
Update: it was 44932 top and tailed with the 20

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Dec 2025 ==

Apparently 44932 has failed, it has been removed at Keighley. Update: the 14 is running round to haul the service up to Oxenhope.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Dec 2025 ==


44932 has been dragged back by the 101

Not had the most reliable time at kwvr 44932

 

[alexl92]

They can always loan one out, there will be pretty much always be demand at other railways for steam locomotives.

There will, but there's a limited number of lines who can make use of a heavy freight 2-8-0. Most places need nothing bigger than an Austerity, GWR Prairie or a Standard 4.

Wensleydale polar express…

I doubt this for two reasons - firstly and less significantly, its arguably the 'wrong' colour. The average punter is far more likely to be fooled by any black tender engine dressed up as 1225 - a grey engine, even if American rather than British, will 'look' wrong and contrasts with the image they've built in recent years. This isn't a major thing though, as the likes of the Spa Valley running a green Bulleid Pacific have proved.

More significantly though, to transport 5820 from Keighley to Leeming Bar would mean hiring two lorries for road transport. Wensleydale have an established relationship with Rileys to bring in a Black 5 by rail each year - unless a 5MT wasn't available I can't see why they'd change the plan.

I haven't forgotten that they did use one of the CVR's S160s for the first few years though.

Wensleydale would probably appreciate one over the summer too.

There are quite a few other candidates too- Ecclesbourne Valley or even the North Yorkshire Moors could probably benefit from another powerful loco. Given the seemingly positive working relationship with the GCR, one could end up there too.

Wensleydale have been open about the fact that they don't currently have the capacity to host a Steam loco long-term though they're currently working on this so that may well change in the coming couple of years. The NYMR, if anything, desperately need additional motive power that can work through to Whitby rather than internal services - don't forget they've got the 9F and S160 Omaha and the Q6 which are all Pickering - Whitby only.

GCR likewise are fairly well covered for heavy locos I think? EVR not impossible but their staple is industrial tank engines rather than larger engines.


Fully accept that I could well be proved wrong. But I can't see KWVR overhauling Big Jim purely on the basis of being able to hire it out.

 

[xotGD]

Big Jim ought to be at the back of the queue, behind the 8F, Standard 4 Tank, 4F and Jinty.

 

[Iskra]

There will, but there's a limited number of lines who can make use of a heavy freight 2-8-0. Most places need nothing bigger than an Austerity, GWR Prairie or a Standard 4.

Appreciated, but they could instead keep Big Jim and loan out one or even two smaller loco’s. It gives them more options

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Dec 2025 ==

Big Jim ought to be at the back of the queue, behind the 8F, Standard 4 Tank, 4F and Jinty.

Why’s that?

 

[xotGD]

Why’s that?

Well that's where you usually join a queue. At the back. Big Jim was in traffic until relatively recently whereas there are locos in the shed at Oxenhope that haven't steamed in years.

Clearly we are never going to have the whole fleet in service at the same time, but it ought to be the case that each loco gets its turn.

If there are locos there that the KWVR never intends to overhaul, then they should be offered to other railways who would want to make them operational. Keeping them 'stuffed and mounted' should be a last resort.

 

[Iskra]

Well that's where you usually join a queue. At the back. Big Jim was in traffic until relatively recently whereas there are locos in the shed at Oxenhope that haven't steamed in years.

Clearly we are never going to have the whole fleet in service at the same time, but it ought to be the case that each loco gets its turn.

If there are locos there that the KWVR never intends to overhaul, then they should be offered to other railways who would want to make them operational. Keeping them 'stuffed and mounted' should be a last resort.

I see the logic, but according to the KWVR website Big Jim is a relatively easy job, so why not prioritise it over something that requires a bigger amount of time and money? It can then earn money sooner and help fund the others?

 

[YorkshireBear]

Well that's where you usually join a queue. At the back. Big Jim was in traffic until relatively recently whereas there are locos in the shed at Oxenhope that haven't steamed in years.

Clearly we are never going to have the whole fleet in service at the same time, but it ought to be the case that each loco gets its turn.

If there are locos there that the KWVR never intends to overhaul, then they should be offered to other railways who would want to make them operational. Keeping them 'stuffed and mounted' should be a last resort.

That is definitely not how it works. It's based on size of engines needed, when those engines are needed, cost of overhaul, complexity of overhaul and with a good dose politics no doubt.

