Thomas At Shackerstone Day 5: The Last Day: Return to "Henry"!...

Hi again all. Well, its 7am, and I'm up again with Carl and Craig to crew "Fergus", the Traction Rail-Loco. After 3-overnight stays on site, I'm very tired and ready for home but there is just one more day of the mammoth Spring "Thomas Event"; today! Arriving at the shed, we found "Fergus" but also found that "Henry" had no cleaner. This meant that Driver Neil Boden and Fireman 'Pockets' were cleaning the huge 4-6-0 alone. Therefore, I offered my services as "Fergus" is much easier to clean than the massive B1. Neil was very grateful of the help and set me to work at once on the bottom-end, along with Pockets. Meanwhile, Driver Jan Ford and Trainee Fireman Dave were preparing "Thomas" up on the Outside Pit. By 9:20am, "Fergus" had departed with Carl and Craig and I headed off to change into my smart overalls, shirt and tie for one last time. However, just as I was leaving, Neil & Pockets asked me if I would like to go out for the day on the 'Eastern Lady' instead. I was torn between the two loco's but, on asking Carl's permission, he said that I would be of good help to the "Mayflower" crew and so I set off for the B1! (A change of engine's just like that!). Once "Thomas" had departed on the 10am train, 1306 was ready. We soon set off through No11 (Ground Frame) and rolled into Platform 1 where the loco was "screwed down". I must admit, my voice was terrible today. The bad smoke from Saturday morning had affected my throat and my voice was just about gone when we came off shed...I was squeaking all over the place!...

Our first run was at 11:20am and this was completed on time, with Pockets firing. It was nice and sunny until we got to Shenton, where it was raining! It certainly was unsettled! However, through the driving rain shower, we returned to Shackerstone, arriving on time. Once ran round, our next run was at 12:50pm. This time, I was on the shovel. Pockets guided me through the firing and we made Shenton with steam to spare and a 3/4 of a glass in the boiler. Once ran round again, we were told to go slow back to Shackerstone due to it being so busy that an extra coach (the FK) was being dug out of the South Yard to accomodate all of the standing-room-only passengers! It was hectic! Therefore, with me on the shovel again we returned to Shack' at a steady pace. Held at the Outer Home Signal (No2), we soon noticed some confusion when we saw the Spare Coach, "Thomas" and "Daisy" all blocking the main line! However, it was soon moved and we chugged down into Platform 2 before uncoupling. There was now a 1 hour 45-minute overlay so that the Class 25, "Boco", could take a train out, allowing "Henry" to take part in a few select races. We lost however due to the wet rails! The Jinty ("Thomas"), with its small wheels, certainly got the better of us today! Oh well, we won on all of the other days! For our 3rd and final run, Neil was asked to 'make up time' as trains were running 20 minutes late. So, he did so, in some style. "Mayflower" sounded beautifully, accelerated harshly away from the 5mph and 10mph slacks. Below, she is seen tearing away from the 5mph slack at Hedley's (soon to be tamped and put back to 25mph)...

The above shot certainly shows the good visibility that is afforded from the B1. Once at Shenton we ran round unbelievably quickly and before I knew it we were barking back up Shenton Bank going back to Shackerstone with the train! It certainly was a fast run. Back at Shackerstone we were, unusually, held at the Signalbox. When we asked why, the reply came; "COWS". "Cows?", we said. "COWS", came the reply again. Apparently, a herd of 8 cows had escaped from a field at the back of the North End Sidings where all of the diesels are kept. Anyway, having escaped, they had made their way through the lines of stored diesels before approaching the Foot Crossing at the end of the platforms; at which point they were spotted...though there was alot of eye-rubbing beforehand! Just as they were about to make their way onto Platform 2(!) the cows were stopped by 'Mr Conductor' and Chris before being shewed back down to their field and blocked in. With the line now clear again, "Mayflower" was given the Dolly to proceed into the platform and uncouple. It certainly was a strange experience! (No pics though, sorry!). After this, "Thomas" was coupled up to the days final train, the 4:40pm, before departing some 27 minutes late! (Waiting for families for the 'Tea on Thomas' service I bet!). "Mayflower" was then put back into the shed and disposed of, followed by "Fergus".

