The Day We Sprung Into Action...

Hi guys. Today, after work, I made my way over to Shackerstone where a portion of the Steam Department had been called together in order to undertake a repair task. The Great Western No3803 had failed last Sunday with a reported broken spring and, with two spares on site, we had at least one to change! The engine is reported to "like" breaking springs but I think in a way this has probably come about as many people forget just how many wheels this thing has got! The engine carries 16-wheels in total, from buffer to buffer - all of those have leaf springs; 8 of which carry a fair old amount of weight as they are driving axles. A few springs a year out of 16 doesn't seem bad to me when an engine like "Sir Gomer" may only break one a year...though she only carries 6 in total!

The process of changing a spring on this big engine involves, of course, jacking her up. The front and rear of the loco is jacked up using very heavy lifting jacks with very heavy sleepers as packing. The very heavy locomotive slowly begins to rise, millimetre by millimetre...groaning slightly as she does so. In the pit underneath the engine you can get a good view of all of the driving axle springs and also check them for damage/condition. Tapping each leaf with a small tool hammer will often show up damage as the leafs will begin to separate if the spring is broken. The springs are fastened to the bottom of the locomotive by three pins. The outer two pins are attached to the loco's frames via a bracket, one of which is riveted to the frames whilst the other is nut & bolted. Below shows a picture taken last year on 3803 with a spring in view beneath an axlebox. The bracket is the right-hand one and so is riveted to the frames, with the right-hand spring pin being visible to the left of it...

"Spring" - by Jan Ford

The central pin goes through a hanger for the main spring buckle. Anyway, where the locomotive is high enough on the jacks is decided by tapping either of the two outer pins with a small hammer to suggest movement. When they start to move, the loco is high enough. The two outer pins hold up a hanger which is threaded and allows two large nuts and two pieces of packing to pull the spring against the bracket, thus holding it still during use. This is how the locomotive holds itself on the spring (via the framing), whilst the central pin holds the axlebox in turn...and there is locomotive springing! In short the three pins allow the locomotive to stretch the spring with its weight and this gives the locomotive some form of suspension. With the two outer pins out the central pin is the last and this is whacked out before the very heavy broken spring falls away. The very heavy new spring can then be brought in and fitted by people who are, shall we say, better built for carrying or lifting very heavy things. Us skinny, muscle free folk can then move in and bolt up the very heavy spring now that the very heavy part is nearly over. With everything tightened up and all pins and brackets firmly attached and secured, the locomotive can be dropped back down. Its quite a sound as the big engine groans its way back down onto its 10-springs. And that's it...a job well done!! Don't get me wrong...I may have mentioned it before but...this is a very heavy task...don't try this at home! Cheers guys, Sam...

Sunny Day with a 38'...

Hi guys. Today I was on the Great Western 2-8-0 No3803 again...this time with Phil as Driver. I arrived at 6:30am and started, as normal, by checking around the engine and lighting the fire. The big engine was a bit sluggish to get going this morning, for one reason or another, but we managed to get off shed for coal before 10:15am so all was well. Myself, Phil and trainee Dennis prepped and cleaned the loco before heading down to the North End where the JCB filled the tender...

The JCB must have put about 5 or 6 bucket-loads into the tender during our filling as it was quite empty...

"One Lump or Two?"

With the tender replenished heartily with the smoky Russian Coal, 3803 steamed through Platform 1 and then ran round the 11:15 departure. We were on the train with about 20 minutes to spare and the loco simmered happily with about 200psi on the gauge. After changing into my good overalls there was time for a quick snap before building up the fire for departure...

3803 steamed very well on the first journey, and on the way back in particular I felt like I had it nailed. Being on more often does certainly help your firing technique as you get more practise in, especially as I've been on the last three weekends and with three different drivers! With a thin fire the loco steamed well, as long as you regularly checked the 'hump' in the grate where it begins to slope. The hump is where 3803 seems to eat away the coal the most. If you have coal there, she'll steam like mad and you can just fill the holes in elsewhere when required. This technique is obviously very different to that experienced if you were on the main line with this engine as you would need a much deeper fire to keep the pressure up if working very hard and at about 45mph. The preserved railway life is much easier on these ex-GWR 2-8-0s as their raw power allows them to simply saunter along with 4 or 5 coaches as its no effort for them at all. Less effort = less wear in my book and so not taxing her too much may be a good thing, ay?

