Achilles Report No3: An Outing To The GEC...

Hello everybody. Today, as the sun shone, I got "Achilles" loaded into the car ready for a little outing to the GEC Miniature Railway in Coventry. Today's event was not a public one; it was a club running day. Therefore, various locomotives were running on both the raised and ground level tracks. This seemed the perfect opportunity to take "Achilles" along for a try-out on the raised track. Arriving on site at around 1:30pm, "Achilles" was soon on the Turntable, before being reversed onto one of the steaming bays. By 2pm, the substantial 0-6-0T was in steam and back on the turntable. Soon enough, the loco was in the raised track station awaiting the green to go. I didn't take my driving truck along today; to save car space; so instead used one of the railway's own trucks. My loco was the first on the track and therefore had priority over the entire 600ft (or so) circuit for the time-being...
Steaming away from the station, the raised track climbs heavily, alongside the 7.25" line. At the top of the wooded bank, the line curves right as it flattens out. The rest of the run continues on a long straight, running parrallel with the driveway, before arriving back at the station. "Achilles" completed many laps, faultlessly. Mind you, the climb of the 1 in 50 or so bank is a little testing, particularly on low steam! It was a very enjoyable run indeed. Although the circuit is short, it is scenic and interesting. The raised track runs for the public every first Saturday in the month, until October. "Achilles" ran for around 90 minutes, completing countless laps of the fully signalled track; very nice indeed. At 3:30pm, "Achilles" left the track and chugged back up onto her steaming bay. I then disposed of the loco, putting away all my tools before leaving her to cool down a little. Both tracks were still operating busily and, sure enough, I got to drive a 7.25" loco; "Sammy" the Diesel. I'd never driven this powerful 0-4-0 before but, I must admit, it ran very well and seemed powerful...
After taking "Sammy" on 2-3 return trips up and down the line, I decided to hand her back to her owner (Malcolm) and load up "Achilles". I did enjoy driving the diesel, though, my friend's Romulus ("James") is still my favourite at the GEC. Below, a short video I took on my phone; sorry about the low quality!...

Leaving GEC at 5:15pm, I got home in good time, ready to unload the loco and put my things away. I must admit, a very enjoyable afternoon. The loco will next be at GEC on Saturday August 6th, hopefully taking part in some public running. Thanks for reading folks, and thank you to the GEC for once again making me very welcome. Evening all. Sam...

Achilles Report No2: Eventful Afternoon at RPMR...

