Pendennis Returns | Didcot Railway Centre - 'Launch of Pendennis Castle' 02/04/2022
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- Опубликовано: 1 апр 2022
- After appearing in light steam during the summer of last year, 4079 “Pendennis Castle” has now made a full return to the rails at the Didcot Railway Centre, following its extensive overhaul by the Great Western Society.
Withdrawn from service in 1964, and exported to Australia in 1977, the Castle saw extensive service 'down under' before its final steamings were conducted in 1994. Owners, Hamersley Iron, were hampered by the rising maintenance costs, and the modernisation of Australia's rail network; ultimately forcing their hand and 4079 was kept static and stored. A decision was made, and agreement reached, to donate "Pendennis Castle" to the Great Western Society at Didcot, with the locomotive arriving back on UK soil in July 2000. After a period on display, 4079 was taken into the workshops under the care of a small but dedicated group, to begin its long journey back to steam. Eventually, 28 years after it last steamed, 4079 has emerged complete locomotive once again. This also marks the first time in over 45 years that 4079 has hauled public services on UK soil.
The day featured many celebrations and highlights to appropriately mark the occasion. GWR sent their ”Pendennis Castle”, Class 57 - 57604, to Didcot to be displayed alongside 4079. A handful of public figures were also in attendance, such as ‘The First Lady of Steam’ Lady Judy McAlpine - widow to former owner of 4079, Sir William McAlpine.
The launch of "Pendennis Castle" saw the Didcot Railway Centre packed with enthusiasts, all turning out to witness the icon of British steam in action. The day began with 4079 on display outside the engine shed; solely at first, and then positioned alongside 57604. From here, 4079 moved to the turntable, where speeches were given by notable figures related to the locomotive; including the grouping of everyone involved in the overhaul standing aside the fruits of their hard work. Afterwards, the 'Castle' would feature on the main demonstration line before retiring back on shed, once again displayed beside 57604.
4079 stands as testement to the continued dedication and hard work demonstrated by all those involved in its exhaustive and thorough overhaul. And also, in memoriam to those who sadly passed away before they could see the locomotive returned to steam.
Locomotives:
GWR 4073 'Castle' Class - 4079 "Pendennis Castle"
GWR Class 57 - 57604 "Pendennis Castle"
1340 "Trojan" and Class 14 - D9516 were also in service, but eluded the cameras.
All footage filmed on Saturday the 2nd of April 2022. 
Авто/Мото
I will never forget the occasion in 1989 with my late Father seeing 4079 Pendennis Castle and 4072 Flying Scotsman together at the East Perth railway station in Western Australia. At the time Pendennis castle was owned by the Hamersley Iron ore company in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and Flying Scotsman had traveled to Australia. Initially Flying Scotsman was only going to visit the eastern sates of Australia but after the efforts of a local steam enthusiast the two locos got to be together, Happy times.
Now there's a blast from the past, back from the mists of time, it's been so long I'd forgotten all about her. Credit to that band of devoted enthusiasts, present and departed, who have worked so hard over many years to get her back on track again. Nice touch to see two Pendenii Castles!!!!👍🏻👍🏻
It really was great to see her back. A true credit to all involved.
Was surprised to see the two together, but it was very fitting. Cheers, Bob!
Inspiring to see this fine locomotive back in working condition. A huge thank you to all those dedicated engineers!
It really is wonderful to see.
I first went to Didcot 45 years ago. How far it has come since then - talent, dedication, teamwork. I’ve been to some amazing launches over the years. Well done to all!
When I was growing up in the north west Western Australia I can remember this train coming through Tom price on the hamersly iron rail line. We as a family rode down to parabadoo behind her. I still remember the sounds and smells A great job bringing her back to life
She looks stunning, and I think more elegant with a single chimney than those with the double blastpipes / chimneys.
Thanks for sharing.
Al.
Got to say, I agree with you. Much prefer this configuration, even with the power defecit.
Cheers!
Agreed. The double chimneys ill suited the Castles, even though they looked fine on the Kings
The sounds of the great western castle, it feels great to have pendness castle back in operation after 20 years being static.
