Hi everyone. Today we were travelling in style: behind steam on the mainline. Last year, Vintage Trains Limited of Tyseley ran a railtour around the Midlands behind two of their trio of Pannier Tanks. I was out spotting that tour last November (see post) and it was then that I vowed to make sure that I had a ticket for this trip. Joining me on the trip were Eddie & Arnold, who I met at Tyseley just after 7:30am. The tour was operated on a circular route from the well-known loco works, around the Midlands and back again. The two locomotives that headed the train were 9600 (in BR Black) and 7752 (in LT Red as 'L94'). The tour departed on time at 7:55am and the journey began. The two Panniers (9600 leading) steamed bunker-first out of Tyseley and onto the mainline. As the countryside passed the window, we enjoyed a cuppa' and read the route notes, timings and some of the railway press. This is how all tables should look...
THE Way To Travel
As the train continued on its merry way, we passed countless photographers in the fields and on the stations. The Panniers made good time to a water stop at a random bridge near Walsall, before continuing to an operational stop at Bescot Yard. From here, we steamed towards Birmingham International station (home of the Airport & the NEC). During this section of the trip, exceedingly good Bacon Baps were served by the waitress' (I couldn't resist)...
Bacon Bap
The Time Sheet
Now for a quick explanation of the route. The timing sheet can be seen below. Leaving Tyseley we headed out through Small Heath and along the Sutton Park line to Walsall. We then ran through Bescot & Aston down to International. Here, the loco's ran round and watered again. From International we climbed back to Aston before changing onto the Cross-City Line to Lichfield. There was then a lengthy water stop at Alrewas Crossing (where the loco's literally stopped on the level crossing - blocking traffic for 45 minutes! The motorists were NOT happy!). From there we steamed to Mantle Lane (Coalville), via Branston Jnc and Moira West Jnc. That was an unusual section of line: very pretty but also echoing history. There were many traces of old & now of course closed routes to various coal mines. The water stop at Mantle Lane was around 40 minutes again, before we steamed away through Coalville and out past Bardon Hill for Knighton Jnc. Here there was yet another water stop. The Panniers then had a quick romp up the Nuneaton line via Hinckley. They really got going along there: very surprising turn of speed for their size! After a chug through Nuneaton's Platform 6 we climbed the flyover over the WCML before a final water stop at Whitacre Jnc. The train then steamed back to Small Heath (Bham) and then back down into Tyseley. In total, an almost 9-hour day but very enjoyable. The Panniers were very quick and got away easily with their 8 coaches. However, a few less water stops would have been fab! ;) ...
Proper Coaches at International
9600
Anyway, back to us on the train. On arrival at International we all disembarked to take a look at the shining Panniers. The sun was shining but it was bitterly cold. 7752 & 9600 were watered using hydrants I believe. However, both were overfilled resulting in some very wet running plates!...seen below on 7752...
7752 (L94)
The duo uncoupled from the train here and ran round the 8-coach stock...
Panniers at Bham International
On the front of the train again, the Panniers were admired by many people. One photographer really caught the eye of many...click HERE to see why. Below, 7752 is now leading the duo as smoke fills the bridge...
Too Much Steam!
Having ran round the Panniers had unfortunately ended up under the floor of the main concourse. This fact became even more apparent when the train was asked to move along slightly as the Panniers were filling the upstairs with smoke & steam! They did move it slightly...just so the Panniers were outside! As this was the only stop during the day where we could get off the train I didn't get many pics. Therefore, I have included the video below (which is available on Youtube) just to give you an idea of what the Panniers got up to...
From International we followed the route mentioned earlier, via all of the water stops and countless stations. The locomotives put in fantastic performances and; from the sounds echoing through the windows; seemed in fabulous mechanical condition. Before long though, journeys end beckoned and we reached Tyseley: home of the Panniers and countless other engines such as "Rood Ashton Hall", "Clun Castle", "Earl of Mount Edgecumbe" and "Princess Elizabeth"...
Panniers Home Again
9600 Cab
The Panniers had made good time and we arrived some 15 minutes early. For a bit of history...7752 was built in 1930 and was withdrawn in 1961, having spent time at Abedare, Tondu and Newport Ebbw Juntion amongst other places. 9600 was built in 1945 and withdrawn 20 years later. She spent time at Newport Ebbw Junction, Swindon and Neath, amongst other places. Below, 7752 sits at the bufferstops with her Tyseley mate and train behind her...
