Going Great Central: An Unexpected Diesel Day...

Sometimes things don't go according to plan and this was certainly the case with today's A4 turn at the Great Central Railway. A phone call yesterday evening informed me that our booked steam locomotive: Standard 5 No73156: had failed in service and would not be available for traffic today. With no spare steam engine available, I was asked if I'd be prepared to secondman the covering diesel. Of course the answer is "yes" as any other answer just isn't cricket. The DTM had been frantically rearranging diagrams to best suit the timetable, making best use of the one remaining available steam locomotive: Standard 2 No78019. My booked turn had changed slightly and I was asked to start earlier but finish earlier, working the 12:20 and 14:20 trains alongside diesel driver Mick. I arrived at the GCR's Loughborough base at around 11:00, in good time for our 12:20 passenger train. Station cat Onslaught was snoozing in the ops office, taking a break on this muggy afternoon...

Outside, at the head of the line of diesels stabled on the up through, stood our waiting steed: 1961-built Class 37 714 "Cardiff Canton", in Trainload Metals livery...

Driver Mick duly prepared the 1750hp diesel for service, starting the engine and making up the air for the braking system. As a steam lover through and through, I can still see why these things ended up replacing our beloved coal fired locomotives. These huge beasts are ready within minutes: no hassle, no stress. I'd imagine that if you were crew on British Rail in the early 60s and you weren't too much of a steam fan, you'd have loved to transfer into the cab of one of these...especially in the winter! We were confined to the up through until a shunt with the Class 08 had taken place. Shunt complete, we came out of our siding in order to move around to the head of our waiting train in platform one. Changing ends during a run round can be a tad tedious but it is good exercise! Soon enough, we were on the move with the six-coach train and enjoyed a pleasant run to Leicester North. Below, 37 714 climbs away from Rothley Brook with the up section signal in the 'off' position as we approach...

Driver Mick is pictured effortlessly bringing 37 714 up to line speed...

This beast really is caged here, it wants to be out on the main line doing 70mph+. I meanwhile couldn't believe how easy my afternoon had become. All I had to do was call the signals out and then do the coupling/uncoupling each time we ran round our train. The life of a secondman is quite a leisurely one in comparison to a fireman...the diesel does it all for you! At Leicester, 37 714 has run round the stock...

It was interesting chatting to Mick about diesels as we growled along the line. They're not my thing I'll admit, but a change is as good as a rest as they say. As well as being involved in the GCR-based Heavy Tractor Group (owners of 37 714), Mick is also part of the Deltic Preservation Society at Barrow Hill. I am very much in admiration of the historic significance of the Class 55's and so it was interesting to chat about them. Below, No78019 descends into Rothley from Loughborough with the up Sunday lunch diner, whilst we await departure from Rothley's down platform...

It's amazing what a different view you get from the cab of a diesel, without a boiler in your way. Below, we growl into Swithland on the down line with the down home signal showing a green at the time of passing...

Once back at Loughborough, a brisk run round brought us back to the southern end of the train. At this point the rumbling diesel was shut down for a while to reduce the noise. 37 714 could therefore take a breather...

On time at 14:20, we departed Loughborough's platform one, bound for Leicester North. I enjoyed a cup of tea and my meal deal in my padded seat...

This train was the mixed afternoon tea and chippy special (one at each end of the stock with standard class passengers in the intermediate coaches). At Leicester there was the usual extra time allocated for footplate visits. With no footplate as such, we opted to do some cab visits instead, which proved pretty popular...

The final run home was equally stress free and we rolled into Loughborough right on time. The diesel was duly uncoupled and rolled forward into No2 shed road before crossing back over into the up through for stabling. No ashpan to do, no smokebox to do...I was at a loss! The diesel quietly settled down for the evening without so much as a clinkered fire! Again, you can see why these things took over. It seemed fairly economical too, with the fuel gauge having hardly moved. Mick explained that this example has extended range fuel tanks meaning that they only tend to fill it once a season and it does the job! An impressive machine indeed...

I must thank Mick for his company aboard the Class 37 today: it was more interesting than you'd first think. It's a shame it wasn't the booked steamer but that can't be helped...we're dealing with heritage equipment that is bound to fail every now and again. The Standard 5 in particular has done a lot of miles and has been a very trusty machine since its painstaking restoration so who can complain really? Whilst walking to the wash room, I passed the Standard 5 (awaiting superheater repairs) and the 8F (part way through spring hanger changes) basking in the afternoon sun on the shed frontage. With these two sidelined, No78018 out for a valve and piston exam and the Hall still working hard at the West Somerset, that left no spare steam traction...

