Two Good Trips with "Sir Gomer"...

Hi there guys. Today I was the rostered fireman on Peckett 0-6-0ST "Sir Gomer" at Shackerstone. Owing to an unfortunate coal shortage due to a mix up over delivery times, we were very short of coal today and the Peckett was obviously not going to manage all 5 trips - not at all. However, with a little planning we managed to get the engine into steam using as little coal as possible and decided that we would operate a trip just to show willing. After all, we felt that at least if we tried to do a run then the public would have some steam to see/ride behind, rather than none at all. Myself & Driver Phil took the engine off shed with a good boiler pressure and a level coal fire at about 12:30pm. We took water and then proceeded to wait in Platform 1 for the return of the Class 73 and the train. Below, we can see why you should always exercise care when feeding a wood fire in an engine being warmed up...

"Blowback"

With "Sir Gomer" at the head of the 1:45 train we left Shackerstone with a good head of steam. The loco performed beautifully in both directions and steamed like a witch. The return trip to Shackerstone, after careful thinking, saw us decide to do the 3pm train as well. There was 'just enough' coal in the bunker. The 3pm trip saw "Sir Gomer" performing just as well and she went like a dream. I for one really enjoyed it, as did the public...some of whom had waited just for the steam hauled trips. By the time we got back into Shackerstone I reckon I had 4 shovelful's left in the bunker but, nevertheless, "Sir Gomer" had done 2 trips and she had done them well. A very enjoyable, if short, day. Thank you very much for reading guys. Next weekend is MTEW...Fingers crossed, ay?...

Slow Moving Steam On The Road...

Hi guys. Today was a fab day, and in fact something quite different to what I am used to. Today there were no railways in sight, well not for the most part anyway. The agenda for today was something a little more roadworthy...a Steam Roller! Yes, Phil had kindly invited me out for the day on his steam roller "Louise": a 10-ton Aveling & Porter. The engine is based at Statfold Barn and therefore this was our starting point today. I arrived at the site of the SBR at 6am, after a quick breakfast at McDonalds on route. Below, the Saxo watches the sun come up at Oak Tree yard...

Phil was already up & about, getting "Louise" ready. The engine was clean but cold, and we spent some time breaking some wood up before Tom arrived. The engine was then pushed outside using a fork-truck and rolled happily into the middle of the yard. There, she was lit up...

The Engine Outside

Today's route would take us on the road...which was after all laid by Steam Roller's in the first instance! The rollers of today are of course not steam rollers, but diesel rollers, though the name often still applies. As a vintage vehicle the engine is free to road tax and, with boiler insurance as well as current certificates under her belt, there is nothing to stop her going on the road amongst modern traffic. Ian & Caroline were also soon present, completing the crew of five. Big, green "Louise" was steaming up nicely in Oak Tree Yard as the promise of a warm, sunny day beckoned. Tom was oiling the engine up whilst the rest of us busied ourselves with little jobs like loading the trailer with wood. Todays route would take us to Market Bosworth. We would leave Statfold and travel the 3-mile road through No Mans Heath to Appleby Island, where the A444 crosses the M42. From there we would slowly snake along the A444, up through Appleby and past Twycross Zoo. From there we would chug towards Sibson and then turn off left towards Market Bosworth, dropping towards the station on a downgrade past the Water Trust. Below, "Louise" is getting up steam...

"Aveling & Porter - The Workmans Machine" (Dr Busker)

I was very surprised at how quick "Louise" got hot, especially with no warming fire having been put in the day before. The roller was at almost full pressure within a couple of hours: brilliant! The next job was to do the car swap so that we could actually get back from Bosworth once we got there. Three of us jumped into our cars and headed for Bosworth, dropping two cars off when we got there and returning to Statfold in mine. When we got back, "Louise" was at full pressure and we soon had her connected to the trailer & living van, as the sun continued to shine...

