Snow Problem at All...
Hi all. I hope everyone had a great Christmas; lots of food, drink and rest I trust! Now, this really was one out of the blue as it were. Many of my regular readers will know that I am a pretty regular visitor to the local 15" gauge steam railway; the Evesham Vale Light Railway. Located around 40 miles from me, the EVLR offers a 1.25-mile journey through a scenic orchard with views stretching far above the Vale of Evesham. The railway is very friendly and is operated by its two owners and many willing volunteers. Each time I go up, I often receive a footplate ride and a good chat with the crew. Therefore, today, I decided to pop up to do a cleaning turn; to 'put something back' as it were - mainly to thank the EVLR for their kindness and hospitality during my many visits. So, with that, we'll begin. I was due to arrive at the railway for around 8:30am and therefore set off from home around 7:10am, leaving time for morning traffic etc. After a nice run to Evesham, through the freezing fog and damp, I pulled up in the old faithful Saxo at Twyford Station, within the Evesham Country Park. In the morning light, the fog hung low across the Car Park and their wasn't much to see in the distance. Just then, the owners (Jim and Helen) arrived, as did the day's driver; Nick. After saying 'Hello' I was guided into the Mess Room and then through into the locomotive shed; a place I've often set foot in as a visitor. The days loco, ex-Longleat No3 "Dougal", was sitting at the end of the shed, alongside the likes of the legendary ex-Fairbourne Atlantic "Count Louis". Shed doors open, myself and Nick pushed "Dougal" outside...
As she's on Roller Bearings, the loco pushed quite well. Once outside, we set to work. The EVLR are very 'up' on cleaning, as you should be. Therefore, out came the Brasso and the Pledge (yes, Pledge!). With 1/2 a glass of water in the boiler and a clean grate, "Dougal" was ready to light. Nick fetched out some parrafin-soaked rags and some kindling wood, leaving me to build up the fire. Nick then lit a rag and threw it into the box, starting the burning process. An air-line was then connected to the loco, providing a draft to keep the fire burning. "Dougal", once an 0-6-2T, is now a much modified 0-6-0TT, carrying a large, sit-in tender and a much larger boiler. These modifications have improved "Dougal"s capabilities massively, giving her more power, weight, water capacity, coal capacity and steaming ability. She is, as Nick described, the pride of the fleet due to her reliability, robustness and ease of use. Anyway, back to us. Whilst we cleaned, "Dougal" was warming through beautifully in the damp, chilly morning air. Soon enough, we had steam and, with the tea already flowing, I began oiling round. "Dougal" carries Baker Valve Gear which I don't really have much experience of. But, nevertheless, we got through and the loco was soon oiled, with a drop on the mechanical lubricator rachet for luck. With a lovely, simmering fire and a hot boiler; we prepared "Dougal" for coming off shed. Nick dropped her into forward, blew the whistle and released the brake. With a tug on the regulator, off we went. "Dougal" rolled freely out of the yard with the steam-operated drain cocks open all the way. Across the points we went and out onto the Main past the Stop Board. There, "Dougal" was blown-down by 1/4 of a glass, making it 1/2 a glass again. This gets rid of any scale and impurities in the boiler, as is per usual practise. Once blown-down, "Dougal" was reversed back onto her 3-coach train, ready for the first run of the day (the 10:30am). Below, a look at the Manifold, showing the gauges, drain cocks (red), injector steam feeds (wooden handles) etc... 
Soon enough, with a blow on the whistle and a handful of passengers, we set off. "Dougal", as I remember from my last footplate trip on her, rides very well and steams freely. Through the fog and the orchards we steamed before dropping down the steep hill towards the Baloon Loop. No views across the Vale of Evesham this morning; the fog was very thick indeed, completely blanketing the horizon. Once at the far end of the Baloon Loop, we climbed the steep hill towards the tunnel, with "Dougal" chuffing well. I was surprised at just how little the injectors were used; little and often; the water level remained very healthy indeed. Down through the tunnel we went and then up and around into Evesham Vale Station for the booked stop. Here, the children were asked how many Christmas Presents they had counted in the trees during the run. Sweets were then handed out as prizes. (Customer service, ay?!...a very nice touch I thought). With the passengers back on board, we reboarded the loco. With a blast on the whistle, off we went again, up the steep climb back to Twyford with "Dougal" gripping surprisingly well on wet rails. Soon, we were back. We moved "Dougal" onto the turntable and were pushed round. We than ran round ready for the 11am train. Then came the question..."Are you going to drive this one?"...