Overall, that wasn't bad. It was interesting to have the change in a way and I hope it helped the railway out. After we retired, No78019 took over again to work the final passenger train of the day. You can find out more information on the Heavy Tractor Group and their locomotives by clicking here. That was my first turn on one of the once 309-strong Class 37s. Over the years I've crewed many a diesel in an emergency (25, 31, 33, 47, 73) but not a 37, until now. Many thanks for reading all...

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.

Statfold: June Open Day Fun With "Fiji"...

"Driver Sam, fireman Barry and cleaner Conor" (N.Cliff)

After what seems like mere days since the last one, today I crewed at Statfold for another Spectacle of Steam event (what used to be known as the 'open day'). Last time it was the pioneer Garratt K1, today I was booked to drive what is arguably Statfold's flagship locomotive: the wonderful "Fiji". I arrived in good time for the 06:30 book on, sauntering into the shed yard on my way to the signing in hut. On my way I passed by the two visiting engines for the event: the returning red Fowler from last June and the lovely little 1926-built Bagnall "Sir Tom" from Threlkeld...

Despite familiarising myself with the relevant ops notices during the week, I had another check for any new ones before signing in. My booked engine, along with fireman Barry and cleaner Conor, was waiting patiently on the middle road...

Placing my footplate bag into the cab, I found Conor already beavering away with the irons in the firebox, clearing the ash from yesterday's fire. I had a quick look in the front end to check things over before Barry arrived with armfuls of wood. Between them they soon had a good blaze going in the firebox. I meanwhile went around the engine doing the oiling up, starting with the steam brake lubricator in the cab, working through the axleboxes and motion before ending with the two mechanical lubricators on the running board. The usual 08:30 safety briefing was moved to 08:00 for this event (for the first time in my memory) to allow an earlier start for some breakfast shuttles to Oak Tree. These trains were run to ferry the early birds down for the new full english breakfast offering at the roundhouse cafe. Things were therefore on the move much earlier than usual today and "Fiji" was waiting in platform one by 09:15...

We were soon off into the fields, cautiously working our first train. Unusually, our first trip was signalled bang road through Oak Tree, affording this unusual view of "Fiji" in the platform. This shot is only usually captured at Christmas...

Upon arrival at the Cogan Halt stop board we came to a stand before securing the engine and train. An impatient "Fiji" was already raring to go...

As we made our steady way back to Statfold, passing a train at Oak Tree as normal, we were welcomed at the terminus by blue skies and sunshine. Below, an immaculate "Fiji" has been spun on the turntable, with Statfold Seed Oil in the background...

Having drawn the engine down to the signal gantry outside the signalbox, we were treated to the sight of two little green engines ("Sir Tom" and "Jack Lane") arriving with an up freight train. Today's freights were re-engined here...

We were soon at the head of our second passenger train and Barry caught me reliving my main line support crew days with Tyseley by flinging the coal forward atop "Fiji"s tender. It was a lot easier than doing the same on "Edgcumbe"...

"The 0-6-0 waits at Statfold Junction station" (B.Bryan)

The second train was performed in beautiful weather and immaculate 1912-built "Fiji" is seen waiting under blue skies at a peaceful Oak Tree...

Whilst we awaited our third train at Statfold Junction we were signalled down to the front of the new carriage shed on the old headshunt. It's a great covering for the coaches but not so good when you need to park up down the headshunt. Thankfully we managed to keep "Fiji"s chimney clear as we didn't want to blacken the internal roof...

I drove the third train before swapping roles with Barry who, despite being fireman today, is also now a driver at the SBR. Below, Conor (soon to pass out as fireman) and Barry work "Fiji" around the balloon loop on our fourth round trip...

Conor had done such a good job of firing during those four trips that I decided to have a go on the last one, keeping my hand in on the fireman's side at Statfold. Driver Barry is captured here as we await the road at Statfold Junction with our final working of the day. The up train could be heard in the distance...

"Fiji" steamed easily for me on our fifth and final train of the day, with Barry driving us gently around the railway and back to Statfold. Once back at base, we turned her for a final time on the table before heading back to the shed. Having given the engine a wipe over at the shed door and cleaned the fire, I duly dropped her back inside to complete the day. The boiler was then topped up and the chimney capped...

With the final rub down of the engine and the protective coat added to the brightwork, the day was done. I always enjoy being on "Fiji": it's a lovely engine. I must thank Barry and Conor for their company on the footplate today and of course Phil for rostering me. Thank you also to Barry and Nigel for sending in images that were used in this post: they are always appreciated. Cheers, Sam...

Ryton: The Electric Revolution Round Two...