I did personally attend this event, it’s nice to see only the 7th Castle Class built back in service. I’m glad they chose to have 4079 in her original form. Surprised 57601 attended with the same name that did the Night Riviera sleepers. Nice video as always. She has definitely had a wild ride in preservation. A cool fact is that she double-headed with Flying Scotsman when the latter visited Australia. I didn’t film most of the ceremony as it was crowded so I ended up on the other side apart from when Judy Mcalpine cut the ribbon
Funny how the historical wheel turns.
Thanks for the kind words! It was a surprise to see the 57, but a welcome one. I was in amongst the masses when the ribbon was cut.
So cool to see this running. I wasn't alive at the time but this once run on Australian soil and to see it restored back to its former glory is wonderful, maybe one day it could do a tour down under. wouldn't that be the day
Great to see pendennis castle making a magnificent return back to steam
A great and very elegant locomotive featured in great documentary!
Thanks very much
@@TheSouthernerYTChannel You are welcome!
Wow, that brought back memories. In 1977 I was 21 and a checker/shunter at Knowle and Dorridge. Some days before shipping Pendennis ran a farewell trip from Birmingham Moor Street to Didcot and return. On the return it was to stop at Knowle and detach the train and forward directly to Tyseley, a diesel taking the train to Birmingham. I was given the job of detaching. For some reason, lost to memory, its return was delayed by over two hours. (Perhaps she did not want to go really) Although the station was closed, a side gate was open, and it wasn't long before the station was over run by spectators and enthusiasts. Pendennis finally departed with her support coach for Tyseley. As I attached the diesel the crowds gradually dispersed. I was not able to witness her return to Didcot, but I have seen bits of her on a couple of visits. I was blissfully unaware of her imminent return to life until I saw this video. Thanks for sharing. Having recently retired I must make a trip to re acquaint with her!! Thank again. 😀😀😀👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing your memories! Would have loved to have been among the spectators on that day.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@TheSouthernerYTChannel My pleasure 👍
Many thanks.
The next best thing to being there.
Thanks very much
I always had a special love for the Castles. I had a fast run in 1959 behind Great Western (Castle class), the last GW-built one and then in '64 I was behind the double chimney BR Castle, Clun, on the last scheduled steam from Paddington...but I do remember the final days when they were filthy, sans nameplates and dropping red-hot cinders from the firebars at speed.
They truly are wonderful locomotives. Dare say, even more so when showing signs of a work worn life.
That really does look awesome. Of course, there'll be a few leaks at first as clearances tighten and everything beds in, this is after all its very first shakedown runs, but I must say the steam makes it look very dramatic.
Honestly, the camera doesn't do her justice. It's fantastic to see her back!
Surely she's bound to be reunited with Flying Scotsman next year for Scotsmans 100th birthday. Great to see Pendennis Castle back.
Who knows what the relevant owners have up their sleeves. Though next year is also the 100th anniversary of the 'Castle' class.
Ah I never knew that, the castles are very smart. Good timing for Pendennis to return.
@@TheSouthernerYTChannel I wonder what they may do with that celebration? Perhaps a meet up of all the castles at ether: Tyseley, Didcot or ( if the museum is up to it ) Swindon
Nice to see a three coach train on 8 road, not seen that for some years.
Thanks for sharing this great to see pendennis castle out after all the hard work going on with her.
Glad you enjoyed it. They really have done a great job on her.
what a lovely sight seeing pendennis returning 👍
It's great to see her back
Amazing to see a few of the big names coming back into steam lately!
Its like a bunch of your old favourite musicians just dropping albums and you didn't even know they were still alive.
It's an unusual analogy, but a very fitting one
Great to catch up with you again, some great shots from the morning...certainly glad I got the pairing with the 57 in the end!
You too mate, great to see you again!
All I can say is this
What an utter site to be beholden
His bright green paint, shiny copper and brass shining in the sunlight
You can’t get a seen more better then this
You have Edward Bull to thank for the shining brass at least. The whole team have done a cracking job in her overhaul.
We do, and my god they did a bloody stunning job
Can see myself in some of these shots. Great event and a first to see 4079 in steam for many I'd imagine.
