Merchant Navy 35010 'Blue Star' on the move!

No talking, no music, just locos working (and plenty of screeching) as Blue Star is moved across the site. Hope you guys enjoy. I might not be alive when this moves again so thought I better document it, was fun to see it along side my Ruston too at one point!
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#WardleRestorations #BlueStar

[@aj-2savage896]

The thing in common amongst all these rail preservationist videos is that they feature people who actually *contribute* to society and civilisation instead of people who are undermining it. Historic preservation is a most noble and worthy endeavour. Much appreciation!

[@chrispomphrett4283]

Hear, hear. I work in slightly smaller motorcycle restorations. Making something new or bringing something back to life is such a positive thing. Life's full of destroyers and parasites ruining things. Always great to see stuff like this going on.

[@lizlawrence4553]

Our preservation of our heritage is also a valuable part of the tourism sector. Bringing in much needed revenue to our economy.

[@boblovell5789]

The impossible has been achieved numerous times in loco restorations. I know nothing about this group but I identify 100% with their aspirations. They will fix it for sure.

[@richardharrold9736]

They've taken decades to get as far as they have with their Black Five, and they'll be lucky if any of them even live to see that finished. Blue Star has no hope at all unless it gets sold to someone like SLL or WCRC.

[@PolishThatHandle346]

It has but I don't think you are fully understanding the gravity of the modern day situation. I genuinely just don't see the viability of such a restoration. I genuinely wish them all thr very best but it's largely unsuited to most heritage lines and is coal heavy so where will it see use?

[@richardharrold9736]

@@PolishThatHandle346 to be fair, a Bulleid pottering around at 25mph is still only doing the same work as a 4MT or similar hauling the same train, so while it will use some more coal, it's not as much as the difference in grate area and peak power output would have you think. GlosWarks are making good use of P&O, Mid-Hants are soon to get CanPac back, and we've got Bill and Clan (hopefully back soon) holding up the class's reputation on the big railway.

[@PolishThatHandle346]

@@richardharrold9736 but what are the material costs of a 4MT versus a Merchant Navy? More loco implies more metal which comes at a higher cost. Weight of a Merchant Navy and associated impact on infrastructure? Water intake?

[@richardharrold9736]

@@PolishThatHandle346 the 4MT may be lighter overall but it's still got an 18-ton axle loading (an SR West Country is 18 3/4), versus the Merchant's 21, and, being a 2-cylinder machine, it's likely got heavier hammerblow than the 3-cylinder Bulleid - especially as the 4MT's stroke is one sixth longer than the Bulleid's. The Merchant and 4MT share the same 18-inch bore.

[@Hercules4277]

Nice to see some of these Locos being recovered from the Sidings. Not too long ago, 34058 "Sir Fredrick Pile" was pulled out of the sidings at the Mid Hants Railway.

[@terrygee1628]

As a Southern fan I am glad to see the possibility of another Bullied being saved. If you think, you will not be alive to see its completion, I'm sure I will not be at the age of 70! Good luck to everyone involved in her restoration.

[@paulthompson8613]

Hope you can post a comment when this project is finished . Looking forward to reading it

[@davidanderson1639]

For anyone wondering where the tender is. The locomotive was purchased (with the aid of a substantial bank loan) by the British Enginemen Steam Preservation Society (BESPS) in 1982, without a tender. Subsequently (in 1992) a snowplough converted from a Schools Class locomotive tender was purchased as a base for the missing tender. From what I’ve read, BESPS is focusing on restoring 45293 before moving on to restore 35010. The locomotive will run with a Schools class tender chassis which had formerly been used as a snowplough and a redundant tender tank from 34007.

[@richardharrold9736]

It would make more sense for whoever eventually has the cojones to take on Blue Star to build a new tender. However, it's not likely to steam again.

[@gaugeonesteam]

I believe that most of the preserved Bulleids do not have their original tender.

[@richardharrold9736]

@@gaugeonesteam lot of tenders went from Barry to be converted to ingot carriers at Briton Ferry.

[@davidanderson1639]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@richardharrold9736as far as I’m aware, they do plan to return it to steam. One major aspect of the overhaul/ restoration is the construction of an entire new right hand cylinder; this actually broke during service & is what sealed its fate for being sent to Woodham’s Scrap Yard (where it spent time in front of Ellerman Lines).

