Firing 3803; Another Day With A Superior Machine...
Hi all. Now, I don't use the term "best day ever" lightly but, this was pretty much the "best day ever" at Shackerstone; the only catch was the VERY early start. Arriving at 4:45am, myself and Carl wandered down to the shed where we found the lovely B1 and her older companion; GWR No3803, which I would be firing today. I fired my first engine at Shackerstone in May 2008 and it was 0-4-0VBT Cockerill "Yvonne"; a quaint little machine from abroad. Since then, I have 'developed' through many different machines from Peckett's to Panniers and on to Prairies and the lovely B1 of course. Most recently, I have been firing 1306 & 3803; as many of my regular readers will know. Hopefully, I will be soon at the end of my fireman training as, more often than not, I am now being left alone all day to fire; as I was today. Back to us at 4:45am this morning; we checked inside 3803's firebox and discovered some embers still burning from the warming fire the night before. Overnight, a leaf-spring had been replaced under the loco; keeping a very capable team working until gone 11pm! Well done to them. Carl lit up 3803, simply by placing coal on top of the still burning embers, and opening the dampers. The 38xx was warming up and she had steam by the time my crew; John and Dave; arrived. In the morning, at 9am, the 38 was booked for a 'Foot Ex' and Carl and Adrian crewed that outing, giving me a chance to wash, change and get some breakfast before joining the rest of my crew on the 38' at the start of the public day...
At 10:45am, Adrian and Carl handed the loco over to us three and I began making up the fire as we ran round onto the 4-coach train. Dave coupled up whilst John prepared for departure, and I fed the 27ft grate. Soon, 3803 was ready and we left on time with the 11:15am departure; the first public run of the day...
We were very worried that we would be cold on the 'open-back' loco today but, once again, we were in luck and the sun shone down on us. It was lovely weather, just right for 3803. I fired all 5 runs today, with success I believe; and of course the praise from my experienced crew at the end of the day was very reassuring. Thank you very much to Dave and John for a great day. 3803 was a joy and the 5 trips were 'just right'; 4 isn't enough and 6 is too many! Below, Driver Dave Johnson takes 3803 through Far Coton towards Market Bosworth with the 1:05pm to Shackerstone...
3803 chugs happily towards Far Coton with the Vacuum Pump ticking away in its usual enthusiastic manner...
GWR engines were often fitted with a flap, allowing more 'Top Air' (Secondary Air) to access the fire through the firehole doors. However, with the flap up, Secondary Air can still enter, but not too much. Too much cold air at once can affect the tube plate, tubes, stays and the foundation ring. Therefore, it is advisable not to let too much in at once. Below, the Flap is up but the doors partially shut too as the engine is chuffing well. However, the Top-Air creeping through the gap above the flap gets rid of some of the smoke, giving a light grey exhaust as is expected. Of course, too much air isn't good either as it cools the fire and weakens the combustion. The correct balance means complete combustion and the best results from the fire in the box...
3803 steamed and ran very well all day, performing her duties with ease; well, after all, 4 coaches is child's play for an engine designed to pull freight trains as heavy as 2000 tons! My favourite part of the engine is probably her huge size; particularly the cab. I've been on many engines where there is room to move about in the cab, so it's nice to be on the 38' as 3 people really isn't confined at all; you could probably throw a party on there! Lovely machine. The Leicestershire Countryside was also lovely today; really scenic, especially when viewed from the lovely Great Western. Below, 3803 roars away from Market Bosworth tender first; if you look closely you can see me in the cab (C = D.Hanks)...
"The calm after the storm"; Market Bosworth Station rests in the quiet countryside as 3803 roars through Far Coton for Shenton (C = D.Hanks)...
One problem we had today was the coal. In hot weather, especially when running tender first on a low-back engine like 3803; you need to keep the coal damp. This keeps the dust level low, meaning that you get much less in your eyes when running backwards! The coal is washed using the slacking hose; a rubber pipe connected to a valve which in turn connects to the live steam injector feed. When the injector is running, the valve can be opened to release pressurised water immediately, allowing you to 'wash' the coal. (For the jokers out there, no matter how much you wash it it won't come clean; but it does help the dust problem!!). Myself, John and Dave had a lovely day on the engine, with me firing all day and the other two taking it in turns on the regulator. I had a lovely time; 3803 is by far the best engine I've ever fired; closely seconded by 5542 the Small Prairie. By 5:45pm, we had 3803 back inside the shed and disposed. I raked the well fire, or what was left of it at least. Other than a little bit of clinker under the firehole door, no problems were discovered and 3803 was given a clean inspection report by the Driver(s). We then retired to "Jessie" for a restful drink and a chat before leaving. What a fantastic day. Thanks to John & Dave, and Carl & Adrian, for a great day out. Also thanks to D.Hanks for providing the two pics above and the opening image too; thanks Dave! And, finally, thank you for reading! Keep it up please! :). Tomorrow?: I'm driving 7.25" at the GEC in Coventry. Goodnight All, Sam...
