Steam at Quorn: An End Of Season Thing...

The end of September normally brings two things: autumn and end of season steam gatherings. This years steam season has to have been the shortest since the birth of preservation, having only really began following the easing of lockdown at the end of June. Sadly, Covid-19 continues its merciless rampage across the UK, affecting the health, jobs and livelihoods of millions. I can only hope that we can return to some form of normality as early as possible next year, though unfortunately even I remain doubtful. All that aside, this weekend saw a small socially distanced steam event taking place on the dusty apron of Quorn & Woodhouse Station yard on the Great Central Railway. As Batesy had his 1925-built Aveling & Porter steam roller there, I didn't take much persuading once an invitation came my way. I arrived at Quorn a little before 09:30, in crisp conditions. Under the beautiful blue skies stood the pretty Ivatt Class 2 Mogul No46521, built at Swindon in 1953...

The Mogul was simmering quietly at the head of a five-coach train, carefully steam heating as mask-wearing passengers boarded. The GCRs Covid service sees departures from Quorn only, returning via Leicester North and thus keeping the public clear of its Loughborough base. The returning trains drop off here before returning to the headquarters of the GCR for cleaning prior to the next working. Having admired the Ivatt, a Guards whistle heralded her on time departure. Summoning her strength, the 2-6-0 departed in a cloud of condensate. I was as green as her livery with envy as I longed to be aboard the footplate again! With the Ivatt clear of the station, a rumbling Class 40 soon appeared shoving the hissing bulk of BR Standard Class 5 No73156 into position for display in the yard. This engine was built at Doncaster in 1956...

After a prolonged absence from Tyseley, it was nice to see some big railway engines moving around. Having met up with Batesy, he tasked me with lighting up the roller. He kindly granted permission for me to imagine I was "on the Castle", so I did! Soon enough, with all of the usual checks made, a pile of rags were lit on the shovel before being flung onto the grate. It felt good to be lighting something up...

With the rags burning nicely, a generous helping of dry wood was added from a bag in the bunker. Once the wood had taken hold, a few rounds of Welsh coal were added and the engine left to "get on with it". Watched pots never boil they say...and it's quite true! By now Caroline was beneath the engine ashing out, whilst Phil was starting to white spirit the barrel down. I followed him round with a buffing off rag, before setting to work on some of the top brasses. The fire was crackling away nicely in the firebox, with the reassuring plume of smoke rising steadily from the chimney confirming that all was well. "Louise" looked quite a picture as she brewed up under the persistent morning sun. I really like the registration number applied to the headstock: it seems to give the engine a whole new look. As usual the engine was presented in fine condition...

As the engine quietly raised steam, I went around with the oil cans. Phil and Caroline are very happy for even the rarest of helpers like myself to get involved with the engine, and for that I'm very grateful. It was a quiet and stress-free morning on the yard, with a chilly autumnal breeze blowing through to help drive away the smoke...

It often feels quite alien to be aboard one of these strange iron road steamers. I've never had the greatest confidence with them, simply through lack of experience I would imagine. Give me something that stands atop rails and sleepers and I can get my head around it fairly quickly, but put me on road wheels and I lose all sense of control! Joking aside, it's always nice to experience something a little different and learn some new skills. It was pleasant just to be around the engine today...

Whilst I topped up the various oiling points, Phil was busy slaving away over a hot camping stove to create us a fine breakfast. I swear it was the tastiest I've had in many a year and my compliments must go to the chef for a great effort...

Another thing that was very pleasant about today was seeing plenty of people we know...socially distanced of course! At events like this we never fail to bump into a few faces and today was no exception. After such a steam drought this year, shut away from our countless acquaintances, it was lovely to be able to chat with some of them for a bit and pass some time. Later on, I got to drive "Louise" up and down the yard, much to Phils amusement as he knows I find it all quite different...

