Thomas At Shackerstone Day 2: Driving "Fergus"...

Hi all. Well, after a day on the B1 the day before I had stayed over on site before signing on at a more modest 7:30am. Rather than the huge LNER 4-6-0 that I was crewing the day before, I had downsized quite alot for Sunday as I was to be crewing the quaint 2-2-0 Aveiling and Porter locomotive "The Blue Circle", dressed up as "Fergus". The Aveiling was built in 1926, even though her design was already around 80 years out of date by then! The single-geared steam engine was waiting on the Shed Road, behind the huge 4-6-0 "Henry" ("Mayflower"), when I arrived. With Driver & Owner Mic, along with cleaners Chris and Craig, I helped with the cleaning and "Fergus" was soon ready, leaving the shed on time at 9:20am, followed by "Thomas" himself. The 2-2-0 rattled down into the North End where Pockets' newly restored Southern Railway 25-ton Brake Van was waiting in the sidings. "Fergus" was coupled up whilst "Thomas" took up his place at the head of the main rake. "Henry" meanwhile was still being prepared on shed. Once "Thomas" had departed with the 10am train, Chris left me, Craig and Mic to begin "Fergus"' duties, firstly on the Brake Van Rides. After a few trips up and down to the Signalbox our time was up as the main train had to be given 'Line Clear' back from Shenton. This meant that we had to put the Brake Van back into the North End, uncouple it, and then proceed back into the station to clear Platform 2 for the main train. "Fergus" is seen at the end of Platform 1...

The rest of the day was spent doing more brake van rides, participating in the stories, sing songs and games and just generally having a good time. The weather was also much better than the day before, not half as hot, thank goodness! During the day I was allowed to fire the loco and even have a couple of drives! I must admit it is a very unusual rail-loco to drive; much like a traction engine yet on rails. Its a single-cylinder and so, if its stuck dead-centre, you need a quick slam on the reverser into "Full Back" before quickly slamming it into "Full Forward" again to set off, Drain Cocks open. However, once you're going, its a delight(!), very responsive and comfortable. (Thanks Mic!). Once the last train had departed at 4:40pm, we had one last segment of Brake Van Rides to do, which were incidetally very well patronised(!) before we took "Fergus" back on shed. The locomotive was then filled with water and cooled down before we left 'him' for the night. In the meantime, "Mayflower" was already in the shed so the doors were closed as we left. "Thomas" arrived back at just before 6pm with the last train and we then all enjoyed a quick drink on "Jessie" (the Bar Coach) before we left for home after a good weekend. I had had it very good, enjoying a Little & Large selection of engines; made up of 1306 & "Fergus"! Thanks must go to the crew of 1306 from the day before and "Fergus"' owner Mic for a great weekend. Now, I must get home, clean up and watch Doctor Who from last night! Evening All...

Thomas At Shackerstone Day 1: Crewing "Henry The Green Engine"...

Hi all. Well, today is the first of the 5 days of the Battlefield Line Railway's spring "Day Out with Thomas" event 2010. The event runs every year and, in this case, it has ended up taking place on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, the 1st of May being particularly special due to the fact that it is the "65th Anniversary Party with Thomas", celebrating the world's favourite Blue Tank Engine's grand old age of 65!...though he seems to show no signs of retiring just yet! I was awoken by my alarm today at 4:30am. I lept out of bed (just to make sure I didn't drop back to sleep!) before enjoying a nice hot cuppa' to bring me back into the 'land of the living'. At 5am my dad arrived to give me a lift to Shackerstone, arriving there at 5:30am. I "signed on" before proceeding down to the shed where my charge for the day, LNER B1 No1306 "Mayflower", was lying in wait. The day's crew, Driver Neil and Fireman Steve, were already there and were making preparations for moving the loco. After fetching some wood the fire was built up ready for lighting. Soon afterwards, the noisy Class 02 shunter moved into the shed and dragged the "Eastern Lady" out into the crisp morning air. The fire was lit as soon as she was clear of the shed. It was then time for a coffee! Meanwhile, "Thomas" and "The Blue Circle" (aka "Fergus") were bring prepared on the 'Pit Road' in the South Yard.

