Statfold: Return to "Marchlyn"...

"On The Move With Marchlyn" (Pic - G.Cryer)

And just like that, here I am writing the blog post for the event that signals the end of the summer season at Statfold: "Road, Rail and Ale" weekend. Each year seems to pass worryingly quicker than the last these days! Today myself and Norfolk-based after sunrise riser 'Eddie the Late' were booked together aboard "Marchlyn": Avonside No2067 of 1933. I last drove "Marchlyn" (coincidentally) at the September do eight years ago, at the ripe old age of 22. Sitting here writing this at 30 is actually quite depressing to say the least! Even though Eddie had actually camped on site for this event, it will come as a surprise to nobody that I still made it to the loco first! He'd be along once he'd folded his nightcap. Here, No2067 sits cold in the high level platform at Statfold waiting to be prepared for the day...

I duly met up with a yawning Eddie at the signing in hut as I completed my journey via the station footbridge to collect a bucket of wood. Back at the engine, I had a good check around the front and back end (smokebox and firebox) before spreading the wood chunks across the grate. Some pre-soaked paraffin rags were then lit up on the shovel to start the embryo fire. These were duly thrown into the firebox...

With the fire lit, we decided to have a much needed cuppa' as, much like Gracie Fields, we like a nice cup of tea in the morning! Eddie was the booked driver for today, with myself booked to the role of fireman. We're both drivers at SBR and so the senior driver (term used in the least offensive way) takes the higher role. This is no issue for me at all as I've never liked oiling up, ever. I much prefer to get the fire ready and bring the engine around into steam. Ed meanwhile got to work with the oil cans...

As we busied ourselves around the engine, James was spotted over the way lighting up the very attractive "Mary" Marshall: a 1929-built General Purpose traction engine. James then had to rush off to do some urgent jobs down the bottom with Alex and so asked me to keep an eye on "Mary". Below is the view from the footplate as I gently bring the Marshall into steam. It was nice to stand on "Mary" again as it had been eight years since I last stood here (small world) when we had her at Market Bosworth for the long deceased miniature do there. Even though traction engines aren't my thing, I can really appreciate this one. "Mary" is a lovely old thing...

James duly returned to his engine for the day and so I trotted back across the yard to mine. By now "Marchlyn" was raising steam nicely on the very smoky Shotton coal. It's great stuff in every regard except the exhaust from the chimney. It provides good heat, little ash, little clinker and lights beautifully but my god does it smoke!...

The September do has always featured an annual gathering of traction engines and this year was no exception. Once steam was fully raised and the brass had been polished, James and "Mary" steamed away towards the event field at Strawberry Park...

After the usual 08:30 safety briefing (and bacon cob) on the lawn, all crews returned to their respective steeds for the day. Our turn today was a little different to normal in that we would be top and tailing the freight with the ever so slightly workworn "Cloister": Hunslet No542 of 1891. Our short rake of wagons would have possession of the upper half of the high level line, from Oak Tree to Statfold. The lower half would then be occupied by the beautiful Bagnall "Isaac" which was on 'Driver for a Fiver' duty. Despite us not having any passengers to haul today, this job certainly had its benefits which included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Go when you want
• Stop when you want
• Finish earlier than everyone else

Who can argue with that, ay? As soon as both engines had steam and the departure peg was pulled off from the box, off we went. The train rumbled steadily downgrade to Oak Tree where "Marchlyn" is pictured awaiting the return trip...

I lost count of the amount of trips we did during the day but it must have been a couple of dozen at least. We were back and forth, back and forth, entertaining the public and running parallel with the odd passenger service or two! The first few trips with Eddie driving were quite greasy as some light rain had added to the slippery layer on the dewy morning rails. A liberal application of sand on both running lines by a group of us with watering cans (of sand) really helped later trips! Though the freight was short, the short but sharp gradients of the high level railway certainly gave the two little engines something to think about, particularly on the return trips to Statfold...

"Climbing The Car Park" (Pic - G.Cryer)

Here, "Marchlyn" waits at the Statfold platform for our next downgrade trip...

One massively fun element of being on the high level is running parallel with the low level services. Both the crews and the public really get into it and it's a great spectacle. Here, "Marchlyn" paces the American Davenport "Ryam No1"...

"Avonside and Davenport" (Pic - G.Cryer)

Later on, products of Stafford and Bristol stand side by side at Oak Tree...

