Achilles Report No2: Eventful Afternoon at RPMR...

Hello everyone. Today I was at Ryton Pool for another of my 2011 crew days. After arranging the week before with the Member in Charge (Eric), I took my loco; "Achilles"; along for a run. The normal train service is a 4-car rake; three passenger trucks and a brake. Today, that set was hauled by the stalwart Class 37 electric as it is only myself or fellow driver Emma who tend to use the society's own steamer! Of course, with my attention today being on my own engine, I did not attempt to steam the club's Sweet Pea. We arrived on site at RPMR at around 11:30am, finding "Achilles"s builder (Ken) already there. After opening up we proceeded up the drive to the track. "Achilles" was duly unloaded and placed on one of the 5"-only steaming bays. We prepared the loco in good time for the 1pm start, with the 37 and train being formed too in the process. At 12:50pm, we steamed onto the track with 2 cars behind "Achilles". I did not use my own driving truck as that weighs a considerable amount on its own! This would be "Achilles" first run hauling fare paying passengers around the 2000ft-long track. Therefore, we were cautious and only connected 2 cars with a tongue in the cheek. Of course, on flat track, the substantial 0-6-0T would provide good power. But, on a 1 in 70 climb on a tight bend, we feared we would overload her. Getting Up Steam... Once on the track, myself and Ken headed off to the station. However, trouble was lurking. The loco barked well around the far bund, before hitting the 1 in 70 climb. Half way up, we stopped to pick-up some litter which was blowing across the site. With 90psi on the clock the restart would be easy but, something always has to go wrong! Just as the 0-6-0 began to move, there was a loud bang. Looking down the side of the engine it was obvious that the right-hand Crosshead pin had sheered and dropped out, thus rendering the piston disconnected. With the 37 approaching from the rear with the first public train, we had no choice but to abort, returning to the steaming bay...
With the loco on the bay, and secure, we repositioned the piston so that it matched the hole in the crosshead again. We then placed a piece of wire inside the hole to protect the valve timing. With this in place, myself and Ken dissapeared down into the workshops to find something which may help us run again today. After 40 minutes of searching, with some help from Eric too, we came across a nail with strong properties; just about the right size too. Shortened to length, the interference fit of the pin within the crosshead allowed it to remain in place. This is only a running repair of course (a hardened steel pin is currently under construction at Ken's) but allowed the loco to resteam. By 1:50pm, the loco was relit and warming up nicely. Check out the very shiney dome below! The dome was a little orange a couple of weeks ago, after a few years of hard running with the blue tank engine. However, here it is now, shiney as the day it was made...courtesy of Rolls-Royce ;) ...
After 20 minutes of preparation, "Achilles" blows off neatly on the steaming bay. My Yellow Saxo is waiting at the end of the loading ramp for when we finish running...
A roaring wood fire blazes away in the tank's firebox...
By 2:15pm, "Achilles" was ready, on the track and at the station. The make-shift pin seemed to be holding well so we decided to try a few passengers. The lucky two below were the first fare-paying passengers to ever ride behind "Achilles" on the full RPMR circuit (we should have provided a souvenir certificate really!)...
With 90psi on the clock we steamed away. "Achilles" performed very well; attacking the 1 in 70 bank with ease. Meanwhile, the 37 electric was providing the other service rake with some motive power...
"Achilles" at Ryton Halt...
The weather for the afternoon was very varied. Hot sun and blue sky was complimented by light rain showers, falling from darkened clouds. Very odd! But, the rain didn't stay strong for the afternoon so all was well! "Achilles" ran until 3:30pm, allowing plenty of time to get her off the track, blown-down and shunted onto the loading ramp. We reckon we hauled 25 out of the 75 passengers who rode this afternoon, or there-abouts...
Below, a lightly loaded train is hauled on its return journey by "Achilles"...
"Achilles" & train at Ryton Halt. I think the most we hauled this afternoon, at once, was 4 adults and 2 teenagers (including crew). This load was quite enough for today. I reckon we may have managed a train full of adults but we would have been a little close to the load limit on the 1 in 70 bank. Plus, I was very aware of the nail which was being used as a crosshead pin!...
0-6-0 Tank Locomotive, "Achilles"...
Driver Sam Brandist with a well-performing "Achilles" in the Arrival's Platform at Ryton Halt. This was just before the loco's last round-trip departure of the day...
I was very pleased with the engine's performance this afternoon. The next chance to see the engine will be at the GEC Miniature Railway on August 6th, when the loco will be taking part in the monthly 5" gauge day. Why not come and see us there? If not, the loco will hopefully be at RPMR again in 6 weeks time. Look out for another post about "Achilles" as the action happens. What a nice, yet eventful, afternoon we've had. Thanks to Eric, Nathan, Ben, Leslie and of course Ken. Finally, well done "Achilles"; you did us proud today.

Evening all...