Hi all. Today involved another productive volunteer Saturday at Tyseley, once again featuring the wonderful Castle Class 4-6-0 No5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe". The "Earl" standing out of steam at the June open weekend caused much speculation amongst the admiring public but eventually it was announced that she'd participate in the September event to celebrate 50 years of Tyseley. This would be her final public appearance in steam on her current ticket. Today the 1936-built thoroughbred was dragged from her slumbers by the growling Class 08 diesel shunter. Once outside under the blue sky, her fire was lit and the small band of volunteers began their various tasks. Myself & Jake were put to work cleaning her up for a series of appearances over the next couple of days. I was on polishing duties up on the barrel whilst Jake pushed a few rags around her 6ft 8.5" driving wheels...
5043 was purchased from Barry Scrapyard in 1973, predominately to offer a spare boiler to Tyseley flagship 7029 "Clun Castle". After many years of storage it was announced in 1996 that the engine would be restored for use on the main line, in 1950s condition with Hawksworth tender and double chimney. The "Earl" eventually moved under her own steam in 2008. I wonder if the chaps who bought her in 1973 even dared to dream what a formidable performer their 'spare boiler' would become. 5043 has put in some staggering performances and is known to many as the 'King of the Castles'. Today was certainly a pleasure, listening to the fire crackling away and watching the smoke drift steadily skyward from the copper capped chimney...
Later in the day the 08' was cranked up once again in order to remove 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" from the front of the Castle. By now she was warming through nicely and the image below joins one of many of the same pose in my collection...
By 4:30pm I decided it was time to head for home after a good day cleaning the "Earl". As I say she will take part in the 'Tyseley at 50' event at the end of the month, hopefully alongside five other engines in steam as well as many other attractions. I'm sure it'll be a great weekend saying goodbye to the "Earl". Thanks all, Sam...
No comments:
Post a Comment