More Sunday Work at Shackerstone...

Hi guys. Today I was at Shackerstone again, helping with the various shed work. One job in particular was to carry out a water check on 3803 in preparation for its light-steam test next week. Just to make things easier, myself & Carl headed off down to the North End to collect the railways BR Class 04 shunter. Having started up nicely & created air, the 04 moved easily up through Platform 1 and into the Dock Road to collect 3803. The 2-8-0 was then duly dragged outside so that some water could be dropped out of her boiler for analysis. The 04 was then shut down whilst we carried out this task. Having checked the water and performed various other checks on & about the 38', I fired up the 04 again before pushing the GWR engine back inside. The 04 was then taken back down to the North End. Driving this beast is a bit of a different kettle of fish to the 02 for example. The 02 is diesel electric, whilst the 04 is diesel mechanical. Therefore, there are gears to think about - unlike on the 02 where there is only forward or reverse! The 04 performs well and they were reputed to be able to do 25mph quite easily for trip-working. I don't really like diesels but I don't mind shunters! At the back of the shed, Aveling & Porter "The Blue Circle" was also in steam. She was having a pre-work check carried out which involves gradually raising steam and then allowing the safety valves to lift. She has also had a bit of a livery change, with most red parts now painted black...

"Aveling & Porter The Blue Circle"

Inside the shed, "Sir Gomer" is still awaiting axle removal whilst "Dunlop No7" patiently awaits her boiler, which shouldn't be far away now...

"Peckett Dunlop No7"

After a quiet day in the shed chatting & working, I headed for home. This month's Old Glory magazine (for March) is now in stores and contains our ad for Miniature Traction Engine Weekend, amongst various other interesting bits & bobs. The event is also advertised in Old Glory's Event Guide for the Jan - June 2014 issue. Leaflets will be heading out 6 weeks prior to the event and I am trying to do as much advertising as possible this time around. If any of my readers are free over April 26th/27th, please feel free to pop over to us. It should be a very good weekend so why not nip in and say "hello"!...

"Getting Nearer By The Day"

I am now going to take a break from the railway for 2 weeks due to other commitments, but I have attended every weekend this closed season! Roll on the gala, roll on the miniature do and, ultimately, roll on the summer! Kind Regards, Sam...