It was certainly a changeable day for weather today, with the odd heavy shower mixed in with warm sunshine. It's like being in a giant egg poacher when it's like this, as the warm sun heats the moisture in your damp overalls! Below, Ed looks on whilst "Marchlyn" simmers. Where does the name "Marchlyn" come from I hear you ask? Marchlyn Mawr is actually a reservoir in Snowdonia...

During the early afternoon lunch was served in the form of freshly heated sausage rolls, courtesy of the manifold and outer firebox wrapper...

After some energetic afternoon runs in the lovely sunshine, "Cloister" took us down to Oak Tree one last time so that we could join onto "Isaac" for the final trip home. Here, "Marchlyn" faces towards Statfold from Oak Tree...

There we go: back in the high level platform, safe and sound...

We then did the usual disposal process: deaden the fire, fill the boiler, isolate the necessaries and give the engine a good wipe down ready for the next crew. "Marchlyn" would of course be out tomorrow on the same job. I do like this engine. She is a very workable and plucky machine and the brilliant Avonside footbrake is a masterpiece. No2067 has to be one of the best engines Statfold have turned out: it's just lovely. I liked it in 2014 and I like it now! Leaving the Avonside behind, we signed out before heading down to the event field for a beer and a burger. A pair of Aveling rollers (the one on the right belongs to Batesy) were basking in the evening sun...

Well, that's another day done folks. Thanks to Eddie for his comedic company aboard "Marchlyn" and thanks to Alex of course for having us. It's always a good day on the engine at Statfold. Special thanks also to Mr Cryer for kindly sending in the credited pictures used in this post. Geoff has a wonderful rail diary website which is well worth a look and can be found here. Thanks all, Sam...

A Bank Holiday Standard 2...

The unexpected footplate turns can often be the best footplate turns and today was one such day! This morning I arrived at the GCRs Loughborough base at around 05:30 in readiness for a shed turn. I was planning to complete my usual cleaning duties and then do the pits but when the crew for 78018 (Martyn and Jack) arrived they kindly invited me out as 'third man' for their shift. It would be incredibly rude (and silly) to refuse such an offer, so I never have up to now! Myself and Jack began the fireman's prep for 78018 which, compared to last weeks 48305, is quite leisurely. Having checked and emptied the smokebox, I turned my attention to the fire grate. 78018 has a very nice rocking grate which deposits the majority of the spent ashes. I did however decide to quickly nip in with the hand brush to get the remaining bits out, ensuring the cleanest possible grate. It was soon time to light the fire, which is seen here giving off some dark smoke just minutes after lighting up. Don't worry, it soon dies down...

The current coal is Welsh stuff from the open cast at Ffos-y-Fran and doesn't give off much smoke at all. However, you always get a small build up of smoke with a freshly lit fire due to the paraffin rags and wood getting started. The 1953-built Standard class 2 immediately started singing away to herself as she was still very warm from yesterdays efforts. Up the yard, the fireman of 48305 had just lit the first rags and smoke began to rise steadily from her chimney. She is seen adjacent to the boiler for 45491...

Across the morning the three of us busied ourselves around the engine and we ended up being ready for traffic well before our off-shed time. This gave a few moments for a cab snap as the engine simmered happily to herself on No1 road...

As it was Bank Holiday Monday the railway was running a mixed traffic timetable, with our two trips this morning being split by a Loughborough layover. Here, 78018 prepares for our first departure, awaiting the Up Main Starter at Platform 2...

Jack fired the first trip and said that I should fire the second: happy days! Having run round at Leicester North, 78018 prepares for a northbound departure...

Our six coach train certainly made the Standard 2 work a bit on the departure from Leicester. Though they seem quite large in stature, it is worth remembering that the smaller looking Class 3F 0-6-0 is rated more powerful, with over 2000lbs extra tractive effort than a class 2! It's deceiving. They are however willing and free steaming little engines, perfectly suited to the needs of most preserved railways. She is seen here marching out into the trees whilst fireman Jack watches the road...

Back at Loughborough, our train was taken over by a diesel and we were signalled into the down loop for our layover. The skyline around the station has changed a lot in recent years, with the adjacent apartment building being a fairly recent addition to the horizon. Here, 78018 simmers in the down loop, passing the time...

