"Driving Turn on a Romulus"..."Why Not!"...
Hi everyone. Well, its May...already! How fast is this year going?! Anyway, today, after another invitation, I was driving my friends 7.25" gauge engine at the GEC Miniature Railway in Coventry. My friend James owns an 0-4-0 tendered Romulus loco; incidently also named "James". I have driven the loco many times before (see previous posts) and I have also driven other engines at the GEC too. The GEC Miniature Railway is just off the Allard Way in Binley, and owns two different tracks; one 7.25" and one raised track in dual 3.5"/5". The line runs every first Saturday and Sunday in the month from May until October from 2:30pm until 5pm. Today, being the first Sunday of the month, the 7.25" line was in operation and, with a Birthday Party run to do at 11am as well, the GEC required three locomotives. In all, four turned up; an electric, a diesel and two steamers. The electric (Y7 Tram "Toby") stood idle for most of the day, with steam doing most of the work, operating alongside Diesel Hydraulic "Sammy". Arriving at the GEC at around 10am, I was just in time to help unload "James" from his trailer and down onto the loading ramp. The loco was then pushed up onto the steaming bays where myself and James prepared 'him'. At 11am, we were ready to go... 
"James", "Sammy" and "Luna" (the Romulus/Sweet William mixture), took it in turns hauling the two different 2-car rakes up and down the line. The Party took place from 11am until 1pm, with many children taking their private rides. Myself and James took it in turns driving the Romulus, one trip each. "Sammy" departs the station on one of the first trains, with Stuart on the throttle...
With the Birthday Party rides all completed by 1pm, we filled "James" up and made up the fire too. 'He' was then left to simmer in the yard, at the head of his 2-coach train, closely watched by us of course. The trains at GEC are limited to two coaches as this format fits both the station run round, and the triangle spurs correctly. If the trains were longer then the engines would not fit correctly, and neither would the coaches. So, a good idea to keep them 2-coaches in my book, unless of course the loops can be extended slightly. During the lunch break we all rested, with the fabulous 'Tea Room Ladies'; already having done a stirling job in the morning; getting up to their usual tricks of making us endless cups of tea! This is service that I have never experienced anywhere else! Also during the break, I popped out and caught a McDonalds from the one around the corner, bringing it back to GEC and eating it whilst watching "James" feathering away. I must admit, I did get a funny look at the Drive-Through when wearing a Pocket Watch, Driving Jacket, Bib 'n' Brace Overalls, Shirt, Safety Shoes and a Greasetop! Dear me! Anyway, the sunny lunch break didn't last long and we were back on the engines by 2pm as the first early customers arrived. Train rides on the 7.25" are priced at a very reasonable 75p per trip, meaning that many passengers enjoy at least two rides each in many cases! Good stuff. The roving GEC Reporter Gary Bland was out again today, taking snaps of the trains. Gary has kindly sent in the following photos of me driving during the 'Public Running' session in the afternoon, and I have included them in 'route order'. Firstly, on leaving the station, trains pass through a wooded clearing before joining the main line; which is mostly straight. The line stays straight for a short while, on a downgrade, before arriving at the fully-signalled Car Park Passing Loop. Below, I arrive southbound on "James", crossing over with "Sammy" who is bound for the station...
Once through the loop, trains accelerate again. I generally like to have a little bit of a 'chuff' on this bit before shutting off. This is generally a good place to crack the blower very slightly, check the fire and then use the injector(s) if required. The loco and train seem to coast nicely along this bit, which takes the track along the edge of one of the large playing fields on the Sports Ground. In the distance, the Driver can see the Signal for the Triangle; if it is occupied at any location, the Signal will show 'Red' and the train must stop until the offending train has departed. Normally however, the triangle is clear. Arriving into the triangle, the train curves to the left and then sharply to the right. Here, there is a trailing point and an illuminated "Stop Board" at the top of a rising gradient. Behind the buffers lies a sharp drop into the river so the buffers are usually a good place to stop! Once stationary, the Guard should give a Whistle and a Green Flag to signify that the train is clear of the trailing point. The train then propels back through the point, with the Guard being 'the eyes' as it were. The Driver can again check the fire and water level before stopping again on the third leg of the triangle. Once clear of the last trailing point, the blade should spring back and the driver will stop. The Guard can then give another whistle, as if starting from a station. The train is now facing the other way and can run upgrade towards the Signal which controls access to the main line. On the run below, Gary was pretty close to the point so I decided to give him something worth hearing. At the point, I got the 'right away' before releasing the brakes, cracking the regulator and whistling. "James" moved away slowly with drain cocks hissing...then, I shut the taps and opened 'him' up a bit. "James" roared away from the spur and past Gary. The sound was great. Though, admittedly, once past Gary I decided to shut off a bit; after all there is a speed limit! Below, James barks away from the triangle...