Having taken water from seemingly the worlds slowest hosepipe, I cautiously backed the engine down the yard as the steady crowds of visitors parted to let us through. The engine came to rest (of her own accord) outside the beer shed and a local pint of ale was duly enjoyed in the company of 46521. The Ivatt was, by now, on her last working of the day with a relief crew having taken over from the morning pair...

Here, two Aveling rollers slowly trundle through Quorn yard...

As the time neared 5pm it was time to hit the road. By now there was a chilling wind and the dark skies were threatening rain. Heading home along the A46, I reflected on what an enjoyable little day it had been. I must thank Phil and Caroline for their kind hospitality: it is always appreciated. Take care all, Sam...

Peckett Perfection: High Level "Harrogate"...

Picking up where we left off from yesterdays fabulous outing aboard Bagnall favourite "Isibutu", I arrived back at the SBR a little after 06:00 this morning. The enthusiastic sun was already breaking through on this warm Sunday morning and, having unloaded the car, I wandered across the field towards the High Level station. Known as Statfold Junctions Platform 3, the High Level platform tends to be where the engines for that line are prepared on open days. As I approached the area, the telltale plume of smoke blowing from between the trees gave away the fact that Fireman Ben had already lit up our charge for the day: chunky Peckett No2050 "Harrogate", of 1944. I passed by the engine on my way to the signing on room. Ben and Chris had the job well in hand already and with the engine having been out yesterday of course, we'd be in no rush this morning. She was already singing away to herself so couldn't have been far away from making steam. Having signed in and said hello to the other crews who were preparing their steeds on the shed frontage, I returned to "Harrogate" to begin oiling round as the sun climbed higher in the sky.

The Peckett is pretty straight forward to oil up. She carries a large Wakefield lubricator on the Firemans side which feeds the axleboxes, cylinders and slide bars. The valve gear is the traditional Stephensons arrangement and, despite being slightly smaller in scale, is almost identical to old "Sir Gomer"; the 1932-built OX1 who all of us ex-Shackerstone volunteers remain quietly fond of. It was a pleasant morning getting the Peckett ready for work, with Chris and Ben making a superb job of shining her up whilst I messed about with the oil cans. In front, the Quarry duo of "Cloister" and "Sybil Mary" were coupled on in readiness for the positioning move...

After the 08:30 Safety Briefing on the lawn and a chat and a cuppa' with the other crews, it was time to mount up in readiness for departure. The first move would see us leaving Platform 3 and continuing down the concrete road to Oak Tree. There, the train would be split so that the Quarry duo could be shunted onto their top and tailed freight train. The freight would share the High Level with our two-coach passenger train today. Our tail engine for the day was Hunslet Brazil class "Trangkil No4" of 1971. With all crews aboard and the signal off, the Guard blew his whistle and away we went. The gradient gets quite severe as you pass the starting signal so it's all hands to the brakes. Looking through the cab floor you can just make out the tyres, allowing you to check that you haven't locked up without leaning far from the cab. I hadn't driven on the high line for a couple of years and I had forgotten what a hard ride the concrete gives, although the bumping Quarry engines in front didn't help! Steadily, the four-loco ensemble made its way to a very sunny Oak Tree where we came to rest in the high level platform. Fireman Ben had just put a round on whilst we waited for the little engines to become clear of us so we could continue our journey...

Line clear, the Guard gave us the "Right Away" and off we went with drain cocks hissing. The Peckett has large cylinders which take a while to warm up of a morning so if you want a clean tank, keep those drains open! After a gentle hiss through the passing loop I shut off steam to descend the bank on the steam brake. The engine then chugged merrily to her first effort of the day: rounding the balloon loop. By now she was warming up nicely and steaming very well. The bank up to Oak Tree on the high level side is interesting to drive as there is a sharper radius curve at the bottom. With the engine having negotiated the worst of the curve you can open up and bark happily into the 'up' side of the passing loop and halt at the stop board. Here, Batesy gets "Howard" away from Oak Tree on the low level whilst we await our Quarry Hunslets...

