Statfold Comes Alive Again...

This afternoon after work I was on my way to Statfold for one of our regular meetings regarding the upcoming Giant Miniature Weekend. With the meeting planned for 5pm, I found myself arriving a little early and so headed on down to the roundhouse where I knew boiler tests were taking place. Sure enough, having parked up, I was greeted by the sight of O & K "Max" (ex-Sragi 14) outside in the evening sun. Alex soon jumped aboard to drive the red 0-6-0 cautiously inside after a successful steam test...

I believe that 8 of the shining fleet were in steam today to go through their annual steam tests in readiness for the upcoming March open day next Saturday. Once "Max" was back in place, former Sragi partner No1: the 1899-built Krauss: followed...

As "Isibutu" and the Davenport followed suit, Will kindly offered me a quick ride on the blue Mallet which was stood simmering in the Oak Tree platform. The Mallet returned to use last September after a spell out of action and it is quite an unusual thing to look at as well as being an imposing beast on 2ft gauge tracks...

This large 0-4-4-0 Jung Mallet was built in 1930 for the Jatibarang Sugar Mill in Java and became No9 in the fleet there. When the regulator is opened, steam is first admitted to the rear wheel-sets via the high pressure cylinders before being exhausted into the front bogie and its low pressure cylinders. These compound locomotives were popular abroad and indeed Java had quite an abundance of Mallets. The Driver also has a starting valve whereby you can provide live steam direct to the low pressure cylinders for use when starting a heavy train away, taking away the delay in waiting for exhaust steam from the high pressure cylinders. All in all its an interesting machine to watch in action and I believe highly important to the Statfold Barn collection...

"On The Footplate of Jung Mallet Jatibarang No9 of 1930"

After thanking Will for my short ride on No9 it was time to jump back in the car and head up the top for the meeting. "Giant Miniature Weekend" is now only a matter of weeks away and tickets are going well via the SBR website. We are planning to have over 100 miniature engines in steam in 2" - 9" scales as well as many other attractions so please don't miss out - get your tickets now!...

Cheers All - Sam