Hi everyone. Today I arrived at Shack with Phil at around 9:30am. Up in the yard 5542 was simmering away, carefully looked after by Drivers John & Dave and Fireman Mic. The Cleaner, Danny, was also there making the final preparations for the first departure of the day; the 10:50am. 5542 would be operating the standard 5-train service as usual. By 10:30am the loco had gone off shed ready to work her first duty. In the meantime, myself, Danny and Joe broke up some wood and also prepared our Peckett; "Sir Gomer"; for movement. The Peckett was sheduled for washout today. Therefore, whilst 5542 worked the services, we worked on our engine and prepared her for her washout. These preparations involve the removal of all inspection plugs and mudlids as well as making sure that all valves, such as the regulator and manifold cocks are closed. The washout normally then involves a pressure washer connected to a lance. The lance is poked through the inspection holes and the pressure of the water should then free any scale, rust or even swarf that is inside the boiler. The water should then run out of the bottom of the boiler through the other inspection ports. Washouts are normally done every 15-20 steamings, or there abouts. However, when we came to wash out "Sir Gomer" today, somebody had misplaced the lance so, unfortunately, "no luck there"...
"Sir Gomer" is now coming to the end of a long and difficult overhaul, having been out of service since August 2008. However, she should now be back in service by this Christmas season at the very latest; she needs to share 'Santa Train' duties with B1 "Mayflower" you see. Below, you will see our sign; Locomotive Ready for Use; "Not just yet I'm afraid...but soon!"...
Below, a 'Going-Away' shot as 5542 descends into Platform 2 at Shackerstone with the 2nd last train of the day. With that, we decided to go for a ride on the last train. Therefore, we put "Sir Gomer" away before cleaning ourselves up and boarding the train. It was a nice little journey; much easier than being on the footplate!...
Below, see an unusual short clip of No5542 that I filmed today. The loco passes over my digital camera as she barks out of Shackerstone for Shenton with the 10:50am train...After arriving back after our round trip on the train we collected our things and departed for home. I'll next be at Shackerstone next Sunday (22nd) when I'm due to crew 5542 with Jan and Carl; that'll be an early start! Thanks to Phil for today's lifts. Thank you for reading folks. Good Evening...
No comments:
Post a Comment