Hi all. Today I was out and about in search of steam. My first destination was Apedale; not too far from Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Moseley Railway Trust is based here and has a surprisingly extensive collection of 2ft gauge locomotives and rolling stock. This weekend saw the popular "Tracks To The Trenches" event on offer and a gala-style service would be in operation alongside countless displays related to the First World War. The event showcased several WW1 exhibits, both static and live action. There were horses and carts, period vehicles, re-enactors galore, trench displays, shooting demonstrations, the narrow gauge railway and several other stalls and show pieces. The 2ft gauge running line is now complimented by a Field Railway, which goes off into grassland via the point work in the yard. This additional track layout shows just how a front line service railway would have operated: lightly laid and ready for anything! I arrived at Apedale after a good run up the M6 by around 10:30am. Several cars were already queuing for a space, with many eager visitors stomping up the drive towards the station. This was of course a first visit for me and I was very much finding my own way. The first engine I saw was a visiting Joffre; one of six steam locomotives in action on the line today...
This chunky little 0-6-0: also named "Joffre": is usually based at the West Lancs Light Railway. I particularly liked the addition of the oversize tea can on the warming tray...
The Joffre class 0-6-0s were designed and built by Kerr Stuart for dispatch overseas for use on French artillery railways. This makes the type an important exhibit at an event like this. The engine had just been uncoupled from a passenger train when I turned up and she duly moved forward ready to run round. The engine sidled steadily backwards, passing another 0-6-0; this time the resident Hudswell Clarke, No1238 of 1916...
Having purchased my event ticket: which included a trip on the railway: I wandered into the event area. Almost immediately, another Joffre crossed my path on its way to the field railway. There were all sorts of movements going on today from light engine workings to wagon pulls and shunting...
Vintage cars were on display, as well as this lovely Foden Steam Wagon...
Visitors could also enjoy a tour of a trench set-up...
Its very hard to convey in words just how much was going on. There were indoor stalls including 16mm, army clothing traders and society stands whilst outside there were horses moving around, shots being fired, re-enactors all over the place etc. It really was a method of atmosphere and was most impressive to see. The little black Hudswell Clarke (No1238) was a nice thing to look at. It was repatriated from Ghana in 2008 where it had led a harsh existence. During a storm in 1952, the engine fell into a river, killing its driver. It was rescued around 40 years later and sat on display for another 10 years or more before being brought home to the UK. The engine was lovingly restored and returned to steam in 2014. It was a real mammoth project: one of those that perhaps some would have said; "no way!"...
Just over the way, a sister to No1238 stood simmering happily in the sun, with Martyn in command. GP39 is of course a Statfold Barn loco and was visiting the event to be paired with its sister. Ed has always referred to these Hudswell's as "malnourished" engines due to their very slender appearance. I think I agree...
Having had a chat with SBR Driver (and driver on most railways to be honest!) Martyn, I wandered back over to the Apedale station to try and catch a ride on the train. Having taken my seat, I thought that the West Lanc's Joffre was going to be doing the work and so prepared to tick another engine off...
Allas, it was not to be and in fact GP39 did the honours on the outward trip, with sister No1238 pulling the return. No matter, its all steam! The running line at Apedale is fairly short, departing the station before dropping downgrade past the engine shed and slowing to negotiate some points into the run round loop at the end station. I'd say its about 1/4 of a mile. No1238 was soon at the head of the train and got the 3-coach rake away smartly...
Pulling back into the station we were treated to the sight of Leighton Buzzard-based Baldwin No778; another WW1 veteran of 1917 vintage I believe. These unusual 4-6-0s are quite pretty and I wouldn't mind a go on one...
The Fireman was just putting some more coal round on No778...
Walking down through the event area brought me to the loco shed where I found the visiting Joffre and resident 0-4-2 Tattoo-class "Stanhope" enjoying their lunch break...
Even more stands and exhibits lay within the loco shed! Having walked back up through the event field and around the front of the station, I wandered down the lineside footpath to snap GP39 returning on a later passenger train...
A short video clip I captured of the well tank in the lunchtime sun...
Another view of "Stanhope", built in 1917 and an Apedale regular...
