Evesham Vale: A "Dougal" Day...

Hi all. After a quiet day working on "Clun Castle" yesterday at Tyseley, this morning saw me out bright and early for another turn at the Evesham Vale Light Railway. Hitting the road just before 7am, the saunter into Worcestershire along the A46 proved no trouble and, having collected my McDonalds breakfast on route, I continued to the EVLR's base at Twyford. Stomach satisfied, I met with Adrian & Sandra before signing in. On this pleasant sunny morning I was very pleased to hear Adrian utter the words "you're on Dougal today" . The Severn Lamb 0-6-2 is a strong and characterful little engine and with the sun shining it seemed that a great day was ahead. With the shed open, we pushed No3 outside in readiness for preparation...

"Dougal" had been on service for a couple of days and the heat emanating from the doorplate into the cab showed I'd have no issue raising steam. Before the fire could be lit, any remaining embers would be raked through the bars and the David Curwen ashpan also had to be emptied - an easy way to get covered in dust before things got going! Having checked in the smokebox and firebox to ensure all was well, an embryo fire was lit using paraffin-soaked rags...

With the rags blazing away on the grate, wood was added before a final layer of coal. In my limited experience the Welsh coal needs a good heat beneath it to take easily and so I tend to just layer up the box with good lumps and leave the engine to get on with it. The warm chimney and the auxiliary draft provided by the airline ensured that there was plenty of airflow through the fire bed and that everything would move in the right direction. With the fire crackling away to itself nicely, I set to with the cleaning implements: Peek for the Brasses, Pledge for the Paintwork. I normally try to go off shed just after 10am, leaving plenty of time prior to the first departure at 10:30. Before leaving, the Baker valve gear is lubricated with motion oil and the mechanical lubricator topped up with cylinder oil. A splash of oil down the horn guides completes the process and with 130psi on the clock we were ready to go. With a pip on the whistle, "Dougal" hissed into life and meandered gently through the groaning point work to reach the mouth of the yard. At this point the locomotive was blown down...

Some passers by did ask about the purpose of the loud ejection of steam from the boiler at this stage. The answer is simple really. Any deposits which leave the water during evaporation tend to collect at the boilers lowest point: the foundation ring at the foot of the firebox. The EVLR engines have blow down valves fitted here so that each morning the valve can be opened and steam ejected at high pressure. The ejected steam will take along deposits with it, thus effectively 'cleaning out' the boiler. This process doesn't make washouts or water changes any less necessary but it does help increase the life of the boiler and reduce the amount of deposits inside. Soon enough, "Dougal" was waiting for the off with the 10:30 departure...

I knew it was all too good to be true. Only a few minutes before departure the dark clouds rolled in and the heavens began to open. As it started spitting, the decision was taken to shunt the open stock into the spur line on Platform 3 road whilst the diesel "Cromwell" put the closed stock in Platform 1...

Having shunted the open stock onto the spare road, I rolled "Dougal" back across to Platform 1 and assumed our position at the head of the train. Sure enough it hadn't rained heavily after all, though the dark clouds were persistent and threatening. Leaving Twyford a couple of minutes down, the engine steamed easily to Evesham Vale. The first train was quiet, with only a couple of passengers aboard...

"No3 at Evesham Vale With The First Train"

Returning to Twyford, "Dougal" was turned on the table before calling at the water column for water. The addition of the large tender to the former tank engine has resulted in plenty of room on the footplate and its a very pleasant environment to work in. The tender was soon full of water...

Adrian would be the Guard until the 1:30pm trip, when Sandra would take over for the afternoon stint. The flurry of passengers during the first two trips was steady but four coaches were required for the Midday outing. With four on "Dougal" does bark well up the stiff banks on the approach to Evesham Vale. Although she is a fair size, the Exmoor engines "Monty" and "Egwin" both find four coaches fairly easy in comparison. As long as you have the steam though, "Dougal" will do what you ask...

Later, "Dougal" climbs towards Twyford from Evesham Vale...

A peek in the firebox during a layover at Twyford between trips...