With full steam pressure achieved, away we went. The engine chugged happily out of Statfold with the trailer & living van on the back, and set to the first upgrade climb. Tom was driving, I was steering. That's one thing that's different for a start...you have to steer this! Tom's duties were to work the regulator and reverser, as well as keep the pressure up by firing and working the injector accordingly. All the time, "Louise" would be making steady but sure progress along the road, rumbling along happily. We both wore ear defenders on the footplate, as the rumbling from the two rollers on the back and the roar of the valve gear was just unreal!

 

I tell you what though, its a different life with steam on the road, as you get to see the nicer side of people. Everybody was smiling, waving and even taking photographs as we passed. Even in the houses the windows would open and people would be there waving as we chugged by. Cars would overtake and then up ahead you would see the car pull over and the occupants would disembark and get their cameras at the ready! Certainly in this sunshine I must admit, there were some good photo opportunities. Then again, I say all this but you do get the odd 'fool' shall we say. Some people don't understand why overtaking on blind bends is a bad idea, or that the steam rollers were on the road long before your modern Audi's and Merc's. Anyway, back on the engine we were going well, with Phil, Caroline and Ian riding in the trailer. It took an hour or so to reach the M42 island and then, the moment of truth...going around the bloody thing! It was kind of a ready, set, go out of the slipway and onto the island, mingling with modern traffic. "Louise" steamed happily around the island and across the busy carriageways of the M42 before we turned off via hand-signals to the A444, pulling over in the lay-by adjacent to the McDonalds...

The Steersmans Road Ahead

At Appleby we stopped for a break to water the engine from the tank in the trailer, as well as to grab a Quarter Pounder from McDonalds. The sun was still shining brightly as "Louise" simmered in the lay-by...

Engine watered, us refreshed...we were ready to go again! Below, we can see the double-crank compound engine which moves the roller along. The crank is driven by a high-pressure and low-pressure cylinder, with a full pressure of 200psi...

From Appleby we weaved along the A444. The engine was performing well and happily chugged uphill and down dale. The modern traffic was definitely clogging up behind the engine, until we reached a straight section and it all came tearing by at once. Approaching the hill before the Austrey bend we had another stop, this time to ash the engine out as she was getting a little choked up. The shot below shows just what a beautiful day it was...

"For We Live In A Time When It Ain't No Crime Taking
Slow Moving Steam On The Road" (Dr Busker)

Finally, after a run past the Zoo on one of the busiest days that I've seen it (plus a lot of rampant waves from almost every visitor over the fence!) we reached Twycross village. Here we had a crew change, with Phil & Caroline taking over on their engine whilst myself & Tom retired to the trailer after our stint of just over 2 hours. I tell you what, I loved every minute of steering it all that way but I was glad to step down as my legs were tired out!...

Aveling & Porter "Louise" in Twycross Village

From Twycross it was a leisurely and very pleasant ride in the trailer to Market Bosworth...

Finally, after navigating the tight bend into the Market Bosworth Station drive whilst blocking up the entire road...we made it! Here is "Louise" on the Market Bosworth driveway after a triumphant run over, ready to take part in my Miniature Traction Engine Weekend next week!...

After we had collected the cars from Statfold and got back to Bosworth again, here is "Louise" inside the Goods shed ready for disposal at about 7:30pm. What a long but very enjoyable day :) ...

Overall a very different day, spent in very pleasant company. I must thank Phil & Caroline for inviting me out and also Ian & Tom for providing good company. "Louise" is a very nice engine and it was certainly enjoyable being out on the road rather than the rails...for a change. Cheers guys. Sam.

A Quiet Day with "Gomer"...

Hi guys. Today was a quiet one in pleasant company, with the railways own Peckett "SIR GOMER". I arrived at Shackerstone at 6:30am and, as booked fireman, signed in and read the notices. I then ambled down to the shed in the morning wind and opened up the increasingly rustic looking metal door. Inside, "Sir Gomer" stood warm but quiet. After dragging myself up onto the footplate I checked the water level in the gauge glasses and also checked around inside the firebox: all looked well. As soon as I lit the engine up she began singing away and when driver Brian arrived at 7:15 she was already off the stop. The elderly Peckett came around quickly with very little persuasion, and at 10:30am we were on the stock, steam heating the damp looking coaches. I can't believe we are still even contemplating steam heating at this time of year but I guess if it has to be done we should just do it, plus it gives us something to do before departure time. Below, "Sir Gomer" stands at the head of what will be the 11:15 departure from Shackerstone, wearing the infamous "Can't Beat A Black 5, Sir William.A.Stanier" headboard :) ...

