Big Bertha Rides Again

[robd]

She certainly didn't have that livery for her entire BR service, but obviously she DID have it at some point.

Will we ever know for sure?

 

[Edweird]

Will we ever know for sure?

Well, that's where it's difficult isn't it; sadly the old girl's long gone, as are the men who ran her, probably.

 

[Edweird]

Hey Paul,

It's a bit of a while since we've spoken. I've used the Bertha quite a lot now (just for fun I've been using her for the Hawes Junction sessions instead of the diesels) and I'd say she is probably the most detailed locomotive I have on my PC.

I found this a few days ago. It's a photograph of a model of Bertha from the National Railway Museum in York.

Got to say, your virtual model looks very similar, bar maybe the shiny paint.

 

[pcas1986]

Wow! Isn't that just gorgeous? I vaguely remember seeing the model when I was there two years back but didn't take a photo. Photos of models in glass boxes don't always work because of reflections but that looks great. If, and when, I get back to the UK I will have another look and try and pick up on some detail I missed.

There are some pending updates for BB when I find time. PEV noted I had missed a link on the reverser gear (left side looking from the front) and there are some minor changes to the engine spec. When I do those I might revisit this photo.

It's a pity the cab interior is not in view. My cab was mostly guesswork!

 

[Edweird]

Well, I've not visited the NRM in about ten years, so I think I'll make a trip there soon. If I get there before you, I'll be sure to take a lot of photographs, the cab in particular.

Looks like she may have been a bit more decorated than we thought though. Bits of brass and bare steel everywhere.

 

[pcas1986]

Its the detail of the Walschaerts gear that interests me. Some of my model was guesswork. Its a real shame it was not preserved. I doubt if the sand box lids were polished!