After coffee were returned to "Mayflower" who was now boiling happily. The Thompson 4-6-0, due to the Thomas event, was however addorning a cheerful (though slightly male-looking compared with her name) face. The face was coupled with the Apple Green livery and some rather crude name-boards to create a fair representation of Thomas & Friends No3..."Henry the Green Engine". The first train, sheduled for 9:40am, was made up of the 2-car DMU set, playing it's usual part of "Daisy the Diesel Railcar" (though in this case she has evolved into a 2-car unit rather than a Bubblecar!). Sure enough, at 9:30am, "Fergus" and "Thomas" slowly rolled down into the North End of Platform 1, leaving the South End of the Platform clear for "Daisy" to pull in. A few minutes later, spotted from the footplate of "Henry", "Daisy" proceeded past with a good few early passengers on board, bound for 'Farmer McColls Farm', aka Hedley's (about a mile away). In the meantime, "Thomas" was shunted around onto the front of the 5-coach Main Train and awaited the return of "Daisy". (A garunteed connection is offered between "Daisy" and the Main Train to ensure that nobody is left behind). Soon enough, the DMU returned and the passengers transferred onto the Jinty's train before she departed, a few minutes down, for Shenton. With "Thomas" gone, "Daisy" returned to her siding, allowing "Henry" (with us on board!) to leave the Shed Road for Platform 1. Once off shed, "Mayflower" ('oh sorry', "Henry"!) was admired by many arriving passengers (and staff!). In the meantime, "Fergus" was giving Brake Van Ride's up and down Platform 2. "Thomas" soon returned after a good run and "Henry" took up his place on the train for the next 2 trips. I shared the firing with Steve and had a good few goes. It was however very, very hot on the footplate due to the cloudless skies and baking sun! (Nice to see Spring in action though!). Once back at Shackerstone, after our 2nd run, we were timetabled a 105-minute layover, the next train being hauled by "Boco" (the Class 25). This layover was done to allow "Henry" to take part in some of the games and, more interestingly, some races! It was very interesting racing the Jinty ("Thomas") through Shackerstone Station. I must admit, on the 3rd race, with Neil "on the handle", we certainly did beat "Thomas", hands down!...well done "Henry"! (The bark from the B1 was amazing!). With the return of Boco, we were off to Shenton again, with me on the shovel. After a spirted journey, we pulled into a relatively busy Shenton, where, once we'd stopped, I jumped off the loco to uncouple...

On the way into Shenton, I had also been captured leaning from "Henry"s fireman's side to check that the foot crossing was clear!...

After chatting away to my collegue, Dave, for a few minutes at Shenton, we departed and attacked Shenton Bank, tender-first, in some style! Steve fired this run and, with "Mayflower" running like 'a well oiled sewing machine' as usual, we were soon back at Shackerstone, whistling as we came down through the Cutting. Once halted, I uncoupled the loco again as "Thomas" took up his place at the other end, ready for the 4:40pm "Tea on Thomas" departure (the last train of the day). A little late, the 3F departed, taking the 5-coach train up the bank, and beyond, in a cloud of steam. We then took "Mayflower" through the now-empty Platform 2 and took water at the column. Once this was done, 1306 crossed the points and backed down to the ground frame, where I was waited to 'set the road'. On my hand-signals, the beautiful B1 moved steadily up into the shed. Once she had passed, I "locked her in" and proceeded to the shed to help with disposal proceedings. Working as quickly but as well as possible, we were soon finished, already having "signed off" by the time "Thomas" returned from Shenton! (Now thats practise!). Well, after having a good wash we were off to McDonalds before returning for a night sleeping on site. Thank you very much to Neil, Steve and "Henry" for a very good day. Evening All...

All photographs by Mr D.Hanks. Thank You!

Sunny Sunday Driving Steam at RPMR...