Now for a sunnier shot half an hour later with the headboard removed...

"Sunny Peckett"

Throughout the weather-varied day, "Sir Gomer" performed well. She barked happily through the Leicestershire countryside and was seemingly unhindered (as usual) by the load of 5 coaches (around 240 tons). 47 miles later, "Sir Gomer" is captured hauling the last train energetically out of Market Bosworth, homeward bound...

"Steaming Through The Woods"

I must thank Brian for a very enjoyable day on the loco with him. She steamed well, pulled well and best of all we had a laugh...which is what you want really. Thank you for reading guys. Sam...

Busy Day on Public Running at RPMR...

Hi guys. A short one from today. This afternoon I was rostered for my first of three turns in 2013 for the public running at the RPMR. After opening early at 12:30 with the Class 37 electric and a 4 car train, we were soon very busy. The petrol hydraulic "Alacrity" plus a further 3 cars was also pressed into service and an intensive afternoon began. Over the course of the afternoon we carried well over 300 people..."Phew"! We really were very busy, especially for a normal Sunday. Even though I spent most of the afternoon driving a petrol hydraulic, I really enjoyed it! Cheers guys. Sam.

Achilles Report No30: Well, Thats A Relief...

Hello all. "Achilles Report No30" and here she is, back on the track again. The fast-track bottom end overhaul that the locomotive has been undergoing over the last few months is now complete. I picked Eddie up from his house on my way to Ryton this morning, and we arrived at about 9:30am and began unloading and checking the loco. She was then steamed up and made some triumphant back & forth runs along the run-up-rail, proving that she did at least work in some way, shape or form! We then took her around the track and she completed 3 good laps with no real trouble. The beats are now much more even and the loud clatter has now been reduced to little more than a slight rattle, which I believe is the di-block hangers which will require attention in the future...but we already knew that. The only problem that the engine was having today was the water pump which I'd had in bits over the winter for new O-rings and packing. The pump was definitely pumping, but perhaps only on the one side (its double-acting normally). Therefore, water was getting through, just not fast enough. The clack was definitely opening as the ball could be felt moving up & down during operation. Ahh well, we didn't expect a perfect run and I doubt that it will require anything major to rectify it. Below, Eddie tightens up the vitals on "Achilles" after another lap...

"Pit Stop"

Everything seemed to be bedding in nicely and, with a birthday party due to start at midday, we retired from the track at just gone 11:30 in order to be able to get out of the way. The loco was disposed of and sat quietly on the steaming bays whilst the party took place, with trains being hauled by the two resident diesel outlines: the petrol hydraulic and the Class 37 electric. The steam up was due to start at 1pm and many loco's turned up for a run. I steamed "Achilles" up again at about that time and here she is coming around on the bay, with the electric blower drawing out the smoke and pulling the heat from the fire through the boiler...

"A Smokey Start"

Having steamed up for a second time, we trundled back onto the track and then coupled up an extra riding truck so that I could give mum & nan a ride around. The loco continued to perform well and I was very impressed with the improved steaming capability. The newly reset valve timing seemed to help the engine no end and the amount of regulator opening required to do the same work was drastically reduced. I will also however endeavour to sort the springing out as she is still a little bouncy as she makes her way along the track. Below, "Achilles" sits smartly on Ryton Bank with the safety valves lifting and the brass dome shining...

Despite the impressive steaming capability of the engine I still wasn't happy with the water pump and so we retired from the track again so that I could check the feed lines. I discovered some soft packing inside one of the pumps and so immediately removed it. This improved matters slightly once I had steamed the loco up for a THIRD time but something is still not right. I can only think that 3 months of holding water has perhaps furred up the piping, either that or some more packing has made its way through into the feed pipes between the pump and the boiler. Either way, its easy to rectify so I'm not too worried (he says!). Later on "Achilles" sits in front of Dave's 'Simplex' on the bank...