"Fire In The Hole"

"Dougal" pulled well and steamed freely throughout most of the day. The short bursts of power required at Evesham are easily provided as long as you don't get too complacent. The coal used aboard the EVLR engines is such that little and often is the only way to prevent almost constant blowing off. However, running the fire down has its limits and sometimes the coal you think is there is actually just glowing ash that has already burnt off its calorific value. For example, an early afternoon four coach train got hold of "Dougal" a little more than I'd have liked and the pressure needle began to creep back. On closer inspection of the grate the coal had burnt away fully and a few rounds brought smoke to the chimney and also the required results to the gauge. Sure enough, the red line was reached as soon as the regulator was closed and I then spent two trips trying to calm the thing down...always the way! For the 3pm trip, the traditional Evesham "Tea & Cake" was served to the footplate. A Bakewell Tart was the order of the day and was subsequently devoured...

As I sat down on the tender seat with my cuppa', I couldn't help but notice the unsavoury clouds from earlier rolling in once more. Sure enough, the 3pm train departed in a cloud of steam and rain! My tea was protected behind the weather board but my face took the full force of the battering. The rain did clear slightly for the Evesham Vale layover but would return as we departed with sanders in operation. It was a very changeable day...

The road ahead with a damp cab roof...

Departing Evesham Vale on wet rails, "Dougal" had a couple of slips before climbing towards Twyford. The general idea here is to get the weight moving upgrade as quickly as possible as if you are going to stall you need to make sure your train clears the spring-loaded trailing points. Most of the time the engine will hold firm until the foot crossing just after the points, where the accumulation of dirt and leaves brought over by crossing pedestrians tends to lower the rail condition. Again, the bigger engines like "Monty" don't really bother but the Severn Lamb is just that little bit lighter. Earlier in the day the sanders had already been used during an impromptu downpour...

"Taking Shelter at Twyford Station"

Having sheltered for a short while under the canopy at Twyford, the engine was brought around smartly to take out the 3:30pm train. It was still raining and the best way to hide from it (I find anyway) is to stand up and just let your face take it whilst the cab does its best to protect your overalls. Amazingly, the 4pm train waited to depart in sunshine as the clouds parted revealing patches of blue sky!...

It had already been decided that "Cromwell" would provide diesel haulage for the 4:30pm train and so "Dougal"s last trip was the 4pm. We departed in sunshine, although it was still quite damp in the air. "Dougal" is perhaps the 'drivers engine' of Evesham. She has the standard regulator arrangement, unlike the silky smooth ball valves carried on the Exmoor's. This gives her a bit of a 'feel' and you can set the regulator where you like and she'll stride away. Its a very nice engine. Built in Stratford in 1970 by Severn Lamb, the engine worked its heart out at the Safari Park-based Longleat Railway. Back then it was a tank engine with a smaller boiler. The team at Evesham gave her a new, larger boiler and a tender and this has transformed her into a much more powerful machine...

After a final stop at Evesham Vale, we prepared for departure homeward...

"The Footplate of No3"

As I've said many times before, a day at Evesham isn't stressful nor taxing. Its a very pleasant, quiet experience involving gentle chugs through countryside greenery with a happy little engine. Upon returning to Twyford, Steve already had "Cromwell" ticking away in readiness to take over our train. "Dougal" was turned once more and then steamed back to the shed for disposal and ashing out...

With the ashpan dropped, I drove "Dougal" over onto "Egwin"s road as the latter is in the main shed having the cylinders and chassis overhauled. The smokebox was cleaned out and everything checked prior to cleaning her up and filling the boiler. It would soon be time to drive "Dougal" gently backwards into the shed on her final breaths of steam before stabling...

With the engine safely back in the shed after a most enjoyable day, it was time to wash up and sign out before the journey home. As usual I must thank Adrian & Sandra for another brilliant day on the footplate at their railway. "Dougal" is a lovely little engine and always a pleasure to be on. Until next time - Cheers, Sam...

Tyseley: The King of the Castles...

