Beautiful "Isibutu": A Tongaat Sugar Bagnall...

"Isibutu at the Balloon Loop" (Pic - B.Bryan)

Good evening all. Many people will have a favourite locomotive. In standard gauge for me it would have to be something copper capped, probably a Castle or a Hall. However, if we're talking narrow gauge, you won't find me singing the praises of anything more than "Isibutu", the Tongaat Sugar Bagnall of Statfold Barn. This is, by some considerable margin, my favourite narrow gauge engine and certainly my favourite to crew at the SBR. It's been just over four years since I was last rostered to drive this chunky 4-4-0 and since then the big green engine has often been in the care of regular driver Will. If handled incorrectly, "Isibutu"s marine firebox can result in leaking tubes so a good, caring fireman is required to keep everything shipshape as it were. It was very much to my joyful surprise last week to find myself & Ben penned to "Isibutu" for today, the Sunday of the Statfold summer Enthusiasts Weekend. Bright eyed, I found the big Bagnall simmering quietly to herself on the shed, a little before 06:30...

The size of "Isibutu" makes a real difference and she, along with "Fiji", is one of the few SBR engines you'll often find steam on the next day. Sure enough, with a full glass and 20psi still on the clock, the Bagnall wouldn't give us any issues with steam this morning. Fireman Ben duly arrived and set to work on the grate. The large pizza-oven style door is great for access but the relatively small ashpan beneath requires regular emptying, particularly when raking through a previous fire. After two or three ashpan cleaning sessions, we did all of the necessary checks before lighting up...

Whilst Ben had been cleaning the grate and ashpan, I had been shuttling back and forth with buckets of wood. I did have to do a bit of mining to find the bigger chunks as the considerable firebox on "Isibutu" does require something to bite on. Some of the tiny bits would just fall through the bars if given the chance! I built up the fire with plenty of wood, allowing the flames to take hold before applying a good covering of coal. To prevent too much chill, I opted to get the fire made up and get the door closed as soon as possible, leaving the damper open a crack to provide some primary air. The resultant plume of smoke rising skyward from the chimney on this breezy morning confirmed we had done something right and the green 4-4-0 began singing immediately...

Fire made up and steam rising nicely, I set to work with the oil cans and greasegun. "Isibutu" has the Bagnall Price valve gear which, as long as you can squeeze yourself through the gaps in the water tanks to reach the eccentrics and rocking arms, is fairly easy to lubricate of a morning. At some point during her preservation life she was 'modified' (if you like) to include solid bearings and grease points on the main rods, rather than the conventional split brass and taper pin arrangement found on most other engines. The wear she has developed over her soon to expire 10-year boiler ticket means that she now has a pronounced clank as the wear in the brasses cannot be taken up without some serious engineering. Loading the points with grease lessens the knock and I'm sure that when the time comes the engineering team at Statfold will return her to her conventional form. Here, I top up the drivers side leading driving axlebox...

"Topping up axleboxes" (Pic - B.Bryan)

The pressure needle was rising confidently as I climbed into the front framing to lubricate the leading bogie axleboxes. The addition of the bogie brings "Isibutu" nicely into point work when running forwards, providing a very smooth ride. As I finished up the lubrication, Ben returned from the snap van with breakfast: good man!...

After a pleasant few hours preparing the engine, we were called upon to form the first move at around 08:45. Following a blast on the Stanier hooter, I set the Bagnall steadily back down the bank towards the signalbox, coming to rest at the gantry. Hudswell Clarke No19 duly arrived and the two engines were coupled together...

The first hour of any Statfold Enthusiasts Day tends to be spent setting up the tokens. Yesterday with "Alpha" we were the token engine, hauling the first passenger train of the day to Cogan Halt before returning light engine. Today, forming the first move, we would run to Oak Tree where we would uncouple and take up our place on the waiting freight train. No19 would then perform the full line inspection before returning to Statfold, passing us again at Oak Tree on the way. The tokens would then be set up to start normal running by operating the first passenger train and sending the lead engine back from Cogan Halt light engine, just as we did yesterday. Road given and with the token aboard No19, away we went. The big Bagnall hissed loudly into the section, running bunker first bound for Oak Tree. Compared to little "Alpha" yesterday, "Isibutu" is quite a lump. Coasting down towards the roundhouse, we uncoupled as planned before setting back onto the freight. Now all we needed was a token and a Guard...