Hi all. Today I was rostered as a Crew Member for the RPMR's standard Sunday afternoon service trains. The weather was great and, after arriving at 11:45am, myself and my younger brother, Ben, proceeded to the track where we found the Member in Charge for the day, Peter, making the early preparations. After we had made up two rakes of coaches, the other crew members arrived and the Class 37 electric loco was soon brought into action. The 37 was soon off shed with the first rake of coaches (3 cars) and, after setting out the signals, the crew proceeded up to the station, "Ryton Halt", to ready themselves for passenger operation, due to begin at 1pm. However, as we were ready early, the first train ran at 12:30pm. I on the other hand was left to prepare the steam loco, a passion of mine, for service. As usual, it was the stalwart Sweet Pea 0-4-0 No499 "John H Owen", one of two owned by CMES. Myself and 499 were soon ready and I coupled her up to the 2nd rake, made up of 4 cars (3 cars + a Guard's car). After setting the road, I reversed the 0-4-0 slowly out onto the Main Line. With the road set back, off we went to the station where there were, incidentally, no passengers waiting. Afterall, it was only 12:40pm! However, this was the 'calm before the storm' as, within 10 minutes, the station was flooded with people and two-train operation was not only helpful, but needed! (We couldn't have managed without it!).
After driving 6-7 trips I decided to take a break and Mark took over driving the steamer. She was running very well, after recent work to the "Little End"s on both sides of the valve gear. The engine now starts off much better and, when you're on the bank, a good bit of "reserve power" is available if required, rather than having to worry about damaging the engine. No499 was also steaming very well and performed beautifully throughout the day. Once Mark had had a few trips, the engine was handed back to me and I drove for another few trips. I then passed the engine over to Kevin who was still squeaky clean after only driving the electric loco. This would never do of course and so he was handed the regulator! The time was now getting towards 4pm (closing time) but the platforms were still a few trains full. The electric had to maintain her service, though we had said that 499 would only do one more run before disposal. For her last trip, 499 had been requested by a bunch of happy paying passengers but, with only 15psi "on the clock" she simply couldn't do the trip. After a few heads had been scratched a solution was found:- give her a push! So, the powerful Co-Co electric loco was coupled to the rear of the train and the journey began. 499 now had 30psi on the clock; enough to hold her own weight at least. I caught up with the engines on the bank, with the camera of course!...

After her last trip, unfortunately aided by her biggest rival (the electric loco!), I took over 499 again for the short run down to the Bendy Beam and Steaming Bay's, where I would dispose of her. Meanwhile, the 'Banking Engine' (the 37) was relegated back to her 3-car service train and continued to do one more trip before the gate was "shut". It was now way passed closing and I had 'blown down' the Sweet Pea, cleaned out her smokebox, fire and grate and swept the tubes. Emma was then on hand to lock up the smokebox and help me clean the engine off. The loco was then ready for bed and the 37 duly arrived so that the coach shunting operation could begin. Once everything was put away, we retired to the Mess Room where we enjoyed a nice hot cuppa' tea to round off the day! The day had been very enjoyable overall and had brought in a healthy amount of funds for the club...fantastic! Thanks to all the crew members today for an enjoyable afternoon and to "John H Owen" herself for 'going easy on me' as I hadn't driven her for 8-9 months! My next outing? Well, next Saturday I'm due to be crewing B1 No1306 "Mayflower" again at Shackerstone...(not enough hours in the day!)...Evening All!...

New Season Modifications On The Garden Railway...

Hi all. Today, as I had the latter half of the afternoon free, it was decided that we would crack-on with some modifications to the Garden Railway. As regular readers will know, the railway has had some 'Point' problems, mainly consisting of drops in the electric current, following the extremely harsh winter that we've recently came out of. We had originally considered replacing the points completely but, with the bill for replacement looking at £70+ and the fact that the rails and sleepers still looked in relatively good condition, we decided to leave them in. So, we turned to the idea of adding an extra 'power-point' or two; this was done today. Firstly, we swapped two of the points over; one was in pretty good condition whilst the other was debatably tired. Once swapped, we added an extra 'Power point' on the South Bridge, where the tired point was. This sorted the current problem out at this end successfully. We next turned our attention to a location called "Ashford Bank"; a steep incline in the anti-clockwise direction, about half way down the line. Current has been dropping her for a few months but we put it down to the amount of power needed to get up the hill with heavy trains. However, today we took action and installed another 'Power point'. The Garden Railway now has 6 'Power Point's along the length of the line and so current drops are, hopefully, a thing of the past! We will however address any further problems as they arise. Thanks for reading folks! Evening...