I thanked Neil and Pockets very much for yet another good day before we retired to the Bar Coach, "Jessie", for another free drink each, courtesy of Sam, the Event Organiser; to thank us for our success. The railway had been unbelievably busy again today; you couldn't move for people. We just couldn't cope, despite the weather. It was fantastic to see! After a drink, I returned home, thanks to a lift from Danny, very tired, worn and dirty. However, after a shower, my bed awaited; thank goodness! Below are some selective pictures of today...

1) The Fat Controller gives me a pose with "Thomas"...

2) The Class 25 ('The Rat') makes an appearance as "Boco"...
3) The 2-car DMU (face at other end for "Daisy") departs Shackerstone over the crossover outside the Signalbox. "Thomas", driven by Jan, is on the rear...
4) Driver Jan, as the final powered stock, collects the token for the run to Hedley's Crossing and back...
5) "Mayflower"s owner is spotted on the footplate of his beautiful locomotive... Thank you all very much for reading the 6 posts which describe this HUGE "Thomas Event" at the Battlefield Line Railway. Also thanks to all who visited on any of the 5 days and all those who helped crew the engines, staff the event and put everything away on Tuesday & Wednesday! We've all worked so hard to achieve the success of this 5-day extravaganza, especially the "65th Anniversary Party" on May 1st. Thanks for reading folks. Good Evening All, I've had enough now, I'm going to bed!The above video shows a footplate ride on our 3rd (final) run of the day with the B1. Turn up your speakers and have a good listen, "Mayflower" was WORKING HARD!! Next outing is next Saturday when I'm off to Harrogate with my good 7.25" gauge-operating friends, the Brown Family. Thank You...

Thomas At Shackerstone Day 4: Back on "Fergus"!...

Hi all. After the HUGE festivities of the '65th Birthday Event' the day before, it was nice to have a day with a somewhat later start than 4:15am! Today, myself and Danny were up at 7am (not too bad) to light "Fergus", the Aveiling & Porter 2-2-0, which we would be crewing with owner Mic. Meanwhile, fellow trainee Carl was having his Firing Exam today on "Thomas"; which he passed by the way! Steaming up behind "Henry", myself and Danny cleaned the loco with the polish before the owner arrived. By now, "Fergus" had some steam and Mic got 'him' ticking-over to clear out the cylinder and blast pipe. By 9:20am we were due off shed and, with the Ground Frame (No11) open, out "Fergus" went, driven by Mic. Meanwhile, myself and Danny changed into our good overalls (and more shirts and ties!) before following the loco down to Pockets' Brake Van. The day followed much the same format as the previous Sunday, with me being allowed both goes on the regulator and on the shovel, although it was much colder with a biting wind. The highlight of the day seemed to be coaling "Thomas" by hand(!). Now that was a hard job! Me on the shovel, Rich on the buckets, Danny in the bunker and Carl on the ladders whilst Driver John Britain and Fireman Dave Johnson looked on! However, we managed to get just enough 'very heavy coal' into the bunker for the days work and that was more than enough for our back's to handle; so we gave in at that point. "Thomas" then returned to 'his' duties.

At the end of the day "Fergus" was put back into the shed behind the already finished "Henry". I am still very tired and hope for a good few more hours sleep tonight...I even fell asleep in the pub last night(!); it was such a long day! Thanks for reading folks. I'm due to be on "Fergus" again tomorrow as 3rd person. Evening...

Thomas At Shackerstone Day 3: Thomas' HUGE 65th Anniversary Party!!...