Just a brief one to keep a record this afternoon folks. This afternoon saw me completing my second turn of 2024 on the Sunday afternoon public running at CMES' Ryton Pools Miniature Railway. The class 31 and 37 wannabes were the choice of traction for today's two train service, with their class 47 cousin relegated to spare engine. Below, driver Jim works the crew special of empty stock to the station in readiness for the afternoon's service, in sunny conditions... 

We performed the three hour running slot very well, keeping the queue down with the support of the trusty electrics. I did a bit of everything: a bit of driving, a bit of station and a lot of guarding. I don't mind sitting on the back of the train these days: you can be on top of your job whilst watching the world go by. Below, the 37 lookalike takes a break during a very brief lull of waiting passengers...

At the usual 16:00 closing time, we shut the gate and put everything away before quickly rushing everything back to the stabling area. The engines and stock were put away and we were all soon heading down to the bottom to get washed up ready for home. Thanks all for a pleasant afternoon. I think we carried around 300 people if memory serves, which is another good income for the club...

Going Great Central: A Day Off On A Standard...

Evening all. Today I'd booked a day off work, having been rostered to crew the M11 turn at the GCR. This job was looking touch and go at one point as we hadn't actually got a booked driver. Thankfully, at the eleventh hour, driver Matt stepped in to take the turn and so we could breathe a sigh of relief. I'd spotted our rostered locomotive noted next to our names last Saturday when I crewed the 8F, therefore I knew it was going to be the BR Standard 5 No73156 of 1956. As well as myself and Matt, we were joined on the footplate by new trainee Ed and pass holder David, the latter a driver at the Tanfield railway. With an unusual three trips booked for this afternoon's turn, there would be plenty of opportunity for everyone to have a go. Having met up to await our engine at a drizzly Loughborough shed, we took over the 4-6-0 at the column before working the 12:50 trip. I fired whilst Matt did the driving. With lamps already swapped for running back, the engine is pictured at Leicester North under grey skies...

As usual I'd already made up my departure fire during the run round, allowing the fresh coal to take whilst I coupled up. It was soon time to leave and I was very pleased as I clambered into the cab to find that Matt had returned from the griddle car with some piping hot bacon rolls...just what the doctor ordered! Very tasty they were too...

The Standard 5 was her usual free steaming self, effortlessly hauling the six-coach train back and forth on this remarkably quiet day for passengers. The weather today won't have helped attendance I'm sure but we were also mindful that this weekend sees the railway's first 'all night' gala, so perhaps everyone was saving themselves for that. Below, the 4-6-0 waits with her train in the down platform at Quorn...

Upon returning to Loughborough we swiftly ran around the train before recoupling at the south end of the stock. Matt kindly offered me the regulator for this trip whilst he did a bit of firing on the opposite side. I of course took very little persuading...

On time and with steam to spare, I got the engine moving southwards with the 14:45 train. I'm thankful for the shot below which is a rare view of me driving. At this point I'm easing the regulator back to drop the steam chest pressure as speed climbs towards the line speed of 25mph. No73156 certainly has to be held back...

"Driving No73156" (WM)

After a pleasant run in the driver's seat to Leicester North, the engine was uncoupled from the stock before we dropped her forwards south of the points to do some footplate visits. The Standard 5 meanwhile waited patiently under the overcast skies...

Having driven No73156 back to Loughborough, I thanked Matt for the opportunity before we swapped back over. Our final train was also the last of the day: the 16:30. For this run I opted to share the firing with new trainee Ed, giving him some experience on the shovel on what must have been an overwhelming first day out on the footplate! Below, the engine and train wait time alongside the GCR museum...

Between myself and Ed I'm pleased to say that we got the engine safely to Leicester and back with plenty of steam and water to spare. Fellow Statfold driver Joey Evans caught us rounding the bend at Kinchley Lane...

"No73156 works the 16:30 up train for Leicester" (J.Evans)

As well as the usual passenger service on the GCR, this week also saw the long awaited return of steam trains to Mountsorrel along the branch line. These trips were worked by a diesel locomotive top and tailed with the newly restored Austerity NCB No18. Having passed by Joey at Kinchley Lane, we were soon braking to come to a stand at Swithland's up outer home signal whilst the Mountsorrel train cleared the section to Rothley. We were soon on the move again...

At Leicester we performed the usual swift run round ready for departure...

Returning the engine to shed after a pleasant day, we did the ashpan and gave the fire a clean before handing over to the night crew. I think they had a Murder Mystery job to do: a one tripper. What a pleasant day: no prep and hardly any disposal...can't really ask for better! I must thank Matt, Ed and David for a brilliant afternoon out aboard the mighty No73156: your company was very much appreciated. 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.