With the Quarry's having passed us, we pulled forward into the platform to off load passengers before a prompt departure. Leaving Oak Tree the Peckett came into her own. Once "Trangkil" was clear of the bend I opened her up and linked her back. The bark is very crisp and she goes very well. Fireman Ben confirmed with a thumbs up that all was well on his side as we romped up towards the Jurassic Park gates. Easing off for the tram shed bend, I kept the steam on slightly to keep the momentum. The rails on the stiff climb up into Platform 3 had been hand sanded by the duty officer so we had more chance of negotiating the gradient easily. Passing the signalbox one-notch back, I opened 2050 up and she dug into the climb. It's a stiff gradient indeed and will get hold of even the most powerful engine in my view. Coming to rest in the platform, I screwed the engine down and we awaited our next departure. Here, "Harrogate" awaits the road into the balloon loop on our next chimney first working...

The day went on pretty much like that: we pulled one, they pulled one. When we were tailing we gave assistance where it was necessary, thus to avoid any lineside fires or work either engine too hard. The Peckett herself performed beautifully. For me the favourite will always be "Isibutu" (myself and Ben have had several debates about this) but "Harrogate" comes a very close second. She is chunky, free steaming, strong and responsive. It's just a generally pleasant engine to be on which asks very little for a respectable output. Here, the Peckett takes water for an early afternoon trip...

Talking of "Isibutu", she was out and about again today with regular driver Will on the handle. This would be the Bagnalls last day in service prior to her ten yearly overhaul. It'll be such a shame to not see her out for a while but knowing Statfold she won't be away too long! Long live the beautiful Bagnall...

I believe this was probably my sixth booked driving turn on "Harrogate" over my years of volunteering at the SBR and I must say, you can't really get bored of it. It's just a very nice all round engine and we had a great day crewing her today. I've always been a fan of Pecketts. They are robust and willing but, unlike most industrials I'd say, the Bristol-based manufacturers gave them a lot of cosmetic enhancements which made them very handsome machines. It must have been the Western region influence...

I'm trying to avoid repeating myself too much in this post as we do tend to quite literally go round in circles on the SBR jobs! Later in the day, myself and Ben swapped over for a couple of trips so that I could try my hand at firing. Although I love driving, you should always keep your hand in, and of course let your Fireman have a go! Ben seemed quite at home driving his favourite engine, as anyone would. The weather was perfect today, with the persistent sun ensuring we were kept nice and warm aboard the already baking hot Peckett! During the afternoon we carried a headboard dedicated to "Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians". She ruled Mercia in the East Midlands until her death in nearby Tamworth in 918. As I'm not incredibly well read on early medieval history, I can't say a lot more about it I'm afraid...

Here, the ex-Harrogate Gas Works Peckett takes water prior to another round trip...

Our final trip on the front was driven by myself, with Ben providing some top class firing as we neared disposal time. Our last departure from Oak Tree for Statfold included a very pleasant spot of parallel running with old Batesy on "Howard". It's always quite exhilarating when two trains are running parallel, particularly when the two exhausts are barking away in tuneful chorus. Arriving back at Statfold Junctions Platform 3, 2050 came to rest after a cracking last run. "Trangkil" would lead us around the railway on our final round trip and the Peckett is seen here on the tail end of the train at Oak Tree, waiting to receive the Quarry duo... 

A few minutes later, the two extra tail engines were attached...

With a "Right Away" from the Guard, away we went with our final departure. I only had to keep enough steam on to hold our weight, as did the two Quarry engines..."Trangkil" did the rest. After a pleasant climb up into the station, the ensemble came to rest...

Well, that's all folks! All that remained was to check the engine over and dispose her. If I remember rightly we did 16 trips today, or something like that. Either way, it was quite a lot of miles! All in all it had been another fantastic weekend crewing at the Statfold Barn Railway and it certainly provided a welcome break from the ongoing steam drought we're suffering due to the 'current situation'. Thank you all for reading and thanks to Ben and everyone who contributed to making it a brilliant weekend! Cheers all, Sam...

Bagnall Bliss: The "Isibutu" Farewell...