It was a very pleasant day and I enjoyed 4 trips firing (2 of which was shadowing Dennis) and a trip driving to boot...very pleasant. The day seemed to fly by and it wasn't long before we were awaiting the 'right away' on the final northbound departure of the day from Shenton...

"Sunny 38"

After a good run back on the last trip, 3803 retired to the shed and was disposed of as appropriate. The only problem we'd had during the day was a trip where the pressure gauge needle decided it didn't like us anymore and dropped off the shaft and thus the gauge read 0psi!! We managed to get back by keeping the safety valves close to blowing off most of the way to highlight the fact we were still at full pressure. The gauge was quickly repaired at Shackerstone and after about 30 minutes fiddling it was back in its rightful place and reading properly once again...things that happen, ay?! Cheers guys...a very pleasant day, Sam...

The Cromford Steam Rally...

Hi guys. Today myself and Maisie had been invited up to see the Cromford Steam Rally, by a new acquaintance of mine who I met during the MTEW that I organised in April. There were just over 50 miniature steamers in various scales, with the largest being a superb (and huge!) 9" scale Burrell Road Loco. The full size engines were also numerous with over 30 examples on the rally field, of varying types, makes and sizes. As well as the steam exhibits there were countless tractors, commercial vehicles, cars, 'pop-pop' barn engines, fairground rides and of course trade stands. There was a lot to see so, rather than describe everything, I thought I would just add a lot of pictures of what we saw..

Right then. Above we see A.Baker's immaculate Fowler Roller "Survivor" and P.Warwick's matching Organ "Alpen Rose". I found this pair particularly impressive and the Roller has to be the best kept roller I have ever seen! Below we can see just three of the countless vintage Tractor's heading down to the Arena...

A Foden steam wagon; probably 3" scale by the look of it; simmers away...

The Foden wagon's certainly seemed popular at this rally and the one below particularly caught my eye. The owner tells me that he didn't want his 4.5" Foden to look like the rest and so he made it as a Fire Engine look-a-like...

Now for an engine that I gladly had at MTEW...4.5" Foden "Heather"...

Below, two 'big' Burrell's. The one on the left is a 6" Road Engine, and the one on the right is the huge 9" Burrell...

Now...the next photo sort of begs the question..."Why did they not build a full size one?". This 9" Burrell was extremely impressive and very, very large indeed! At 3/4 scale it is a very big engine and is definitely the biggest 'Miniature' I have ever seen...

Another visitor to MTEW was 3" Burrell Showmans "The Griffin" and her organ (which she powers via dynamo)...

Yet another Foden...this time a 6" one...

And another MTEW attendee...beautiful 6" Garrett Showmans Tractor "Michael"...

A full size engine...

Foster Traction Engine "Sprig", which is a rally stalwart around these parts...

Three 'big boys toys' line up...

Now for something really special. Below is "Lord Nelson"...a beautiful Burrell Showmans Engine. I find many full size engines impressive but an immaculately turned out Showmans really is something else...a work of art some might say.

A few of the full size engines lined up...

Something different...a pair of Case Traction Engines. I find them a little strange looking!...

Below, a pair of Garratt's stand together..."Michael" the 6" Showmans and a 4" Agricultural...

Yet another MTEW visitor, and a very welcome one too...6" Burrell "Wandering Star". This is a very big miniature...at about 3 tons in weight!...

Finally, a little Burrell steaming well...

The photo's above show only a minimum of what was on offer but it does give you a little idea at least! It was a very impressive rally and we did enjoy it very much. Next stop...the biggest Steam Show in the World..."THE GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR"...Cheers guys...Sam...

An Easy Day On 3803...