Hi all. Just before I start, the pictures in this post were not taken on the day...I had no time, we were just SO busy! Today started at 4:15am, I dragged myself out of the Sleeper and down the steps into the darkness. Just then, I heard rumblings on the driveway and, sure enough, Carl and Craig (the Martin Brothers) arrived to help sort "Thomas" out. After greeting eachother we proceeded to the Pit where the Jinty was waiting the gloom. After the necessary checks, I cleaned the grate using the rake. Alot of the ash fell through into the ashpan and so I soon I could begin coaling the grate. After a good few shovelfulls had been placed around the box I threw a well sized pile of wood on the top. With 2/3 of a glass of water in the boiler, I could now light the engine up. With a few rags on the shovel I used diesel (though with some water in so it wasn't that good an igniter!) to give me some burning fuel. I then lit the rags and waited for them to take hold. Once they were burning brightly I tossed them into the centre of the firebox. As these weren't much good (due to the wet diesel), we tried some parrafin rags and a few of these were then spaced around the box. This certainly made the fire "get going" and the 3F was soon 'singing' in the early morning light, whilst we watched carefully over a cup of hot Coffee! Driver Eddie Jones (also a member at CMES, like me) soon arrived and began oiling the locomotive round whilst me and Craig began the cleaning. The fire had now taken a very good hold and black smoke was pouring from the chimney. With 20psi on the clock, I cracked the blower and let the engine simmer (with just enough draft to keep the smoke out of the cab) with the doors open and the 'flap' up. This kept the engine quiet but also slowly warming...

The passed Fireman for the day, Mic, soon arrived and we all enjoyed another hot cup of Coffee. Behind, "Fergus" had been being prepared as well and was soon ticking over as the sun began to show its face. Myself and Craig soon finished the cleaning whilst Mic had a go at the cab brasses and instruments. Eddie on the other hand was busy sorting out one of the biggest pains about a Jinty, the Hydrostatic lurbicator! (Why can't they just put Mechanical's on?!). Elsewhere, "Mayflower" (as "Henry") was being prepared by Neil, Adrian and Danny outside the shed in the running yard, around the corner from the preparation yard where we were. So, "what is the 65th event?" you may ask. Well, 2010 see's the stories written by the Rev.W.Awdry taking their 65th year and what better way to celebrate it than to give his most famous creation, "Thomas the Tank Engine", a HUGE Birthday Party?! So thats what we did?! Shackerstone, along with a few other railways (one from each region), was chosen to hold one such event. It had been 2 years in the making and was one day only; Today! The event was a complete SELLOUT(!) with tickets (£12 each) having to be booked in advance for allocated seating on each of the 6 main trains of the day. Even the final train, on which children could enjoy "Tea on Thomas" (£16 each) was also fully booked! The passenger numbers were amazing!...

By 8:15am "Thomas" was ready, with 130psi on the clock and simmering nicely with more than enough water in the boiler. With some time to spare, I headed off down to the station and saw no end of proceedings still taking place ready for the huge Grand Opening Ceremony (including a Silver Band and a ribbon for Thomas to break through!) at 9:30am. I was then given a Radio with which we would be ordered about by the 'Powers Above' throughout the day. There was simply no margin for error whatsoever. Having returned to the shed I changed into my clean overalls (including clean shirt, tie, drivers jacket, bib and brace etc...had to be very smart today!) before enjoying yet another Coffee (we needed it to keep going!). By 9:10am all three of us (Mic, Eddie and Me) were waiting on the footplate for orders. We were 'ready and waiting'! The Signalman (Phil) was also on pins, worrying that something would go wrong, though we would all make sure that nothing didn't. We soon got a radio message, "Thomas, Come in Thomas, Theres about 80 people in the Car Park waiting for the Opening Ceremony. Over". This made us nervous yet at 9:30am sharp...the call came..."Thomas go, Go, GO!!"...with that the Steam Brake was off and with Eddie 'on the handle' off we went! Down the side of the shed and passed the Signalbox we steamed before passing "Mayflower" at the other end of the shed. By now the radio was going "Come on, Now, NOW!!", we kept whistling and we kept soldiering on before reaching the platforms. We saw the big Blue Ribbon ahead and, with much steam and whistles, we broke through it, waving frantically at the crowds of people...

