Merry Christmas...

"16/12/17 - 5043 Stands At Tyseley Ready For York"

On this wintry Christmas Eve let me take this opportunity to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Eat, drink and be merry - I like to eat until I'm ill most years! Many thanks for reading this dribble for another year and I hope you have a great festive week. As I write there are a few outstanding posts on the blog but these will appear in due course. All the best for a great Christmas...

5542: A Great Western Christmas...

As a fitting close to the pre-Christmas season it was nice to spend today with a good friend aboard Great Western 4575 Class No5542 at the Battlefield Line. Myself and JB were rostered to crew the Small Prairie on the 'Classic Service' which once again required a 6am arrival at Shackerstone. Moaning and groaning, we walked into the loco shed where the heat emanating from 5542 revealed she was still very hot from yesterdays efforts. After dumping our various kit in the real mess area we climbed aboard the engine to check the state of affairs: 1/2 a glass and just a touch of steam on the gauge. I removed the chimney cap and emptied the smokebox, checking the various fittings whilst I was in there - all was well...

Up on the footplate the grate was fairly clear but littered with clinker plates that would have to be removed with the paddle. Placing a barrow at the foot of the cab steps, I began paddling away with JB holding the torch. An almighty bang from the roof was followed by a plunge into complete darkness as the lights blew. A torrent of cursing like I've never heard before then took place whilst I fumbled around in the dark trying to get the lights back on. The lights did return briefly before giving up again so the remainder of the paddling took place in the dark. At least we had the torch! The coal in the bunker was a mixture of Welsh and slack so I decided to not bother with the usual coal bed and to add the rags first followed by a good mound of dry wood with coal added after. The amount of slack in the bunker would have no doubt blocked up the grate, reducing air flow and causing problems during steam raising...

With the wood starting to take I added a good pile of coal on top, almost dousing the flames. The doors were then closed and the engine left to get on with it whilst a lazy wisp of smoke carefully departed the chimney. We then settled down for a cuppa' in the real mess area - still in total darkness. Thankfully, though the lights had blown, a stiff talking to and a few punches had brought life to the savagely beaten tea boiler which JB had "encouraged" into action. Whilst we sat discussing locomotives in the dark (literally), Jamie arrived as Fireman to the other loco in use today - Hunslet Austerity "Cumbria". Jamie and I soon managed to bring light back to the shed and preparations continued. The Austerity was soon lit and crackled away quietly behind 5542...

Once Carl ("Cumbria"s Driver) had arrived the shed returned to its usual tea and banter filled atmosphere. I went underneath the Prairie to ash out and to oil the inside Stephenson's motion. JB meanwhile oiled the outside and did some cleaning whilst the fire steadily made us some steam. As 8:30am neared we were ready to steam outside and 42' gently eased forward expelling reams of white steam from the drain cocks. We then got washed and changed before taking the engine over onto the five coach 'Classic' stock which was waiting on Platform 2 road. The engine was coupled up and the steam heat started before water was taken at the column...

All trains today were fully booked and the two engines would be sharing the duties with "Cumbria" hauling the two 'Deluxe' workings. Right on time at 10am, 5542 wandered gently out of Shackerstone with her full train. We had a steady run to Market Bosworth before a 15-minute break and a cuppa'. The Prairie then wandered carefully to Shenton through the bleak winter countryside...

Having uncoupled, 5542 is seen in the Shenton headshunt...

The engine was soon back at the head of the train with the steam heat on...

I tend to keep a light, bright front end and a thicker back end in the firebox...

Having ordered ahead once again, the breakfast was kindly delivered to the footplate as we awaited departure from Shenton. JB was wise to my eating shots last time but did relent this morning for a cob shot...

Leaving Shenton we took it steady through Coton before another 5-minute stop at Market Bosworth. From there we ran at line speed back to Shackerstone with the Prairie trotting easily through the trees throwing white steam over her shoulder. I do like this engine - very nice indeed...