[@SpireUtd]

To see that beautiful big Blue Star logo and anything to remind us of the once Great British Merchant fleets, ships built on Clyde and Tyne deserves remembrance. What better way to carry that memory and name than on another massive beast of steam locomotive! Brilliant guys.

[@Gasher82nd]

Ever since as a lad i used to go watch these trains moving all the good around the black country, traveling on the old steam engins was great feeling. Having owned quite a few Hornby 4-6-2 class and others it has always been a joy for me. I used to go every weekend along the seven valley railway until moved up north. I have the greatest respect for the people who put in all those hours restoring these beauties back to there original condition. Love the youtube videos people are making now to keep us updated.

[@1chish]

Forgive someone who was raised on the GWR and did some time at Swindon works in the '60s commenting on a Southern Region loco but I always thought the merchant Class was very handsome and well proportioned especially in smooth sided form (damn BR!). The driving wheels are a work of art all on their own. Best of luck with the restoration but if she rolls as well as she did the basics are not far off.

[@roberthocking9138]

I wish the gents all the best, it’s a great thing they are doing

[@deansmith6924]

I remember this locomotive being delivered to the Docks in Canning Town when the group where still at the then new north woolwich museum. Nearly 40 years ago 😳 how time flies, good to see it again

[@brianwillson9567]

A merchant is a big job. But, more power to your elbow. Wish you every success, its impossible to have too many packets.

[@wilkybarkid]

I've waited over 30 years to see any progress, I'd hope I get to see her steam one day.

[@WardleRestorations]

I wouldn’t get your hopes up!

[@AussiePom]

So it's being moved from one storage location to another. In a Railscene video from the 1980's they said "in a few years time it will emulate it's sister MN Clan Line". I think they were being rather too optimistic as it doesn't look any different to what it did when it came out of Barry except it now has a good growth of moss over it.

[@WardleRestorations]

I never said it was leaving the site? I don’t think it will be finished sadly.

[@richardharrold9736]

​@@WardleRestorations never mind finished, I'd be surprised if it even gets started. At best it's a spares donor for one of the other Merchants.

[@sheep21]

that cylinder is gnarly!

[@dianeunderhill8506]

So would you be sitting in a sliding for many years!

[@davidanderson1639]

The right hand cylinder actually broke during its operational life & was what sealed its fate for being sent to Woodham’s. The construction of a new cylinder is one of the major hurdles to be overcome once the restoration starts.

[@levelcrossing150]

Great to see some progress with this loco.

[@WardleRestorations]

Probably the only thing that will happen with it over the next 20 years!

[@ThePCPitStopInc]

so sad to see just reminds me of a Thomas story at the scrap yard would love to hear about this engine in a video if possible to help it gain attention. Happy New Year to You @Wardle Restorations and the rest of the volunteers looking forward to seeing what you got planned for 2024 for your own projects and thank you for preserving these for us to learn about and see Cheers to you guys

[@WardleRestorations]

Happy new year to you too mate, all the best 👍

[@waspiusmaximus2485]

I worked for allelys heavy haulage and have been to pretty much every preserved site in the UK. I have seen some outstanding restorations from things in worse conditions than this. I have every faith this restoration will not fail to impress.🐝

[@grassamupson]

Wow , I wasn't expecting this to pop up on my suggested viewing on KZbin 👍. I have fond memories of the BESPS group led by Barry Engwell back in the 80's when the loco was stored in K shed in the royal docks in Newham and the nameplate had pride of place on the wall of North Woolwich Old Station Museum.

[@steve1315]

An interesting video sir ,one hopes that A ,y'all still be alive to see 👀it move again and B ,it doesn't take to long to fix 👍👍🍸🍸.

[@owenslanejunction7544]

Great video

[@WardleRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nigelericogden3200]

Best of luck to you all and a happy new year 🙏

[@WardleRestorations]

Happy new year!

[@mels1811]

Wonderful video

[@geoffreyking4515]

If the people can restore the duke anything is possible

[@kristinajendesen7111]

Used to be at my old depot Salisbury (albeit the steam depot). Later based at Nine Elms and Exmouth Junction too, my old workmates would have driven her or fired her. I remember the snow plough tenders at Eastleigh too back in the 80s, one of which was bought to use as a base for a new tender.