Easter Running On The Garden Railway...

Hi all. Well, here we are, already...the 2-week Easter Holiday is at an end...back to college tomorrow! Throughout the two week holiday I have been operating my 00 gauge Garden Railway, the "Sutherland Steam Railway", on various days. Some days saw a general running of trains whilst others saw some general maintainence work being carried out; particularly yesterday when we Pressure-Washed the entire garden after the harsh winter that we've finally escaped. The garden now looks much better off! Inside the shed we have been moving the trackwork around again. Due to the arrival last week of 20 extra wagons of varying sizes, the track layout has been changed to include an extra siding, a very lengthy one indeed, capable of storing a train of 20 wagons plus a locomotive, whilst keeping the main line's clear too. I must admit, the new siding comes in very handy as it keeps the new wagons safe and, best of all, it saves rerailing them all the time! The plants are now also slowly coming back to life and the garden is beginning to get a "little greener". It does look its best around June/July time when the plants and flowers are in full fruition and the sun is shining! During the holiday, we have also discovered a few problems. The main problems are that, due to the intense frost & snow which we have encountered this year, 3-4 sets of external points require replacement. This was will be done asap. Though the rails are intact, the power-current is being lost and so replacement is very necessary indeed. The next post? Next Sunday I'm hopefully driving on the RPMR (for CMES). Thank You for Reading. Good Evening All...

Easter at Shackerstone Post 3...A Lesson In Bunny-ing...

Hi all! Well, its Day 3 of the long Easter Weekend and, after being so tired from the day before, I decided to stay un bed until 8:15am-ish this morning. I then arose and grabbed my boilersuit before proceeding to Sign On and head to the shed. "Mayflower" was being prepared outside whilst Carl and Craig were behind the shed on the Pit, raking the grate on "The Blue Circle". I was then asked to clean the Inside Pit for George and the 1306 Team so did so gladly, seeing as I'd had a great day on the loco the day before! When this was done, I saw Danny returning 1306's lamps to their stores which, I must admit, I found strange. When I quizzed him as to why he was doing it he informed me that 1306 had failed with a steam leak. This was then made obvious when I looked towards the engine, with steam escaping on the Fireman's side. The Class 25 was quickly rostered to work the day's trains whilst the 1306 Team set to work attempting to rectify the problem. I on the other hand had been summoned by higher power's to the station where I was told that, as I had nothing else to do, I would be the "Easter Bunny" for the day. ("Oh...No!"). As nobody else was available for the costume I decided to do it and my friend, Sam, would be a large "Teddy Bear", complementing the "Teddy Bears Picnic" theme of the weekend. Slipping into the suit, I felt very silly but, as nobody could see who you were in it, it left alot of room for mischief throughout the day...especially winding-up embarrassed adults!

By the time the 3rd train (1:40pm) was being prepared to leave, 1306 had been repaired and had re-raised steam so was given the "All Clear" to perform the rest of the day's trains, of which there were 3, the loco having missed 2 already. The 25 on the other hand was put back to bed. 1306 performed faultlessly on her 3 return trips of the day with the repair being deemed a strong success. Meanwhile, after my day of "Bunny-ing" I was greatly thanked for my help and collecting my things before departing after the last train had arrived back at about 5:30pm. Thanks for the lift home Phil! It had been a good weekend all told, especially Easter Sunday on the B1. Now it was time to head home, get washed, get settled and get some sleep! Thanks all. Good Evening...

Easter at Shackerstone Post 2..."Mayflower" Returns...