Now, I've driven many engines in the past, from 3.5" gauge through 7.25" gauge, right up to full size locomotives. I've also driven full size and miniature traction engines and steam rollers. But, even now, new gauges bring new challenges. I happily took over "Dougal"s regulator but had no idea how challenging the line was. As a passenger, you don't realise the work involved in driving the train. Even when on the engine, an experienced driver, like Nick, can make everything seem oh so easy. However, all isn't what it seems! Even so, I took over, closely watched at all times by Nick. Afterall, he could take-over at any moment if necessary. Anyway, with a blast on the Guard's whistle, we set off. With the regulator cracked and the drains open, "Dougal" pulled away effortlessly. Once away, I notched up and shut the taps. The regulator is then shut as the trains coasts downhill out of the yard. The Guard then gives a Green Flag to show that the coaches have safely cleared the yard. After acknowledging the Guard, I opened up for the climb up over the Level Crossing to the Top of the Bank. Soon after, we descend, regulator shut and hand firmly on the brake. I was very surprised at how much you had to brake. The train could really get away from you here. After a 5mph slack over a facing point, the train coasts down into the Baloon Loop. A slight braking is then needed for a sharp corner before opening up again for the steepest climb. "Dougal" chuffed a bit more here but still found the climb very easy. The regulator is opened more here to keep the speed up. We then shut off at the tunnel and descend, hand on the brake, through and out the other side. The regulator is then opened again to climb up into Evesham Vale for the booked stop... 
After the stop, drains open, we open the regulator slightly with the brake still on. This prevents any rolling back when the brakes are released. Brakes off, "Dougal" starts. More regulator is needed as the loco starts on the steep climb back to Twyford. The rails were slippy, and on a tight curve, uphill. Therefore, care was needed. Leaving the station confines, I took it slowly before opening up a little more. Chugging well, "Dougal" hit a very wet rail and slipped violently. I shut off immediately but opened up again straight away with no time to spare. Stopping here on these rails wouldn't be a good move! After acknowledging the Guard again, I opened up a little more and notched up. "Dougal" charged up the hill with ease and it wasn't long before I was shutting off to coast down, back across the Level Crossing. The regulator is then needed one more time to carefully steam back across the facing points into the station yard and then chug neatly up into the platform. What a run, and an experience. Another gauge done! I then replenished "Dougal"s boiler with the injector(s) before driving her onto the turntable. We then ran round again for the 11:30am trip, which Nick drove. Throughout the day, I reckon I drove half of the trips, always under supervision of course; I was afterall a training driver. However, it really was fantastic; a completelty different experience again. I was thrilled for the oppotunity. Earlier on, in the morning light, the freezing fog engulfs Twyford...
After the 3:30pm run, we disposed lovely "Dougal", leaving 0-4-0 Diesel "Cromwell" to do the last run; this just saves time on these dark evenings! Once on shed, we raked the fire, dropped the ash and then cleaned the loco, as well as filling her up. I then drove her back inside the shed, rounding the day off nicely. All that was left to do was put away the tools and shunt the stock away for the night. These tasks were soon complete and the railway was closed for the night. We then enjoyed a quick cuppa' before heading for home. Now to say thank you. I am so grateful to the EVLR owners (Jim & Helen) for letting me have a go on their wonderful loco and their railway; it really was a fantastic experience. You're kindness is always memorable and appreciated. Also thanks to Driver Nick, your guidance was very much appreciated. Also thanks to anyone else who was on that day; I had a great time indeed. Thank you so much. I left the EVLR feeling completely elated; another one done. Thanks for reading folks...Goodnight...