Rolling into Platform 2 at Shackerstone, "Cumbria" was already feathering away at the head of the train ready for departure. Once the stewards were on board, the red 0-6-0 left in a cloud of steam. 42' meanwhile hissed down to the coal pile to take a bucket of fresh coal before returning to Platform 2 road via the signalbox to take water and continue heating. I cleaned the fire thoroughly as the lack of draft would no doubt induce clinker if left too long. A fresh bed was then made up and the engine left to simmer whilst we had a cuppa'. She looked very nice in the harsh winter sunshine. Its been nice to be back on this old gal' again...

With pressure nearing the red line and a good water level, 5542 left Shackerstone behind as soon as "Cumbria" had returned...

The gloomy weather had cleared to reveal sunshine and a bright blue sky as we ticked through Hedleys on route to Bosworth...

5542 awaits departure from Shenton on the returning 1pm 'Classic'...

Barking up the line away from Bosworth Road Bridge towards Coton...

Waiting at Market Bosworth with the returning 1pm...

The fully booked 1pm train had a lot of children wanting to see Santa so an additional stop was made at Carlton Bridge near Hedleys. The engine sat feathering as we waited for the "Right Away" from the Guard...

Returning to Shackerstone, "Cumbria" (with lamps lit) was eagerly waiting to depart on the 'Deluxe'. 5542 was uncoupled before we pulled up in Platform 1 to allow passengers to visit the footplate and view the fire and controls. Unfortunately timings had slipped somewhat today resulting in the 4pm 'Classic' leaving at 5pm but the passengers seemed pleased with the rare opportunity to visit the footplate...

Once "Cumbria" had called in for 'line clear' at Shenton we were given the road to drop across onto the waiting stock for heating and watering purposes. In darkness, we awaited the return of the Austerity...

JB kindly fired the 4pm (5pm) so I could drive. Its a very nice machine to be in control of - very responsive and easy to operate. We had a steady wander down to Shenton before a line speed run back to Shackerstone. After a shunt move we were cleared to run back into the shed via No11 ground frame. Screwed down and scotched, 5542 rests in Shackerstone shed after another grand day out...

The usual disposal procedure then took place as the Prairie was bedded down for the night. The fire was raked through and the clinker freed, the boiler was filled, the chimney capped and the necessaries isolated. All in all, a very nice day out in good company aboard a good engine. I've done 5 turns on 5542 this Autumn/Winter and all have been most enjoyable. Thank you all for reading and thanks to JB for your company mate. Finally, of course, Merry Christmas...

Evesham Vale: A Merry "Monty" Christmas...

Hi all. Today I was driving 15" gauge steam once again at the Evesham Vale Light Railway in Worcestershire. Like many other steam railways at this time of the year, the EVLR was running its popular "Santa Special" services which today were fully booked. Having driven through thick fog along the A46 to reach the railways base within The Valley country park, I pulled up at just before 8:30am. Having signed in and greeted Adrian & Sandra, it was time to get to work preparing the locomotive for the days trains. Rostered for service today was the large 1996-built 0-4-2 Exmoor No300 "Monty", formerly "Markeaton Lady". The engine was soon outside in the damp morning air with the chimney cap removed ready for lighting up...

The amount of manual labour required on these smaller engines is much more bearable than their standard gauge counterparts and swinging a small fire iron of only 2ft in length is far more pleasant. The grate was fairly clean already with only a light covering of ash across the bars. A quick bash through with the iron was rewarded with a nice lighting up surface and having checked the water level in the boiler, both tubeplates and the fusible plug, I lit the embryo fire using a paraffin rag...