[@GWRailFan]

great efforts from everyone on site to get this Shunter around the site, im not a kettle fan but to see that thing work again would be a great sight

[@WardleRestorations]

Agreed but I wouldn’t get your hopes up 🤣

[@GWRailFan]

@WardleRestorations 😂😂 higher chance of hornby dropping the price of locos by the sound of that then 😂

[@user-gm4bn7ql6u]

It won’t be running I your lifetime

[@sumedhadematanpitiarachchi4411]

thanks for preserving them for for next genaration

[@loganbloom6191]

It looks like Gordon they could restore the blue star to look like him and it would still work

[@speedbirdconcordeBOAB]

Wow, thats going to be an ambitious project for sure, probably in excess of twenty years. It’s probably too far gone to be saved but never say never eh. 👍🏻

[@BigPinkJohn]

Just found this channel. Great to see some old faces again on here, not seen Paul Lemon in a long time. I did have a share in a class 31 at the railway but no idea what happened to it and the Colne Valley Diesel group.

[@WardleRestorations]

Paul says come along and say hello sometime!

[@BigPinkJohn]

Yes I Must, the railway looks to have changed a lot since I was volunteering there in the early 90's@@WardleRestorations

[@MatthewRailways50033]

Nice video 👍👍👍😎

[@WardleRestorations]

Thanks!

[@Trainboy17]

I Do Hope To See The Rest Of The Merchant Navy Classes To Be Restored. Like Shaw Savill And Holland America Line.

[@glynluff2595]

So it is a modified version? Sag in Rail line at one point as wheel not moving for short distance. Actually I think we should scrap HS2 and run steam on that line. The whole of Europe and America would queue to ride between London and Birmingham! The line would make a profit!!!

[@headsup2433]

I see she has still got her broken cylinder, I used to work on her in K shed the late 80`s. Has she still got most of her parts.

[@WardleRestorations]

Yeh most of her parts are still there / in storage!

[@fly_with_jack4472]

Nice

[@WardleRestorations]

Thanks

[@Itsonlymeee1]

Could the damaged cylinder be swapped with Elleman lines good cylinder in the NRM...

[@Fedora5957]

Well, where did it go and what are they going to do with that elegant old lady?

[@andrewbennett7756]

Nice to another grand steam trine getting restored for everyone to see

[@WardleRestorations]

It’s behind a black 5 in the queue to have work done…

[@daystatesniper01]

Good video ,at least a million to restore her ,the railway needs to give the two 03s a bit of tlc as they look shabby

[@WardleRestorations]

A million and the rest! Yeh the 03s could do with a repaint but we just don’t have the volunteers

[@daystatesniper01]

Thank you for the reply ,yes even the major railways are struggling with volounteers , nearly swapped my class 47 nameplate from one of the original western region ones for a tatty 03 until i found out the engine was kaput .@@WardleRestorations

[@gs425]

​@WardleRestorations we have the same problem here in swanage sadly

[@kineticrail]

It seems like the guys up at Hedingham are doing alot of moving around is there a reorganisation taking place. Taking stock of what is there etc

[@WardleRestorations]

Having a well needed sort out and clean up

[@kineticrail]

@@WardleRestorations I can imagine there's alot of shunting they have a lot of rolling stock on site from what I see

[@H.Kirsch]

the right Cyliderblock is a Goner

[@wilsonlaidlaw]

Am I correct in thinking from the remaining outboard brackets, that Blue Star was modified to external Walschaerts valve gear from the original Bulleid valve gear?

[@WardleRestorations]

I have no idea mate sorry

[@12crepello]

Yes it was. All of the MN's were rebuilt in this way in the late 50's.

[@Shark30006]

When will 35010 Blue Star be restored to working order?

[@winco68]

Such a shame it’s a never never scenario with this loco. It would be nice if MNLPS could take this loco on as a stablemate for Clan Line ensuring that they always have a loco in traffic and retain revenue from the premium dining trains. That said its restoration would incur phenomenal cost rendering it economically unviable.

[@highpath4776]

apart from the clean and paint, are the wheels going to be tested for cracks ? ( a problem with this design?)

[@WardleRestorations]

No idea, isn’t my project!

[@garethw8884]

I hope it can be restored and once again move under it's own power

[@WardleRestorations]

Sadly I just don't think the demand to see anymore of these locos in preservation is there anymore but I could be wrong! Hope you're doing well though mate, great to hear from you!