When our second departure came myself and Jack swapped roles as planned, with me firing 78018 to Leicester and back. Jack drove us back from Leicester under Martyn's guidance and a great morning was had by all! On arrival back at Loughborough we uncoupled the engine before running forward on the shunter head to cross-over to No1 road. Here we handed over to the incoming afternoon crew...

I must thank Martyn and Jack very much for a lovely unexpected turn aboard the little Standard. I'm really enjoying my time at the GCR and it's great to be back on a standard gauge footplate regularly again. Cheers all, Sam...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

GCR: Another Go On The Eight Freight...

Good evening all. Today heralded another brilliant 'third man' turn at the Great Central. It was a third time outing for me aboard the lovely 8F No48305 which is seen here on No1 road at Loughborough shed just as the sun began to rise...

As I wandered across to sign on, I noticed this shot of the two Standards (78018 and 73156) standing quietly behind older 48305 on the same road...

Today I was out with Driver Dave and Fireman Arran, both of which were happy for me to perform the majority of the fireman's duties, which was very kind of them. The first job was to check the water level and the state of play in the cab, before emptying the smokebox and checking around in there. Smokebox done, it was time to clear the fire grate which proved to be a bit of a pain as the iron managed to wedge itself between the tight fitting bars. Arran kindly volunteered to go in and release the end of the iron, much to my grateful delight! Arran then swept down the rest of the grate and left me ready to light up, which was very kind and much appreciated! With a bed of coal spread around the firebox, it was time to add the flaming rags and pallet wood to get us underway. The engine started singing as soon as the rags were lit...

With a good fire burning away on the grate, it was time to prep the lamps and then have a much needed cuppa'. As steam pressure gently rose, more coal was added to the fire to produce a light and bright bed. It was then time to perform one of the worst duties that comes with a steam engine: the dreaded ashpan. 48305 has the manual style pan with damper doors front and rear. To stop lineside fires caused by the pans, the engines also have mesh screens fitted which are good fun (term used loosely) to remove when the pan is full of hot ash. This is a view of the rear damper door open after I'd removed the screen, with the grate visible above. I've just given the ash a liberal soaking with the hose in an attempt to lessen the oncoming dust storm...

I have always been a massive fan of pre-nationalisation designs, mainly due to the history and charm surrounding them. However, I will say on record that the Standard engines really do spoil you when it comes to the preparation and disposal. Taking 73156 as an example, the rocking grate and rocking pan makes life a dream in comparison to prepping something like the 8F. You can see why Riddles made his improvements in these departments and they really do help!...

Arran kindly allowed me to fire both of our two trips this morning, which again was very nice of him. Here, 48305 waits for the Up Main Starter at Platform 2...

Our two trips this morning were very pleasant indeed, spent in good company under good weather and aboard a good engine. I really like the 8F...especially once the prep is done! Here, the mighty 8F blows up the train brakes at Leicester North in readiness for a northbound departure back towards Loughborough...

Rolling into Loughborough on our second returning trip, we came to a stand and duly handed over to the oncoming afternoon crew after a great morning with the 1943-built 48305. I really like this old Midland engine: it's probably my none-Great Western favourite! Thank you Dave and Arran for a great morning; I really enjoyed it.

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

The Bates Wedding at the Bass...

Only a few weeks after our own wedding, today we were out celebrating the wedding of our good friends Phil and Caroline at the Bass Museum in Burton. I'd never been to the National Brewery Centre before and so I was interested to visit the venue as a wedding guest. Between the service and the reception, we had time for drinks and mingling. I took the opportunity to creep behind the marquee for a look at Bass No9: a sweet little saddle tank tucked away under a canopy minding its own business...

This lovely little engine was built in 1901 by Neilson, Reid and Co of Glasgow for the railway system at the Bass Brewery. Following her service life with Bass she was withdrawn in 1964 and has been on display in pretty much the same location for decades since. I don't believe it has ever steamed in preservation and it remains on silent display, peering out through the fence onto the main road...

Leaving the plinthed No9 behind, we wandered across to look at some of the other exhibits on display. There was a variety of vintage vehicles in and around the various buildings. This pretty lorry felt worthy of a picture...

In a nearby stable were the two brewery museum shire horses: Jed and JD. Jed is pictured looking on, not remotely bothered by my boring presence...

Out in the yard, the newly married couples Aveling & Porter steam roller "Louise" stood immaculately alongside Caroline's dad's 1882 McLaren...

