BR Britannia Latest News
Monday 21st, December 2009
summary of discussions with our builder
During my recent visit to the builder, I was able to take a selection of official Britannia drawings to review. The builder found the BR drawings more helpful than others we’ve previously provided, and is comfortable about this build. But there is still some detail missing. For example, we can’t find a WR drawing of changes made to the smoke deflectors following the derailment at Milton in December 1955. On some WR Britannias, the brass surround hand hold positioning differs so perhaps there isn’t a drawing after all. Can anyone advise? We will be including modified WR Britannias in our second series.
In addition, we can’t trace a reasonable size drawing of tenders fitted to the last ten Britannias – type 1D. Otherwise we and the builder are reasonably satisfied with the information available. At least, the builder commented, Britannia will be less confusing than previous builds with their different colours and different linings! The builder feels very comfortable about constructing Britannia and Clans as to his eyes both classes have North American practise characteristics. They are certainly going to be very attractive models with much external detail.
Finally, does anyone know of a “condition” specification for 70000 ‘Britannia’ in exhibition state? We’ve seen a three-quarter view of 70000, with just about everything that could be polished – polished. Does anyone have a specification or further information about these highly decorative finishes for our third series Britannias? ‘Hereward the Wake’ also had a similar finish for the Railway Congress exhibition at Willesden. And what about ‘William Shakespeare’ and ‘Iron Duke’, regular performers on the Golden Arrow. Were they prepared to a specification or did the cleaners simply decide what to polish?
The schedule now is to start model engineering drawings late March. Model engineering drawings for the Britannia will be displayed at the Halifax Show in early June. Depending on feedback, accuracy etc., the 1st pre-production Britannia should be available for inspection at the Telford Show. Again, depending on feedback, the 2nd pre-production Britannia and Clan will be displayed at Reading in early December; with full production starting shortly afterwards. So the Britannia build is moving ahead.
Michael Brooks
21st December 2009