[@garethw8884]

@WardleRestorations hope you're doing well too, fella. That is sad to hear. It would be lovely to see it back up and running. Out of curiosity, where is the tender to go with it?

[@WardleRestorations]

I’m guessing the tender didn’t make it as that have an alternative for it instead, shame really!

[@garethw8884]

@WardleRestorations yes that is a shame fella. Wishbi had the cash to restore it

[@andrewcowling5804]

@@garethw8884it was bought without a tender. If you scroll up you will see a fuller explanation

[@lordluffington2351]

Let hope she will get on the mainline

[@WardleRestorations]

Highly doubt it

[@fenderac3049]

I can't see that being restored. The only way I can see that ever getting restored is the BESPS to approach SLL and join forces with them, at least you stand a fighting chance of seeing in steam at sometime in the future!

[@WardleRestorations]

I guess time will tell!….

[@michaelnaisbitt7926]

This will take at least 15 years to get anywhere near operational condition Providing of course sufficient funds are raised Its doubtful that any of the restoration crew alive in 2024 will be with us at completion

[@svrdriver]

interesting to see the damage caused when the cylinder cover was blown off at Woking i think

[@WardleRestorations]

Yeh, a fair bit of damage!

[@highpath4776]

@@WardleRestorations recast orsleeve and machine out ?

[@richardharrold9736]

​@@highpath4776 the cylinder casting itself is buggered.

[@robertclare6137]

The damage occurred between Byfleet and New Haw and Weybridge when she was travelling light engine to Nine Elms from Guildford 70C after having a boiler wash out.

[@richardharrold9736]

@@robertclare6137 why was it being serviced at Guildford? MNs were banned from the Portsmouth line in those days due to their heavy axle loading. Also surprised the damage was done while presumably not developing much power.

[@steve12985]

Is that me but I'm painted 😂

[@jameshardy4354]

Blue stars owners also have 2 black 5s

[@WardleRestorations]

Incorrect, they own 1. 45163 is owned by a separate group!

[@logotrikes]

Wonderful sight to see, it's just a shame they were left to rot for so long...

[@WardleRestorations]

Indeed

[@simonmcowan6874]

Will coal be available when that engine is eventually finished

[@WardleRestorations]

Probably not!

[@DunnyRail]

Just stop and have a look at 13.06 to see even in this state what a magnificent machine it still is. But what is not really needed is another working MN, a case of history that so many of a relatively small class of locomotives ended up at Barry and thus preservation. In this day and age if a Bullied must be made fit to run, then it perhaps it ought to be another WC or BofB. Sorry just my view.

[@thomasmcilroy510]

Will the blue star Locomotive 35010 be overholded and restourd

[@WardleRestorations]

probably not

[@jackchatfield5464]

Hopefully Blue Star is going to be restored in the coming future,

[@WardleRestorations]

With a million pounds put into it maybe!

[@jackchatfield5464]

It will get restored hopefully one day, I just need to wait it's turning the queue​@@WardleRestorations

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

We hope you will be. However, the cost of restoring a steamy that big is becoming formidably expensive. Plus, she needs a lot more coal in order to run, than the saddle tank engine does. Just one ton of coal now costs £400. In any case, although I don't love Bullied Pacifics, I do hope the volunteers will get her steaming to run on the railway, which might need to be extended first.

[@MrVinnyh]

We had a BR standard 5 (Mid Hants) work on the Colne many years ago, as a stand in for Thomas!

[@levelcrossing150]

We all want to see the big engines though and when finished it can be hired out to raise funds. Also, like gas we have plenty of cheap coal available and it's right under our feet!

[@WardleRestorations]

It won’t be finished unless someone wins the lottery sadly!

[@oliverhood1732]

How long was Blue Star left to rust for?

[@WardleRestorations]

Many years

[@oliverhood1732]

@@WardleRestorations What year did he get withdrawn?

[@PolishThatHandle346]

I genuinely wish you all the very best with this and mean this in no mean way but has anyone considered the viability of restoring this locomotive? From a practicality perspective it is really coal heavy in an increasingly coal unfriendly world and not suited to branch lines ruling it out of most heritage lines. Just making the point that there are plenty of mid sized engines scattered across the country in a similar condition that may perhaps not carry a flashy nameplate but may be far more useful and versatile for modern steam operation in the 2020s and beyond.