Going Great Central: My First Go On The 8F In 2024...

"The road ahead from Quorn aboard No48305"

It's been a while since I was last on the Great Central-based 8F No48305: November in fact, when I did a morning turn on it as part of the "Last Hurrah" job. This afternoon, whilst working the A4 turn with driver Alan and cleaner Callum, I was lucky enough to be reacquainted with this charming Stanier 2-8-0. Signing in once again at 13:00 (much like my A4 turn the other week on No78019), I duly met up with the rest of the crew before we awaited the return of our rostered locomotive. Right on time, the eight freight came drifting across from platform one road to stand behind the ground discs...

Having relieved driver Dave and fireman Pete, we moved forward for a top up at the water column. Tender tank full, we hissed around to the front of the waiting stock on platform one road. Once coupled up, with the lamp on the top bracket denoting a local passenger service, we had around 20 minutes before our booked departure...

As with all things, you always find yourself having to readjust to something when you've had a few months off of it. I've done a good few turns so far this year, but none until today on this 8F. Once I'd got my bearings again, I made up a nice, level fire in preparation for departure. On time at 14:20, the guard gave us the "right away" and off we went for Leicester North, calling at all stations. The 8F was as free steaming as I remembered, jogging along nicely with the six-coach train. At Leicester, the engine sat quietly whilst we engaged in the booked slot for footplate visits...

I fired back to Loughborough where we briskly ran round the train again before another 20 minutes or so of break, prior to our final working at 16:15. Cleaner Callum fired this trip and made a grand job of it. Here, the 8F saunters around the bend at Swithland, approaching the up outer home, which in this case is showing a green...

At Leicester we just had the usual 15-minute run round, which we completed in good time. By now the 'Fish & Chip' headboard had been fitted in readiness for the 8F's next working: the chippy train. In the summer months Saturday nights can often see a two-trip chippy working alongside the usual two-trip night diner...

The run back was equally as enjoyable as the outbound trip and Callum kept up a good head of steam whilst also running the fire down for the longer layover at Loughborough. Below shows a rushed action snap of Callum flinging a few rounds of coal into the firebox, whilst driver Alan checks the speed on the vacuum brake...

Once back at Loughborough, with a quiet fire and 2/3 of a glass of water, No48305 was signalled from platform one back across to shed road one. Once back on shed, we completed the cleaning of the smokebox and ashpan before I spooned a few fresh shovelfuls around the fire, in readiness for incoming crew Steve and Aaron. At the GCR this is known as a partial disposal, allowing the lion's share of the job to be done now rather than at say 22:00 when the engines tend to return from their evening duties. The night diner crew then took over from us and we could breathe a sigh of relief after a pleasant two trips out on the 1943-built 2-8-0...

"No48305 ready to leave shed for the chippy train"

I must thank Alan and Callum for a pleasant afternoon out with No48305. I'm next on on Friday, with the roster penning me to Standard Five No73156. Thanks all...

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.

A Brief Encounter With "Britannia"...

"70000 'Britannia' feathers as she awaits the signal"

One of the positives of working in an office adjacent to the Northampton loop line is the regular passing of steam workings to and from the smoke. Both Saphos and West Coast regularly bring steam and diesel locomotives either north or south, to or from their Southall base in London, giving a minute or so of brain break on a working day! Today it was another Saphos working, headed by BR Standard pioneer No70000 "Britannia". The 7P Britannia class 4-6-2: of 1951 vintage: arrived on time from the north with her lengthy rake of immaculate blood and custard coaches...

Riddles' 55-strong BR Standard Class 7 pacifics were built between 1951 and 1954 as the first of the BR Standard range. Riddles and his team took everything learnt from pre-nationalisation designs of the previous decades and designed the best of those features into his locomotive classes. "Britannia" is one of two survivors (the other being NRM-owned "Oliver Cromwell") of this class and today lives as part of the Saphos fleet in her build town of Crewe. It was lovely to see her today. I think I caught a glimpse of her in steam once before, although a good while back in 2011 at speed through Banbury on a charter. Since then she has alluded me so it was nice to see her briefly this lunchtime, slowing to a stand for a red signal at Northampton's north junction...

After simmering away at the peg for a while (with the occasional lift of the valves), the engine received the road to continue her journey southward. With a crisp, loud bark at the chimney, off she went into the distance with her long train, tailed by an idling Class 47. The noise of the two-cylinder Brit was something to behold as she got the weight moving, accelerating towards London leaving her voice on the breeze. What a fine machine: "Rule, Britannia!". Thanks all for reading...

Please note that the above images were taken from land outside of the NR boundary fence.