There were indeed alot of people! Too many to count! Lots of cheers and little children shouting "Happy Birthday Thomas!", bless them! The Silver Band had played us through the platforms and were now playing on the end of Platform 1, as we simmered in the North End. People were then allowed to cross the Foot Crossing to join the main train at Platform 2 (hauled by "Henry" and departing at 10am). We were soon called back into Platform 1 (passing Dolly No7) and we then halted in the platform, being told that we'd done a "good job"; that was a relief and half I can tell you! The event was now on and people were pouring in from every nook and cranny! Throughout the day there were games, engine races, singing and dancing (thanks for that!), more numbers by the Silver Band, playlets, colouring contests, model railways, magic shows, punch 'n' judy, temporary tattoo's, souvenirs, story telling, baloon modelling, best dressed visitor competitions and much more! For younger visitors...it really was the place to be! There was just so much to do! Well worth the entry fee! Even when we cooked our "Bacon on the Shovel" we were being watched...it was like 'Steam Railway Masterchief'! We never had hardly a minute to rest, we were just so busy. I got soaked 2-3 times during the Water Game and enjoyed many water-pistol fights with loco crews (much to the delight of the visitors!).
The children also sang Happy Birthday to "Thomas" and signed two huge Birthday Card's for him, both of which ended up being displayed on the engine! An particularly interesting part was when I had to go onto the front of the engine, open the card and read it to "Thomas" before the loco gave a happy whistle. I was told that this was very realistic and both visitors & staff enjoyed it emmensely! (It was quite funny!). With the place packed to bursting, the last train was to depart at 5:15pm, with us as motive power (it was the only train we were allowed to pull all day as "Thomas" needed to remain at Shackerstone to greet his huge fanbase!). I fired the entire trip and, I must say, the Jinty was a beautiful steamer. And, though I had a little too much in the box when I we got for disposal, I was told that had done well. Thank you very much Eddie and Mic for a fantastic day. After clearing out the fire, ashing the loco out and emptying the smokebox, we left "Thomas" to rest. The three of us then retired to join the rest of the days crews, staff and helpers on the Bar Car, "Jessie". We were all thanked greatly by Sam, the Event Organiser, with free Drinks all round (very rare!) and many kind words expressed. The railway had had its busiest day ever and it was the biggest event that the railway has ever organised, ever! It was fantastic and I must thank the head of trainee's, Carl, for giving me the privelege of crewing "Thomas" today, thanks Carl, and thank you to everyone who helped organise, crew and run today. It was amazing.

To see a video of the event CLICK HERE. This video was taken by RailwayFanatic92220 who was at Shackerstone crewing the visiting 00 gauge model railway with Soar Valley Railway Club. Thanks alot mate for giving us such good coverage and thank you all for reading, we're off to the Pub now for a meal and a few drinks. Evening All...

Thomas At Shackerstone Pre-Day 3...

Hi everyone. Well, its 6pm and I've just been dropped off at Shackerstone for another weekend on the railway. I will now be here until about 8pm on Monday night (long time I know but we have so much to do!). Tomorrow is going to be the railway's biggest event of the year; "Thomas' 65th Anniversary Birthday Party", its a total sellout and should be absolutely fantastic with the weather not looking too bad either! After dropping my massive amount of stuff into the Sleeper Coach I proceeded to the loco shed where B1 "Mayflower" had already received her 'warming fire' and was back inside the shed. Outside on the pit was "Thomas", played 3F Tank No47327 from the Midland Railway at Butterley. Behind "Thomas" was "Fergus", followed by Pockets' 25-ton SR Brake Van and finally "Daisy the Railcar" (the 2-car DMU). "Thomas" had been lit up an hour or two earlier and was now warming up nicely, ready for his BIG outing the following day. Carl, Danny, Craig and Samantha were all at the sheds waiting for me and, on my arrival, Carl and Craig headed off to start the Class 02 shunter "Diane". As the pit was blocked by "Fergus", everything would have to be shunted by the 02 before "Thomas" would be put back onto the Pit to be Ashed Out. Pockets' Brake Van would then have to be put behind "Fergus" everything would have to be put back. This took a good few trips back and forth and we hadn't finished until gone 8pm! After shutting down the Class 02 loco, now back on the Dock Road, we all departed for McDonalds for dinner (yum!). Meanwhile, elsewhere on site, many hands were still busying themselves with banners, ribbons, bunting, flags, shop stock, model railways, sound systems etc for the following day. Well done guys! Evening All, up at 4:15am to light "Thomas" tomorrow!...