Journeys End
It was a great day out behind mainline steam once again. The Panniers had been in fine form, the weather had been relatively kind and the train was comfortable (if a little stationary alot of the time!). Thanks must go to Arnold & Eddie who provided informative, interesting and humorous company on the train! We did have a laugh and a good chat. Below, Arnold enjoys the water stop...
Thats about it then folks. Thank you very much for reading and do look out for more posts as they happen. The one problem with travelling behind mainline steam is that it always leaves you wanting more so don't be surprised if I go on another railtour this year! ;) . Cheers...Sam
Hi guys. Today I was at the Echills Wood Railway: the 7.25" gauge line that runs through a substantial section of the Kingsbury Water Park near Tamworth. I had been invited up by my friend Dave who's family owns a few 7.25" engines, as well as some road locomotives. Dave had offered me the chance to drive his recently-acquired Black 5 for the day and, to be honest, I jumped at it!... I arrived at Kingsbury at around 9am and was met by a few of the members. I enjoyed a cuppa' and a Hot Cross Bun in the mess room as constant rain trickled down the windows. Dave & his family were soon on site and after alot of chatting and trotting around the sheds we pushed the shining Black 5 out into the rain. Through the yard we pushed her and onto the large turntable, before backing her down onto Bay No9 in the covered roundhouse. Dave showed me the various controls on the engine as well as the oiling points and he also gave me alot of wood & a lighter. He then said, "light her up then". "Fair enough" came my reply. The boiler was already full as the loco had ran on Saturday and so, with the blower fitted, I lit the fire... With a good wood-fire in the box, I began adding the substantially-sized lumps of coal. The loco warmed up surprisingly quickly and she was ready by 11:20am. Unlike 5" gauge engines which you sit behind, you sit astride a 7.25" tender loco. The tender has a padded seat atop it and this (providing the tender is properly balanced) provides a good driving perspective and a comfortable ride. As we prepared to leave shed, the 5MT blew off at her full pressure of 90psi. With that, the loco hissed off shed in a cloud of steam. With me driving, I climbed out of the yard and onto the Relief Line light engine. With the points switched behind, the loco rolled back down into the yard where I halted her on the Vacuum Brake. The drain cocks (steam operated!) were kept open throughout this so as to clear the Superheaters and the rest of the steam circuit. 5026 has her own set of scale LMS coaches (of which there are four) plus a mineral wagon (for the Guard's kit & sandwiches!) and a Brake Van (for the Guard). Whilst Dave & the yard master marshalled the train from the sheds, the Black 5 simmered quietly away... In the cab, the Black 5 was nice & simple, though its regulator was rather stiff: echoing the feeling of alot of power! In honesty, you only needed the regulator just cracked at 50% cut-off to pull a fully loaded train up the steeper sections of the line. The main issue today was wet, greasy rails! In the cab below we can see the manifold atop the backhead. From left to right we have the L-hand injector steam valve, the hooter/whistle, the R-hand injector steam valve, the steam brake supply and the vac ejector supply. The two gauge glasses can be clearly seen with the regulator in the middle. The gauge on the left is the Pressure Gauge, and the one on the right is the Vac Gauge. At the foot of the R-hand gauge glass is the Blower and bottom-left is the Reverser & Steam Valve for the Drain Cocks. The Damper control is just below the firehole door on the right. The brakes are on the right hand side. The vac brake is forward of the steam brake; though the latter is not in use yet. All in all, a very easy-to-work-with cab layout... With the train coupled up, off we went. As I haven't driven the EWR for a good while, and I hadn't driven the Black 5 before(!), Dave joined me as a Pilotman for the first few laps. As it was raining there were very few passengers. The passengers that came were hauled by the two commerical diesels, pulling their articulated coach rakes. Opening the regulator, the Black 5 slipped and then regained her feet before taking off. Out of the North Gate and onto the 7mph section we went, before slowing for a 3mph slack at Sandy Curve. Atop the climb the train drifts downwards to Picnic Junction Halt where there is a 3mph slack over a Facing Point. The train is then on the double-track to the current terminus at Far Leys. This section is 7mph, though the tunnel is 5mph. The Black 5 chugged easily along this section with her empty train and we arrived at Far Leys in good time. After a brief stop to test the brakes we departed again, upgrade. The return run takes the double-track back across Baldwins Bridge and through the tunnel. There is then a 1mph(!) slack over a foot crossing on a VERY tight bend. From here, the train passes through Picnic Junction before heading out onto a 7mph 'raceway' section. Really, it is 7mph but it feels so much faster on a long, well-maintained and sweeping track. Below, the Black 5 romps along towards Harvesters (the main station)... I drove the beautiful Black 5 throughout the afternoon and, having been passed off as 'knowing the route' I drove many fare-paying passsengers around the long track. I will admit, pulling the two 'fully loaded' trains that I did made me appreciate not only the power of the 5 but also the greasy nature