Hi all. I hope everyone had a great Christmas; lots of food, drink and rest I trust! Now, this really was one out of the blue as it were. Many of my regular readers will know that I am a pretty regular visitor to the local 15" gauge steam railway; the Evesham Vale Light Railway. Located around 40 miles from me, the EVLR offers a 1.25-mile journey through a scenic orchard with views stretching far above the Vale of Evesham. The railway is very friendly and is operated by its two owners and many willing volunteers. Each time I go up, I often receive a footplate ride and a good chat with the crew. Therefore, today, I decided to pop up to do a cleaning turn; to 'put something back' as it were - mainly to thank the EVLR for their kindness and hospitality during my many visits. So, with that, we'll begin. I was due to arrive at the railway for around 8:30am and therefore set off from home around 7:10am, leaving time for morning traffic etc. After a nice run to Evesham, through the freezing fog and damp, I pulled up in the old faithful Saxo at Twyford Station, within the Evesham Country Park. In the morning light, the fog hung low across the Car Park and their wasn't much to see in the distance. Just then, the owners (Jim and Helen) arrived, as did the day's driver; Nick. After saying 'Hello' I was guided into the Mess Room and then through into the locomotive shed; a place I've often set foot in as a visitor. The days loco, ex-Longleat No3 "Dougal", was sitting at the end of the shed, alongside the likes of the legendary ex-Fairbourne Atlantic "Count Louis". Shed doors open, myself and Nick pushed "Dougal" outside...
As she's on Roller Bearings, the loco pushed quite well. Once outside, we set to work. The EVLR are very 'up' on cleaning, as you should be. Therefore, out came the Brasso and the Pledge (yes, Pledge!). With 1/2 a glass of water in the boiler and a clean grate, "Dougal" was ready to light. Nick fetched out some parrafin-soaked rags and some kindling wood, leaving me to build up the fire. Nick then lit a rag and threw it into the box, starting the burning process. An air-line was then connected to the loco, providing a draft to keep the fire burning. "Dougal", once an 0-6-2T, is now a much modified 0-6-0TT, carrying a large, sit-in tender and a much larger boiler. These modifications have improved "Dougal"s capabilities massively, giving her more power, weight, water capacity, coal capacity and steaming ability. She is, as Nick described, the pride of the fleet due to her reliability, robustness and ease of use. Anyway, back to us. Whilst we cleaned, "Dougal" was warming through beautifully in the damp, chilly morning air. Soon enough, we had steam and, with the tea already flowing, I began oiling round. "Dougal" carries Baker Valve Gear which I don't really have much experience of. But, nevertheless, we got through and the loco was soon oiled, with a drop on the mechanical lubricator rachet for luck. With a lovely, simmering fire and a hot boiler; we prepared "Dougal" for coming off shed. Nick dropped her into forward, blew the whistle and released the brake. With a tug on the regulator, off we went. "Dougal" rolled freely out of the yard with the steam-operated drain cocks open all the way. Across the points we went and out onto the Main past the Stop Board. There, "Dougal" was blown-down by 1/4 of a glass, making it 1/2 a glass again. This gets rid of any scale and impurities in the boiler, as is per usual practise. Once blown-down, "Dougal" was reversed back onto her 3-coach train, ready for the first run of the day (the 10:30am). Below, a look at the Manifold, showing the gauges, drain cocks (red), injector steam feeds (wooden handles) etc... 
Soon enough, with a blow on the whistle and a handful of passengers, we set off. "Dougal", as I remember from my last footplate trip on her, rides very well and steams freely. Through the fog and the orchards we steamed before dropping down the steep hill towards the Baloon Loop. No views across the Vale of Evesham this morning; the fog was very thick indeed, completely blanketing the horizon. Once at the far end of the Baloon Loop, we climbed the steep hill towards the tunnel, with "Dougal" chuffing well. I was surprised at just how little the injectors were used; little and often; the water level remained very healthy indeed. Down through the tunnel we went and then up and around into Evesham Vale Station for the booked stop. Here, the children were asked how many Christmas Presents they had counted in the trees during the run. Sweets were then handed out as prizes. (Customer service, ay?!...a very nice touch I thought). With the passengers back on board, we reboarded the loco. With a blast on the whistle, off we went again, up the steep climb back to Twyford with "Dougal" gripping surprisingly well on wet rails. Soon, we were back. We moved "Dougal" onto the turntable and were pushed round. We than ran round ready for the 11am train. Then came the question..."Are you going to drive this one?"...