Thomas At Shackerstone Day 2: Driving "Fergus"...

Hi all. Well, after a day on the B1 the day before I had stayed over on site before signing on at a more modest 7:30am. Rather than the huge LNER 4-6-0 that I was crewing the day before, I had downsized quite alot for Sunday as I was to be crewing the quaint 2-2-0 Aveiling and Porter locomotive "The Blue Circle", dressed up as "Fergus". The Aveiling was built in 1926, even though her design was already around 80 years out of date by then! The single-geared steam engine was waiting on the Shed Road, behind the huge 4-6-0 "Henry" ("Mayflower"), when I arrived. With Driver & Owner Mic, along with cleaners Chris and Craig, I helped with the cleaning and "Fergus" was soon ready, leaving the shed on time at 9:20am, followed by "Thomas" himself. The 2-2-0 rattled down into the North End where Pockets' newly restored Southern Railway 25-ton Brake Van was waiting in the sidings. "Fergus" was coupled up whilst "Thomas" took up his place at the head of the main rake. "Henry" meanwhile was still being prepared on shed. Once "Thomas" had departed with the 10am train, Chris left me, Craig and Mic to begin "Fergus"' duties, firstly on the Brake Van Rides. After a few trips up and down to the Signalbox our time was up as the main train had to be given 'Line Clear' back from Shenton. This meant that we had to put the Brake Van back into the North End, uncouple it, and then proceed back into the station to clear Platform 2 for the main train. "Fergus" is seen at the end of Platform 1...

The rest of the day was spent doing more brake van rides, participating in the stories, sing songs and games and just generally having a good time. The weather was also much better than the day before, not half as hot, thank goodness! During the day I was allowed to fire the loco and even have a couple of drives! I must admit it is a very unusual rail-loco to drive; much like a traction engine yet on rails. Its a single-cylinder and so, if its stuck dead-centre, you need a quick slam on the reverser into "Full Back" before quickly slamming it into "Full Forward" again to set off, Drain Cocks open. However, once you're going, its a delight(!), very responsive and comfortable. (Thanks Mic!). Once the last train had departed at 4:40pm, we had one last segment of Brake Van Rides to do, which were incidetally very well patronised(!) before we took "Fergus" back on shed. The locomotive was then filled with water and cooled down before we left 'him' for the night. In the meantime, "Mayflower" was already in the shed so the doors were closed as we left. "Thomas" arrived back at just before 6pm with the last train and we then all enjoyed a quick drink on "Jessie" (the Bar Coach) before we left for home after a good weekend. I had had it very good, enjoying a Little & Large selection of engines; made up of 1306 & "Fergus"! Thanks must go to the crew of 1306 from the day before and "Fergus"' owner Mic for a great weekend. Now, I must get home, clean up and watch Doctor Who from last night! Evening All...

Thomas At Shackerstone Day 1: Crewing "Henry The Green Engine"...

Hi all. Well, today is the first of the 5 days of the Battlefield Line Railway's spring "Day Out with Thomas" event 2010. The event runs every year and, in this case, it has ended up taking place on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, the 1st of May being particularly special due to the fact that it is the "65th Anniversary Party with Thomas", celebrating the world's favourite Blue Tank Engine's grand old age of 65!...though he seems to show no signs of retiring just yet! I was awoken by my alarm today at 4:30am. I lept out of bed (just to make sure I didn't drop back to sleep!) before enjoying a nice hot cuppa' to bring me back into the 'land of the living'. At 5am my dad arrived to give me a lift to Shackerstone, arriving there at 5:30am. I "signed on" before proceeding down to the shed where my charge for the day, LNER B1 No1306 "Mayflower", was lying in wait. The day's crew, Driver Neil and Fireman Steve, were already there and were making preparations for moving the loco. After fetching some wood the fire was built up ready for lighting. Soon afterwards, the noisy Class 02 shunter moved into the shed and dragged the "Eastern Lady" out into the crisp morning air. The fire was lit as soon as she was clear of the shed. It was then time for a coffee! Meanwhile, "Thomas" and "The Blue Circle" (aka "Fergus") were bring prepared on the 'Pit Road' in the South Yard.