Once out of the triangle, trains retrace their steps to the top of the bank, climbing all the way, past the Car Park Loop and beyond. At the top of the hill there is a 'Feather Signal' on a facing point. This point is always set to send trains to the right, towards the station and back through the wooded clearly. When the feather is set to the Upwards position, trains are sent straight on and up into the old station. This section is only used on Santa Special days now, as return to the main line requires complete reversal. Dropping back through the wooded clearing, I normally give a long whistle on approach to a blind bend. The raised track passes by alongside here. Below, having whistled to the passing 'Speedy' on the 5", I drop into the blind bend and into the yard...
Once in the yard, trains pass over another facing point and through another passing loop. The station is then seen coming up on the right. Below, I have shut off, with injector running and blower just cracked, preparing to brake as the train approaches the platform; after all, there is a marker to stop at!...
Once in the platform, the Driver destroys the vacuum and tends to the engine, also ensuring that the loco is in mid-gear whilst still coupled to the train. Good practise is to open the drain taps too, or I like to at least. The Guard, or a member of the station staff, will generally uncouple the loco, and then fit a tail-lamp at that end of the train. The Driver is then given a 'clear' from the staff on the platform to pull away. This is done carefully when you are dealing with a crowded platform. Once clear of the loop point, the blades spring back and allow the loco to run round, subject to the train having been stopped on the right side of the marker! Below, I drive "James" in reverse past "Sammy", who is backing down onto the next departure. The line in the centre is the main departure line, with the line on the right being the return line... 
Up in the yard, the loco is turned, and coaled and watered if necessary. There is normally then a minute or two between runs, until the next train arrives. But, when the drivers are swapping every trip, it isn't too bad. When the next arriving train pulls in, an Amber light is given in the yard, meaning that permission has been given for the loco to 'Drop Back' and onto the train to couple up. Below, "James" poses in the sun, awaiting 'his' next turn...
The other steamer in use today, as I've mentioned, was "Luna". This engine, owned by the Bland family, is made up of a Sweet William boiler on a Romulus chassis. Though an unusual combination, the loco works well, and barks cheerfully. She is also painted in an attractive blue livery with brass boiler bands and a chimney cap. A nice looking machine. Below, Stuart prepares "Luna" for departure at the station...
At lunchtime, "James" awaits 'his' afternoon turns. Below, we can see the cab. The tender is very spacious for the driver to sit and work in, and its comfortable too. The tender is in fact just about as long as the loco herself, meaning the right amount of room but, importantly, it still looks right! Lovely machine...
Throughout the afternoon, with the sun shining, many passengers enjoyed a cuppa' and a steam train ride on the GEC Miniature Railway. The 'Tea Room Ladies' were fantastic again...tea on the footplate...fabulous! They always make my day! I'm going to make a bit of a plea now. If you haven't been to the GEC, why not go along for a train ride one day? It's a very friendly place with a pleasant train ride in quiet surroundings. It's a far cry from the traffic of the bustling city centre and is well worth a look. There is a 00 gauge model railway and an indoor seating area to take a rest in, not to mention tea and cakes often on sale on running days. Finaly, for 75p a trip...you can't really go wrong can you?! For more details on this line, please comment; its a lovely place. By 5pm, the passengers had all gone home and the loco's were retiring to the shed. Myself and James disposed his loco before putting 'him' on his trailer. I later left GEC at around 6pm. Thanks very much to James for a fabulous driving his lovely loco, and to all of the staff at GEC for giving me another great day out. Finally, thanks to Gary for sending in SIX of the photographs used in this post. Thanks mate! Thank you all for reading. I'm sure I'll be at GEC again a few times this year; I always enjoy it up there. As for "James", I will hopefully be seeing him again when I go along to hopefully help with him at Rugby MES for their Public running on May 15th. Evening all...