Now, I've driven many engines in the past, from 3.5" gauge through 7.25" gauge, right up to full size locomotives. I've also driven full size and miniature traction engines and steam rollers. But, even now, new gauges bring new challenges. I happily took over "Dougal"s regulator but had no idea how challenging the line was. As a passenger, you don't realise the work involved in driving the train. Even when on the engine, an experienced driver, like Nick, can make everything seem oh so easy. However, all isn't what it seems! Even so, I took over, closely watched at all times by Nick. Afterall, he could take-over at any moment if necessary. Anyway, with a blast on the Guard's whistle, we set off. With the regulator cracked and the drains open, "Dougal" pulled away effortlessly. Once away, I notched up and shut the taps. The regulator is then shut as the trains coasts downhill out of the yard. The Guard then gives a Green Flag to show that the coaches have safely cleared the yard. After acknowledging the Guard, I opened up for the climb up over the Level Crossing to the Top of the Bank. Soon after, we descend, regulator shut and hand firmly on the brake. I was very surprised at how much you had to brake. The train could really get away from you here. After a 5mph slack over a facing point, the train coasts down into the Baloon Loop. A slight braking is then needed for a sharp corner before opening up again for the steepest climb. "Dougal" chuffed a bit more here but still found the climb very easy. The regulator is opened more here to keep the speed up. We then shut off at the tunnel and descend, hand on the brake, through and out the other side. The regulator is then opened again to climb up into Evesham Vale for the booked stop... 
After the stop, drains open, we open the regulator slightly with the brake still on. This prevents any rolling back when the brakes are released. Brakes off, "Dougal" starts. More regulator is needed as the loco starts on the steep climb back to Twyford. The rails were slippy, and on a tight curve, uphill. Therefore, care was needed. Leaving the station confines, I took it slowly before opening up a little more. Chugging well, "Dougal" hit a very wet rail and slipped violently. I shut off immediately but opened up again straight away with no time to spare. Stopping here on these rails wouldn't be a good move! After acknowledging the Guard again, I opened up a little more and notched up. "Dougal" charged up the hill with ease and it wasn't long before I was shutting off to coast down, back across the Level Crossing. The regulator is then needed one more time to carefully steam back across the facing points into the station yard and then chug neatly up into the platform. What a run, and an experience. Another gauge done! I then replenished "Dougal"s boiler with the injector(s) before driving her onto the turntable. We then ran round again for the 11:30am trip, which Nick drove. Throughout the day, I reckon I drove half of the trips, always under supervision of course; I was afterall a training driver. However, it really was fantastic; a completelty different experience again. I was thrilled for the oppotunity. Earlier on, in the morning light, the freezing fog engulfs Twyford...
After the 3:30pm run, we disposed lovely "Dougal", leaving 0-4-0 Diesel "Cromwell" to do the last run; this just saves time on these dark evenings! Once on shed, we raked the fire, dropped the ash and then cleaned the loco, as well as filling her up. I then drove her back inside the shed, rounding the day off nicely. All that was left to do was put away the tools and shunt the stock away for the night. These tasks were soon complete and the railway was closed for the night. We then enjoyed a quick cuppa' before heading for home. Now to say thank you. I am so grateful to the EVLR owners (Jim & Helen) for letting me have a go on their wonderful loco and their railway; it really was a fantastic experience. You're kindness is always memorable and appreciated. Also thanks to Driver Nick, your guidance was very much appreciated. Also thanks to anyone else who was on that day; I had a great time indeed. Thank you so much. I left the EVLR feeling completely elated; another one done. Thanks for reading folks...Goodnight... 
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