BALMORAL REGENERATION PROJECT
All components are now delivered at the works of Messrs. Grenaa in Denmark and assembly of the engines will commence shortly. Delivery is still scheduled as planed for the start of May. The construction of the gearboxes is well advanced in Hameln in Germany and these are due to arrive in the UK in mid-April, along with couplings etc. The propellers are complete and have left the Stone Manganese factory in Singapore by sea for the UK. They are due slightly earlier than planned in early April. Sundry items such as silencers should be ready for delivery later this month.
Following agreement with the Heritage Lottery Fund, the contract for installation of the new engines has been awarded to Messrs. Avonmouth Ship Repairers of Avonmouth. Balmoral is due to enter the dry dock operated by their sub contractors, Messrs. Abel on Monday 24 March for removal of the existing engines. Since the work is to be carried out at Bristol, it will be possible for the volunteer workers to continue to make their contribution throughout the project.
Sadly, difficulties within the UK museum ‘industry’ have resulted in a series of withdrawals of offers for a ‘retirement’ home for one or more of the old Newbury diesel engines. Attempts are being made to secure a temporary open store in order to give more time for ‘retirement’ to be secured.
Ian McMillan.
Chairman Waverley Excursions Limited.
13 March, 2003.