After coffee were returned to "Mayflower" who was now boiling happily. The Thompson 4-6-0, due to the Thomas event, was however addorning a cheerful (though slightly male-looking compared with her name) face. The face was coupled with the Apple Green livery and some rather crude name-boards to create a fair representation of Thomas & Friends No3..."Henry the Green Engine". The first train, sheduled for 9:40am, was made up of the 2-car DMU set, playing it's usual part of "Daisy the Diesel Railcar" (though in this case she has evolved into a 2-car unit rather than a Bubblecar!). Sure enough, at 9:30am, "Fergus" and "Thomas" slowly rolled down into the North End of Platform 1, leaving the South End of the Platform clear for "Daisy" to pull in. A few minutes later, spotted from the footplate of "Henry", "Daisy" proceeded past with a good few early passengers on board, bound for 'Farmer McColls Farm', aka Hedley's (about a mile away). In the meantime, "Thomas" was shunted around onto the front of the 5-coach Main Train and awaited the return of "Daisy". (A garunteed connection is offered between "Daisy" and the Main Train to ensure that nobody is left behind). Soon enough, the DMU returned and the passengers transferred onto the Jinty's train before she departed, a few minutes down, for Shenton. With "Thomas" gone, "Daisy" returned to her siding, allowing "Henry" (with us on board!) to leave the Shed Road for Platform 1. Once off shed, "Mayflower" ('oh sorry', "Henry"!) was admired by many arriving passengers (and staff!). In the meantime, "Fergus" was giving Brake Van Ride's up and down Platform 2. "Thomas" soon returned after a good run and "Henry" took up his place on the train for the next 2 trips. I shared the firing with Steve and had a good few goes. It was however very, very hot on the footplate due to the cloudless skies and baking sun! (Nice to see Spring in action though!). Once back at Shackerstone, after our 2nd run, we were timetabled a 105-minute layover, the next train being hauled by "Boco" (the Class 25). This layover was done to allow "Henry" to take part in some of the games and, more interestingly, some races! It was very interesting racing the Jinty ("Thomas") through Shackerstone Station. I must admit, on the 3rd race, with Neil "on the handle", we certainly did beat "Thomas", hands down!...well done "Henry"! (The bark from the B1 was amazing!). With the return of Boco, we were off to Shenton again, with me on the shovel. After a spirted journey, we pulled into a relatively busy Shenton, where, once we'd stopped, I jumped off the loco to uncouple...

On the way into Shenton, I had also been captured leaning from "Henry"s fireman's side to check that the foot crossing was clear!...

After chatting away to my collegue, Dave, for a few minutes at Shenton, we departed and attacked Shenton Bank, tender-first, in some style! Steve fired this run and, with "Mayflower" running like 'a well oiled sewing machine' as usual, we were soon back at Shackerstone, whistling as we came down through the Cutting. Once halted, I uncoupled the loco again as "Thomas" took up his place at the other end, ready for the 4:40pm "Tea on Thomas" departure (the last train of the day). A little late, the 3F departed, taking the 5-coach train up the bank, and beyond, in a cloud of steam. We then took "Mayflower" through the now-empty Platform 2 and took water at the column. Once this was done, 1306 crossed the points and backed down to the ground frame, where I was waited to 'set the road'. On my hand-signals, the beautiful B1 moved steadily up into the shed. Once she had passed, I "locked her in" and proceeded to the shed to help with disposal proceedings. Working as quickly but as well as possible, we were soon finished, already having "signed off" by the time "Thomas" returned from Shenton! (Now thats practise!). Well, after having a good wash we were off to McDonalds before returning for a night sleeping on site. Thank you very much to Neil, Steve and "Henry" for a very good day. Evening All...