Evesham engines tend to burn the Welsh open cast coal found at Ffos-Y-Fran - a dry kind of coal that gives off little smoke. With this stuff I like to make sure you've got a nice hot wood fire beneath it to guarantee the heat required to allow the coal to catch. With the flaming rag smouldering away on the grate, a pile of good dry wood was diagonally placed on top. A good helping of coal was then added, almost dousing the initial flames, before closing the firehole doors and leaving the engine to get on with it. The EVLR machines do benefit from a small air fitting which allows compressed air to be fed up the chimney to create the artificial draft required for steam raising. However, having been in steam yesterday, "Monty" wouldn't require much coaxing. With the fire lit and burning well, attentions turned to cleaning: Peek for the brasses, Pledge for the paint. The final task on shed is to oil/grease the engine. No300 carries a few oil pots which wick-feed the piston and valve rods adjacent to the packing boxes but the main rod bearings are grease and are topped up with a grease-gun...

With all prep tasks complete, I checked we had the single line token on board (necessary for locking the points at the yard mouth) before moving off shed. With drain cocks open, "Monty" hesitated briefly as the regulator was opened. I always like to feed the steam in slowly (you can hear it rushing down the passages) and allow the condensate to be collected up rather than rushing off shed. Groaning through the point work, "Monty" soon reached the yard mouth where the engines are blown down daily. As long as the boiler water level allows, 1/2 a glass is usually sufficient and aids the rapid expulsion of harmful deposits which may have collected at the foundation ring during evaporation. Blow down complete, its time to reverse back...

The first "Santa" train was scheduled to depart at 10:30am with half hourly departures to follow until 4pm. Santa himself is based in the Grotto at Twyford. The passengers take their 15-minute or so train ride before visiting him afterwards. Adults receive a warm mince pie and children sweets and a gift from the man himself. With Christmas music playing at Twyford and lots of happy passengers, the whole thing comes together to provide a very pleasant thing to be involved with...

"The First 'Santa Special' Of The Day"

All trains today would have the full compliment of four coaches with all seats full on most trips. Four coaches isn't really a strain for "Monty" in terms of power but some of the EVLR gradients on a damp morning like this do create adhesion issues. The steep section of Fishers Bank caused No300 to lose her feet a couple of times, reducing progress to a crawl but she did keep going until the bank was crested and the train rolled into the tunnel. As we climbed the bank I'd dropped some sand behind the loco to aid the following trips. Once at Evesham Vale, I wandered up the bank and sanded in front of the loco and up past the next crossing where the high volume of muddy-booted walkers doesn't help the rail condition...

"The First Train of The Day at Evesham Vale"

Departing Evesham Vale with the returning 10:30 train in fine style, "Monty" barked up the bank throwing white steam over her shoulder. Steam pressure was nudging the red line with a light, bright fire. Once back at Twyford the engine was uncoupled and turned before the passengers crossed to meet Santa. I then took water on the column whilst excited passengers for the 11am trip boarded the coaches. All was well aboard "Monty"s footplate as we prepared for departure. The Welsh coal burns bright in these little fireboxes as long as you keep your eye on it...

On a good rail "Monty" will stomp along and you really do want another two coaches to hold the engine back when all is going well...

"Monty" waits at Evesham Vale on a lunchtime service...

The day went on pretty much like that: we came and we went providing a constant stream of visitors for Santa. The traditional 'Evesham Tea & Cake' was replaced by a warm mince pie today when it was delivered to the footplate in time for the 2:30pm train. That was one of the loveliest mince pies I've ever had - really nice!...

Mince pie devoured, the 2:30pm train also allowed me a couple of minutes to grab Adrian's very nice paraffin headlamp from the loco shed to replace the headboard. As the days light reduces the lamp becomes a nice beacon for the train as it steams through the fields. I prefer to run with it I must admit...

As the final few departures came around the engine continued to steam well and passenger numbers remained strong. The Welsh coal does lull you into a false sense of security on occasions though. Sometimes you look in the box and think how much of a full fire you have but really its just ash which disintegrates when hit with the iron. I had a trip like that on the 3pm when the pressure needle gradually descended further than usual and a quick look through the doors revealed quite a lack of fire. Some flash firing and a plume of smoke from the chimney soon had "Monty" back in fettle but then you have to compete with all that fresh coal added at once and the engine is soon blowing its head off. Its all good fun anyway...

