Atlantic Report No7: A Run Out...

Hi everyone. This evenings outing was to CMES' Ryton Pools track for the monthly Wednesday evening run. These evening excursions are just the ticket as long as the weather holds. An unpromising start this morning had led to a pleasant evening and my 3.5" gauge Maisie was the loco of choice for the run. I arrived at just after 6pm, along with three other loco owners. 'Eddie the Late' then turned up with his 3.5" gauge 2P, which was due to have a steam test. The two engines were soon unloaded and shared a steaming bay in the evening sun. The larger Atlantic is seen here in front of the Midland product...

My engine: 4436: had a few repairs to try out this evening and so I wasn't particularly optimistic. This is because in the past optimism of any form has resulted in a resounding failure so its best to not put your trust in anything! The engine had had the water pump repacked, the lubricator reset, the handpump repaired and a clack cleaned out & reseated so all four repairs would be tested tonight. I'd filled the engine with water and put wood on the grate before I left home to save time at the site. I need something to keep me occupied as there isn't so much brass on this engine!...

With a good fire lit in the box the engine came around swiftly. With the borrowed RPMR Guards truck attached and drain cocks hissing loudly, the engine backed along the run up rail and through the bendy beam. After a few more revolutions of her big wheels, the drain cocks can be shut for the evening. The C1 is seen here awaiting her first lap...

Getting away smartly, the Maisie performed well for the rest of the evening. Three out of four of the repairs were a resounding success, though the lubricator was a bit intermittent. I later found that the securing nut had come loose and so it wasn't working on every stroke, just the odd one. That's an easy fix that'll get done asap. Apart from that, the engine went very well and put in some good, fast running...

As the loco was running so well I decided to offer other people a drive of her. Both Dave and Emma enjoyed a good few laps with the engine and she continued to uphold her successful streak. Meanwhile, 'Eddie the Late' had raised steam, passed the steam test and was now running around the track. He asked me to join him for a run as ballast to give the 2P some work to do. With both of us on and safety valves blowing, the 4-4-0 pulled away. Below is a quick snap I took of the loco beginning the climb of Ryton Bank and speeding along as if to jump into another dimension!...

Sure enough the 2P climbed the bank with ease and was blowing off at the top. The engine is Don Young's 'Midland' with Joy valve gear. Eddie completed the engine, building her up from the chassis stage of construction. Its turned out a nice little machine and sets a really good pace on the track, though I wouldn't fancy making one with that complicated valve gear...its poetry in motion watching it go round. After my ride behind the 2P I caught up with my Maisie and had another lap or two as the final steam loco left on the track. She was still running well and had proved herself to be a free steaming and nippy engine. I am now very pleased with her...

"A Final Sunlit Shot"

After our final laps the engine steamed back down onto the steaming bays before disposal. Apart from the lubricator issue we had enjoyed some great, trouble free laps and I'm looking forward to taking her out again in the near future. Thanks very much for reading. Best Regards, Sam...