of the rails. Leaving Far Leys on the curving gradient across the junction, the 5MT lost her feet again & again but didn't stall. In the end she would end up crawling out with a strong bark being ejected up the chimney. Once under way, the hooter would be sounded passing the 'W' board towards Baldwins Bridge. She really was a beautiful engine and I do aspire to maybe owning one like her one day. However, I do maintain a kind of respect for narrow gauge 7.25" that you can 'sit in' rather than 'sit astride', such as the Romulus. Anyway, having driven the 5MT all afternoon, I gave the loco back to Dave for her last run as he hadn't really had a go yet! I did however ride with the engine on her last trip for photos. Below, the trackbed speeds under the tender at 7mph... At Far Leys, some passengers would join, some would leave and some would simply stay on the train. At 15 minutes per round trip, it isn't bad really! Note the scale LMS coaches... 5026 rests at Far Leys... After her last trip we shunted the train onto the Loading Road (ready to go in Dave's trailer) before the Black 5 went back onto No9 road. Having emptied the Ashpan and having dropped the Grate, the loco was blown-down in fine style... 5026 engulfed in steam... Having loaded the now cooling loco and train onto Dave's vehicle we headed home. It had been a brilliant day and I thank everyone at EWR for letting me have another go. Special thanks must go to Dave, Kevin and Vera Brown who constantly welcome me and provide great hospitality. The chance to drive such beautiful locomotives only seems to come through those you know and I am very fortunate to know such kind people. Without them, I would not have driven or experienced so many railways or locomotives. Finally, thanks for reading folks. Goodnight...
Happy Easter everyone. Today I was, shall we say, banned from doing a full day anywhere due to an exacting Family Dinner but was allowed out briefly in the afternoon for a 'bit of air'. I popped over to RPMR where I knew trains would be running. Sure enough, the Class 37 & 5"/7.25" steamer "Jodie" were in action on a double-service, running 1pm - 4pm. The trains were kind of busy, though some were better loaded than others. "Jodie" (John Drury's 5"/7.25" convertible 0-4-0) seemed in fine form and easily pulled 3 fully loaded cars + her own driving truck up the 1 in 70 with hardly a chuff. What is however noticeable with this engine is the overhang either side, with her being a 7.25" loco on 5" rails. She is however a very powerful and pretty machine with a good sized boiler... I did a couple of Guard turns and also enjoyed a ride behind "Jodie" before heading home at around 3:30pm. It was very cold at RPMR and I'm not afraid to admit that it got the better of me in the end ;) . I will next be at RPMR on April 22nd for my duty day, when "Achilles" and "John Owen" are planned to double-head the main train. Cheers guys. Sam...
Hi everyone. Another outing for "Achilles" today at Ryton Pool Miniature Railway. It was one of the monthly 'Members Running Days' and the engine was duly turned out in her usual pristine condition. Having loaded the loco into the Saxo we made our way up the M6 under threatening skies. On arrival at Ryton, it wasn't raining but it wasn't sunny either, and it was a tad cold. Nevertheless, we got into our warm gear and unloaded the loco. Already on site was "William"; an 0-4-0 Ajax. The Ajax is the smaller sister engine of the Achilles with the main difference being the lack of a third axle. "William" is another older engine, having been built in the 1950s as one of CMES' first locomotives. Below, "Achilles" and "William" prepare for action on No1 & No2 Roads... Myself and Ben steamed the loco in good time, closely watched by some cheerful onlookers from the nearby path. Below, "Achilles" simmers on the bay before we head off: "William" meanwhile was having a Steam Test... Fitted with a 40 or so degree deflector pipe in the chimney in an attempt to keep my face clean, the engine steamed surprisingly well. She was coupled to her own riding truck and a normal CMES car too, giving her the chance to carry up to 3 passengers at once, as well as myself & Ben on the riding truck if necessary. Joining us today was Dave Hanks: a friend of mine from Shackerstone: and his family. Dave kindly sent in 5 of the images in this post: Thank You, Dave. Below, "Achilles" simmers near the Bendy Beam; note the deflector in the chimney... The loco pulled well throughout her 2.5 hour or so running session and gave many rides, both to my family and Dave's. Its always a pleasure to have the loco out when she is performing well and can give rides. Below, the loco gets away for another circuit of the 2000ft-long track... Myself and my engine (lovingly built by Ken Hall of Coventry)... Below, the locomotive digs in as she reaches the 1 in 70 section of the bank, pulling well (you can see by the drifting steam that it was a tad chilly)... The locomotive ran until around 4:20pm but was a little tired by then so we came off to dispose. During the afternoon the loco had steamed and pulled very well indeed with not only myself but also Ben, my grandad and Dave trying their hands on the regulator. We also had the chance to try "Achilles" double-heading with "John Owen" (the Sweet Pea), with pleasing results. The blue 0-6-0T will be double-heading the main train on April 22nd with the Pea (or thats the plan!): look out for a post on that as it happens. Thanks for reading folks. The loco had had another pleasing day and, as I say, will hopefully be running again on April 22nd. Evening all...Sam...
