Return to "Polly V" at the Midlands Show...

Hi everyone. So, here we are again: the Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition. It seems to come around quickly every year and, as we all know, the Midlands Show pretty much heralds the end of the steam season! Where has this year gone? Anyway, I left work today at midday as usual and then continued straight to the show, held again at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. I was rostered to crew the portable 5" gauge track on behalf of CMES. My fellow driver this afternoon was Peter and we had a nice, easy afternoon. The track was better located this year, with the gradient being slightly reduced. The locomotive? On the grounds of tradition it was "Polly V": again. The 'golden slipper' was ready and waiting for more work when our shift change with the morning crew arrived at 1:30pm. The engine had been reported to be free steaming but losing water. I checked her over thoroughly and could see no reason why she was dropping her water so much, but she did seem to blow off a lot which on a small boilered model can of course lose you water quickly. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, myself & Peter took turns with the mogul tank engine and gave a handful of rides. We also had to retire to the top end of the track once or twice to allow the very popular 'GT3' Gas Turbine demo's to take place. "Polly V" has recently been fitted with a new boiler, as can be seen here by the clean backhead...

"Fire in the Hole"

The engine performed fairly well throughout the afternoon and certainly loved to make steam, but I can't help thinking its ready for an overhaul. She still goes well but there is a lot of wear in the running gear and I would of thought it wouldn't harm it to enjoy some TLC. I expect its just a time thing as, being the demonstrator engine, I bet she's always at work. It would be interesting to see though just how well it would go in A* condition. Later in the day, the loco is seen uncoupled and awaiting disposal...

The locomotive was disposed at around 4:30pm and was back on her home stand, safe & secure, by 5pm. The afternoon had been quiet but enjoyable and I must thank Peter for his company. I must also thank Peter for putting up with my endless gassing. One of the troubles (or good things - whichever way you look at it) with MMEE is that I seem to see endless amounts of people who I know from across the country, and I end up gassing for ages! Don't get me wrong, its so pleasant to see everyone, but I may end up making a name for myself like this! Haha! All the best guys, cheers, Sam...