Statfold: A Socially Distanced Charter...

"Driver Sam and Fireman Matt with Alpha" (Pic - B.Bryan)

Well, after four months, we're back! With the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, the mothballed steam preservation scene is now beginning the slow journey back out of hibernation, with Statfold no exception. We should have started the season back in March with the spring Enthusiasts Day, working towards the annual Giant Miniature Weekend, both of which were cancelled early on. Last week the railway hosted two socially distanced photo days on behalf of 30472 Charters, starring "Isibutu". A third was planned for today with Hudswell Clarke "Alpha" the main subject. When Alex contacted me last week to see if I was available to drive, my severe case of Cold Firebox Syndrome resulted in me quickly booking a day off work! I hadn't driven for a charter before, although I've been involved with one or two in the past. This morning, with the sun shining, I trundled along the A444 towards the SBRs Tamworth base, arriving there a little before 07:30. Fireman Matt was already warming "Alpha" through on the prep road outside the roundhouse. It was a lovely morning...

Having signed in, donned my prep coat and picked up the oil cans, I began oiling round. It felt quite odd to be back initially! "Alpha" carries outside Walschaerts valve gear and all of the motion is easily accessible...

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the temperature was already rising and a great day was pretty much assured. We did encounter one obstacle which can strike fear into the heart of any fireman: damp wood! Thanks to my years at Shackerstone however, I've developed a keen knack for foraging wood to coax an ailing embryo fire! With some dryer wood in the box, the reassuring crackle and a healthy column of smoke from the chimney proved we'd cured the issue. Whilst Matt rubbed a rag around the already immaculate Hudswell, she began singing away to herself, joining in the chorus with the morning birdsong. We had well over an hour left before we were required...

The charter was due to start at 10:00, with the loco and stock required for posed photographs at Oak Tree from 09:30 onwards. Once changed and ready, I drove "Alpha" steadily off shed with the drains and valve chest taps hissing. Reversing onto the pre-formed mixed train, we coupled on before setting back under the Guards instructions. Once in the loop at Oak Tree, we took on water...

One clear advantage Statfold has, particularly in these strange times, is that photo charters can be conducted across the whole railway without the need for photographers to board the train. The various locations around the route can be reached on foot, with the assembled consist making various run pasts in each location before moving on. This allows social distancing to be fully enforced with great ease. A little before 10:00, with the photographers already making their way on foot towards the Jurassic Park gates, we were asked to board the engine in readiness for departure. The two ex-Bredgar coaches, the Banana van and the coal truck formed a fairly light train, particularly for chunky little "Alpha". When the call came over the radio, away we went. The engine strode merrily past the gallery, on route to Statfold Jnc where we uncoupled outside the signalbox before carrying on to turn the engine...

Drifting back down past the signalbox via the yard, we coupled on to the stock at the opposite end before providing a few run pasts. The morning was spent on the north section, offering countless run pasts at various locations and cameos with a couple of dressed up reenactors and the blue Austin van. We made it back to Oak Tree in time for lunch break, where "Alpha" simmered quietly on the through road. I had a wander around to catch up on developments. The new workshop (where the American trucks used to live) housed the two current projects: the Fowler tank engine and "Fiji", both dismantled for their overhauls. "Fiji" now has her boiler removed...

In the roundhouse stood a very clean and tidy K1: the Tasmanian compound Garrett. I did have a brief look around it at Christmas when I did my Santa turns. Back then it was out of commission and looking sorry for itself. Statfold performed a whirlwind turn around for her over the closed months and she was steamable and repainted in time for the March open day...which unfortunately didn't happen! The railway hope to showcase the big engine as part of their August Enthusiasts weekend: a socially distanced replacement for the March do. Here, K1 provides a surprising comparison with the big Peckett "Harrogate". At 33 tons, K1 is now by far the biggest locomotive based at Statfold. It'll be interesting to see her in operation...

Other pieces of interest for me in the roundhouse were the two Bagnalls: little and large, otherwise known as "Wendy" and "Isibutu". "Wendy" is much smaller in stature than her Tongaat Sugar cousin but both have the Staffordshire pedigree. Having refilled my tea can, I wandered back out to "Alpha"...

For lunch, I'd warmed a couple of sausage rolls through on "Alpha"s manifold during the morning whilst Matt had put a pie in the smokebox. Tea was taken in peace, with only the simmering Hudswell to listen to...

After their lunch and their roundhouse tour, the photographers returned for the afternoon session. This would take place on the south section between Oak Tree and the balloon loop. The first shot included another cameo with the blue van. Matt drove for a while during this time whilst I kept my eyes on the fire and the water. Here, "Alpha" sets out from the Oak Tree platform, passing the Austin...

"Alpha and the Austin" (Pic - J.Evans)

I lost count of the amount of run pasts we did during the afternoon, or even the day...but it was definitely alot! Our final run pasts were on the high level line, returning to Oak Tree. As "Alpha" repeatedly dug into the stiff climb, I was sure it was her first time over that side. Back and forth we went, finishing the day with some glorious afternoon sun. The punters left a little before 17:00 and, from what we were told, a good day was had by all. As we returned the ex-Ryam 1922-built Hudswell to the shed, we remarked on what a pleasant and stress-free day it had been. I certainly enjoyed it: something different. It was definitely good to be back on the handle and finally relieve my CFS. Thanks to the 30472 team for the opportunity, thanks to Alex for rostering me and thanks to Matt for doing the shovelling. Roll on the next time...