MTEW: Saturday In Pictures...

Hi guys. Well, what a brilliant day! Miniature Traction Engine Weekend Day 1 went off fantastically. We didn't officially open until 10:30, and by 9:40 the visitors were arriving! It really did go off well and I can only hope that tomorrow goes better. We weren't exactly blessed with weather but the sunshine between the hail, rain and sleet was brilliant! Thank you to everyone who brought an engine and supported the event, and also thank you to every visitor that came and made the event a success. It made all the work to make it happen worthwhile. Thank you all. Now, Saturday in pictures...

Aveling & Porter "Louise" - 10 ton Roller

6" Burrell "Wandering Star" Road Loco

4" Burrell Showmans Engine "Winston Churchill"

3" Allchin "Royal Chester"

6" Burrell Devonshire Single Crank Compound "Merlin"

"Penelope" The Pipe Organ

"The Griffin" Powering "Penelope" The Organ

 

4" Foster "McGrew"

3" Marshall "Hampshire Rose" & 4" Garrett "Vera"

"Merlin", "Royal Chester", "Wandering Star" & "Louise"

Awning Display of Model Trucks by Roger Wood

6" Garrett "Jack"

6" Allchin "Abbie Jane" & "The Griffin"

Indoors...

Dave's Toy Steam Emporium Stand

A Quiet Part in the Goods Shed

Model Railway from Cardiff

The Fantastic Model Railway

Saturday Evening Road Run... 

"Merlin"

 

6" Garrett "Michael"

4" Foster "Staffordshire Lass" & "Vera"

4.5" Foden "Fenland Prince"

"Wandering Star" at the Pub

Red Engine, Red Lion

Thank you guys. Thank you very much. It was an immensely long day but brilliant all the same. Amazing. Sam.

MTEW: One Mad Friday...

Hi guys. Well, after six months of planning it was finally here. The engines began to arrive for Miniature Traction Engine Weekend today. I was at Market Bosworth from 9am until 8:30pm and for most of the day it was non-stop. I was either parking stuff, giving people information, on the phone, checking insurance, helping with coal and water movements and god knows what else. Mind you, what an achievement to see it all in place. The engines looked beautiful and the caravans slotted in perfectly. I didn't get chance to take many pics today as I was so busy. I must also thank my team of helpers who did a grand job of getting things sorted around the site. Lets hope for a good weekend!...

MTEW: Extracting "Louise"...

Hi guys. A short one from this evening. I was at Market Bosworth tonight with Andy, Jason and Phil, in order to get "Louise" the Steam Roller out of the Goods Shed. We attempted to use Jason's chunky Landy, which did actually get the roller half way out. Our progress was soon thwarted by the rollers getting wedged in between two access mats in the doorway, halting the process almost instantly. From there, "Louise" was steamed up and triumphantly steamed out of the shed under her own power. The engine was removed in order to allow the Goods Shed to be tidied and for the exhibits for MTEW to arrive tomorrow and Saturday. The engine will be kept outside tomorrow and will be the centrepiece engine for the weekend. "Lets get this show on the road"...

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.