 

[xotGD]

I have to admit, I'm letting my yellow pen do the talking here. But I'm sure there are plenty of others who would like to see locos that have been resting for many a year given a new lease of life.

 

[HertiageFan]

That is definitely not how it works. It's based on size of engines needed, when those engines are needed, cost of overhaul, complexity of overhaul and with a good dose politics no doubt.

I doubt they need 5820. The standard 4 will last (hopefully) until 2032, 90733 is set to return next year and they have 45212 which will return in the coming years. 5775 will replace the standard 2 and 90733 will replace 85 (but there is a power difference there) and will 5820 replace 41241 (but yet another power difference, increasing costs)

 

[Iskra]

…Speaking of loco’s, it would be nice if the early January roster were to be announced for planning purposes *cough* Green Dragon *cough*

 

[HertiageFan]

Does anyone know why 78022 and 75078 were top and tailed yesterday, I saw a video and it looked epic

 

[xotGD]

Does anyone know why 78022 and 75078 were top and tailed yesterday, I saw a video and it looked epic

Perhaps no diesel available, or a test run for the Standard 2?

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Perhaps no diesel available, or a test run for the Standard 2?

The 20 has become defective and there was no class 14 driver available at short notice.

 

[308165]

Does anyone know what running steam loco is running tomorrow ?
Update: it was 44932 top and tailed with the 20

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Dec 2025 ==

Apparently 44932 has failed, it has been removed at Keighley. Update: the 14 is running round to haul the service up to Oxenhope.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Dec 2025 ==


44932 has been dragged back by the 101

Could I clarify this please. The Class 101 dragged 44932 from Keighley to Haworth? That would be an enormous tail load, or was the 101 providing vacuum and the loco providing power?

 

[YorkshireBear]

I suspect 44932 limped to Haworth on the rear rather than being dragged.

 

[HertiageFan]

I suspect 44932 limped to Haworth on the rear rather than being dragged.

Here is a search term for a short showing 44932 being dragged ‘DMU 101 & BR Black 5 No. 44932 at Oakworth‘ there is a full video coming out this evening. The thumbnail has the 101 going round a curve. Not my video

 

[D6130]

Here is a short showing 44932 being dragged ‘https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Uhx-68l3wEM’

Unfortunately the link doesn't work!

 

[xotGD]

Here is a search term for a short showing 44932 being dragged ‘DMU 101 & BR Black 5 No. 44932 at Oakworth‘ there is a full video coming out this evening. The thumbnail has the 101 going round a curve. Not my video

That is a very bizarre sight!

But a very innovative way of getting the loco back to the depot.

 

[HertiageFan]

That is a very bizarre sight!

But a very innovative way of getting the loco back to the depot.

I would have loved to see that

 

[izzynufc12]

The latest "Push and Pull" dropped through the letterbox this morning. Some snippets of loco gen:

The overhaul of Bahamas is expected to take 18 - 24 months. It will be fitted with air brakes.

War Department 90733 and Rat 25059 should both be back in traffic in 2026.

52044 and 1054 are both expected to see passenger service over the winter.

78022 is visiting the Great Central in the New Year.

And an interesting snippet:

"The experience of using [48305] has certainly ignited enthusiasm for the possibility of overhauling our own 8F 48431 in the future."

That would be nice.

Would be nice to see 48431 back in service in the future, maybe after 90733 is done

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Dec 2025 ==

How is 5775 getting along? I believe it’s got a red wheel base

 

[xotGD]

How is 5775 getting along? I believe it’s got a red wheel base

"Issues with the cylinder block pattern" delaying progress on the overhaul, according to 'Push and Pull'.

 

[Iskra]

Here is a search term for a short showing 44932 being dragged ‘DMU 101 & BR Black 5 No. 44932 at Oakworth‘ there is a full video coming out this evening. The thumbnail has the 101 going round a curve. Not my video

Very interesting!

Still no upcoming loco roster beyond the 28th, I was hoping to visit on the 29th and again in early January but it does depend what’s working as to how I prioritise my time…

 

[HertiageFan]

Very interesting!

Still no upcoming loco roster beyond the 28th, I was hoping to visit on the 29th and again in early January but it does depend what’s working as to how I prioritise my time…

75078 and 144011 until the 31st December