"She's Back"

Both the weather and the run had really been glorious and I was very much impressed with the engine. All she will need now is a bit more TLC in order to sort the water pump blockage out and then just tighten the springing slightly to ease the bouncing. The running in will also continue of course, every time the engine is ran. She certainly did a good few laps today with nothing running hot or going particularly wrong...

A Cab Shot

Thank you very much for reading guys. "Achilles" will next be at RPMR this time in a month, probably May 4th I would imagine. I would hope by then to have the water pump problem rectified and to give her some further running in. I myself am back at RPMR tomorrow for a crew turn on the public services. Cheers guys. Sam.

Achilles Report No29: Nearly There...

Hi everyone. Today I was working on my loco again, trying to get her back in fettle ready for her return to the track on Saturday. I fitted the new, manual drain cocks today - as the old, automatic ones were starting to become a little bit useless. The new ones are brass and have the typical handles for opening and closing them at 90 degree intervals...

I don't plan to link up the drain cocks, instead using them manually when on shed and when cold, whilst also giving them a blast through on steam for the first 1/2 a lap during each run. Once the condensate has cleared then the drain cocks will be shut until we dispose. Some 5" gauge loco's don't have any drain cocks at all and so I'm not worried about not having them linked up. Other jobs today included tightening all of the bolts up that were not so already, as well as checking that all the valve gear moves as it should. I also replaced the running boards and began cleaning the brass and paintwork...

Finally, I replaced the chimney, brass dome cover and cab/bunker. By the time I had finished, the loco was ready to go and will be in steam on Saturday at RPMR, all being well.

"Ready For The Track"

Lets hope all goes well with her on Saturday. I'm quite looking forward to it. Cheers guys. Sam.

Southern Final Fling...

Hi guys. Just a short one from today. I nipped over to Shackerstone for a ride on the last train of the day, which would be double-headed by the two Southern engines: Beattie No30585 & T9 Greyhound No30120. The final train would also be the final runs on the railway for both of the engines before they return home. The T9 will leave tomorrow, and the Beattie left straight after todays last train! The exhilarating final run behind the pair was well worth the drive over. No matter how many times you fire or drive an engine, a ride on the coaches (or "the cushions" as we call it) never becomes boring...its just different! I will be sad to see the pair leave as their visits have been very interesting, and have definitely put Shackerstone back on the map as a steam player. Thanks for reading. Regards, Sam.

The Greyhound With A Bite...

Hello everyone. Well, a much anticipated day out on the footplate of LSWR T9 4-4-0 No30120 turned out to be quite a varied and unusual one. This Greyhound can have one hell of a bite. I arrived at 6am and upon opening the shed door I noticed a tiny wisp of steam coming from one of the injector overflows on the T9...proving that she was indeed very warm after coming around slowly overnight. There was nothing on the clock yet but experience tells you that an engine this warm will start boiling straight away. I'm sure an extra shovelful or so last night before we left would have had her needle off the clock this morning. Anyway, after changing into my overalls I clambered blurry-eyed up onto the footplate and checked the gauge glasses: 1/2 a glass of water. The warming fire was almost out with only the odd glowing ember littering the fire grate inside the dry firebox. A check around with the torch revealed that everything was ship shape in there and so I began clearing the grate with a bent dart.

Eddie had broken up a lot of wood the day before and so I could immediately light the engine. I was told to start this fire with no coal on the grate, just a good mound of wood. The coal can then be added once the wood rages away. The plan is then to black out the wood with coal, until the coal ignites, and then slowly push and roll the bed down to the front over time, using the fire irons. The T9 reps had stated that, if you started with a coal bed, the loco would be a bugger to light. Below, the T9 has been lit and is simmering nicely in the shed at about 7am whilst we have a cuppa'...