Hello everyone. Today I was at Ryton Pool for another of my 2011 crew days. After arranging the week before with the Member in Charge (Eric), I took my loco; "Achilles"; along for a run. The normal train service is a 4-car rake; three passenger trucks and a brake. Today, that set was hauled by the stalwart Class 37 electric as it is only myself or fellow driver Emma who tend to use the society's own steamer! Of course, with my attention today being on my own engine, I did not attempt to steam the club's Sweet Pea. We arrived on site at RPMR at around 11:30am, finding "Achilles"s builder (Ken) already there. After opening up we proceeded up the drive to the track. "Achilles" was duly unloaded and placed on one of the 5"-only steaming bays. We prepared the loco in good time for the 1pm start, with the 37 and train being formed too in the process. At 12:50pm, we steamed onto the track with 2 cars behind "Achilles". I did not use my own driving truck as that weighs a considerable amount on its own! This would be "Achilles" first run hauling fare paying passengers around the 2000ft-long track. Therefore, we were cautious and only connected 2 cars with a tongue in the cheek. Of course, on flat track, the substantial 0-6-0T would provide good power. But, on a 1 in 70 climb on a tight bend, we feared we would overload her. Getting Up Steam... Once on the track, myself and Ken headed off to the station. However, trouble was lurking. The loco barked well around the far bund, before hitting the 1 in 70 climb. Half way up, we stopped to pick-up some litter which was blowing across the site. With 90psi on the clock the restart would be easy but, something always has to go wrong! Just as the 0-6-0 began to move, there was a loud bang. Looking down the side of the engine it was obvious that the right-hand Crosshead pin had sheered and dropped out, thus rendering the piston disconnected. With the 37 approaching from the rear with the first public train, we had no choice but to abort, returning to the steaming bay...
With the loco on the bay, and secure, we repositioned the piston so that it matched the hole in the crosshead again. We then placed a piece of wire inside the hole to protect the valve timing. With this in place, myself and Ken dissapeared down into the workshops to find something which may help us run again today. After 40 minutes of searching, with some help from Eric too, we came across a nail with strong properties; just about the right size too. Shortened to length, the interference fit of the pin within the crosshead allowed it to remain in place. This is only a running repair of course (a hardened steel pin is currently under construction at Ken's) but allowed the loco to resteam. By 1:50pm, the loco was relit and warming up nicely. Check out the very shiney dome below! The dome was a little orange a couple of weeks ago, after a few years of hard running with the blue tank engine. However, here it is now, shiney as the day it was made...courtesy of Rolls-Royce ;) ...
After 20 minutes of preparation, "Achilles" blows off neatly on the steaming bay. My Yellow Saxo is waiting at the end of the loading ramp for when we finish running...
A roaring wood fire blazes away in the tank's firebox...
By 2:15pm, "Achilles" was ready, on the track and at the station. The make-shift pin seemed to be holding well so we decided to try a few passengers. The lucky two below were the first fare-paying passengers to ever ride behind "Achilles" on the full RPMR circuit (we should have provided a souvenir certificate really!)...
With 90psi on the clock we steamed away. "Achilles" performed very well; attacking the 1 in 70 bank with ease. Meanwhile, the 37 electric was providing the other service rake with some motive power...
"Achilles" at Ryton Halt...
The weather for the afternoon was very varied. Hot sun and blue sky was complimented by light rain showers, falling from darkened clouds. Very odd! But, the rain didn't stay strong for the afternoon so all was well! "Achilles" ran until 3:30pm, allowing plenty of time to get her off the track, blown-down and shunted onto the loading ramp. We reckon we hauled 25 out of the 75 passengers who rode this afternoon, or there-abouts...
Below, a lightly loaded train is hauled on its return journey by "Achilles"...
"Achilles" & train at Ryton Halt. I think the most we hauled this afternoon, at once, was 4 adults and 2 teenagers (including crew). This load was quite enough for today. I reckon we may have managed a train full of adults but we would have been a little close to the load limit on the 1 in 70 bank. Plus, I was very aware of the nail which was being used as a crosshead pin!...
0-6-0 Tank Locomotive, "Achilles"...
Driver Sam Brandist with a well-performing "Achilles" in the Arrival's Platform at Ryton Halt. This was just before the loco's last round-trip departure of the day...
I was very pleased with the engine's performance this afternoon. The next chance to see the engine will be at the GEC Miniature Railway on August 6th, when the loco will be taking part in the monthly 5" gauge day. Why not come and see us there? If not, the loco will hopefully be at RPMR again in 6 weeks time. Look out for another post about "Achilles" as the action happens. What a nice, yet eventful, afternoon we've had. Thanks to Eric, Nathan, Ben, Leslie and of course Ken. Finally, well done "Achilles"; you did us proud today.

Evening all...

Mablethorpe Model Railway...