Well, here we are: the end of season steam up at Statfold. This years season has of course been (for obvious reasons) the shortest season ever, having only really begun in July. However, with a dozen engines in steam and an intensive, socially distanced timetable, we were determined to have a fabulous weekend. The August Enthusiasts Weekend had provided a very much welcome return to the footplate, with myself and regular fireman Ben enjoying the Saturday on "Alpha" and then Sunday with my firm favourite: "Isibutu". I was absolutely astounded when the roster was released for this weekend and showed our names clearly penned to "Isibutu" once again. "Isibutu" twice in a row is the highlight of my SBR driving career! To top off our good fortune, the Met Office had promised cracking weather and so, excited and ready for some more Bagnall action, I arrived at Statfold this morning a little before 06:30. Ben had already performed all of the usual checks and lit the fire. With the loco having had a thorough warming fire yesterday, we'd be in no rush this morning. I soon set to with the oil cans whilst Ben polished the tanks and made the Bagnall shine... 

Aided by Chris: who joined us for a spot of cleaning before his Guards turn: we ended up with a very clean engine. I was particularly determined that we should go out shining as it was the Bagnalls last weekend in active service before the expiry of her 10-year boiler certificate. Naturally, with the rate of overhauls at Statfold she probably won't be away for long, but a send off is a send off nonetheless! After a nice cuppa' and the traditional morning Safety Brief on the lawn, we returned to the engine for our freshly delivered breakfast cob. Yard Master Paul soon arrived and instructed us to await the signal, which duly rose to the 'off' position. After a blast on the Stanier hooter, "Isibutu" hissed slowly backwards to start the descent of the bank. The shunt signal was given for the headshunt, where we duly came to a stand...

There were six loco consists on the low level railway today, which were to share three train sets. "Isibutu" would end up sharing the three-coach Severn Lamb rake with the Garrett K1, swapping over at Statfold Junction. On the high level line, the Quarry duo of "Cloister" and "Sybil Mary" would be top and tailing the freight train, operating alongside "Trangkil" and "Harrogate" with the two-coach passenger. The positioning move made for an interesting sight as it passed us a little after 09:00...

Our coaches were currently sited at the top of Platform 2 near the crossing, meaning that our first move would be to couple up and drag them down to the starter signal before passengers could board. With the necessary shunt signal now 'off', "Isibutu" hissed gradually forward, expelling reams of condensate outward from her cylinders. Of course, no matter how gentle I was with the regulator, "Isibutu" managed to cough quite spectacularly over our cleaning efforts as she made her way up into the station! Called on by the Guard, we buffered up and were duly coupled on. The train was then dragged down to the signal to await the next 'up' train...

The Quarry duo of "Statfold" and "Jack Lane" soon appeared into view, chuffing into Statfold Junctions platform 1 with simultaneous exhaust beats. With our train loaded and ready to go, the road was given before the starter signal rose to the 'off' position. With a "Right Away" from the Guard, I gave a blast on the hooter before releasing the train brake. "Isibutu" soon began to roll on the gradient, having to be checked a little as we passed the signalbox to collect the token for the section. This weekend would provide a slightly different method of working to the norm, with trains pausing at Strawberry Park station in both directions, in conjunction with the Road, Rail and Ale festival which was taking place in the event field. It was quite pleasant to have an extra stop and the bark from the chimney is very nice as the track rises away from the platform in both directions. Having passed No19 at Oak Tree, we sailed none-stop to the balloon loop and back as there were no low level trains passing/swapping there. After a wonderful first run, we paused at Oak Tree to await the token...

The sun was shining beautifully as we left Oak Tree behind, returning to Statfold via Strawberry Park. The engine was singing to us. She may be 10 years in with many days work done but she is still a strong and willing performer. Fair enough she is showing wear in all of the expected places, as any engine would at this stage but she still provides fantastic service. I love driving this engine: she is truly wonderful. I think it's because you almost have to drive her: dare I say it: like a big one and in my opinion she requires more feel than some of the other locomotives on the line. Having spent a short layover back in the headshunt, we were soon called upon again once K1 returned. This time we were facing chimney first and are captured here drifting into the new loop at Strawberry Park from Oak Tree with the lovely 4-4-0...