Hi everyone. Well, its May...already! How fast is this year going?! Anyway, today, after another invitation, I was driving my friends 7.25" gauge engine at the GEC Miniature Railway in Coventry. My friend James owns an 0-4-0 tendered Romulus loco; incidently also named "James". I have driven the loco many times before (see previous posts) and I have also driven other engines at the GEC too. The GEC Miniature Railway is just off the Allard Way in Binley, and owns two different tracks; one 7.25" and one raised track in dual 3.5"/5". The line runs every first Saturday and Sunday in the month from May until October from 2:30pm until 5pm. Today, being the first Sunday of the month, the 7.25" line was in operation and, with a Birthday Party run to do at 11am as well, the GEC required three locomotives. In all, four turned up; an electric, a diesel and two steamers. The electric (Y7 Tram "Toby") stood idle for most of the day, with steam doing most of the work, operating alongside Diesel Hydraulic "Sammy". Arriving at the GEC at around 10am, I was just in time to help unload "James" from his trailer and down onto the loading ramp. The loco was then pushed up onto the steaming bays where myself and James prepared 'him'. At 11am, we were ready to go... 
"James", "Sammy" and "Luna" (the Romulus/Sweet William mixture), took it in turns hauling the two different 2-car rakes up and down the line. The Party took place from 11am until 1pm, with many children taking their private rides. Myself and James took it in turns driving the Romulus, one trip each. "Sammy" departs the station on one of the first trains, with Stuart on the throttle...
With the Birthday Party rides all completed by 1pm, we filled "James" up and made up the fire too. 'He' was then left to simmer in the yard, at the head of his 2-coach train, closely watched by us of course. The trains at GEC are limited to two coaches as this format fits both the station run round, and the triangle spurs correctly. If the trains were longer then the engines would not fit correctly, and neither would the coaches. So, a good idea to keep them 2-coaches in my book, unless of course the loops can be extended slightly. During the lunch break we all rested, with the fabulous 'Tea Room Ladies'; already having done a stirling job in the morning; getting up to their usual tricks of making us endless cups of tea! This is service that I have never experienced anywhere else! Also during the break, I popped out and caught a McDonalds from the one around the corner, bringing it back to GEC and eating it whilst watching "James" feathering away. I must admit, I did get a funny look at the Drive-Through when wearing a Pocket Watch, Driving Jacket, Bib 'n' Brace Overalls, Shirt, Safety Shoes and a Greasetop! Dear me! Anyway, the sunny lunch break didn't last long and we were back on the engines by 2pm as the first early customers arrived. Train rides on the 7.25" are priced at a very reasonable 75p per trip, meaning that many passengers enjoy at least two rides each in many cases! Good stuff. The roving GEC Reporter Gary Bland was out again today, taking snaps of the trains. Gary has kindly sent in the following photos of me driving during the 'Public Running' session in the afternoon, and I have included them in 'route order'. Firstly, on leaving the station, trains pass through a wooded clearing before joining the main line; which is mostly straight. The line stays straight for a short while, on a downgrade, before arriving at the fully-signalled Car Park Passing Loop. Below, I arrive southbound on "James", crossing over with "Sammy" who is bound for the station...
Once through the loop, trains accelerate again. I generally like to have a little bit of a 'chuff' on this bit before shutting off. This is generally a good place to crack the blower very slightly, check the fire and then use the injector(s) if required. The loco and train seem to coast nicely along this bit, which takes the track along the edge of one of the large playing fields on the Sports Ground. In the distance, the Driver can see the Signal for the Triangle; if it is occupied at any location, the Signal will show 'Red' and the train must stop until the offending train has departed. Normally however, the triangle is clear. Arriving into the triangle, the train curves to the left and then sharply to the right. Here, there is a trailing point and an illuminated "Stop Board" at the top of a rising gradient. Behind the buffers lies a sharp drop into the river so the buffers are usually a good place to stop! Once stationary, the Guard should give a Whistle and a Green Flag to signify that the train is clear of the trailing point. The train then propels back through the point, with the Guard being 'the eyes' as it were. The Driver can again check the fire and water level before stopping again on the third leg of the triangle. Once clear of the last trailing point, the blade should spring back and the driver will stop. The Guard can then give another whistle, as if starting from a station. The train is now facing the other way and can run upgrade towards the Signal which controls access to the main line. On the run below, Gary was pretty close to the point so I decided to give him something worth hearing. At the point, I got the 'right away' before releasing the brakes, cracking the regulator and whistling. "James" moved away slowly with drain cocks hissing...then, I shut the taps and opened 'him' up a bit. "James" roared away from the spur and past Gary. The sound was great. Though, admittedly, once past Gary I decided to shut off a bit; after all there is a speed limit! Below, James barks away from the triangle...
