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Sideshoots - associated subjects => Heritage railway lines, Railtours, other rail based attractions => Topic started by: anthony215 on May 14, 2011, 20:14:33



Title: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: anthony215 on May 14, 2011, 20:14:33
 This has been posted on WNXX and i have decided to post a copy here in case anyone might be interested :

http://www.projectmiller.org.uk/

Sound like a good idea it would be nice to see it  up and running shame the other power car was scrapped particulary if  when some of the hst sets are withdrawn from service on the great western in a few years.

I wonder how long we will have to wait before we see a valenta hst on the uk mainline again, i will certainly pay to go on a railtour operated by 1


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: JayMac on July 03, 2013, 02:42:25
This project continues and the restored Paxman Valenta engine in 41001 was fired up for the first time on July 1st 2013.

Picture:
http://www.projectmiller.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/41001_errupting.jpg

Clagtastic!  ;D

Cooler group and electric train supply (ETS) will be worked on next, then it's the traction motors and she will be able to run under her own power again.

Details:
http://www.projectmiller.org.uk/?p=697


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: JayMac on November 19, 2014, 21:04:37
41001 had her official launch on the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on Saturday 15th November 2014.

Used with a rake of EMT Mk3s in passenger service for a select group of supporters of Project Miller and the 125 Group. In attendance was Sir Kenneth Grange, designer of the shape and interior layout of the production HSTs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQB3_ccSx0Q

Earlier video of test running on the GCR(N) from May:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tppbWWkDmQo

The cab is looking a lot tidier than when I sat in it at RailFest in 2012!

Can't wait to see her on the main line at full chat. Here's hoping there will be a visit to the GWML at some point in the not too distant future.


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 19, 2014, 21:22:27
Oof, that is a good sound.

Interesting to see GWML-style signalling at Asher Lane - look to the right of the picture at around 22' 30'' on the first vid and you'll see what I mean.  ::)


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: JayMac on November 19, 2014, 21:30:03
Interesting to see GWML-style signalling at Asher Lane - look to the right of the picture at around 22' 30'' on the first vid and you'll see what I mean.  ::)

Yep. Looks like a couple of signal posts having a lie down.  ;D

41001 also scared the birds from the trees at the around the same point in the first video. Any nearby squirrel may have dropped his nuts when the two-tone sounded. And dropped them again when the turbo screamed.  ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on May 08, 2019, 03:24:46
41001 has been running on a number of lines/at a number of gala event this year but now from Rail Advent (https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2019/05/locomotive-41001-withdrawn-from-traffic.html)

Quote
The 125 Group has announced that 41001 has been withdrawn from traffic after engines have been discovered.

Power car 41001 has shown signs of possible engine issues which require investigation from the tram.

This means that they have had to withdraw it from forthcoming commitments to prevent any further damage occurring.

A somewhat rushed post (up to my personal very best typo standards) me thinks, but I'm sure you'll get the drift ...


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: PhilWakely on May 08, 2019, 07:59:39
I appreciate this comment......
A somewhat rushed post (up to my personal very best typo standards) me thinks, but I'm sure you'll get the drift ...

but I do like this particular statement..........
Quote
The 125 Group has announced that 41001 has been withdrawn from traffic after engines have been discovered.

Sorry grahame. absolutely no offence meant, but I just had to  ;D ;)


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on May 08, 2019, 08:09:27
I appreciate this comment......
A somewhat rushed post (up to my personal very best typo standards) me thinks, but I'm sure you'll get the drift ...

but I do like this particular statement..........
Quote
The 125 Group has announced that 41001 has been withdrawn from traffic after engines have been discovered.

Sorry grahame. absolutely no offence meant, but I just had to  ;D ;)

It had me rolling with laughter.  Better than my best!


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: Phantom on May 08, 2019, 10:17:08
Who'd have thought that it would have an engine !
What a discovery. .  .


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on May 08, 2019, 10:50:15
Further report from the 125 group (https://www.125group.org.uk/41001-withdrawn-from-all-forthcoming-engagements/)

Quote
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/41001off.jpg)

125 Group is very sorry to advise that during operation at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Diesel and Mixed Traffic Gala, Prototype HST Power Car 41001 has shown signs of a possible engine issue which requires investigation before any further running. We have regretfully withdrawn it from all forthcoming commitments as a precaution and to prevent any major damage.

