Achilles Report No79: Back In Business...

Evening all. Today "Achilles" returned to CMES' Ryton Pools track for her test run on the recently installed new piston rings. As we always say, she had two chances! Sheringham-based dawn chorus denier 'Eddie the Late' was joining me today, all the way from coastal Norfolk. Ed was bringing along his handbag engine, otherwise known as his 3.5" gauge Juliet. Between us we agreed to arrive at the CMES base at around 12:30 although, thanks to some bad luck over a set of keys, we didn't get in until Derek turned up to rescue us! Once safely unloaded on the steaming bays, the two engines were prepared side by side. "Achilles" had been heavily polished in recent days following her rebuild, in readiness for another public appearance...

With pressure rising nicely the electric blower was removed and the engine came around gradually under her own steam. Ed meanwhile was having a little battle with his tank engine, which seemed reluctant to raise steam...

With the valves lifting on "Achilles", it was time to head out onto the track. We'd already prepared a two-car rake for her to ensure there was some weight on the back. Cautiously, I opened the regulator. The drains leaked their usual dribbles of condensate before the engine inched steadily forwards. Clearly it was going to work of some description! Once out on the track I took the engine for half a lap empty, walking alongside her to make sure nothing dropped off and that everything looked OK. With all well, I climbed aboard and we set off for the station. "Achilles" certainly had more go in her than last time and the blow at the chimney was vastly reduced...

Returning to the steaming bay, Ed and Reg had narrowed the issue with Juliet down to the valves not being seated on the faces. After some tinkering, they seated and the engine came back to life. Meanwhile, "Achilles" simmered on the running line as Derek passed by in the background on his vertical boiler loco...

With a variety of engines now out on the track in the spring sunshine, we pottered around following each other for the next hour or two. You're forever chasing signals once a few locos join in but it is good fun. "Achilles" did me proud today: no bother at all. The rings seem to have improved things and the engine steamed well with the water pumps performing reliably too. To be honest, for an old gal', I couldn't fault her today. If Ken was looking down, I'm sure he'd be happy with this performance...

After what must have been a dozen or so laps, the engine returned to her steaming bay for blowing down. Nothing fell off so that's a big plus...

Later on, "Achilles" rests peacefully back in the workshop at home after a very pleasant afternoon out. She now needs a good clean after a job well done...

I have no idea at the current time when the engine will go out again but we keep promising a visit to the Sutton Coldfield club with Batesy so we ought to really arrange that. That's all folks. Cheers then, Sam...