Hi guys. A quiet, enjoyable and seemingly easy day today on Great Western 2-8-0 No3803 at Shackerstone. I arrived at 6:30am and got the loco lit before Driver Eddie arrived about an hour later. Together we prepped the locomotive before taking it out into the platform to do a stock shunt at about 10:20am. We then had Breakfast on the Shovel which we managed to eat (very nice too!) before departure at 11:15. The day went very well and we shared the footplate with Trainee Dennis. Though it was fairly uneventful it was very enjoyable and I thank the lads for their good company. As well as firing 2 of the trips I also drove 2 trips as well which was very enjoyable indeed. 3803 performed very well once again. Cheers guys - Sam...

Rail Ale: Return to 3803...

Hi guys. Today at 6:30am I made a welcome return to the Great Western 2-8-0 locomotive No3803. The 1939-built heavy freight engine is now back in full working order after remedial overhaul work on her valve & piston rings, as well as a general 'tightening up' of the front end. The ashpan and its dampers have also been repaired so that they work better, and the overall sound of the engine at the chimney is much better too. I spent a very pleasant day on the engine with Driver Adrian and Trainee Fireman Paul. We had 4 trips today, alternating with the Class 33 & Class 47 diesel locomotives at Shackerstone. I fired the first run, with Paul firing the 2nd whilst I drove. It was very nice to be back on the regulator of the powerful 2-8-0 as we cruised down to Shackerstone at 25mph with the typical Great Western vacuum pump ticking away happily on the drivers side. The braking on this engine is also very good when you've got the train on and I find it anchors up quite well. The third trip saw me firing again with Paul taking the fourth whilst I drove again. It was a very enjoyable day indeed and it was great to be back on 3803, and in good company! Cheers guys - Sam...

Rail Ale: Working The Bar & Busker Part II...

Hi guys. Today I was back at Shackerstone, working Buffet Car "Jessie" with Reas & his wife Rachel. Takings were very good on the trains, though the Buffet Car was quiet as many opted for the Real Ale...well, that is what they came for! Between breaks from "Jessie" we took a little walk around Market Bosworth where 7 full size road engines, a Stanley Steam Car and a couple of vintage vehicles were on display as well as afternoon musical entertainment in the Goods Shed. I even managed to have a go on the Simplicity roller, with Jason. I haven't had a go on that since 2008...see blog. A lovely little roller: the Gentleman's Engine you might say! Following our day on "Jessie" we locked up on the last return run and Reas & Rachel alighted on the final Market Bosworth stop. I opted to ride on the footplate of 3803 with Carl & Jason rather than staying with the revellers on the Buffet. Back at Shack I jumped into the Saxo and headed for Market Bosworth, ready to see a bit of Dr Busker's 2nd performance, beginning at 8pm once again. In the company of Eddie & David it was a great night and very enjoyable. I left a bit earlier tonight in ridiculously heavy rain as I am on 3803 tomorrow. Cheers guys - Sam...

Rail Ale: An Evening With The Doctor...

Hi guys. Tonight was the opening night of the Battlefield Line's "Rail Ale" event 2013. Operated by Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA, the Bar at Market Bosworth Goods Shed opened up at 7pm and the performance of the evening began at 8pm. As we arrived there was a large green shape in the distance, standing adjacent to the signalbox...it was 3803. Yes, 3803 has now returned to Shackerstone for a few months of hire, following replacement of both valve & piston rings and general tightening up of the front end where possible. The loco stood proudly alongside the yard at Market Bosworth, having been under light-engine test during the afternoon. "Blue Circle": the unique blue Aveling & Porter 2-2-0: was also in steam, coupled to her regular brake van and offering shuttle rides up & down the siding. A few road engines were also in the yard, including a pair of Steam Roller's and two traction engines. Myself, Maisie & a fair few family members had all turned up for the evening performance by renowned Steam Rally entertainer..."Dr Busker". Beginning at 8pm, we watched the entire performance which ended about midnight. Busker was again at the top of his game and had the crowd cheering (and even on their feet at some points!) to his renditions of various classic songs as well as many of his own. I can't remember how many he did but it was a fair few, coupled with his interval starting cheer..."More Beer". It was a fantastic night and very busy indeed which means good money for the railway. Thanks for reading folks - Sam...

Sun, Steam & Shakespeare...