During our 30-minute or so layover at Oak Tree, we couldn't help but put some smokebox art on the engine. 84E is of course Tyseley shed, perfectly fitting for our Castle in disguise. This did get some humorous comments later in the day...

Once No19 had passed us 'bang road' and returned to Statfold, the first passenger train of the day was released. The token was then taken back by the diminutive duo of "Wendy" and "Jack Lane". The next passenger train soon arrived at Oak Tree, allowing us to depart with the freight. Feeling the weight for the first time, the Bagnall steadily lumbered away from the station. Still 'cold', the engine was a bit woolly as we dug into the climb towards the Jurassic Park gates, just about managing to keep her feet on the greasy morning rails as the wagons began to drag. 

It was on the approach to the tightly curved points into the bay platform (and all too late) that I realised my mistake...too slow! As we entered the station the greasy rails took hold and after some energetic ragging of the regulator we came to a stand. Given permission to set back, we hissed backwards past the admiring hoards whilst sand was laid down. This time, we went straight in without issue. A little red faced, I was soon reassured of my ability when Batesy came up Platform 2 road slipping well with "Alpha": an engine well known for its sure footed behaviour. Can't win them all...

Our first full line outing was with the ex-Bredgar set of coaches, and the Bagnall was warming up nicely as we steamed out towards Cogan Halt. On the way back, I was already telling the Bagnall how lovely she was, with Ben commenting "I don't think I've ever seen you this happy!". He's quite right, I love being on this engine. Our second full outing was with the freight train again, much to my initial dismay as thoughts of stalling out on the point work a second time came to mind!...

As we sailed by the signalbox to collect the token, Will (who was signalling today) commented: "it'll give you some practise" over a partially hidden smile. Quite right! Around the railway we went, hauling our mixed rake of wagons. Ben had "Isibutu" singing to him: pressure was up and water just right. I was having a wonderful time on the regulator: "Isibutu" is beautiful. Returning to Statfold Junction, the engine barked loudly up into the bay with no trouble at all. If she had her own sanding gear she'd be unstoppable! As we simmered in Platform 1, the huge bulk of the Garrett K1 duly appeared on Platform 2 road, creating an interesting comparison of Statfold brutes...

Here we see the fairly basic backhead of the Bagnall. The marine firebox with its pizza-oven door can be seen at the bottom. Though it gives good access for firing, the lack of any water jacket or lagging around this area makes it a tremendous heat source and a terrific cab heater! The marine style firebox is basically a tube inside another tube, with the rear firebox door section removable for maintenance. Many an armchair expert relishes the opportunity to discredit the steaming ability of these boilers but, certainly in this case, we've never had a problem. Tongaat Sugar certainly seemed to like them: they had quite a fleet! All in all, a pleasant workspace and a well protected cab...

The third outing saw us hauling the pretty rake of ex-Lynton coaches, seen here approaching the balloon loop from Oak Tree...

"On The Approach" (Pic - B.Bryan)

By our fourth outing, which was another freight train, I was having a fantastic day. What a fine old machine this is: practically perfect in every way...

"Isibutu On The Freight" (Pic - J.Kindred)

I can't really praise the engine any more: she's just lovely. I would quite happily go on this at every Statfold open day, as I'm sure many would, and not get bored of it! After our freight working, we set back on the signals to reach the headshunt. By now the overcast morning had cleared to reveal blue skies and warm sunshine. The weather was far more pleasant today: yesterday was much too sticky!...

Our next working was another outing with the ex-Bredgar coaches, which Ben drove whilst I did my best to muck up the firing. Never hurts to keep your hand in...