After our lovely reception meal, the vintage McLaren was prepared to head back to its home at Klondyke Mill by driver Chris. What a lovely old thing...

The roller meanwhile remained for the whole evening and is pictured here with lamps burning brightly as the sun sets after a wonderful day...

A little after 11pm it was time for us to head back to our hotel, with special thanks for a kind lift from Mick and Julia. What a lovely day it had been but what a hot one: it was a scorching hot day throughout thanks to the recent heatwave! 

Congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Bates and thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your special day. It was a grand day out chatting, eating and drinking with friends! Cheers all and goodnight.

Update: Since writing this post we have learnt that the Bass Museum site is sadly to close at the end of October. Let's hope the exhibits find good homes!

Ryton: Electrics In The Sun...

Two weeks ago I did a Sunday at Ryton and this week I was back again, volunteering on another rostered public running turn. In action once again were a pair of the trio of battery boxes: this time the 37 lookalike was out alongside its 31 counterpart. I met up with member in charge Eric at around 12:00 at the clubhouse, slightly before the rest of the crew arrived. Once the gang had gathered we made our way up to the track and performed the shunting ritual to marshal the two trains ready for service. Today I did a lot of guarding and a lot of station crewing, getting a go on the joy stick (there's an ironic name in this context if ever you saw one) of the electric 37 for the final passenger trip of the day which departed just as the clock struck 16:00...

It was a lovely sunny afternoon and our 200 or so passengers seemed to enjoy their respective rides around the railway. I was just glad to be feeling slightly more normal as I'd had my wisdom tooth out the week before and had been in crippling pain ever since. Thankfully a course of antibiotics had finally got hold of it by this point! So, just like that my two turns at Ryton for 2022 are complete. Cheers all, Sam...

A Battery Box Sunday...

After a wonderful outing to Carters Steam Fair yesterday, today involved something a little more sedate. This afternoon heralded the first of two 2022 crew turns for myself at Coventry Model Engineering Society's Ryton Pools track for public running sessions. I arrived at around 12:00 and found member in charge Stuart opening up the clubhouse. Soon enough, the rest of the crew arrived and by 12:30 we were up at the track marshalling the two trains that would provide the 1pm - 4pm service. In days gone by it was an all steam affair at Ryton, occasionally substituted by the trusty petrol hydraulic "Alacrity". However, these days the roost is ruled by three battery electric locomotives which share passenger hauling duties. All three are dressed up quite nicely, imitating a 31, 37 and 47 respectively. In reality of course they are banks of batteries and motors under a plastic body. You may detect from my words that I am not a fan of these things: they have no heart, you can't talk to them. What they lack in character though they more than make up for in usability. Switch it on and off it goes...

Today the 37 and 47 wannabes were in action and provided our steady flow of passengers with faultless service under the sunny skies. I myself undertook all manner of duties today from guarding to queue line to ticket office and of course, some driving. Driving isn't half as much fun without a boiler to attend to, that's for sure! All in all it was a stress free and pleasant afternoon with just over 200 passengers carried across the session. Not bad for a July Sunday. Cheers all, Sam...

Carters Steam Fair...

This afternoon, after many years of nearly making it, we finally made a visit to the wonderful Carters Steam Fair at Beacon Park, Lichfield. Founded in 1977 by John and Anna Carter following their acquisition of the Jubilee Steam Gallopers, the fair has grown considerably over the years and its reputation for sympathetic preservation has cemented its place in history as a true fairground institution. It is a very well known setup and has travelled the UK annually since its founding. However, after 45 years on the road with their fabulous fairground, the Carter family announced earlier this year that 2022 would be their last ever tour, making it especially important that we made our visit to see them before the end. Beacon Park is the nearest Carters usually come to us so it had to be there. We arrived a little after midday and the unmistakable sight of classic fairground rides drew us in across the playing field...

Carters has always appealed to me due to its vintage setup. Pretty much everything we saw was a classic exhibit in its own right. From the rides themselves to the side stalls, the lorries and even some of the catering vans. Our first impressions were that everything was beautifully kept and immaculately clean...

Having collected our ride token bundle from the ticket booth, we began looking around the rides. The first one we chose to go on were the unbelievably unique Excelsior Steam Yachts. These were, believe it or not, the original Edwardian thrill ride and, as we would soon confirm to ourselves, are not for the faint hearted!...