Hi all. The absence of posts on the blog since the Pannier trip to Burton three weeks ago has seen us not only have a weeks holiday sunning ourselves in Greece but also I have changed jobs again. Its been on the cards for a while and I've now returned to my first employment 'home': Rolls-Royce. I'm back in blue now and working in Derby. Onwards and upwards. Anyway, today I met Phil for breakfast at the Tyseley Corner Café before trundling the final distance to the former 84E. The usual suspects were found in the works, already busying themselves with No7029 "Clun Castle" which is drawing ever closer to a return to steam following a painstaking (and very expensive) overhaul. Before I did anything else I had to follow my curiosity and wander down to the back of the shed where the running engines sit. Tyseley's 'forgotten' Castle: No5080: has just returned from long term storage (15 years or more) at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre at Quainton Road and, having not seen her in the metal before, I couldn't resist a look. 5080 "Defiant" is now the subject of a restoration appeal and there are hopes to return her to the main line in the future...

Built at Swindon in May 1939 as "Ogmore Castle", 5080 was renamed "Defiant" in 1941. A few of the Castles were renamed after aircraft which had played a significant role in the Battle of Britain. "Spitfire" is a good example. "Defiant" is a fabulous name. The Oxford dictionary describes its meaning as "to show Defiance", the latter being hailed as showing "bold disobedience". Unlike Tyseley sisters 7029 & 5043, "Defiant" still carries her single chimney along with the original superheating arrangement and hydrostatic lubricator. During the 1950s, Hawksworth modified selected Castles - including 7029 & 5043 - to include double chimneys, a higher degree of superheat and the mechanical lubricator arrangement which they still carry today. 5080 could therefore be determined an 'original'. It is 84E's intention to one day return this engine to main line work, carrying Great Western livery in a historically correct fashion. The engine was originally restored in preservation in the late 1980s but only managed three main line outings before being confined to preserved line work as well as working Tyseley's popular "Foot Ex" jobs up and down the yard. She's been on static display at Quainton for a long time, awaiting her chance...

Here, 5080 sits with 5043 & 4965. 5043 was just a kit of parts when they last met. Since then, the "Earl" has gone on to become a formidable main line performer...

So there you have it - three Castles at Tyseley. The trio is reunited. Exciting times are ahead as 7029 will no doubt soon be joining sister ship 5043 on the main line whilst 5080 also awaits her turn. For the rest of the day I found myself working in the large smokebox of 7029. Slowly but surely, she's getting there...

"Double Chimney Castle No7029 Awaits Her Chance"

All three of the Castles will be on display at Tyseley's upcoming Open Weekend over June 24th/25th. The "Earl" will no doubt be in steam alongside "Rood Ashton Hall" and 9600. I believe the Duchess is coming to play too! Its fantastic to be involved at Tyseley, particularly when making (albeit miniscule in comparison to the total workload) a working contribution to the overhaul of "Clun Castle". I can't wait to be riding behind her in the Support Coach. Cheers all, Sam...

A Burton Ramble: Panniers On The Main Line...

"9600 & 9466 Crossing The Trent" (Pic - D.Chandler)

In the twenty first century it is arguably a blessing that such a wide variety of steam traction can still be found on the busy tracks of the national network. The smallest steam locomotives still operating on the main line are the Pannier Tanks which operate Tyseley's enthusiast trips and today 9600 & 9466 hauled the "East Midlands Rambler". This gentle stroll through the Leicestershire countryside took the train from Tyseley to Burton via Nuneaton whilst also traversing the freight-only line through Coalville. The two tank engines would be double-heading throughout the day, helping each other up some stiff climbs and reaching their maximum permitted speed of 45mph. I arrived at Tyseley at around 5:30am, devouring my recently collected McDonalds breakfast shortly after parking up. The usual struggle then took place: changing into my overalls, collecting my kit and stumbling down to the engine shed. 9600 was sitting in the shed when I arrived, with steam on the clock from yesterdays moves. The bunker was stacked high with coal in readiness for the days efforts. With the engine outside, I continued with my cleaning tasks from yesterday. By 7am, the engine was simmering over on the adjacent road awaiting the "off" to join 9466 on the train...