All photographs by Mr D.Hanks. Thank You!

Sunny Sunday Driving Steam at RPMR...

Hi all. Today I was rostered as a Crew Member for the RPMR's standard Sunday afternoon service trains. The weather was great and, after arriving at 11:45am, myself and my younger brother, Ben, proceeded to the track where we found the Member in Charge for the day, Peter, making the early preparations. After we had made up two rakes of coaches, the other crew members arrived and the Class 37 electric loco was soon brought into action. The 37 was soon off shed with the first rake of coaches (3 cars) and, after setting out the signals, the crew proceeded up to the station, "Ryton Halt", to ready themselves for passenger operation, due to begin at 1pm. However, as we were ready early, the first train ran at 12:30pm. I on the other hand was left to prepare the steam loco, a passion of mine, for service. As usual, it was the stalwart Sweet Pea 0-4-0 No499 "John H Owen", one of two owned by CMES. Myself and 499 were soon ready and I coupled her up to the 2nd rake, made up of 4 cars (3 cars + a Guard's car). After setting the road, I reversed the 0-4-0 slowly out onto the Main Line. With the road set back, off we went to the station where there were, incidentally, no passengers waiting. Afterall, it was only 12:40pm! However, this was the 'calm before the storm' as, within 10 minutes, the station was flooded with people and two-train operation was not only helpful, but needed! (We couldn't have managed without it!).
After driving 6-7 trips I decided to take a break and Mark took over driving the steamer. She was running very well, after recent work to the "Little End"s on both sides of the valve gear. The engine now starts off much better and, when you're on the bank, a good bit of "reserve power" is available if required, rather than having to worry about damaging the engine. No499 was also steaming very well and performed beautifully throughout the day. Once Mark had had a few trips, the engine was handed back to me and I drove for another few trips. I then passed the engine over to Kevin who was still squeaky clean after only driving the electric loco. This would never do of course and so he was handed the regulator! The time was now getting towards 4pm (closing time) but the platforms were still a few trains full. The electric had to maintain her service, though we had said that 499 would only do one more run before disposal. For her last trip, 499 had been requested by a bunch of happy paying passengers but, with only 15psi "on the clock" she simply couldn't do the trip. After a few heads had been scratched a solution was found:- give her a push! So, the powerful Co-Co electric loco was coupled to the rear of the train and the journey began. 499 now had 30psi on the clock; enough to hold her own weight at least. I caught up with the engines on the bank, with the camera of course!...

After her last trip, unfortunately aided by her biggest rival (the electric loco!), I took over 499 again for the short run down to the Bendy Beam and Steaming Bay's, where I would dispose of her. Meanwhile, the 'Banking Engine' (the 37) was relegated back to her 3-car service train and continued to do one more trip before the gate was "shut". It was now way passed closing and I had 'blown down' the Sweet Pea, cleaned out her smokebox, fire and grate and swept the tubes. Emma was then on hand to lock up the smokebox and help me clean the engine off. The loco was then ready for bed and the 37 duly arrived so that the coach shunting operation could begin. Once everything was put away, we retired to the Mess Room where we enjoyed a nice hot cuppa' tea to round off the day! The day had been very enjoyable overall and had brought in a healthy amount of funds for the club...fantastic! Thanks to all the crew members today for an enjoyable afternoon and to "John H Owen" herself for 'going easy on me' as I hadn't driven her for 8-9 months! My next outing? Well, next Saturday I'm due to be crewing B1 No1306 "Mayflower" again at Shackerstone...(not enough hours in the day!)...Evening All!...

New Season Modifications On The Garden Railway...