"Bagnall Bliss" (Pic - I.Whitfield)

Leaving Strawberry Park we ran parallel for a short while with the Burton & Ashby Tram, providing quite a spectacle for passengers on the top deck as "Isibutu" climbed towards Statfold. Once back at base and shunt released by the departing K1, we were signalled back into the headshunt to await our next working. It all seemed to go very well today, with everything working neatly in a rotating system that you could plan your day by. "Isibutu" would spend her layovers simmering quietly in the sunshine...

Our layovers also allowed us to take a peak into the adjacent idyllic setting of the Garden Railway, where Kerr Stuart "Roger" (3128 of 1918) was working...

Of course, our third outing was bunker first. Again, extremely pleasant and no trouble at all. I remember saying to Ben that it was actually quite an uneventful day. It was just a lovely, stress-free outing aboard a fine engine in good weather and with good company: what more could you want?! As I've said before, "Isibutu" is an ex-Tongaat Sugar Bagnall which (along with several similar sisters) was built in Stafford for export to Natal, South Africa. The 'real' "Isibutu" was built in 1929 as works number 2374. This engine however is 2820 "Egolomi", or the majority of her is! She is a later build (1945/46...there is some debate!) and was renamed "Robert Armstrong" in her later career. The "Isibutu" plates were fitted following preservation and, although not historically correct in this instance, I do prefer the name. Isibutu was a neighbouring sugar estate to Egolomi so is still a fitting name for the engine. Three other ex-Tongaat Bagnalls still survive in the UK, though "Isibutu" (until next week anyway) is the only one currently operational. The Tongaat Bagnalls were quite handsome indeed...

For our fourth outing I'd installed my lunch (a cornish pasty) behind the manifold: one trip at gas mark 200 as normal! In the shot below we can see the simplistic cab layout of 2820, with the marine/bullhead firebox visible at the bottom...

This time we were stopped on a red flag by the balloon loop signaller as the high level train had already reached the loop. "Isibutu" meanwhile feathered loudly, impatient for the off with her mid-afternoon train of Severn Lamb coaches...

The timetable today was very intensive but still allowed us time to water the engine at Oak Tree and grab a cuppa' or a water from the tea hut. The extra minute or two gained by the 'down' trains having to call at Strawberry Park gave us a little more grace than usual. Here, "Isibutu" awaits the road at Oak Tree, bound for Statfold...

The sun was still shining as I drove "Isibutu" up into platform 1 at Statfold Junction. It's quite an interesting station to stop at really, particularly when trying to seat your regulator correctly! I was aiming to shut-off early and allow the regulator to seat before bringing the train to a stand. In this case, "Isibutu" has her own air brakes (unlike any of the rest of the fleet I believe) so the train is easily and controllably brought to a stand. Here, the engine rests as we await K1 to shunt release us...

Our fifth and final train of the day was bunker first once again and Ben drove this one whilst I fired. The engine continued to steam and pull extremely well, providing no stress for either of us. I do hope she gets turned around soon: I'll miss her. After a lovely final trip (which I'm sure Ben enjoyed) we were shunt released a final time by K1 before I took "Isibutu" up onto the shed via the signalbox. Coming to rest on the shed with the regulator firmly shut, we began the disposal procedure. With the fire thinned and boiler full, we settled "Isibutu" for the night. She'd no doubt still have steam next morning, if only 10 or 20 pounds. Before the bar, I took one last shot...

Well, signed out and washed up, there was time for a quick pint with the lads to reflect on the days events. It had been a fabulous day with the ex-Tongaat Sugar Bagnall and it was a pleasure to spend time with her one last time. Hopefully it won't be too long before she's back out again! I must thank Ben for a great day and Alex for rostering us on this fine machine again. Roll on tomorrow, with Peckett "Harrogate"...