Built at Swindon in 1945, Tyseley's 9600 is one of the popular 57xx Pannier Tanks of which 863 were built. They were designated as "shunting and light goods" locomotives but many found themselves on light passenger and suburban work. Sixteen of them survived into preservation. 9466 on the other hand is the final development of the GWR Pannier Tank, designed by Hawksworth and built for BR by RSH in 1951. The 9400s had the same chassis as their elder sisters but were fitted with taper boilers and Belpaire fireboxes. This gave them a larger heating surface although they retained the 200psi working pressure. Eventually 210 examples of the 9400 Class were built and two survive in preservation - 9400 and 9466. 9466 is owned by Dennis Howells and has been a regular performer in preservation for many years. Together the Panniers make an interesting comparison...

Our departure this morning was planned for 7:55am and with the two tank engines simmering happily at the head of the stock, passengers were boarding in readiness for the off. Aboard the Support Coach, Tony & Craig were completing their usual task of making crew breakfasts. The coach had a wealth of helpers on board today as the mix of staff who support the two locomotives converged on its compartments. Right on time, leaving the intoxicating smell of bacon behind us, the Panniers steamed out of Tyseley up the hill. It is almost odd seeing the Panniers on the busy main line: 9600 in particular must have felt like she was escaping from the zoo or something! The engines easily got the train up to speed and we were soon trundling towards Water Orton for a quick water stop. The Pannier trips are certainly more for the enthusiast as the 'little' engines can only manage 30 miles or so on a tank of water and so water stops are regular...

"Panniers At Water Orton" (Pic - D.Chandler)

After our initial stop at Water Orton there was a further passenger pick-up at Coleshill Parkway. From here, the Panniers were ready to steam on to their next water stop in the loop at Whitacre but, for whatever reason, we were signalled onward to Nuneaton and held in Platform 6 running 'bang road'. Nuneaton was another passenger pick-up but as the train had arrived roughly an hour early due to the rearrangement of the water stop, the two Panniers simmered at Nuneaton until right time came at 10:39. I would have thought that the passengers found it much nicer being held at Nuneaton rather than in a loop where they could not alight and view the locomotives. The two Panniers created quite a stir as they simmered away, with the usual looks of disbelief from 'normal' travellers. When right time came, the Guard gave the "Right Away"...

"Pannier Tanks Leaving Nuneaton" (Pic - R.Wasley)

Leaving Nuneaton under the wires, the Panniers steamed around the corner towards the Hinckley straight. Its quite a good pull up here and the two tank engines were quite audible as they attacked the climb, working gradually up to speed. Its amazing how smooth a shunting engine like a Pannier is at 45mph - it just seems to settle down. We whistled through Hinckley at a good pace, with a surprising amount of onlookers waving enthusiastically from all angles. One thing that really did surprise me was how many people came out for the Panniers, more so I'd say than for the Castle. I guess its the thought of something different as you don't see a Pannier on the main line everyday, let alone a pair! Having joined the midland main line, we then steamed onto the usually freight-only Coalville branch for the run towards Bagworth...

"Crossing The River Sour" (Pic - Pete, 'Loose Grip 99' on Flickr)

For a freight-only line, the Coalville branch offers some very nice scenery and I was impressed with the route it takes. The Panniers worked slower over this section and the climb up Bagworth Bank towards Bardon Hill really got hold of them as their 17.5" cylinders pounded away at the rails. I was so impressed with the performance of 9600, having only been on 5786 in a "down the line" setting in the past at Shack. Tyseley's Pannier was a long way from her easy life operating the yard shuttles at the open days as we climbed through the greenery towards Bardon!...