The ride itself dates from 1921, having been built by Savages for showman Joe Ling. The two yachts (named "Britannia" and "Columbia") swing from side to side, much like a modern day pirate ship but arguably more forceful. The rider, particularly if at the back of either yacht, is taken up to a position just above vertical in either direction. The two rows furthest back in each yacht are sign written "Brave" or "Very Brave" and how right they are. We boarded the yacht "Columbia" and took our seat on the "Brave" bench. Centre engine "Yorky" (built for some older yachts in 1901) was being fired up by its driver(?) as we prepared for the ride. Note the lack of a typical reverser here. The individual regulators are the two brass wheels and steam provision to the cylinder is provided by the red lever at the side of the firebox...

With a pip on the small hooter, "Yorky" hissed into life and began rocking us in the yacht. By the time we reached full momentum I think it was quite clear to all three of us that it was enough for us! Maisie in particular has always been good with theme park rides (much better than myself) but even she was surprised at the force of this elderly thing. I enjoyed it and I wouldn't have missed it as I've always wanted to ride them but my god, talk about turning your stomach over! As built there are no restraints or anything of the sort so you put your arms behind your bench seat to hold you in, adding to the trepidation! Here, "Yorky" is operating "Columbia" at full tilt...

As much as I felt like I was about to experience my untimely demise, I loved the overall experience of the yachts and spent quite a while studying them (off ride of course!). I believe there are only two sets of steam yachts left and this one is the only one currently operating. There are electric versions on the circuit but of course, steam is the true propulsion for something like this. I think it's truly wonderful that "Yorky", at 121 years old, is still earning her keep doing what she was built for. Amazing. Below is a short video I took of the yachts to show them in action. Standing near to the engine you can here her chuffing away as steam is applied in either direction...

After being scared half to death by the yachts, we wandered over to our next ride: the Lightning Skid, of 1965 vintage. There aren't many skids around these days so it was a pleasure to ride on one. They're great fun and surprisingly nippy...

Whilst we waited in the queue line I couldn't help but continue to be impressed by the preservation and craftsmanship of the various rides and stalls. The upkeep of this setup must be absolutely massive. The time and effort put in to keeping these old rides in this condition must be impossible to calculate...

As much as I was happy to finally visit and experience Carters Steam Fair, it was sad to remember that this is their final tour. All around were various posters advertising this fact. I can understand the decision entirely and the family have created something truly wonderful which has no doubt given countless hours of enjoyment to millions. However, I can't help thinking it's a shame it's finishing later this year...

After a great ride on the skid, the three of us wandered over to the Jubilee Steam Gallopers for an experience a little bit more sedate. I always enjoy the sight of steam gallopers and it was indeed a pleasure to have the Ashley set with us for three years of my old event at Statfold. This set forms the oldest ride in the Carters collection, having been built in 1895 by Robert Tidman and Sons of Norwich. The Tidman engine in the centre is named "Anna", after the founding lady of the fair...

Brother Ben and my wife Maisie with horses "Polly" and "Henry"...

An off ride shot of the beautiful gallopers showing the level of decoration...

The vintage trucks were just as impressive as the rides. These still pull the fair around the country. Scammell No3 poses for me among the line up...

Myself and Ben then tried out the recently returned to service Giant Octopus. I remember seeing one of these at the end of Grease in the fairground scenes and never thought I'd get on one. It was great fun, although a little unnerving when spinning like mad. Another ride you definitely don't see everywhere...

After the Octopus we took in some piping hot donuts followed by some candy floss (a must when at the fair!). We even had a go on a shooting range which was a great laugh. After a spin on the lovely 1970s-built dodgem track we had a final ride on the skid before calling it a day. We'd been there over three hours and it felt like two minutes. I grabbed this snap of one of the sign written trailers as we made our exit...

We didn't leave empty handed either as we made sure we purchased some souvenir posters of some of the rides as a memento of the day. What a fantastic experience and a pleasure to have finally visited and supported Carters Steam Fair. The Carters should be immensely proud of what they have achieved with this lovely setup and it's such a shame it's finishing after the 2022 tour. It was really wonderful and the terrifying yachts were a particular highlight. Well done to all involved in this fabulous institution. If you haven't visited then you definitely should before the end of the tour in October. Check out the Carters website for details. Cheers all, Sam...