This means that ...


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on October 09, 2019, 22:28:24
From the 125 group (https://www.125group.org.uk/prototype-hst-power-car-41001-to-return-to-york/)

Quote
125 Group is very sad to announce that unique Prototype Power Car 41001 will be returning to its owner, the National Railway Museum at York in early November, at the end of the current operating agreement. Despite best efforts, 125 Group and the Science Museum Group have been unable to reach a new agreement and the Science Museum Group has made the decision to terminate the loan.


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: bradshaw on October 10, 2019, 08:22:14
It has caused quite a stir, especially since the 125 Group have spent significant funds on its restoration. There is a suggestion that the recall of 55002 is similar.

It is possible that this is an outcome of the Science Museum’s recent review, link below

https://www.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/op-rail-vehicle-strategy-2019_FINAL.pdf


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: bradshaw on October 10, 2019, 16:45:34
The NRM has now released on Twitter the reasons for 41001's return
Quote
It is with regret that the National Railway Museum will not renew the 125 Group’s operational loan agreement for HST prototype No.41001 and Valenta power unit. [1/4]

The decision has not been taken lightly and follows repeated and serious breaches of conditions in the loan agreement. [2/4]

These include a failure to ensure the security and safety of the power car, refusal to give museum representatives access to the vehicle when requested and unprofessional conduct.
The power car will now return to the custodianship of the National Railway Museum. [3/4]

We would like to thank members of the 125 Group for their efforts over several years. [4/4]


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: JayMac on October 10, 2019, 17:07:21
A not very professional public utterance. Ranting about contracts then damming with faint praise. Doesn't show the NRM in a particularly good light.

Stark contrast to the 125 Group statement about 41001.


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: bradshaw on October 11, 2019, 16:17:31
Porterbrook to donate 2 power cars too the 125Group!

Quote
Richard Clinnick of Rail Magazine on Twitter
From
@PB_Leasing
: “We heard and we listened! Porterbrook will donate 43048 and 43089 to the
@125Group
.” They will move across once
@EastMidRailway
 is finished with them.
Edit to correct first number


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on October 11, 2019, 19:09:52
No comment (!) on the NRM's decision and how they've publicised it ... sad for the 125 group and so much effort put in. However, I (and I'm sure many more like me) are so, so familiar with the production units are rarely if even saw the prototype. Might not a chance to travel around in a pukka HST for many, many years to come might even be a good compromise that turns out to be even better than the original plan?  And, perhaps a good job that NRM pulled back 41001 now, at a time that others (such as Porterbrook) have power cars with no new homes.


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on October 12, 2019, 22:55:39
From York Press (https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/17963951.18-5m-boost-national-railway-museums-expansion-plans)

Quote
PLANS for a massive expansion of York’s National Railway Museum - including a new Central Hall across Leeman Road - have been given an £18.5 million boost by the Government.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said the money will "kickstart the radical transformation" of a museum at the cultural heart of the York Central redevelopment scheme.

“The exciting new gallery and exhibition spaces will ensure the museum continues to be a huge draw for visitors and a wonderful celebration of our country’s proud railway heritage,” she said.

Museum director Judith McNicol said the funding was "wonderful news" for the museum and city and an extremely significant milestone in realising its £55 million ‘Vision 2025’ campaign to turn the museum into a truly world-class attraction.

What are they planning to show in the new spaces?


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: onthecushions on October 14, 2019, 11:46:10
Unfortunately, the NRM decision to pickle 41001 is absolutely correct. As a unique historic artefact, seminal in high speed development, it cannot be subject to the necessary high wear and tear of continued operation, when a near alternative is available. It's a pity NRM didn't decide this earlier but conditions do change.

While the sudden free gift of two power cars is amazing, it does pose significant problems for the 125 Group. The prototype power car is really a conventional loco, in terms of couplings and ETS. The coaches obtained by the group were therefore loco hauled Mark 3a's, except for the latest TGS. The production power cars have internal EMU (Alliance) couplings and different ETS supplies. Also the control circuits had caused problems with the hauled stock.   