Hello all. Well, what a find this was; I didn't even know it was here! Hiding in the back room of a little cafe within the Mablethorpe Funfair, there is a wonderful 'O' Gauge Model Railway. "Monks Bay" is a huge layout, spectacularly modelled and very well kept. The attraction opened in April this year and admission is £2 for anyone over 1 metre in height. Modelled on the Cornish Riviera in the 1950s/1960s, the layout includes 17 different locomotives which haul several different consists around the varied layout. The layout includes a large station with intricate pointwork and a lovely signalbox, as well as a scrapyard, tunnels, many houses and figures and some lovingly detailed greenary. Everywhere you look there is something to see; your eyes are never without fresh views. All trackwork is by PECO and is laid in a professional manner. I've seen many layouts of all shapes and sizes, and in many cases; even with some of the best layouts; trackwork can be terrible. However, "Monks Bay" embodies everything that a good model railway should. To top it off, the staff are friendly and willing to chat. I spent around 20 minutes viewing the layout and, in that time, I vastly enjoyed myself. What a lovely little attraction in an odd setting; well worth £2 of anybody's money. "Monks Bay"...
"Monks Bay"...
Below, a busy scene at the station as passenger trains arrive to exchange loads. A Great Western 4-6-0 has just pulled in with a mixed-liveried coaching set on the bay platform. An Ivatt Class 4 Mogul (Flying Pig) is just about to depart with a BR Mk1 set. In the yard, the 0-6-2 56xx Tank is taking a break from its shunting duties...
The Western 4-6-0 sits in the bay as passengers board...
"Monks Bay"...
The far end of the layout, near the entrance to the model railway, lies the scrapyard area. Up in the right hand side of the image are the 'Customs' offices. Two locomotives rest in the sidings as we await a train from the Fiddle Yard via the Tunnel Mouth...
Back in the yard, the 56xx 0-6-2 has just received its crew back from their lunch break and the steam brake has been released ready to recommence the shunting. I really like the attractive station at Monks Bay; very nice...
The 56xx stands alongside a typically GWR Loading Gauge, with the local Dairy Farmer delivering his produce in the background...
Down in a siding, a 45xx tank is waiting for duty. No crew on the footplate? Must be a warming fire job...
I do apologise for my terrible photography...I needed my tripod with me and didn't expect to find this lovely place! I wish the model railway all the luck in the world; a lovely little place to visit, especially for £2. I recommend it to anybody, I really do. The professional layout with very expensive model locomotives running an intensive service is something that really appeals to me. The only thing I do think is a shame is that it may only be enthusiasts like myself which can appreciate all the work, effort and time that has gone into this project. However, saying that, families will think its a great little place; the kids will love it. Good luck to everyone at Monks Bay! For more info you can visit their website at http://www.monksbaymodelrailway.co.uk/ . Well folks, after my visit to the model railway we proceeded off to the town. Evening all, I hope you enjoyed reading...

Seaside Potential...

Hello everyone. Well, its sunny and breezy today as we inspect the golden beach at Mablethorpe, around 20 miles north of Skegness. Walking along the sea from the main town, its only a few minutes stroll to Queens Park. Here, there are various amusements but, in the middle of it all, a miniature railway is hiding. The Mablethorpe Miniature Railway first opened in 1968, at 10.25" gauge. However, later on in its life, it was regauged to the current one, of 7.25". The circuit runs from the little station at Queens Park, skirting a well-kept lawn area. The £1 train journey gives the passenger two laps of the track in wooden bogie coaches behind a rather-odd looking steam-outline diesel loco. The track looks stable, yet a little lightly-laid, creating some sharp and dipped joints. However, the bogie coaches, as well as the bo-bo configuration of the locomotive, seem to cope with this arragement quite well. The attractive little circuit includes a few signals, level crossings and a sizeable tunnel. The brick-built ticket office provides even more of a 'railway look'. I didn't ride today but trains were operating when required. As we passed by, the little Petrol engine was ticking over in the platform...
I don't quite know what this locomotive was meant to be. It includes a bo-bo arragement, linked up to a petrol hydraulic engine I believe. As you can see below, it sports a smiling face, as well as hazard tape and what looks to be a flashing beacon, not to mention the side-mirror! The latter features are obviously for safety reasons. The loco's shape looks a little bit like a Shay, especially when you view it from the side; if a little misguided in design! All this aside, it looks powerful, useful and sounded like a good little runner...
As the station awaits passengers, we can see the steps to the beach in the back-left corner of the image. To be honest, you couldn't put a railway much closer to the sands than this!...
After checking out the little railway, we headed back up towards the beach and the sea. I can't help feeling that this railway has alot of potential. Think about it, the location is great; you can't really get a better one in terms of attracting passing trade. Secondly, everything is in place; such as the track, the tunnel and the ticket office. Things that could perhaps improve the railway are signage, as well as the odd steam loco; even if only visiting! I would love to take a 7.25" steamer up there if I had one! Steam at the seaside?! What could be better?! Ah well, another railway spotted. Thank you everybody for reading! Good day...

Steaming Along The Cleethorpes Coast...