Hi all. Today started early...very early; 4:37am to be exact! Sleeping on site, it was one of those nights where I couldn't sleep so, at 4:37am, with my alarm set for 5:20am, I gave up. So, there I was, standing in the pitch black on the steps of the Sleeper Coach awaiting the Sign On time. I didn't have my Shed Key's so had to await the crew. Under the blanket of darkness I slowly made my way, bag in hand, to the shed where the brightness of the floodlights was a welcome haven. By 5:20am I heard footsteps and sure enough, it was Marie, the day's rostered Driver. As we went into the Shed, the ever-present Railway Cat, "Morris", appeared through the gloom; wanting his stomach refilled by all accounts. Marie fed "Morris" whilst I had a look on the footplate of 1306. There was 50psi already on the clock (enough to move the engine under her own steam) and at least 2/3 of water in the glass; Fantastic! Marie's husband, George, was also on site and headed off to start the Class 02 shunter which would be used to remove "Blue Circle" and "Sir Gomer" from the shed before 1306 could move. The day's Fireman, Adrian, soon arrived and I proceeded to the Signalbox to work the Levers, setting the road for the Class 02. Before long, the two engines were out of the shed and up on the Outside Pit. 1306 was duly lit up with lots of wood and parrafin rags, beginning to add to the already existent 50psi. After cleaning, oiling, pressure-building etc, we were soon "off shed"...

First run of the day, having come "off shed" at 10:20am, would be the 10:50am (first train). However, as "Mayflower" had been stored since her last run on December 20th, we needed to give her a little "airing out" to release all the water trapped in the cylinders, superheater headers, piping etc. Therefore, we took a short light-engine run to Congerstone and back (just under a mile). With all in order, 1306 buffered up to the front of the 5-coach train. Once coupled, we began Steam Heating and carried out a Vacuum Brake test before departing, a few minutes down, for Shenton. With her voice echoing around the cutting, the B1 tore out of Shackerstone and over the bank towards Hedley's. We had a good run and it wasn't long before Shenton loomed. 1306 was quickly uncoupled, ran round and we departed for Shackerstone again. Today, trains were also calling at Market Bosworth so that passengers could alight to see the progress being made. Therefore, we had to take this stop on each run into account, further knocking extra minutes onto our time. I fired the 2nd round trip, with varying success, and it wasn't long before our lunch break (35 minutes) loomed. My family then arrived for a ride on the train, and to see me on the B1. My mum in particular gratefully accepted a ride on the footplate, thanks to "Mayflower"s kind owner! With mum back on the coaches, it was time to clamber onto the engine and depart at 1:40pm for Shenton...

With me firing the outward run, I didn't need my Jacket as it was just so "hot" on the footplate...same old! The B1 steamed well however, and the injectors, as usual, picked up beautifully. I did however make the old girl "blow off" five times on the run to Shenton...not really good for my social standing! (Five pints that'll cost, Tut!). With the warm sun still shining we pulled into the very busy platform at the terminus, duly uncoupling 1306. Once I'd handed the Single Line Token to the Guard, my family came up to me to say a temporary goodbye. They then headed off for a walk around Ambion Hill and the Bosworth Battlefield Country Park. In the meantime, we would return to Shack, fetching them again on the next journey. After coupling 1306 back up and changing the lamps, I made my way back up onto the footplate ready for our belated 2:15pm departure. Adrian fired on the return run, allowing me take the Fireman's Seat and enjoy the views across the Leicestershire countryside. I also enjoyed a very nice Pastie, "cocked" in foil on top of one of 1306's injectors! (Traditional Fare...thanks Marie!). Once back at Shack, we ran round again quickly before hitching up to the front of the train once more. This time, Adrian would drive, leaving Marie a chance to fire. As we departed, I collected the Token from the Signalman and off we went again up the Bank. After another spirited run, we arrived at Shenton again where my family awaited us, along with many other happy passengers and spectactors. With everyone aboard and 1306 run round, we took our penultimate run back to Shackerstone with me firing again. Once there, I left the footplate for a few minutes for a chat...