The T9 has a fairly tight cab, despite the size of the overall locomotive. The regulator is a push-across type, which starts in the 7 o'clock position and heads across to about 4 o'clock at full open. The reverser is a steam reverser type, with the weighshaft connected to a cylinder who's piston lifts and lowers the di-blocks on the Stephenson valve gear. She is a slide valve engine which, for her size, I found quite surprising, but then again at 114 years old I suppose it isn't that much of a surprise really! Good job the reverser is steam operated that's all I can say, as the force of those big slide valves on the huge cylinders would probably throw the driver over the cab when trying to adjust them on the run! (For example, I found Beattie No30585 quite heavy on the reverser pole). Eddie & Andy oiled the engine around whilst I kept my eye on the fire. The loco's pressure gauge needle slowly began to rise and she sat simmering away completely silently. The T9 is vacuum braked throughout, just like 3803. The cylinders are lubricated by a hydrostatic lubricator, with the axle-boxes fed from boxes around the locomotive rather than mechanical lubricators. One odd thing...just like the Beattie...the steam valves on the injectors go the opposite way to all other locomotives. So they turn clockwise to open, which believe me, does throw you off sometimes!! Below, the fire is burning well on 30120 as she comes around in the shed...

The unusual ratchet firebox on the T9...

Once the T9 was in steam we steamed down to the coal pile, pushing Beattie No30585. We coaled the locomotive with the big welsh coal, using the JCB...

Simmering T9...

For the first run, myself & Eddie were joined on the footplate by John (Footplate Inspector) & Andy (tomorrow's driver). Though it was cumbersome with four on the cab, myself & Eddie had no idea how the T9 would perform and as it was renowned as a bit of a brute, we thought it best to have experienced hands with us as John had driven the locomotive during the gala. Andy was on for the ride in order to oversee, once again, how John did it in order to let his confidence for tomorrow's run grow. We departed Shackerstone around 30 minutes late with the first run, due to operational difficulties (nothing to do with us or 30120). I fired the loco in my usual fashion with a flat fire and slightly more in the back corners. In my mind, 5 coaches and steam heat would be very little challenge for the elderly tender engine. As I thought, she wandered away happily with her big 6ft 7" wheels gripping seemingly well on the damp rails. We pulled out of Shack under chilly, overcast skies and 30120 steamed on towards Market Bosworth. All the time, the pressure was dropping. I fired heavier & heavier to little avail, with low steam pressure but safe water levels. At MB there was very little respite and the departure southbound proved a little un-nerving. The pressure needle was still having trouble as we approached Shenton, though the fire was now raging away in the box.

 

I could not understand it. Every locomotive that we have had on the line, apart from the smallest 0-4-0s, have required very little fire as they have a tendency to clinker heavily and steam poorly with huge great fires inside. This is caused by a lack of draft for a huge fire with only a 5 coach train to pull. Shackerstone is, afterall, no main line! As I uncoupled at Shenton my mind was alive with solutions to the problem. Then, I heard the shovel moving in the cab, loading up the firebox. John was creating what he described as "a Western wedge in a Southern firebox". Though smokey, the ever igniting 'wedge' soon brought the T9 around and we left Shenton with all looking well. The return run was a little more fortunate as the T9 warmed through and the wedge got the firebox up to a stronger temperature. At Shackerstone I deepened the wedge again, allowing us to depart with strong steam & water levels. This run was much better and, by the third run, I was finally beginning to enjoy myself (the cap has never sweated so much!). Below, Dave Hanks captures us leaving Shackerstone with the slightly belated 1:45pm departure, with the T9 proving a lot better to handle when you have the fire right!...

As the elderly 4-4-0 passes Dave, we can see that I still have my boilersuit on, which I use for prep. I simply could not get changed until half way through this run: there was no time or chance! What a stressful day it had been so far! The locomotive ambles past Dave below...