"Climbing The Bank" (Pic - J.Peatfield-Straw)

Our next water stop was at Mantle Lane where both engines enjoyed a drink before the final section through Moira towards Burton-upon-Trent. We were on board the Support Coach by now, supping tea over a chat about all things Tyseley. Upon arrival at Burton the passengers left the train in readiness for their afternoon in the town. The Panniers meanwhile would have to take the ECS a little further down the line in order to propel backwards into the depot at Nemesis Rail, on the site of the former BR wagon works. Mr Busby works at Nemesis and was on hand to shunt release the steamers as we pulled in. The servicing tasks then began. The fires would be cleaned, the motion oiled, the tanks topped up and the bunkers refilled with coal. One job that you don't have to do with the Castle but you do with the Panniers is the smokebox. Sure enough, 9600's smokebox was full to the dart with ash. Andrew got the job of shovelling it out whilst I operated the barrow! Ashing out complete, the Panniers were ready for coaling...

"9600 Rests On Shed at Nemesis Rail"

Servicing the engines in a depot is much calmer than doing so on or at the side of the main line. We can move more freely here, provided you abide by the depot rules of course. For coaling, the engines were reconnected to the ECS and to the GUV, which had also been shunted to the new head of the train. Bunkers refilled, departure time wasn't far away and the Panniers were soon propelling their train back out to the main line for a bunker-first return to Burton station. The passengers were waiting eagerly on the platform, no doubt a meal and a pint heavier by now! Train refilled, the Panniers retraced their steps over the morning route. Water was taken at Mantle Lane and Knighton Junction before the passenger set-down at Nuneaton. Leaving Nuneaton, the engines steamed towards Whitacre for their final water stop...

"Daw Mill" (Pic - D.Chandler)

After our final top up at Whitacre, the engines steamed homeward to Tyseley, arriving on time at 18:53. The passengers would then alight prior to the shunt moves...

Once the several happy passengers had alighted from the stock, the Class 08 diesel locomotive drew up the vacuum ready to shunt release the Panniers. 9600 and 9466 were then uncoupled from each other on 'middle road' before the Hawksworth engine steamed down to the turntable for a quick spin. She would be departing Tyseley early in the week for her summer trip to the Mid Norfolk Railway. 9600 meanwhile chuffed back to the shed where she is captured simmering prior to disposal...

You can't help but be taken in by the achievements of these small tank engines today. On a twenty first century rail network they steamed problem free at 45mph between much faster, far more modern trains and came home victorious. Its a great experience to see them at work and a great pleasure to be involved with Tyseley. I must thank all of the Tyseley team for a fantastic day out once again and of course thank the various photographers who have kindly sent in images for use in this post. For a cracking video of the days events...click here. Until next time - Cheers, Sam...

Tyseley: Pannier Prep...

Hi all. Today after my Friday half-day finish, I headed over to Tyseley to help with preparations on Pannier Tank 9600. The 1945-built 0-6-0 is scheduled to team up with larger sister 9466 tomorrow on the "East Midlands Rambler" excursion to Burton. Pannier Tanks are the smallest steam locomotives operating on the national network today, although Tyseley's 7752, 7760 and 9600 have all been regular performers in the past, providing a tank engine stronghold for the Birmingham area. It must seem an unusual choice of locomotive but those who have worked on them will realise what versatile and capable machines Pannier Tanks can be. 9600 in particular, although I've only been on her around the yard, is quite a machine and has received massive restoration during her years at 84E. When I arrived at Tyseley she was sparkling inside the shed, having received a good polish of her tanks last weekend...

The Class 08 diesel was duly summoned to drag the Pannier outside ready for lighting up. Paul soon had the Pannier crackling away on this muggy afternoon...

I spent a few hours working with Paul on 9600 today. We cleaned the remaining brass work and polished the bunker and cab sides to match the tanks. The running boards and valances were also cleaned ready for tomorrows outing. 9466 has a notorious reputation for being cleaner than clean, as do the Tyseley fleet, so its nice to keep her shined up! She was looking well as the afternoon drew on...

After a pleasant few hours cleaning the engine, I left Tyseley at around 3:45pm, already looking forward to tomorrows outing. Pannier Tanks on the main line are certainly a rarity and so two of them climbing over the gradients of the Coalville Branch towards Burton should be a sight (and sound) to behold. Many thanks all, Sam...

"Giant Miniature Weekend" Finale...

