Hi all. Today was mostly spent aboard two fabulous main line express engines at Tyseley Loco Works. I arrived at around 10am and was immediately put to work buffing up the beautiful Castle Class No7029 "Clun Castle". Wandering down through the chilly engine shed, I found the 1950-built 4-6-0 resting silently in the lean-to shed. I spent the majority of the day cleaning the cab bright work. Though a very time consuming job, it is also very rewarding. The entirety of a Tyseley locomotive is always kept immaculate and the cab is no exception. With the radio on in the background, I set to work with my Brasso and rags. Later in the day, "Clun"s footplate was getting there...
There's something about cleaning an engine that makes you feel pride in your work. When the results are as displayed above, it all seems very worthwhile indeed. I'm sure it won't be long before we see 7029 strutting her stuff on the main line; I can't wait for that day! It was a pleasure to be aboard her today and to contribute to this fine engine. Outside, the weather was fairly miserable, with a harsh wind being mostly joined by a persistent drizzle. It was trying to snow but just couldn't quite manage it! Stomping up and down on the demonstration line was another fine 4-6-0: LMS Jubilee No45596 "Bahamas". Recently returned to steam after an extensive overhaul to main line standard, 45596 was released to the public during the 'Tyseley at 50' event in September. Today she was being test steamed...
In this bleak midwinter weather, the Jub was steaming up and down gracefully. To my surprise (thanks to Batesy) we were invited to go for a couple of runs on the 5XP. Slowly but surely, after a toot on the booming Stanier hooter, the 4-6-0 moved away in a cloud of steam. With her three-cylinder beat echoing around the yard, 45596 took us up to the stop boards before drifting casually back down on the steam brake. A few trips later, to my amazement, I found myself in the driving seat of this Midland marvel. I felt quite honoured to take control of this beautiful engine, however briefly...
Having assumed full forward on the reverser: 75% cut-off: I released the steam brake and stood up from the seat to get some weight behind the regulator. The steam chest pressure gauge: a luxury afforded to larger passenger engines: is a great help in seeing what you're providing to the cylinders. Steadily, gracefully, "Bahamas" moved away. Once on the move you can gently wind back the reverser and the note at that lovely double chimney changes as valve cut-off is altered. After a quick stomp past the engine shed it's time to shut-off steam and rub the steam brake as the gradient begins to grab hold of the engine. Once you're at a stand you can release the brake and drift back in the drift position of reverse gear; the gradient will just take her back nicely. I had three very pleasant trips back and forth on this lovely Jubilee. Beautiful...
Now for some "Bahamas" history. She was built by North British for the LMS in 1935 as one of the eventually 191-strong class of three-cylinder Jubilee's. Designed by Sir William Stanier, these chunky 4-6-0s employed 6ft 9" driving wheels powered by three 17" cylinders. Four of the class survive in preservation with all four having performed on the main line during their preserved careers. "Bahamas" was once a regular main line performer and is planned to resume these duties after a 20-year absence next month. She is unique amongst the surviving Jubilee's as "the one with the double chimney": this was fitted in 1961. JB has often remarked on his love for the Jub's after both 45596 and Tyseley-based sister "Kolhapur" visited Shackerstone in the late 1990s. "Bahamas" is definitely a beauty. Thanks to everyone involved in today's post for another fantastic opportunity. Cheers all, until next time, Sam...
No comments:
Post a Comment