The third run was most enjoyable, as was the fourth. Indeed, on the fourth run, I'd got it cracked and the T9 was quite happy to wander through the Leicestershire countryside with the safety valves lightly feathering and 3/4 of a glass in the gauge glasses. The fire could pretty much look after itself, with me checking for holes at the front end and firing them lightly where necessary, whilst also maintaining the shape of the wedge but also allowing it to reduce in mass slightly each trip. Now that she was hot there was no stopping her. The final trip was a light engine move (for operational reasons) and the T9 is captured at Shenton in the late afternoon sunshine...I love this picture...

Sun Kissed T9

Upon our arrival back at Shackerstone shed the locomotive was disposed of as per normal practise. It had been an eye-opening day and indeed, I've never had to fire so much coal into an engine of this size in a trip before. Mind you, as I've written, as soon as she got properly hot she steamed very freely. The floor based injector water valves were a bit fiddly though! Overall, a very nice locomotive which looks lovely at 114 years old. Its very strange coming off something like 3803 or "Sir Gomer" and going on something like the T9 or Beattie. Its a whole different world. Another entry for "Sammys World"! Cheers. Sam.

Inside A Greyhound...

Hi guys. This afternoon I was at Shackerstone, helping clean out and light up the NRM's T9 4-4-0 No30120, ready for the weekend. Being an elder engine (built 1899) the T9 has some odd features. The firehole door for example has to be taken completely off in order to allow access to the main firehole ring and in turn, access to the firebox for a person. Having moved the heavy door casting I was able to climb into the deep firebox. It really is a tall box and I can just about stand up in there. I was in the firebox in order to do a visual check as part of the FTR, as well as cleaning out the ash from gala Sunday's fire. With all clean and dry, I came out of the firebox and we replaced the casting before lighting a strong warming fire. After an hour or two watching the fire we left the engine to it so that she could continue slowly warming through, as is the practise. Myself and Eddie are rostered out with the T9 tomorrow - I wonder how we'll get on. Cheers guys. Sam.

Welcome Back..."Sybil Mary"...

Hi guys. One word: Snow...enough to strike fear into the minds of any road user or footplate staff! I left home at 5:15am this morning but, due to a traffic accident on the M42, it took me over 2 hours to get to Statfold. By then, all 7 of the engines were raising steam in the cold snow that fell from the grey skies. Phil said that seeing as I'd cleaned out "Sybil Mary" yesterday, then I could join him & Caroline on the loco for the day. I gratefully accepted the invitation to help crew an engine that was making its preservation debut! After changing into my overalls I helped Caroline oil the engine up. The Quarry Hunslets are fairly easy to oil, with the main rods on the outside, and the axlebox oil-pots too. The inside Stephenson's valve gear is accessible by bending over under the saddletank, with your chest against the running board. At arms length you can reach the eccentrics, expansion links, die-blocks and valve spindles fairly easily...dropping a bit of steam oil on the glands as you go. As planned, steaming up alongside "Sybil Mary" were "Marchlyn", No19 (also making its debut), "Harrogate" and the Corpet, with the Fowler and the big Mallet steaming up at Oak Tree Halt...

Caroline had built a strong fire in "Sybil Mary"s firebox and the loco came round easily with the blower slightly cracked. When asked, I drove "Sybil" off shed with "Marchlyn" coupled up behind: the pair would double-head for the day due to their matching Penrhyn liveries. The pair were coupled up to a two coach train and, when ready, away we went. Phil & Caroline took the train to the baloon loop via Oak Tree Halt, with myself stood in the middle of the footplate against the back panel. As the first train, we steamed around the baloon loop and changed the points before continuing through the now trailing point, back onto the main line. The two Penrhyn loco's then took the train smartly back to Statfold before the Corpet was coupled to the rear of the train.