It was quite nice to do a spot of firing, though not much is required on the strong Bagnall as she just steams so well. Ben took us easily around the route, returning to Statfold in good time for another run with the Lynton coaches. I must admit, I lost count of the true number of trips we did but it must have been 6 or 7 at least, which was good going! Our final full journey of the day was this one, with the Lynton set, seen here at a sunny Cogan Halt as we await permission from the signallers to proceed...

Returning to Statfold, I couldn't help but think how nice the Stanier hooter sounded. When it was first fitted I was a little reluctant, as I love the whistle "Isibutu" normally carries. However, this original hooter gives her a whole new identity and sounds just right as she pounds along sounding like a worn Black Five with 30 empties! As the days end neared, we were surprised to be called upon once more, to run light engine to Oak Tree to head the final train back to Statfold to return the tokens. This train was hauled by the huge Tasmanian Garrett K1, with "Isibutu" providing a pilot and two Quarries ("Sybil Mary" and "Cloister") on the tail. The ensemble made for quite an impressive sight as we barked loudly past the gallery bound for Statfold...

"Tasmanian and South African Steam" (Pic - J.Kindred)

The engine then enjoyed a well earned break after arrival at Statfolds Platform 2...

The final move of the day, still coupled to K1, involved hissing down to Strawberry Park for the Sunday evening line up. The engines then returned to the signalbox for disposal, with K1 shoving us the final few panels so that I could get my regulator seated properly. "Butu" was built with a twin-port regulator but was modified in preservation to have only one valve in there. To get the valve nicely seated you have to open her wide, then fully open then shut it, allowing the steam to leave the circuit and allow the valve to seat. This was done on the approach to Statfold ready for disposal, allowing the big Garrett to position us where necessary and remove the need to reopen the regulator. Here, the Bagnall stands at the head of a sizeable line up of engines during disposal...

During disposal, a lady was brought to visit the engine who actually grew up not far from Tongaat Sugar in South Africa, where "Isibutu" and her sisters spent their working lives. She explained to us the origins of the engines name and the areas of Natal around these sugar fields. It was quite interesting and poignant to be honest. With our job done, we left the 1945-built 4-4-0 to simmer away to herself with a full boiler and a quiet fire. I must thank Ben for a fantastic day and his company throughout the weekend. I must also thank Alex (and Will) for the opportunity to crew "Isibutu" and the photographers whos pictures I've used in this post. Thank you all: a wonderful day on a wonderful engine...

Statfold: Sunny Saturday with "Alpha"...

"All Smiles with Alpha" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Hi all. This weekend I was rostered to drive both days of the Statfold "Back to Basics" Enthusiasts event which replaced the previously cancelled March do. Myself and Fireman Ben were both pleased (and also a little surprised) when the published roster saw us penned to two fine machines: "Alpha" on the Saturday and "Isibutu" on the Sunday. The Met Office had promised a scorching weekend and the temperature was already rising well as I drove along the A444 this morning in order to reach Statfold a little before 06:30. Arriving at the shed area with the hoards of fellow footplate crew, we each signed in and proceeded to our various steeds. Ben had already completed the necessary checks and had lit "Alpha"s fire. According to the notices, we were required for the first outbound train of the day so needed to be ready for 08:40...

With the 1922-built Hudswell Clarke already crackling away to herself nicely, I began oiling round. I felt particularly familiar with "Alpha" as I was driving her last Monday for a photo charter. The sun was already very warm and the cloudless blue sky ensured that it was going to be a cracking day for weather. As I topped up the various oiling points around the immaculate 0-6-0, the smoke-filled atmosphere on the shed frontage gave a hazy backdrop for the determined morning sun...

Whilst I oiled up the engine, Ben was giving her a wipe over with some rags. The now traditional 08:15 Safety Briefing was followed by breakfast from the snap van...