My sympathies are with this outstandingly able group.

Their Swallow-liveried Mark 3a's put the 800's in the shade!

OTC



Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: Celestial on October 14, 2019, 14:35:13
If that's the reason (though it's not what the NRM are saying), I'm sure the 125 Group would have preferred being told at the outset, before they invested a lot of effort and money in returning it to working order before being pickled.  I've seen reference to something similar happening to one of the Deltics, though don't know any of the background, but could imagine it will be more difficult to get future cooperation from heritage groups. 



Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: AMLAG on October 14, 2019, 19:00:38

Should others, such as the Swanage Rly where major fund raising is in progress to restore the Nation's/NRM's L&SWR T3 4-4-0 loco to working order, now be especially concerned ?


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: bradshaw on October 14, 2019, 19:22:18
The T3 was donated to the line in 2017 rather than being loaned
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-48685006


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on October 14, 2019, 20:24:34
Should others, such as the Swanage Rly where major fund raising is in progress to restore the Nation's/NRM's L&SWR T3 4-4-0 loco to working order, now be especially concerned ?

The T3 was donated to the line in 2017 rather than being loaned
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-48685006

Assuming the BBC to be accurate and there are no strings attached to the donation, that reads to be a different situation to 41001 and (perhaps - have no details) 55002.

I am reminded that when taking on a contract / agreement to work with someone, it's important to look at the end point even in the optimism of the start point.   Sad memories of a decision to take on a 7 year contract for the hotel for a service (equipment plus maintenance). Change of plans after 2 years due to the passing of the company secretary, and no further use for the lease equipment - but no escape clause or offer of any compromise.  We still the  equipment, unused, and continue to pay. Either more fool us, or a gamble that didn't come off.   Every other organisation was very good; last thing you need at such a time is more heartache.    Hope that NRM sees the 125 group right ...


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 15, 2019, 09:32:17
Is it just my perception, or does the NRM have form when it comes to misunderstandings of this sort?


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: stuving on October 15, 2019, 09:36:46
Is it just my perception, or does the NRM have form when it comes to misunderstandings of this sort?

I would expect so - they are museum curators, and the 125 Group ... aren't. calling them enthusiasts would miss the point that a lot of them are very experienced and qualified, but they are bound to look at things (big old mechanical things in particular) in quite a different way from the NRM's writers of protocols for loans.


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on January 31, 2020, 18:28:34
And someone else not liking it when the National Railway Museum wants the toys it's lent out back

From the Northern Echo (https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/18202962.darlington-mayor-vows-hit-national-railway-museum-a-world-pain/)

Quote
He said: “It appears on the town coat of arms, the borough council’s badge and on the mayor’s chains. Locomotion No 1 has a totemic status in Darlington.

“It is unbelievable that having tried to work with the National Railway Museum in preparations for 2025, with a great deal of harmony with Durham and Stockton, that this could be pulled out of the hat now really feels like a kick in the teeth, not only for this town, but all the partners who have been working so hard to have a harmonious 2025 celebration.”

Cllr Wallis called on residents to get their “creative campaigning hats on”. He said: “What the National Railway Museum need to know is that they are going to be in a world of pain if they continue to pursue this ill-judged plan. Certainly wherever I go as mayor and talk about the railways I will be raising this.

“The National Railway Museum need to know this isn’t something that’s going to happen in a year or so and go away, we will fight tooth and nail to keep our history in our town. God forbid it does move we will continue fighting and campaigning until it is returned.”


Title: Re: Restoration of original prototype HST to service
Post by: grahame on February 15, 2021, 16:10:50
Is it just my perception, or does the NRM have form when it comes to misunderstandings of this sort?

Pattern?

From The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/feb/15/rival-railway-museums-in-row-over-steam-train-ownership)

Quote
A row has broken out between rival railway museums over the ownership of the world’s first passenger steam train.

Darlington council wants Locomotion No 1 to stay in the town’s Head of Steam Museum but the National Railway Museum (NRM), which owns the train, wants to move it 10 miles away to Locomotion, its museum in Shildon.

The train is a unique souvenir of Britain’s pioneering role in the development of rail transport in the early 19th century and has been on display in Darlington for 163 years.



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