Hi all. Now, I don't use the term "best day ever" lightly but, this was pretty much the "best day ever" at Shackerstone; the only catch was the VERY early start. Arriving at 4:45am, myself and Carl wandered down to the shed where we found the lovely B1 and her older companion; GWR No3803, which I would be firing today. I fired my first engine at Shackerstone in May 2008 and it was 0-4-0VBT Cockerill "Yvonne"; a quaint little machine from abroad. Since then, I have 'developed' through many different machines from Peckett's to Panniers and on to Prairies and the lovely B1 of course. Most recently, I have been firing 1306 & 3803; as many of my regular readers will know. Hopefully, I will be soon at the end of my fireman training as, more often than not, I am now being left alone all day to fire; as I was today. Back to us at 4:45am this morning; we checked inside 3803's firebox and discovered some embers still burning from the warming fire the night before. Overnight, a leaf-spring had been replaced under the loco; keeping a very capable team working until gone 11pm! Well done to them. Carl lit up 3803, simply by placing coal on top of the still burning embers, and opening the dampers. The 38xx was warming up and she had steam by the time my crew; John and Dave; arrived. In the morning, at 9am, the 38 was booked for a 'Foot Ex' and Carl and Adrian crewed that outing, giving me a chance to wash, change and get some breakfast before joining the rest of my crew on the 38' at the start of the public day...
At 10:45am, Adrian and Carl handed the loco over to us three and I began making up the fire as we ran round onto the 4-coach train. Dave coupled up whilst John prepared for departure, and I fed the 27ft grate. Soon, 3803 was ready and we left on time with the 11:15am departure; the first public run of the day...
We were very worried that we would be cold on the 'open-back' loco today but, once again, we were in luck and the sun shone down on us. It was lovely weather, just right for 3803. I fired all 5 runs today, with success I believe; and of course the praise from my experienced crew at the end of the day was very reassuring. Thank you very much to Dave and John for a great day. 3803 was a joy and the 5 trips were 'just right'; 4 isn't enough and 6 is too many! Below, Driver Dave Johnson takes 3803 through Far Coton towards Market Bosworth with the 1:05pm to Shackerstone...
3803 chugs happily towards Far Coton with the Vacuum Pump ticking away in its usual enthusiastic manner...
GWR engines were often fitted with a flap, allowing more 'Top Air' (Secondary Air) to access the fire through the firehole doors. However, with the flap up, Secondary Air can still enter, but not too much. Too much cold air at once can affect the tube plate, tubes, stays and the foundation ring. Therefore, it is advisable not to let too much in at once. Below, the Flap is up but the doors partially shut too as the engine is chuffing well. However, the Top-Air creeping through the gap above the flap gets rid of some of the smoke, giving a light grey exhaust as is expected. Of course, too much air isn't good either as it cools the fire and weakens the combustion. The correct balance means complete combustion and the best results from the fire in the box...
3803 steamed and ran very well all day, performing her duties with ease; well, after all, 4 coaches is child's play for an engine designed to pull freight trains as heavy as 2000 tons! My favourite part of the engine is probably her huge size; particularly the cab. I've been on many engines where there is room to move about in the cab, so it's nice to be on the 38' as 3 people really isn't confined at all; you could probably throw a party on there! Lovely machine. The Leicestershire Countryside was also lovely today; really scenic, especially when viewed from the lovely Great Western. Below, 3803 roars away from Market Bosworth tender first; if you look closely you can see me in the cab (C = D.Hanks)...
"The calm after the storm"; Market Bosworth Station rests in the quiet countryside as 3803 roars through Far Coton for Shenton (C = D.Hanks)...
One problem we had today was the coal. In hot weather, especially when running tender first on a low-back engine like 3803; you need to keep the coal damp. This keeps the dust level low, meaning that you get much less in your eyes when running backwards! The coal is washed using the slacking hose; a rubber pipe connected to a valve which in turn connects to the live steam injector feed. When the injector is running, the valve can be opened to release pressurised water immediately, allowing you to 'wash' the coal. (For the jokers out there, no matter how much you wash it it won't come clean; but it does help the dust problem!!). Myself, John and Dave had a lovely day on the engine, with me firing all day and the other two taking it in turns on the regulator. I had a lovely time; 3803 is by far the best engine I've ever fired; closely seconded by 5542 the Small Prairie. By 5:45pm, we had 3803 back inside the shed and disposed. I raked the well fire, or what was left of it at least. Other than a little bit of clinker under the firehole door, no problems were discovered and 3803 was given a clean inspection report by the Driver(s). We then retired to "Jessie" for a restful drink and a chat before leaving. What a fantastic day. Thanks to John & Dave, and Carl & Adrian, for a great day out. Also thanks to D.Hanks for providing the two pics above and the opening image too; thanks Dave! And, finally, thank you for reading! Keep it up please! :). Tomorrow?: I'm driving 7.25" at the GEC in Coventry. Goodnight All, Sam...
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