Hi guys. Well, what a beautiful day. Myself & Dave arrived at Shackerstone at 5:30am in frosty conditions. After driving up the misty driveway we unpacked our cars and headed to the shed. The 38' was inside; warm-ish but showing nothing on the clock. We checked her over, cleaned the grate and lit a new fire as quickly as possible. We had two Footplate Experience participants today; one of which was the father of one of my Team Leaders at work (no pressure!). The Foot Ex guys arrived at 8am to see the locomotive coming towards the end of the prepping stages, before myself and Pockets took them out at 9am for the actual course. Generally, courses start with a safety brief, loco brief and a chat about the railway in the yard, beginning at 8am-ish. We usually have two participants who share the driving and the firing, in conjunction with the loco crew. Today, Pockets was teaching Driving, whilst I was given the task of teaching the Firing. First we leave Shackerstone light engine and head to Market Bosworth (3 miles away). One participant would be driving, the other firing. We stopped just south of Hedleys (around 1.5 miles) to swap roles: that way both participants would get the chance to drive the loco both ways, both hauling the train and light engine. At Bosworth, the participants swapped again, and again just south of Hedleys. Drawing back into Shack we coupled up to the 4-coach train, aboard which would be the families of the participants.
Leaving Shackerstone at around 10am we steamed up the bank towards Barton with one of the participants driving and the other firing again. This time we would be going all the way to Shenton & back. The participants swapped at Bosworth for the run to Shenton and then myself & Pockets ran the loco round at Shenton. The participants then shared the duties on the way back to Shack, under blue skies. Back at base, we uncoupled the loco and pulled her over into Platform 2 to present certificates and to pose for photographs. The participants and their families had their photograph took with myself & Pockets (their crew) before we rejoined the loco ready to undertake the 11:15 public departure. Aboard this trip, the Foot Ex participants & their families would be riding the train with lunch provided too. I think the Foot Ex courses at Shack (at £250 each) are good value for money for what you get, considering you get to drive the large 2884 Class 2-8-0 too. Anyway, for the 11:15 we were joined by Carl (2nd Driver) and Dave (Trainee) for the rest of the day. It was a great day all told, with all of us sharing the various duties in the sunny, warm weather. 3803 steamed, pulled and performed very well as usual. We steamed back in on time at 5:10pm and duly disposed on shed. Another great day on 3803! Thanks to Pockets, Carl, Dave & the Foot Ex guys for a great time. Cheers all. Sam...
Hi everybody. Today, as expected, steam locomotive "Sir Gomer" received a loaded test run at Shackerstone to check for any disturbances in her recently refitted eccentrics. The 0-6-0ST has had two days of chugging around the platform but required a loaded run before we were satisfied. Myself and Carl were on site from 6:30am and Andy arrived not long after. The three of us prepared the locomotive with myself doing the oiling and some cleaning. Having had a good warming fire yesterday, the Peckett was soon in steam and we left the shed early. As normal, todays services on the railway were to operate to the 'Green Timetable', meaning 5 round trips from Shackerstone, departing every 75 minutes from 11:15am. The train was made up of 4 coaches and we were coupled up and ready by 11am. This gave me some time to take a few pics. "Sir Gomer" stands in Platform 2: shining and ready to go... Powerful Peckett... For the first trip Andy drove and Carl fired, with me enjoying the ride. "Got The Board"... We left Shackerstone on time at 11:15 for Shenton. The loco steamed away easily with her 4-coach train. The video below was shot by Mr.C.Simmons and shows the Peckett leaving Shack and then returning after the first run...