Hi everybody. Today we took the 40-mile or so drive from our holiday caravan in Skegness, across the Lincolnshire countryside to Cleethorpes. This bustling little town has a nice seafront with plenty of amenities. However, perhaps the best (in my mind at least), is the 15" gauge Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. This quaint 2-mile line is based at Lakeside station, on the outskirts of the town centre near the Pleasure Island Theme Park. From Lakeside, the trains run for 1 mile along the sea-wall cycle track, before crossing a viaduct into Kingsway. Kingsway is only a minute or two from the seafront on foot. From Kingsway; after the loco has run round; the trains return along the sea-wall into Platform 3 at Lakeside. Departing Lakeside again, trains head onto the extension, opened a couple of years ago. This mile-long stint, takes the train to North Sea Lane, a quiet station overlooking the beautiful estuary. From North Sea Lane, the trains return back to Lakeside. The entire return journey takes 50 minutes and, believe it or not, only costs £4! We arrived at Lakeside in the mid-morning and, after purchasing our tickets, we checked out the station. This station does have a claim to fame; it is home to the World's Smallest Pub; "The Signalbox Inn"; as recognised by the Guiness book itself...
Unfortunately the train had just left for North Sea Lane, so we waited for the next one over a cold bottle of Dr Pepper...
Whilst awaiting the next train, we stepped into the little museum. This building, alongside Lakeside's Platform 2, houses a few choice pieces of the CCLR collection. One of my favourite exhibits was the miniature steam crane, with working apparatus! What a lovely little creation...
Today's CCLR loco? Well, it was the "one I really wanted"...which I was very pleased about! It was the Robinson 8K/LNER 04 2-8-0 Heavy Freight...
Well, of course, I submit, it wasn't the one above! That is the REAL Class 04, No63601; the sole-surviving member of the class, based at the GCR. However, the 15" gauge (1/4 scale) model is just as nice in my mind. What a beautiful piece of kit. Well, with that, may I introduce No6284...
Now, apart from the huge mechanical lubricator on the running board, this is a fantastic model! Lovely little machine. Embodying the usual 'eight legs' of the 04, No6284 seemed a powerful beast, easily hauling the train of at least 5 coaches. Anyhow, aboard we jumped, and 6284 departed Lakeside for Kingsway. BUT! STOP THERE! Read on to hear of a true story which even I myself cannot explain (if not, read on from the next paragraph). Well, here we go. We sat in the train, and heard the familiar sound of the loco..."chuff", "chuff", "chuff", or something like that! 6284 was departing upgrade on the tight curve, in reverse too. As I looked out of the window, I had a thought or two. "No Guards whistle?...Odd", "No Loco whistle?...Odder", "Oh", "Man Running After Locomotive?...BAD!". "Yes", somehow, 6284 had opened her own regulator and made her way out of the platform. Soon enough, the Ticket Inspector of all people ran to her and shut the regulator...just as well really! No explanation was given as to why this weird happening occured apart from, "it happens". The words "it shouldn't" do cross the mind here. But, the loco was stopped, and thats the main thing. Soon after, with driver on board, 6284 departed, successfully, for Kingsway...
A portrait of the fabulous model at Kingsway...
After the run to Kingsway, the 04 ran round and then took us off to North Sea Lane via Lakeside. As well as 6284, there are many other CCLR loco's. Arguably, the most famous engines are the ex-Sutton Miniature Railway ones, and their matching coaching stock and diesel railcar...
The SMR stock is flagshipped by sister Atlantics "Sutton Belle" and "Sutton Flyer". Last time we came in August 2008, we rode behind "Belle". Lovely machines. Below, the 04 arrives at Lakeside from North Sea Lane with an afternoon turn...
In the museum, "Sutton Flyer" is resting. I am always impressed by well-kept loco's and, in particular, the well-kept buildings in which they are stored...
Up at a sunny North Sea Lane, 6284 is checked over after a brisk run from Lakeside...
6284 was built by two of the railways supporters. She has been fantastically built. Purchased as a chassis and a kit of parts, she was finished a year or two ago. You can't argue; she is lovely. Since completion, the loco has performed fantastically and put in many turns on the CCLR. Driver today was Mat Yardley, and, before I got talking to him, I thought I knew him! Mat is a GCR man who, in fact, has done much work on the real 04. Funny really...I have him on Facebook! He was quite disturbed when I used his full name but later remembered who I was too. So, with that, he invited me onto the footplate and I had a ride on the 04 around North Sea Lane! "Woo!...another footplate, another railway!"...
6284...
Arriving back at Lakeside after our 50-minute trip, and my footplate ride, I was very satisfied indeed! A lovely hour or two out on the CCLR. I would advise a visit to this line. Steam and diesel trains run throughout the year, and daily in the summer. Below, see some video clips that I took during our little visit today (includes both platform and footplate footage)...