[@dianeunderhill8506]

I am sure that everyone has considered the viability. Yes it will take time and money but will be worth it The amount of coal used is negligible on heritage railways and they are always looking to convert to environmentally friendly fuel. As for running on branch lines, I visit Glos Warks Railway in the Cotswolds.They have not long finished a restoration of Peninsula and Oriental. a magnificent locomotive and runs well from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse! Always worth bringing these wonderful machines back to life!

[@nigelkthomas9501]

How long is this going to take? Ready by 2028?

[@WardleRestorations]

2328 I think

[@charlesburgoyne-probyn6044]

​@@WardleRestorationsmight have rusted away by then

[@WardleRestorations]

@charlesburgoyne-probyn6044 ………

[@bernardothetankengine7218]

how is this locomotive?

[@WardleRestorations]

I'm gunna go out on a limb here and say not great

[@jameshardy4354]

I bet you wish you could add this to your collection a merchant navey

[@WardleRestorations]

Absolutely not! Too much money and time. Never in a million years!

[@Thebigfour1923]

I thought she was owned by lsl and at crewe?

[@WardleRestorations]

This has never been to Crewe

[@mattlander9119]

They have 35027 and at least one other out of service bulleid. Plus Braunton which his running.

[@turbulanceism]

If a restoration is in affect! Convert to use propane instead of coal please!

[@robertwhite361]

Why?

[@WardleRestorations]

What on earth

[@turbulanceism]

@WardleRestorations here me out, propane is easier and cheaper! It can burn hotter thus needing less fuel, it also gives you a real steam engine just fueled differently

[@sapphirejunction8993]

That Steam loco is in a right state, I presume it will never run again and just rot away in a different part of the site???

[@WardleRestorations]

It doesn't belong to the CVR. It is up to the owners to get started on it once their other project is done however I don't think that will be in my lifetime, you'd need a lottery win to get it done...

[@sapphirejunction8993]

@@WardleRestorations Lol you're pretty young and yeah looks that way, even the cab has been gutted to nothing and appears to be missing a few external components as well.

[@WardleRestorations]

@@sapphirejunction8993 To be fair to them they do have 90% of the parts for it. Most of the motion etc was removed by them when it arrived to stop it from deteriorating any worse. But time and money isn't on their side!

[@sapphirejunction8993]

@@WardleRestorations No worries, thanks for the info.

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Someone evidently never saw the state of 5699, 6023 or 71000 ex-Barry. Blue Star's sister, 21C11 GSN is in need of a new crank axle .... no small job. The key thing with any large loco is the boiler and here, consider that things like tube plate replacement is almost routine these days. Like Terriers, having enough Bulleids to batch build spares is a real 'plus'. I've no doubt 35010 will steam again? I remember these beasties working out of Waterloo, so my question is, will I still be alive when it does? Bob only knows! Come to think of it, when I first saw FR No.4 Palmerston on the cover of a magazine on it's return to the land of the living, I honestly thought some photographic types had shelled out to temporarily renumber No.2 Prince for a charter, such was the state of the pile of scrap I saw rotting in the sidings in the early 1970s I've always liked the notion of a Bulleid in chromatic blue, with double arrow logo on the tender ....... I'll just get my coat.

[@hamshackleton]

She's in a pretty sorry state. Not a ten minute fix!

[@WardleRestorations]

Not a 10 year fix either, maybe 100?

[@amazoniaamazonia7225]

There’s never a shortage of arm chair experts, the problem is a lack of donors to put their money where there mouth is.

[@WardleRestorations]

Completly agree, many want it restored but many won’t put money towards it, well not enough to get anything done!

[@IS-L]

Is it necessary to put audio warnings or is that for the frightened woke brigade.

[@WardleRestorations]

It is because people moan and I can’t be assed with people moaning. But even when I do, more people moan, can’t win!

[@namarien]

What's "woke" about appreciation for a noise warning. Some may be wearing headphones etc.

[@michaelsandford1015]

They will never rester that locomotive

[@lordluffington2351]

Lies

[@WardleRestorations]

I guess time will tell!

[@michaelsandford1015]

Sorry but it's been a very long time ​@@lordluffington2351

[@raymondleggs5508]

sad looking locomotive.

[@WardleRestorations]

Agreed…