Hello everyone. Today we were booked to dine on the "Shakespeare Express": Vintage Trains' regular summer Sunday steam service between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon. We had been booked on the express for some time and I for one had been looking forward to it. After a car ride up the M6 and then along the A38 into the centre of Birmingham, we arrived in Livery Street where Snow Hill Station is accessed. Parking is on a neat multi-storey above the platforms and, having parked, you simply walk down the stairs onto the platform to await your train. At about 9:40am the ECS for the first "Shakespeare" run of the day arrived. Owing to the recent hot weather, Network Rail had enforced a ban on steam locomotives. The only way around this ban was to include a diesel in the consist and many of this weekends rail-tours ran in this manner to avoid cancellation. Therefore, when the ECS pulled in it was headed by Tyseley's Class 47: 47 773. The immaculate GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 No4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" was on the rear of the train, ready to work the tender first leg to Stratford. The shining 4-6-0 simmered quietly at what was now the head of the train, whilst passengers stood admiringly alongside her...

This Hall has to be the best kept of the class in preservation: she's immaculate from front to back. A mate of mine; Tom; was firing 4965 on the first return journey and kindly invited me up onto the footplate for a look around before departure. I was surprised at how 4965 sat so quietly under Snow Hill's drab concrete roof, simply feathering at the safety valves with a semi-dead but hot fire. Tom explained the various kit required to operate a main line steam locomotive on Network Rail metals in the modern world, such as TPWS, GSMR and of course a 'Black Box' which records Speed, Steam Chest Pressure and Braking Force. Gone are the days when all steam loco's had to guide them were Semaphore signals and the experience of the Driver. Driver today was Ray Churchill, who is known to drive about 90% of the 'Shakespeare's during their summer season. I tell you what, it was warm on that footplate, even with a small fire in the box!...

Having been dragged off the footplate by the hungry family, we wandered up to the two Pullman cars to find our table for four in 'Premier Dining'. The menu for the day was handed around the well prepared table...

At 10:23am, 4965 gave a blast of her Great Western whistle before departing from Snow Hill, whilst we enjoyed our first course of Breakfast. The loco eased gently down through the gloomy tunnel into the restored station at Moor Street, where the second pick-up is made. Having left Moor Street there is a gentle run to Tyseley, which is home of 4965 and Tyseley Loco Works. Other engines based at Tyseley include "Clun Castle", "Earl of Mount Edgecumbe" and the two 'main line' Panniers: 7752 & 9600. Leaving her home station, 4965 swung tender first onto the North Warwickshire Line, bound for Henley-in-Arden. A hearty full English breakfast was served in Pullman Class as the Hall steamed gracefully through beautiful countryside. The breakfast was followed by another hot cuppa' before arrival at Stratford right on time. As usual with rail-tours there was a mad rush to see the locomotive and so I made an effort to avoid the route taken by the main rabble as I left the Pullman Car...

One of the Met-Cam Pullman Cars Used By VTL

Built at Swindon in 1929, "Rood Ashton Hall" worked until December 1963. She was restored to full working order by 1998 and spent 10 cracking years on the main line with Vintage Trains, mainly on the "Shakespeare Express". Owing to the immaculate condition which the locomotive is kept in, and its maintenance program, the 10-year overhaul took only a few months and the loco was re-certified for main line work in October 2009. Interestingly, 4965 had an identity change in 1962, to carry the name of scrapped sister No4983 "Albert Hall". During the restoration of 4983 it was discovered that she had the frames of 4965 and so the debate began. Click HERE for the full story of an 'Engine in Two Halves'. Anyway, back to today, the immaculate Hall was uncoupled very quickly and the large ejector was soon heard roaring away, taking off the vacuum brakes as the engine prepared to back away...

Having reversed under the bridge and up to the buffer stops, the points were changed and 4965 was given the clear to run round. Here she is having a bark away from the buffer stops looking beautiful...

...And then running under the bridge in full flight...

A Good Run-Round, Sounding Great

With 4965 clear of the station, permission was given for her to back down again. Once coupled up to the Class 47, preparations began for the departure towards Birmingham. We left the loco smoking away as we walked into historic Stratford. We spent the afternoon trotting around the various shops and river walkways. It was so busy and absolutely full of tourists: there must be a good economy here!...