Well, thats all folks; a beautiful seaside railway. Good evening...

Saxo

Pictures placed for Sale of Saxo - March 2014

 

 

 

Flying Visit to GEC...And a Drive on "James"!...

Hi everyone. After a few hours cleaning my loco up, I jumped in the VTR and headed over to the GEC Miniature Railway in Coventry. I had been invited to drive on my friend James' loco again but, allas, I thought it was better to ensure that "Achilles" was cleaned down properly first. The right decision I feel. Anyway, I got to GEC at around 3:30pm. Being the first Sunday in the month, the 7.25" track was running between 2:30pm and 5pm. Loco's running consisted of "Sammy" the Diesel, "Luna" the Sweet William and "James" the Romulus. The Y7 Tram "Toby" was also shedded nearby in case relief was needed. "James", driven by James(!), was very busy, hauling many service trains. I, in my smart clothes, looked at the action from the comfort of the station bench; cuppa' tea in hand. Lovely. However, this was short-lived as, on his next trip, James offered me the regulator. "Hmm, well, it would be rude not to drive now, wouldn't it!". Therefore, I took "James" on a journey around the track, with the train in tow of course. As usual, it was a pleasure; lots of whistling and free-steaming. The best bit is always the restart from the bottom of the hill where, 'unfortunately', "James" needs to be given a little bit of stick! Lovely little machine. Thanks for the drive James; cheers mate! Back on shed, James tends to "James" as the next train pulls in in the background...
Trains finally ended at 5pm, with 'James' and 'Luna' going on shed to blow-down. I will next be at GEC on Aug 6th, for the 5" running day, hopefully with my engine too; look forward to that! Thanks again to GEC for another enjoyable few hours out, and James of course. Also thanks to the 'Tea Room Ladies'; forever welcoming as usual! Evening all. Next weekend? No trains at all! No, I'm not ill...I'm on holiday! But, look out for a railway visit or two next week....leave it with me ;). Cheers. Sam.

Achilles Report No1: First Maintainence...

Afternoon all. I've spent a few hours in the workshop this morning, sorting out "Achilles" after her run yesterday. First job, check the gauge glass; it was a little suspect yesterday but sorted itself out after we removed some grime from the top gland. Next job, the front end. With the loco on the work-bench its easier to get inside properly. I opened the door and shone the light inside the smokebox. There was plenty of ash inside, worsened in fact when I swept the boiler tubes. The smokebox was then hoovered out...the best way to do this dirty job! With the smokebox relatively clean, I replaced the mesh which forms the spark arrestor. Once fitted and realligned so that it missed the blast pipe nozzle, I checked the arrestor again before shutting the door. All seemed well. Therefore, the loco was cleaned up before being put away again. Her next run is planned for July 17th at CMES. Good day all.

The Most Generous Gift...

Hi guys. Hope everyone is well. Today I was up at Coventry Model Engineering Society for another 'Play Day' on 0-6-0T "Achilles". However, it turned into something much more, as ownership of the 5" gauge tank engine has now transferred to me. The loco's builder, Ken, has given me the most generous gift that I have ever received, and I am forever endebted to him for doing so. The honour is huge. About the loco: "Achilles" was finished in the early 1990s after being built over a period of 3 years. The loco has worn its blue livery since completion, though she has been recoated since. The name "Achilles" derives from one of the cruisers which fought in the Battle of the River Plate. The loco itself is designed by Reeves. Reeves did a powerful 0-4-0 called the 'Ajax' class, which was very popular. Following the popularity of 'Ajax', a second design was created which embodied a third driving axle, creating a chunky 0-6-0 with better adhesion than 'Ajax'. The loco is strong and runs well, as well as being free-steaming. In the future, I hope to run "Achilles" many times, in as many different places as possible! However, I am aware of the work and responsibility involved in owning a loco such as this. The opening image shows myself and Ken aboard "Achilles", prior to the hand-over. I am so pleased, I really am. Thank you, Ken; thank you so much. Look out for more runs with "Achilles" in the near future; she is planned to steam on July 17th at RPMR and on August 6th at GEC. Thank you all. Sam :)