"Waiting at Evesham Vale on the 3:30pm Train"

"Monty" was steaming well as the light faded and we waited at Twyford for the last train at 4pm. Water was taken for the final time on the column and I also added another bag of coal (the third of the day) so there would be plenty in the bunker for lighting up tomorrow. One more trip and then disposal...

My last EVLR train of 2017 waits at Twyford ready to go...

The 4pm train was also sold out and a steady run through the fields with "Monty" was followed by a good run up Fishers Bank. "Monty"s tall chimney put on quite a display as the four coach train was hauled up the bank in almost darkness (today was the shortest day!). A quick stop at Evesham Vale was followed by a steady chug up Twyford Bank with the final returning train. "Monty" was then run round and the token allowed me access to the yard after unlocking the points. Back on shed, "Monty" was prepared for disposal. This involves deadening the fire, emptying the ashpan, filling the boiler and cleaning her again. All in all a good days work...

With all disposal jobs complete, I backed "Monty" into the shed on her final breaths of steam before screwing her down and fitting the chimney cap. It had been another very pleasant day on EVLR metals and its always nice to be on "Monty". Thank you to Adrian & Sandra for their continued hospitality and thank you all for reading. Finally, of course, Merry Christmas...

The "Christmas White Rose": A Castle To York...

"A Christmas Castle" (Pic - K.Snowdon)

A steam tour is often not just an adventure but also a test of endurance. The days are long and the work is hard but the pride and enjoyment which comes with being part of Tyseley's Support Crew has made it all worthwhile. Early this morning, well before dawn, I arrived at a frosty 84E in bleak midwinter weather. I'd stopped at McDonalds on route to grab a breakfast - an absolute must on these early jobs - and duly devoured this before strolling into the site with my kit. Down at the mess hut the first members of the team were gathering and after a quick chat we wandered down to the simmering Castle as she waited near the shed door. A cold 4965 & 7029 sat on the same road behind her as she hissed into life and gracefully pulled forward into the chilly morning air. I was asked to check some of the oil boxes and pots around the 4-6-0 and to top them up where necessary. Meanwhile, the other lads were busy on various jobs around the yard. 5043 meanwhile brewed up quietly under the bright lights of the adjacent fuel depot, awaiting her move off-shed...

Our departure time was scheduled for 7:50am and the Castle was on the train well over an hour before this to begin steam heating. As she waited under the dark morning sky, you could almost sense the "Earl" patiently anticipating the off...

Departing Tyseley on time, the "Earl" barked out onto the main line and on towards Coleshill Parkway for a passenger pick-up. The rising of the sun revealed a bleak December landscape with a chill wind biting through the cab. However, as the morning rays slowly broke through, the beauty and peace of the frosty countryside was a wonderful sight as the 4-6-0 marched onward...

"5043 Steams Through The Frost" (Pic - R.Lynm)

We steamed steadily on to Tamworth before a cracking run to Burton. Here the Castle is seen passing Nemesis Rail, picking up speed and getting well on the move as she threw white steam over her shoulder...

"The Castle Roars Past Nemesis Rail" (Pic - C.Baker)

Leaving Burton behind, the 1936-built express engine made good progress into Derbyshire and was snapped by John Whitehouse near Ratcliffe...

"Crossing The River" (Pic - J.Whitehouse)

From our final passenger pick-up at Ilkeston we roared past the Ironville branch which leads to the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley. Sure enough, as we steamed by, the visiting 56XX tank - Telford's 5619 - was stood proudly on the triangle whistling frantically. 5043 duly replied as we left them in a cloud of steam. The next stop was Chesterfield for a brief operational stop...

"The Shining Castle Calls At Chesterfield" (Pic - M.Hardy)

More fast running was in prospect north of Chesterfield as 5043 prepared to run on to her water stop and service point at Pontefract Baghill...