Out on the line for the first time since late November, the Peckett steamed and pulled well. Driver Andy Guest was cautious with the regulator, attempting to keep the eccentrics in their place by not going too rough. The loco made it to Shenton in good time and we ran round quickly. The fire settled down whilst we coupled up again... "Sir Gomer" at Shenton with the 11:50 run to Shackerstone: Change here for the Battlefield... The green Peckett gets ready to go. The large regulator handle can be seen in the cab... The loco returned the 11:50 to Shackerstone in good time, and with a healthy bark leaving the chimney. However, after an inspection, it was discovered that the shims were moving under the sheaths. We did however realise that they may have now settled where they were so did the 2nd round trip. The shims were still there when we got back with the loco having put in another impressive performance, with Carl driving and me firing. The 1:45pm train left on time but at Shenton we realised that the shims were on their way out. After another inspection we decided that the loco would be fit to return cautiously to Shackerstone with the train but would then be failed so as to prevent any damage in case the shims came out. Below, "Sir Gomer" slips back down into Shackerstone with me driving (pic by D.Hanks)... After uncoupling we failed "Sir Gomer" and the Class 73 was duly started. Carl & Andy took the Peckett off to the shed but I had another job to do. The Driver of the 73 needed a Secondman, and guess who got the call?! Below, off we go with the 3pm (pic by D.Hanks). The 73 hauled the last 2 trips whilst the Shed Team checked "Sir Gomer". They decided that the eccentrics could be refitted again in a different manner and this would definately secure successful running in the future. The loco will be fixed during the next 2-3 days. Tomorrow I'm back at Shackerstone on 3803. At 5:30pm, I left Shackerstone for home, still dressed in my steam overalls. It is pleasant being on a diesel but is so boring! ;) . Evening all. Sam...
Hi everyone. This afternoon I had the chance to have a quick run with my 00 gauge Garden Railway: known as the Sutherland Steam Railway. The garden railway began in April 2005, and the first section opened that June. The line was extended in August 2006 and has been edited a few times since. A turntable was added, as was a passing loop and the line has even been re-routed at one time or another. Today was the first time that the line has operated in 2012. I simply haven't had the time to run it yet. I do however hope to have various chances to operate the 00 gauge line as the year goes on. There was a single train in operation today: a lengthy freight hauled by Small Prairie No4560. The locomotive is spotted on the 2006-extension route, approaching Sutherland from the West... Below, the locomotive climbs Ashford Bank and slips past the camera...
4560 is a Bachmann Product, modelled on the 45xx Class GWR Small Prairie Tank. The engine did various laps of the track with her freight before retiring to the storage shed for the night. As I say, I hope to run the railway a few more times this year. Thanks for reading folks. Sam...
Hi guys. Today was another day on the Battlefield Line at Shackerstone, working on behalf of the Steam Department. I arrived at 8:30am and after unloading the car I made my way up to the loco works where I found 3803 in steam and smoking out the shed. The loco soon moved outside and headed down to the Car Park for coaling by JCB. There, the loco was cleaned in the warm morning sunshine. Having been ready early, the loco was on the train around 45 minutes before the stated departure and so the crew took the opportunity to make Breakfast on the Shovel. She was sparkling as she departed on the 11:15 and for the 12:30 I managed to sneak outside the shed and grab the shot below of her leaving tender-first... The main reason for me turning up today (apart from doing a few odd jobs) was to continue with my pain in the backside of a College Project for work. It will be a moving workbench with a built-in cupboard once I've finished with it but it looks rather odd at present... "Sir Gomer" was also in steam today, as Station Pilot, giving her recently repaired eccentrics a chance to settle in prior to a full-line test due to take place next Saturday. The chunky Peckett, sporting an A4 Chime Whistle, left the shed at around 1pm for the afternoon... Peckett Profile... The tests seemed satisfactory and the Peckett continued to unleash a very pleasant bark as she chugged happily around the site in the sun. I rode around with her for a bit, putting a few lumps of coal on here & there and generally getting very warm! The loco stayed out right up until 5:30pm when she followed 3803 back into the works. The engine is now at the front of the shed ready for next Saturday when she will hopefully be pulling passenger trains... As mentioned above, 3803 returned after another successful day and at the time of writing is currently tucked up in the shed with "Sir G" and "Blue Circle". I will be at Shackerstone throughout next weekend: Saturday I shall be tidying up and probably doing some more on the College Project, and then on Sunday I'm firing 3803. Look out for more posts as they happen. Cheers guys. Thanks for reading...Sam...
