5 MONTHS... ‘P&O’ IS LAI
The sole operational ‘MN’, No. 35006 has completed all its contractual steamings on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for 2016; it is likely No. 35006 won’t be in steam until the Cotswold Festival of Steam Gala during the May bank holiday weekend in 2017. Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. was allocated 45 General Steam Navigation (see SR456) has been offered “a huge quantity of spare parts” from another Bulleid project. These include a steam reverser, a set of connecting rods, pressure and vacuum gauges, a full set of oil atomisers for the cylinders, a split sprocket for the chain drive, oil sump pump and cab oil trays. Simon Shutt, the society’s membership secretary says: “The purchase of these components would save steamings for the year; normally, steamings are spread out reasonably evenly over the course of a year. P&O Locomotive Society Chairman John McMillan explains: “We asked the GWSR to allocate our steamings in blocks, so the boiler would remain warm for a period of time and thermal shock plus wear and tear would be reduced.” ‘P&O’ was due to be withdrawn on August 24, but, according to Mr McMillan: “a niggling problem, which turned out to be a maladjustment in the clack valve, caused service, first choice of components to sponsor and an invitation to yearly shareholders’ days and workshop events. Buying 1,000 shares gives buyers the opportunity of a footplate ride on the Bulleid 4-6-2, while 2,500 shares gets the shareholder’s name engraved on the roll of honour plate inside General the engine to be failed. “It took some time to work out precisely what and where the problem was, but once we found it, repair was quick and easy.” Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. underwent a steam test on August 22 to ensure the repairs were
BARELY FIVE months after its auspicious return to service following a long and protracted overhaul, ‘Merchant Navy’ No. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N.
Co. is to be withdrawn from traffic this month.
Steam Navigation’s cab and a chance to drive the locomotive. Those interested in purchasing shares in No. 35011 should visit: www.35011gsn.co.uk