Hi all. Today after my Friday half-day finish, I headed over to Tyseley to help with preparations on Pannier Tank 9600. The 1945-built 0-6-0 is scheduled to team up with larger sister 9466 tomorrow on the "East Midlands Rambler" excursion to Burton. Pannier Tanks are the smallest steam locomotives operating on the national network today, although Tyseley's 7752, 7760 and 9600 have all been regular performers in the past, providing a tank engine stronghold for the Birmingham area. It must seem an unusual choice of locomotive but those who have worked on them will realise what versatile and capable machines Pannier Tanks can be. 9600 in particular, although I've only been on her around the yard, is quite a machine and has received massive restoration during her years at 84E. When I arrived at Tyseley she was sparkling inside the shed, having received a good polish of her tanks last weekend...
The Class 08 diesel was duly summoned to drag the Pannier outside ready for lighting up. Paul soon had the Pannier crackling away on this muggy afternoon...
I spent a few hours working with Paul on 9600 today. We cleaned the remaining brass work and polished the bunker and cab sides to match the tanks. The running boards and valances were also cleaned ready for tomorrows outing. 9466 has a notorious reputation for being cleaner than clean, as do the Tyseley fleet, so its nice to keep her shined up! She was looking well as the afternoon drew on...
After a pleasant few hours cleaning the engine, I left Tyseley at around 3:45pm, already looking forward to tomorrows outing. Pannier Tanks on the main line are certainly a rarity and so two of them climbing over the gradients of the Coalville Branch towards Burton should be a sight (and sound) to behold. Many thanks all, Sam...
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