A little behind time (not our fault!), we were given the signal to leave shed and duly hissed downgrade towards the signalbox. No19 had already gone off on the line inspection and the first public train of the day was being marshalled in Platform 1. Once given the road, we set back in order to couple up to 1891-built Quarry Hunslet "Cloister". She was waiting with "Sybil Mary"...

The undoubted star of the event was the huge compound Garrett "K1", built in 1909 for the Tasmanian Government Railways. The engine was steamable in good time for the March event but this was sadly cancelled at the last minute due to the impending UK lockdown. Today, "K1" was in steam and looking the business for her excited audience. She would leave Statfold on the days second public trip, once we'd returned with the token. She's certainly a hefty lump on 2ft gauge tracks...

When "right time" came, we departed Statfold with our unusual trio of locomotives. Apart from a small chuff to get the weight moving towards the Jurassic Park gates when leaving Statfold Junction, the majority of the run to the balloon loop is fairly easy going. "Alpha" and her Quarry shed mates easily took the ex-Bredgar train to Cogan Halt. Here, the Hudswell would be uncoupled from "Cloister" ready to return to Statfold light engine with the token. This would then set the tokens up for the days running...

Leaving the Quarry Hunslets behind, "Alpha" ticked easily back to Statfold. It was quite unusual running "bang road" at Oak Tree, slipping past "Isibutu" as she waited with the freight wagons. The sight of "Howard" bowling into Oak Tree on the High Level did create a very brief moment of horror, reassured by the token hanging on our rear cab sheet! Oak Tree can become a hive of activity on Enthusiasts Days, with three separate lines converging on it independently. Once back at Statfold we were signalled into the yard to allow "K1" to depart. After a brief wait, we were called onto the next outbound passenger working as the sun shone down...

As I said the other week, "Alpha" is really master of the job and is just so easy to drive and fire. On the Low Level railway she really will do pretty much anything asked of her with relative ease. Here she is at Cogan Halt...

After a very pleasant second run back to Statfold, we were turned on the table in readiness for a brief spell on the shed apron. Fireman Ben had the job well in hand and "Alpha" was steaming a treat and proving no trouble at all...

"Alpha on the Turntable" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Though no doubt a world away from her working home at the Ryam Sugar Company in the East Indian state of Bihar, "Alpha" seems to enjoy a fairly relaxed retirement in South Staffordshire. She is a very nice engine indeed...

"Alpha on Shed" (Pic - M.Waldron)

The day went on pretty much like that, rotating between services with the other engines. There were 13 in steam today: two on the High Level, "Roger" the Wren in the garden and the remaining 10 operating either alone or in pairs on the Low Level. The reduced visitor numbers (closely monitored to allow for appropriate social distancing) really seemed to work out well, with the place seeming busy enough but not too crowded. After our third trip, my cornish pasty was ready. Cooked to perfection in the high temperatures of the smokebox: 1 trip at Gas Mark 200...

Lunch devoured, Ben took over on the handle for the next two trips whilst I did my best to mess up the firing. The sun was still shining well and the whole experience proved to be very pleasant indeed. We do live for days like this...

Below, with Ben driving, "Alpha" slips through the new passing loop at Strawberry Park on the approach to Oak Tree. This is the home of the new event field and a new station has been built to improve access for field-based events. For this weekend, the loop was locked out and trains were passing through. American passenger saloon "Carabassett" was on display in the platform in a rare escape from the roundhouse...

"Passing Strawberry Park" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Finally, "Alpha" stands awaiting the road from the departure-side of the balloon loop with our fourth returning train, bound for Statfold Junction...

In the end we did 6 round trips today, finishing with a small jaunt out to Strawberry Park for a photo-line up around 5pm with the rest of the days engines. It had been a wonderful first day of the "Back to Basics" Enthusiasts event and it was again a pleasure to drive "Alpha". I must thank Ben for his firing efforts and Max for use of some of his photos from the day. All that remains for me to say is, it's great to be firmly back on the handle! Roll on tomorrow with my favourite Bagnall! Cheers all, Sam...