Statfold: A Peckett Isn't Just For Christmas...

"Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen, when the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even" and so on and so forth! Throughout my steam career on the various railways I've been involved in, I've always loved the Christmas trains as it gets you in the mood for the big day. As the big man in the red suit only seems to bring me practical presents these days (you can't move for socks on Christmas morning), driving a steam train on the run up certainly seems to brighten my spirits. Today I was rostered for a PM driving turn at the Statfold Barn Railway. Once again I was to pilot the lovely 1944-built Peckett "Harrogate" on the 'Santa Express', joined this time by Fireman Matt on coal flinging duties. I arrived at the SBR at just after 13:00 and duly wandered over to the Mess Room to catch up with Matt and the afternoon crew of "Fiji": James, Josh and Frank. With our kit ready to go, we awaited the return of the 13:30 train. The Peckett soon roared into view, firing a thick white exhaust vigorously skyward and coming to rest at the top of the station...

Driver Alex duly handed control of the Peckett to me and explained that all was well but her new gland packings would require regular oiling. Meanwhile, James and his team were preparing "Fiji" to lead us around the circuit on the 14:00 train. Right on time, away we went. Matt was busy checking over his fire as we were hauled towards the balloon loop. One big improvement was in the 'S-Bend' on the approach to the footpath crossing towards New Road. Historically this section has always kicked the engines a tad as you round the bend but has only this week been smoothed out and is much improved. After arrival at Oak Tree on the tail end of the train, "Harrogate"s freshly added coal smokes up a storm whilst I make my way around with the oil cans...

Our first trip on the front was the heavily loaded 14:30 train. "Harrogate" steamed very well indeed and was in good voice. The improved 'S-Bend' now means that once you're clear of the balloon loop you can link up and leave the regulator open right the way until you're slowing to stop at Oak Tree. 2050 will just wander along merrily, throwing white steam over her shoulder. The bank will require more regulator of course but once at the top you can just bring her back a bit, letting the train slow you down. It's amazing how much of an improvement one joint can make! The 15:00 saw us tailing again prior to our next trip on the front: the 15:30. I decided to light the headlamp now as the light would be fading on our return journey...

Returning with the 15:30 the heavens opened and the rain began to fall. It was pretty persistent then, all evening long. The Peckett is fairly steady on her feet but a heavy train and greasy conditions can make her slip, although the larger "Fiji" is definitely more prone to wheel-slip. During this weather and when top and tailing to boot, it is up to the Driver to decide what the necessary provision of power from the trailing engine should be. On the 16:00 train, with "Fiji" proving a little light on her feet, 2050 was given some steam to hold her weight against the train. The judgement involves route knowledge and the situation. Most of the time holding your own engine weight will solve adhesion issues. If a little more shove is required then we can do this but there are a variety of factors that should be considered when banking...

Throughout the evening 2050 steamed and pulled well. The occasional wheel-slip was quickly caught and she was largely her usual 'glued to the track' self. Matt drove her on our 16:30 journey whilst I had a go at firing. By now the rain was getting worse and was definitely in for the night. It was pelting against "Harrogate"s spectacle glasses and was just making for foul driving conditions. Ironically, driving a steam engine in pouring rain provides far better adhesion than in light drizzle. From now on we had to bank "Fiji" quite regularly to maintain her feet; hardly surprising in this hideous weather. Soon enough our 17:30 departure arrived: the last outward passenger trip...

By now my cap was sodden and this evening became one of the very rare occasions where I drove without wearing it! My cap meanwhile was cooking on the firebox cladding in an attempt to dry it out. The 17:30 train was followed by a 17:50 departure from Statfold with ECS led by "Fiji". Once at the mouth of the balloon loop we came to a stand for the lights to be turned off before returning with 2050 leading...

Then followed three shuttle trips between Oak Tree and Statfold, ferrying the remaining visitors back to their cars after their Santa experience. "Harrogate" is pictured after arrival with the third and final shuttle at around 19:15...

Once the passengers had left the train, 2050 was uncoupled and given the road to steam onto the turntable. Engine turned, we dropped slowly back on the steam brake to collect the coal wagon and return to the shed frontage via the headshunt outside the signalbox. "Harrogate" was then disposed on the shed just in front of "Fiji". What a very pleasant evening once again on the 'Santa Express'. Thanks to Alex for rostering me and thanks to Matt for your firing efforts. Merry Christmas all...