"Sunday Line-Up" (Pic - M.Ranieri)

Well, a year in the planning and four days in the execution, "Giant Miniature Weekend" 2017 has officially closed after a brilliant if draining weekend. The final count was 90 miniatures on Saturday and 84 miniatures on Sunday - a supreme effort by our valued exhibitors who provided such a varied, colourful and enthusiastic line-up of engines. Today I arose at 6am once again, in order to help Nick with the clearing away down at the Roundhouse following last nights party with Dr Busker. To say we felt a little tired is an understatement but this is the life of a group of event organisers! The rest of the day was spent darting about all over the place - answering questions, dealing with passengers, helping engines, providing displays and generally running about on countless small tasks. I know I knock it, but I do love it when a plan comes together. The weather today was far more enjoyable than yesterdays dreary conditions and bumper crowds turned out at Statfold to enjoy the show. I am very grateful to Malcolm Ranieri who came along once again on behalf of Old Glory to capture a record of the event. He has sent in all of the images used in this post: thank you Malcolm...

"Bagnall 'Gelert' On Display In The Running Shed" (Pic - M.Ranieri)

The railway was today running to full capacity with all four engines employed on lengthy passenger trains throughout the day...

"CSR No19 & 'Alpha" Double Head" (Pic - M.Ranieri)

The Burton & Ashby Light Railway tram car No14 was also very popular today, no doubt due to the very pleasant weather...

"The Tram Awaits Its Next Departure" (Pic - M.Ranieri)

This years full size division included a whopping 8 engines, to complement our massive selection of miniatures. Thank you to all of the owners of these marvellous machines. Leading the line from the right is Arthur Henton's "Emma"...

"Big Engine Line" (Pic - M.Ranieri)

Chris Arrowsmith's Foster Tractor "Ikanopit" was also present...

Now follows a selection of images of the various miniatures on display. There isn't room on the blog to include all of them so my apologies. There were so many this year and I am so grateful to all of our exhibitors for providing such a show. Most makes & models were represented this time in scales from 1.5" right up to 9". All pics which follow belong to Malcolm Ranieri, as do all others in this post...

"Howard" meets the 6" Burrell "Wandering Star"...

4" Foster "Safaniya" which has attended all five of the shows since 2013...

The Baxter Mac's - "Lady Jennifer" & "Nevermore" - line up against "Emma". "Nevermore" was awarded the John Tomlinson Best In Show Trophy at the 2pm line-up today. Well done to owner & builder Jenny Baxter...

Matt Cain's 4" Garrett meets tram car No14...

As usual I am very grateful to James Brett for bringing his 4" Burrell "Sybil" along to work in our small working area. "Sybil" was cutting wood once again on the 4" rack bench. Also in the working area were displays of vacuum pumping and ploughing...

"Wandering Star" leads a 4" Foster and a 4" Mac down the concrete road. This flat running surface, which runs for around a mile through the fields of Statfold Barn, is very popular with the miniature engine drivers during "GMW"...

The highlight of the day was once again the 2pm Line Up and BIG Whistle. Visitors always seem to enjoy the spectacle of all of the engines together, as do I!...

And a few more...

And a few more...

An overall view of the Sunday line-up prior to the whistle up. As I say I must thank all of our exhibitors for providing such a varied display of steam power from across the UK. It was the best we've ever done. In a soppy way, I always feel a little emotional at the final whistle up of the weekend. A years work by all involved requires a lot of dedication, though I've always been proud of everything we've done. From the 24 engines that I begged to come along to Market Bosworth in 2013, we've grown to 37 in 2014, 54 or so in 2015, 74 for our first rally at Statfold and now to a massive 90 as the peak of this years "GMW". This couldn't have been done without all of our exhibitors. Five years in the making and this is what you get - fantastic work everyone...