Hi all. Today, as I had the latter half of the afternoon free, it was decided that we would crack-on with some modifications to the Garden Railway. As regular readers will know, the railway has had some 'Point' problems, mainly consisting of drops in the electric current, following the extremely harsh winter that we've recently came out of. We had originally considered replacing the points completely but, with the bill for replacement looking at £70+ and the fact that the rails and sleepers still looked in relatively good condition, we decided to leave them in. So, we turned to the idea of adding an extra 'power-point' or two; this was done today. Firstly, we swapped two of the points over; one was in pretty good condition whilst the other was debatably tired. Once swapped, we added an extra 'Power point' on the South Bridge, where the tired point was. This sorted the current problem out at this end successfully. We next turned our attention to a location called "Ashford Bank"; a steep incline in the anti-clockwise direction, about half way down the line. Current has been dropping her for a few months but we put it down to the amount of power needed to get up the hill with heavy trains. However, today we took action and installed another 'Power point'. The Garden Railway now has 6 'Power Point's along the length of the line and so current drops are, hopefully, a thing of the past! We will however address any further problems as they arise. Thanks for reading folks! Evening...

Easter Running On The Garden Railway...

Hi all. Well, here we are, already...the 2-week Easter Holiday is at an end...back to college tomorrow! Throughout the two week holiday I have been operating my 00 gauge Garden Railway, the "Sutherland Steam Railway", on various days. Some days saw a general running of trains whilst others saw some general maintainence work being carried out; particularly yesterday when we Pressure-Washed the entire garden after the harsh winter that we've finally escaped. The garden now looks much better off! Inside the shed we have been moving the trackwork around again. Due to the arrival last week of 20 extra wagons of varying sizes, the track layout has been changed to include an extra siding, a very lengthy one indeed, capable of storing a train of 20 wagons plus a locomotive, whilst keeping the main line's clear too. I must admit, the new siding comes in very handy as it keeps the new wagons safe and, best of all, it saves rerailing them all the time! The plants are now also slowly coming back to life and the garden is beginning to get a "little greener". It does look its best around June/July time when the plants and flowers are in full fruition and the sun is shining! During the holiday, we have also discovered a few problems. The main problems are that, due to the intense frost & snow which we have encountered this year, 3-4 sets of external points require replacement. This was will be done asap. Though the rails are intact, the power-current is being lost and so replacement is very necessary indeed. The next post? Next Sunday I'm hopefully driving on the RPMR (for CMES). Thank You for Reading. Good Evening All...

Easter at Shackerstone Post 3...A Lesson In Bunny-ing...

Hi all! Well, its Day 3 of the long Easter Weekend and, after being so tired from the day before, I decided to stay un bed until 8:15am-ish this morning. I then arose and grabbed my boilersuit before proceeding to Sign On and head to the shed. "Mayflower" was being prepared outside whilst Carl and Craig were behind the shed on the Pit, raking the grate on "The Blue Circle". I was then asked to clean the Inside Pit for George and the 1306 Team so did so gladly, seeing as I'd had a great day on the loco the day before! When this was done, I saw Danny returning 1306's lamps to their stores which, I must admit, I found strange. When I quizzed him as to why he was doing it he informed me that 1306 had failed with a steam leak. This was then made obvious when I looked towards the engine, with steam escaping on the Fireman's side. The Class 25 was quickly rostered to work the day's trains whilst the 1306 Team set to work attempting to rectify the problem. I on the other hand had been summoned by higher power's to the station where I was told that, as I had nothing else to do, I would be the "Easter Bunny" for the day. ("Oh...No!"). As nobody else was available for the costume I decided to do it and my friend, Sam, would be a large "Teddy Bear", complementing the "Teddy Bears Picnic" theme of the weekend. Slipping into the suit, I felt very silly but, as nobody could see who you were in it, it left alot of room for mischief throughout the day...especially winding-up embarrassed adults!

By the time the 3rd train (1:40pm) was being prepared to leave, 1306 had been repaired and had re-raised steam so was given the "All Clear" to perform the rest of the day's trains, of which there were 3, the loco having missed 2 already. The 25 on the other hand was put back to bed. 1306 performed faultlessly on her 3 return trips of the day with the repair being deemed a strong success. Meanwhile, after my day of "Bunny-ing" I was greatly thanked for my help and collecting my things before departing after the last train had arrived back at about 5:30pm. Thanks for the lift home Phil! It had been a good weekend all told, especially Easter Sunday on the B1. Now it was time to head home, get washed, get settled and get some sleep! Thanks all. Good Evening...