Once out of the triangle, trains retrace their steps to the top of the bank, climbing all the way, past the Car Park Loop and beyond. At the top of the hill there is a 'Feather Signal' on a facing point. This point is always set to send trains to the right, towards the station and back through the wooded clearly. When the feather is set to the Upwards position, trains are sent straight on and up into the old station. This section is only used on Santa Special days now, as return to the main line requires complete reversal. Dropping back through the wooded clearing, I normally give a long whistle on approach to a blind bend. The raised track passes by alongside here. Below, having whistled to the passing 'Speedy' on the 5", I drop into the blind bend and into the yard...
Once in the yard, trains pass over another facing point and through another passing loop. The station is then seen coming up on the right. Below, I have shut off, with injector running and blower just cracked, preparing to brake as the train approaches the platform; after all, there is a marker to stop at!...
Once in the platform, the Driver destroys the vacuum and tends to the engine, also ensuring that the loco is in mid-gear whilst still coupled to the train. Good practise is to open the drain taps too, or I like to at least. The Guard, or a member of the station staff, will generally uncouple the loco, and then fit a tail-lamp at that end of the train. The Driver is then given a 'clear' from the staff on the platform to pull away. This is done carefully when you are dealing with a crowded platform. Once clear of the loop point, the blades spring back and allow the loco to run round, subject to the train having been stopped on the right side of the marker! Below, I drive "James" in reverse past "Sammy", who is backing down onto the next departure. The line in the centre is the main departure line, with the line on the right being the return line... 
Up in the yard, the loco is turned, and coaled and watered if necessary. There is normally then a minute or two between runs, until the next train arrives. But, when the drivers are swapping every trip, it isn't too bad. When the next arriving train pulls in, an Amber light is given in the yard, meaning that permission has been given for the loco to 'Drop Back' and onto the train to couple up. Below, "James" poses in the sun, awaiting 'his' next turn...
The other steamer in use today, as I've mentioned, was "Luna". This engine, owned by the Bland family, is made up of a Sweet William boiler on a Romulus chassis. Though an unusual combination, the loco works well, and barks cheerfully. She is also painted in an attractive blue livery with brass boiler bands and a chimney cap. A nice looking machine. Below, Stuart prepares "Luna" for departure at the station...
At lunchtime, "James" awaits 'his' afternoon turns. Below, we can see the cab. The tender is very spacious for the driver to sit and work in, and its comfortable too. The tender is in fact just about as long as the loco herself, meaning the right amount of room but, importantly, it still looks right! Lovely machine...
Throughout the afternoon, with the sun shining, many passengers enjoyed a cuppa' and a steam train ride on the GEC Miniature Railway. The 'Tea Room Ladies' were fantastic again...tea on the footplate...fabulous! They always make my day! I'm going to make a bit of a plea now. If you haven't been to the GEC, why not go along for a train ride one day? It's a very friendly place with a pleasant train ride in quiet surroundings. It's a far cry from the traffic of the bustling city centre and is well worth a look. There is a 00 gauge model railway and an indoor seating area to take a rest in, not to mention tea and cakes often on sale on running days. Finaly, for 75p a trip...you can't really go wrong can you?! For more details on this line, please comment; its a lovely place. By 5pm, the passengers had all gone home and the loco's were retiring to the shed. Myself and James disposed his loco before putting 'him' on his trailer. I later left GEC at around 6pm. Thanks very much to James for a fabulous driving his lovely loco, and to all of the staff at GEC for giving me another great day out. Finally, thanks to Gary for sending in SIX of the photographs used in this post. Thanks mate! Thank you all for reading. I'm sure I'll be at GEC again a few times this year; I always enjoy it up there. As for "James", I will hopefully be seeing him again when I go along to hopefully help with him at Rugby MES for their Public running on May 15th. Evening all...
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