In order to promote safety in these blizzard conditions, the railway had decided to run two trains on the field railway, and one on the new 'Big Engine Railway' only. All three trains were top & tailed so as to remove the need for constant coupling/uncoupling. This system seemed much safer than having 17 engines out on a variety of moves in the arguably poor visibility levels. Depsite the terrible weather, some of the punters still turned up and seemed to enjoy themselves. We certainly enjoyed ourselves on "Sybil Mary". The "Port" class were slightly larger than the "Alice" class, and this was certainly evident when she was tearing along. "Sybil Mary" is about as close as we'll get to getting an idea of what "Winifred" will be like when shes done! After our first two trips, Phil allowed me to drive a run. In terms of driving, I cannot say that the "Port" is much different to the "Alice", though the former does seem to ride alot better and sits a little more stable on the rails with its longer wheelbase. A trip for us today involved being dragged down to the baloon loop by the Corpet, carrying the staff on the rear-most engine, before exhanging it at the terminus and heading back. Below, "Sybil Mary" is being pulled through the loop at Oak Tree Halt bound for the terminus...


Us Tailing The Corpet With "Marchlyn" & "Sybil Mary" (Photo - J.Shadbolt)

At the baloon loop there was a short interval so that the single line staff could be exchanged and so that passengers could take pictures of the loco's. With the right away from the Guard, away we would go again...

Port Quarry "Sybil Mary" (Photo - David Ward)

Out on the line, "Sybil Mary" would march along quite happily, with "Marchlyn" roaring away behind her. The 160psi boiler pressure was more than enough to keep the train moving at a good pace and the steep bank just before Oak Tree seemed nothing to the pair. It must be remembered that engines such as these were real work-horses and were challenged with rough track, poor weather and heavy loads of slate in their day. Below, "Sybil" and "Marchlyn" have both shut-off steam to slow for the sharp left-hand bend at the Statfold home signal (I am driving "Sybil Mary" in this shot)...

Me Driving "Sybil Mary" With "Marchlyn" (Photo - J.Shadbolt)

The sharp curve is shown in the image below, as are the larger wheels of "Marchlyn" compared to "Sybil Mary"...

"Sybil Mary" & "Marchlyn" (Photo - J.Shadbolt)

The "Big Engine Railway" that I mentioned earlier is the term used to describe the new line between the Statfold car park station and Oak Tree. The new line runs parallel with the old route but is steeper in places, and employs somewhat heavier coaching stock to the stuff we were pulling. The Mallet & the Fowler were working this line today, in their top & tailed formation. The fabulous parrallel running which occurred when both trains left Oak Tree at the same time was something to remember...

"The Great Statfold Train Race" (Photo - J.Shadbolt)

As the day wore on we continued to enjoy ourselves and "Sybil Mary" herself proved to be a good performer. Afterall, she is pretty much a brand new engine! The new boiler produced alot of steam when you needed it and the injectors were a dream. Its hard to believe that most of this engine is over 100 years old! What also surprises me about the Quarry Hunslets is their versatility. We must bare in mind that these 0-4-0s were designed to slog it out in the slate quarries of Wales and their designer probably never imagined that they would end up working passenger trains, let alone at more than a walking pace. Their versatility is of course testament to the Hunslet name, just as "Sybil Mary" is now yet another jewel in Statfold's ever shining crown. Below, we can be seen freezing in the station on the cabless Quarry...

"Freezing Cold" (Photo - D.Hone)

Never was a cup of tea more welcome!...

"Cuppa" (Photo - D.Hone)

We hauled our last passenger train at 3:30pm after performing many runs up & down the field railway, a few of which involved some exciting parallel running with the 'big train'. I once again got a go on the regulator and "Sybil Mary" performed very well, romping along with no need for encouragement whatsoever. When notched right back with the regulator just open, the crisp bark is barely audible, showing the haulage capability that she must have.

"Last Train Home - Sybil & Marchlyn" (Photo - D.Hone)

Following the last train we shunted the stock away before retiring the engines to the shed. Despite the snow the day was a complete success and I must sincerely thank Phil & Caroline for allowing me to share their day with them: I really enjoyed it. As always, its nice being in the company of good people on the footplate of an engine. Before I finish this post I thought I'd better include the video's below which are, in a word, special, and show the day perfectly.
 
"Sybil Mary" herself had done Statfold proud and apart from one bush running slightly warm was completely trouble free throughout the day. I must also thank Statfold, and Mr Graham Lee, for allowing me to be part of another Open Day on this magnificent railway: thank you. It really is a stunning place. Cheers guys. Sam.