Beautiful another one back in the fold💖
It's great to have her back. A real credit to the team behind her.
Utterly magnificent!
She really is
It nice to have engines back
Beautiful sound! 12:58
Can not wait to see her in person when i visit soon😍😍
Well worth it - the camera doesn't do her justice.
From my loco log books. Pendennis Castle seen at Honeybourne 8/8/1965 (age 12) on an Ian Allan Rail tour. Would be lovely if it came to the GWSR one day.
Fingers crossed...
Missed you today! Was good fun.
Can see me in the turntable shots :P
Pendennis looks great! You guys did an amazing job with her
There was a moment, where you were stood right behind the camera as well. I believe you and a few others were talking about the up-coming SVR gala.
As said, thanks for presenting us with a wonderfully turned out loco. She looked immaculate.
@@TheSouthernerYTChannel It does indeed look fantastic. I put about five or six coats of Peek on that safety valve bonnet which seemed to do a good job on preventing it from tarnishing over the week! I wouldn't be surprised if I were right next to you haha, will have to try and say hi next time I see you.
I'll be sure to say hello properly next time
Nice video :)
Thanks
I helped with the restoration of No. 4079 way back in 2004.
Nice one
Cheers
Glad to see she's back in service. They did a flawed but fine job considering how extensive it was.
Flawed? 🤨🤨
It's great to have her back. When the culmination of two decades worth of hard graft comes together, with an immaculate locomotive, and the only notable issues are a few leaks around the cylinder drains (which can easily be fettled in the coming weeks), it's safe to say they did a fantastic job.
I wanted to go see it but I didn’t have time to on the day, always wanted to go didcot railway centre
All that steam coming from the front... Someone forgot to tighten a few screws!
It’s been confirmed that this engine will no longer work on mainline railtours it will Marwari visit heritage lines
All hail the Castles!
They are beautiful locomotives
10:13 *Leaking a lot of Steam ?*
Is all that steam meant to be coming from the cylinders, because it seems they have forgotten to close the drain cocks
Not so much 'forgotten', as a few obvious leaks in the system. The volunteers were as annoyed with the issue, if not more, than anyone. But some niggles were to be expected given the extensive nature of the overhaul. It'll be fettled with over the coming weeks.
Though to be fair it does give an ace effect
You need to keep drain cocks open for some time if the loco has been stationary. Until the cylinders are fully warmed up steam condenses in them. If the cocks were closed this would cause damage as water is not compressible like steam.
Will Pendennis ever return to the main line?
Never say never. But it depends who's paying.
@@TheSouthernerYTChannel ah. Out of curiosity why is she limited to heritage lines?
Expense, maintenance, gauging, reduced wear and tear etc.
@@TheSouthernerYTChannel fair enough i guess
@@Spud607 there is yet another safty reason: In the first eight minutes you have seen all those persons on the tracks, all wanting to get the best shot of the scene and themself infront of the (running) engine? You do not want that in combination with a fast train running through on the neighbour track as they do on a main line.
Great event although it's a shame Didcot couldn't have arranged for Clun Castle to have come down
Well, 2023 is the century of the class, so who knows...
Amazing to think she'll be getting her telegram from the Queen in two years.
A magnificent piece of engineering. Really love to know what kids today think of these marvels, or do they just say big deal I'll stick to Facebook and iPad games.
I'm in my 30s and love steam locomotives
Depends on the kid
If only Sir William "Bill" McAlpine was still alive, I bet he was watching the event in heaven.
R.I.P Sir William "Bill" McAlpine 12th January 1936-4th March 2018
A shame to have lost him before he could see 4079 back. A lot is owed to his efforts in preservation.
The Pendennis castles
Pendennii
That is the best place in the 😄😅
The name is almost a top gear joke
Some of these armchair critics annoy me with their so called expertise. She looks magnificent to me and credit to Didcot and all who worked on her.
You're not the only one...
They have done a fantastic job with her
It sounds awful.
Extensive overhaul, not yet fettled/run-in. It was never going to be fine-tuned straight from overhaul.