"On The Footplate of 5043 at Chesterfield" (Pic - M.Hardy)

After a cracking run, I alighted the footplate at Pontefract and was put to work with the rest of the team shifting countless coal bags. By now the "Earl"s tender was down in the well and had to be replenished by the addition of the bagged coal. An adjacent road tanker meanwhile filled the tender and the GUV (water carrier) with water whilst the supreme coal lugging trials continued...

Leaving Pontefract behind, we settled down in the Support Coach whilst the Castle made her voice heard on the final few miles to York. The sun was out but the air still very chilly as we arrived in the historic station. With all passengers having alighted, 5043 later propelled the ECS backwards into Holgate sidings, adjacent to the East Coast Main Line. We'd barely been stationary a couple of minutes when 60009 - currently the only operational Gresley A4 pacific - appeared alongside us. The green pacific was due to work another excursion back down the Midland main line on its return run, the outward leg having been hauled by 6100 "Royal Scot"...

"A4 Pacific 'Union of South Africa' Stables Alongside 5043"

In a bizarre twist of steam enthusiasts luck, just as the A4 pulled up we noticed a plume of steam rising from the south and "Royal Scot" came into view with her lengthy train. A chorus of whistles then took place as the three-cylinder machine strolled past us towards the platforms. The "Earl" and the GUV were duly detached from our train and we left the A4 in the sidings and steamed away from York station towards the turntable. Once there, the Castle was detached from the GUV and turned on the modern table. There was a real abundance of warning posts...

Having turned, 5043 was watered and oiled before being coupled back up to the GUV and awaiting the road back to Holgate sidings. "Royal Scot" had appeared in view and was next to turn once we had cleared the area. 5043 slipped easily back to Holgate with her light load, passing a smart little SECR 'P' Class 0-6-0 working train rides in the south yard of the National Railway Museum. I thought - "been on one of them!". Those 'P' class engines are cracking. Anyway, back at Holgate we finished preparing the "Earl" for her return trip and she began steam heating the ECS ready for our departure later in the evening. We were soon passed by the green East Coast Racehorse as she accelerated her long train out of York station heading south. This would have been such a familiar sight in steam days in York. The striking chime whistle was soon blasting as 5043 whistled in reply. Eddie would be pleased to know that the trailing diesel wasn't helping and the Gresley beat carried on the wind as the streamliner disappeared into the distance and the Castle was left alone.

Later on, right on time, we departed the historic York station into the darkness for a storming run back to Tyseley via Doncaster. A water stop on route was carried out by the road tanker once again before the united forces of the "Earl" and the GUV took us home without further need to service. The chat aboard the Support Coach was the usual: all things steam and a general round of putting the world to rights. I tell you what we ate some junk - it was like a Christmas party - everything from chocolates to sweets, hot dogs, mince pies, pasties and even a full Turkey dinner with all the trimmings on the last leg home...we were stuffed! We eat like Kings! Meanwhile, the passengers were returned to their respective joining stations after a most pleasant day out with main line steam behind the stunning 5043...

"Arriving Back at Burton" (Pic - J.Whitehouse)

A few hours later we were back at Tyseley and as usual I darted from the train to quickly grab the "we've just got back" shot. The engine had been wearing "The Legend" headboard since York and for anyone who wondered why...the chap firing is nicknamed amongst us "The Legend" but also 5043 is also arguably a legend in her own right! I must admit it was a humorous addition to the Castle...

After the usual shunt release procedure courtesy of the trusty Class 08, the "Earl" was turned before returning to the shed for the final time in 2017. What a year its been: we've done some great trips, seen some great performances and I have learnt untold amounts of great stuff from the Tyseley team. Its been a pleasure and a privilege to be involved. I never thought I'd get to experience the footplate at 75mph but now I have, multiple times, and it has been absolutely unforgettable. Amazing. Thank you for reading and thank you to the photographers who kindly allowed their images to be used in this post. Cheers all and, of course, Merry Christmas...