Later in the afternoon thoughts started to inevitably turn to putting things away, tidying up and generally running the event down. By 7pm I was on my way home after four pleasant if extremely draining days at Statfold as part of "GMW". It was a great achievement by all involved so thank you to the exhibitors, volunteers, staff and of course the Lee Family and our Committee of Nick, Leanne & Phil for all coming together to provide such a wonderful weekend. We've had nothing but good reviews (thankfully!) and this is a testament to the hard work everyone put in to provide such a great show. For a video of the day click here. In 2018 we will return over May 12th/13th - see you there?...we hope so! Many thanks all. Time for a break now whilst we try to work out what to do next...Until next time, Sam...

The "Giant Miniature Weekend"...

"Saturday Parade" (Pic - Rick, Homestyal on Flickr)

Hi all. Today I arose at 6am for the first day of the "Giant Miniature Weekend" at Statfold Barn. It was an extremely busy day with 90 miniature engines in action! What a fantastic achievement by all of our exhibitors - I am so pleased. Today was spent as usual at the miniature do - running around, answering questions, lining things up, checking all is well and so on. All four of us - myself, Nick, Leanne & Phil - were busy beyond belief throughout the day. "GMW" is now at such a size that it requires a vast amount of staff and volunteers to execute it and we are grateful to everyone involved for their efforts. The Saturday whistle up, though the weather was dreary, was very impressive and extremely audible shall we say. Well done to all...

"Saturday Whistles" (Pic - Rick, Homestyal on Flickr)

The miniature engines were also out in force in the fields, trying out the concrete road. This running surface is pretty much perfect for them...

"On The Road" (Pic - Rick, Homestyal on Flickr)

Tram Car No14 was also in action, strutting its stuff on the tramway...

"Tram No14" (Pic - Rick, Homestyal on Flickr)

Five of the SBR steam locos were in service as planned - "Fiji" on Driver for a Fiver at Oak Tree and the other four on passenger trains. CSR No19 is captured in the yard between passenger workings, just outside the signalbox...

"HC No19" (Pic - Rick, Homestyal on Flickr)

New for "GMW" 2017 was the Roundhouse being open. This is really shaping up to be a fabulous narrow gauge museum now and is a testament to Statfold...

"The Statfold Barn Roundhouse" (Pic - Rick, Homestyal on Flickr)

As I say it was an extremely busy day for everyone involved but a really good start to "Giant Miniature Weekend". The weather men are promising much better things tomorrow so no doubt our turnout will be even greater...

This evening - after I had a very pleasant trip driving "Howard" on an Exhibitor Special - we had the party at the Roundhouse. Dr Busker performed once again from 8pm til' late and the whole evening was very well received by all. I was glad of the ploughing van bed tonight though I can tell you! For a video of the day, click here...

GMW - The Madness of Set Up...

Hi all. After a good initial set-up day yesterday in which 13 of the engines arrived at Statfold, another 67 (at least) were expected today with the final few to follow tomorrow morning. It was a day of total madness to be honest, with many friends and helpers running around trying to get things into place. As well as the engines coming in there were locomotives to prep on the railway, stands to set up, signs to put up, boiler papers to check - you name it! Thankfully our grand team of helpers came in to make it all possible. Its going to be a big event this year! The two wide-span pictures in this post show the site at 9am this morning, prior to the lions share of the exhibits arriving. The calm before the storm some might say...

After a 6:30am start at Statfold this morning, the final engine on todays list came in at around 10:15pm. During the evening we held the popular Exhibitor Bonfire near the catering area and this was very well received once again. In between the odd sip of a drink and a slice of pizza, we were still running around parking engines up ready for the show. Its all good fun. Another long day but we are now almost ready for "GMW". The stove of the ploughing van was most welcome on this windy evening...

GMW - They're Arriving...

"The Four-Inch Burrell 'Errol', Owned by Jerry Turner"

Hi everyone. So today was the first day of four which us organisers take part in for the miniature steam rally at Statfold Barn - this year dubbed the "Giant Miniature Weekend". The Thursday gets more popular by the year as people come along to the show early to settle in for the weekend ahead, without the rush of the Friday traffic. In a gloriously sunlit field, we spent the day marshalling 13 of the engines into place. Tomorrow the massive onslaught of the Friday madness begins but that's all part of the fun! Here's to a great weekend. Cheers then, Sam...