Throughout the day, 9449 "Blue Circle" had been chugging around the Shackerstone Station once again. She proves a particular favourite amongst visitors, even though she isn't large enough to pull the main train. Her attraction is obvious with glistening paintwork, numorous moving parts and Victorian appearence. However, though she may look very vintage, she is in fact "younger than her years". "The Blue Circle" was built in 1926 to a design of the 1860s. She was, when built, "out of date" already but the Blue Circle Cement Company staff wanted an engine that resembled the quality and reliability of their other loco(s). Therefore, No9449 was constructed especially! Today, privately owned and very well-preserved, the engine is, as I said, a firm favourite with the young and old alike, not to mention her 'celebrity' status as "Fergus" on Thomas Day's. Anyway, with 9449 having passed us following our run-round, it was time to reboard the cab of 1306 ready for a final run of the day; the 4:20pm train. The Aveiling is spotted below, backing back down into Platform 1 from the sheds...

After saying my goodbye's to the family, the camera's were out the moment I got back up onto the footplate. (Thanks everyone...can't take them anywhere!). This then resulted in various poses and therefore, here is a photo of myself in the Fireman's Seat on 1306 with Driver Marie Saville standing alongside in the doorway...

Waving goodbye to the family, they left just as we got the "Right Away" for Shenton. With Marie driving again, I was firing. After building the back up in the the fire, I concentrated on the middle of the grate as we chugged up past the engine shed. With 3/4 of a glass of water in the boiler the fire was looking well, with a few holes still to cover near the front as the engine accelerated. 1306 held the pressure well (thank goodness!) and we soon slowed for Hedley's, with me holding the engine's pressure down with the Fireman's Side injector. I continued to fire to the terminus and, once there, I checked in the box. Alot of the back and centre of the fire had thinned greatly, though there was a bit of a mound on the front end near the Tubeplate. (The engine does have a tendancy for everything in the middle of the grate to slide forward...partly my fault as well though!). Once run-round, 1306 was ready for the final run of the day back to Shackerstone. This time, Adrian was firing again, allowing me another break. With the sun setting and the temperature becoming chilly, the warmth of the loco was a very welcome feeling indeed! Once back at Shackerstone we were soon uncoupled and 1306 chugged quietly through Platform 1 before navigating the points into the South Yard and up towards the shed. "Mayflower" was then 'put to bed' and I thanked my crew for another very good day on the engine, as well as her owner! Thank you all, and 1306! It was then time to wash and 'sign off' before, yes, dinner, and another night on site. Thanks All. Evening...

Easter at Shackerstone Post 1...

Hi all! Well, its Saturday afternoon and I'm back at Shackerstone, all packed with bits and bobs ready for the weekend. I would be staying over until Monday evening and, when I arrived at around 3:45pm, the Main Train, hauled today by the Class 25, was still out on the line. Only the petite 2-2-0 Aveiling Porter "The Blue Circle" stood in the platform, surrounding by some enthusiastic onlookers...depsite the biting spring breeze! Also on the site were some very nice examples of MG Motor Vehicles, provided by a local branch of the MG Owners Club. I dropped my things into the Sleeper Coach, now reopened for the new season, and, after grabbing my overalls, proceeded down to the South Yard (steam department). As soon as I turned the corner I found the beautiful B1 4-6-0 No1306 "Mayflower", spotted with black smoke bellowing from her chimney. The engine's Warming Fire; ready for the next day; had already been lit and much cleaning had also gone on during the week. The "Eastern Lady" shone brightly in the afternoon sun and was slowly warming through all the time. Myself and Danny busied ourselves with breaking up "lighting wood" for the following 2 days of steam operation, whilst the last train of the day arrived and departed again behind the "Rat". Soon, the Class 02 shunter was started and noisily pushed "Mayflower" back into the confines of the shed. With a little shunting, Peckett "Sir Gomer" (still the same) and "Blue Circle" followed before the shed was locked up for night. We cleaned ourselves up before heading off for dinner...Evening All, up at 5:20am tomorrow!...