River Scene at Stratford

At about 2:40pm I decided to head back towards the station to try and capture 4965 coming in on 'Train C', from Birmingham, passing 'Shakespeare's Birthplace' on my way...

Right on time at just gone 3pm, 4965 appeared into view and hissed into Stratford with the afternoon "Shakespeare"...

Under the footbridge she went, slowing to a stop...

With 4965 preparing to run round again, the Class 47 ticked over at the head of the train in preparation for the 4:13pm departure. The green diesel was driven by Ray Poole: his job was to ensure that 4965 didn't work "too hard" and set fire to any neighbouring fields...

At Stratford, the Support Crew take a well-earned breather in the sun, waiting to water 4965...

The attractive headboard for the "Shakespeare Express" is worn proudly on each run...

Once attached again, 4965 basked in the sun, looking beautiful...

Whilst on the platform at Stratford I got chatting to Alistair Meanley: son of Tyseley supremo Bob Meanley. He praised the Hall for its reliability and popularity but remarked on the difficulty of pathing an engine like this around on modern railways. The problem is not the speed of the engine but her GWR pedigree, as Swindon's Hall's had very large cylinders which swelled out from the frames more than Midland engines for example. This factor prevents 4965 from running on many parts of the national network, though she has strayed to countless places over her 13 years on the main line. Following on from her immaculate exterior is her immaculate footplate. Just look at those controls, not only are they sparkling clean but the floor is well swept and even the cups are clean on the tea tray...I suppose if you keep on top of these things its so much easier to keep an immaculate engine...if expensive on polish!...

As departure time neared we decided to board the Pullman Cars again for our "High Tea". This included a hot chicken dinner (which was very tasty and filling) with vegetables, followed by Strawberries & Cream. Naturally a real ale was called for...

The return run doesn't take in the North Warwickshire Line. Instead the Hall takes a trundle along the branch line to Claverdon before joining the main Birmingham - Oxford line at Hatton North Junction. From here the 4-6-0 can stretch her legs up to 60mph on the fast line through Lapworth and Solihull...

Countryside on the Claverdon Branch

After our "tea", a cup of tea was served with an after-dinner mint as 4965 raced along at 60mph...she really was going for it, but effortlessly. This is why we pay for main line steam...

Though 4965 was running well, all too soon it was time for Ray Churchill to shut-off steam and start applying the brakes, slowing for Tyseley. A further stop at Moor Street was followed by journeys-end at Snow Hill Station, about 7 hours after we initially left. As quickly as I could I ran up to the front of the train and caught 4965 wearing the headboard before she disappeared off to run round. Now that is a beautiful engine...

No4965 "Rood Ashton Hall", The "Shakespeare Engine"

All in all it had been a fantastic day. You can't really beat Pullman Class, I know its more expensive but you do get some fantastic food and the service & atmosphere is great. The "Shakespeare Express" is really one to be recommended and it will be running every Sunday until early September. See www.vintagetrains.co.uk for details. Thanks very much for reading guys and thank you to VTL for a cracking day out with "Rood Ashton hall". Cheers, Sam...

Prepping & Cleaning "Sir Gomer"...

Hi guys. A quiet day at Shackerstone today, prepping and cleaning the Peckett "Sir Gomer" for her Sunday services tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the last day in service (for the time being) for the 0-6-0 as Heavy Freight 2-8-0 No3803 returns to Shackerstone next week. Thanks guys - Sam...

Peter's Birthday at GEC...

Hi guys. It was a very warm day today, especially for driving steamers: oh well! Fresh from my holiday last week, I had been invited to drive the red Romulus "James" at the GEC. My friend James (owner of "James") had booked his son Peter's 3rd Birthday Party and so required help with the engine during the afternoon. Eddie also attended with the blue Wren 0-4-0, which has now been affectionately dubbed "Willy". The large Bagnall look-a-like ("Luna") also attended to create a three-steamer service. The Romulus was in steam first and myself and James took turns driving his cracking locomotive. Its a very pleasant day at GEC (every time you go!) riding up and down the field aboard "James" with a cuppa' on the tender. After a very pleasant afternoon we returned the loco to the steaming bays ready to blow down. It had been a brilliant day. Happy Birthday Peter. Cheers guys - Best Regards, Sam...