Apedale also has a colourful abundance of internal combustion locomotives, mostly of the Simplex variety. I believe that the ex-Cadeby Simplex's found a home here and I find it quite pleasing that these small but interesting engines are being cared for on a railway of their own. Just some of the many diesels were basking in the sun...
A final view of the station area, with footings in for the new Museum building...
Well folks, a very pleasant first visit to Apedale. I certainly didn't realise they had so much stuff. The "Tracks To The Trenches" event was also most enjoyable and very impressively put together. I'm afraid my images and words can't do the scale of it justice. Martyn was telling me that there is the scope to extend the running line at the terminus end when funds allow, thus providing a longer train ride to visitors. I wish them luck at Apedale. The place has bags of potential and an extensive collection of narrow gauge engines and rolling stock. For me, its back in the car now and off to find the Amerton Railway...
Hi all. Today was another nice little volunteer day at Tyseley: the former 84E shed. I arrived at just before 10am and, having changed into my overalls, made my way to the loco shed where proceedings were just getting underway. Most of todays jobs centred around the restoration of No7029 "Clun Castle" but two of the other engines were also receiving attention. No5043 (the "Earl") was out in the sun for a while, having been rudely awoken from her slumber by the Class 08 diesel shunter. During the afternoon I was working on Pannier Tank No9600, just doing a little preparation for a bit of a tidy up. This engine was built at Swindon in 1945...
I was needle-gunning on 9600. Needle-gunning basically uses an air driven tool to chip away any paint and corrosion which may be on your metalwork. The Pannier was just having some burnt smokebox paint chipped away in readiness for a new coat to go on the smokebox ring. Tyseley engines are certainly kept ship shape, and rightly so! The Castle meanwhile was basking in the sun...
A real shine adorns the beautiful Castle Class 4-6-0 No5043...
I left Tyseley at around 5:45pm, having had a very worthwhile and interesting day. Its lovely working alongside this terrific stud of Great Western engines! No7029 had also made some great progress: one step closer! Best Regards, Sam...
Hi all. One of the 'must do's' of being a member of Coventry MES is to help a couple of times per year with the weekly public running season. The Sunday afternoon train service operates between Easter and the end of September and, in recent years in particular, has become very popular with visitors to Ryton Pools. Today I was rostered to crew for the public running, with roving latecomer 'Eddie the Late' in charge. Most of the services on the railway are hauled by either the Class 31 or Class 37 outline electric locomotives. For me however, everything else must come second to steam and thus one of the club's trusty steam locomotives was brought out for use today. This engine is Sweet Pea-type 0-4-0 "Diane", built by a talented late club member and now part of the little used operational steam fleet...
You can see the attraction in running the electric: switch it on and it goes: but for me you must at least try to run the steam engine. Two sets would work todays services; one hauled by the Class 31 and the other hauled by "Diane". The engine was on the steaming bay just before Midday and I immediately set to filling the boiler, checking the engine over and then lighting the fire. The engine was last used on the New Years Day services I believe and was no doubt chomping at the bit to have another go! When I joined CMES in 2004, steam was all they had. The petrol hydraulic did make itself known in later years but, nine times out of ten, the steam engine would be running. It was this constant exposure to steam engines: small though they were: that slowly began to convince the 12-year old me that steam was the way forward. If it wasn't for those early years, I wouldn't be writing this now! Anyway, with the train sets ready, "Diane" was almost ready to leave the bay. Much like the Bagnall contractors locomotive's they were inspired by, the Sweet Pea's have a marine boiler and a fairly shallow grate. This means that you want a good wood fire burning before adding coal. I always add a good wedge at the back and then push it forward under the baffle...
We steamed triumphantly onto the track at around 12:45pm and, upon arrival at Ryton Halt, prepared to take passengers as soon as some turned up. The weather was beautiful today; a little too warm for a steam engine if you like! "Diane" took the first loaded train at around 12:50pm and, from then on, it was completely none stop. I was amazed at the amount of people we were taking round the 2000ft long track. The Sweet Pea was in fine form, hugging the red line for most of the trip and being quite content to be knocked back down the gauge using the crosshead pump. As long as you kept a good thick fire with plenty under the baffle, "Diane" was happy. I did get a brief chance to snap the engine whilst the dreaded electric crew got a head start at around 2:30pm...
"Sweet Pea 0-4-0 No2 Diane"
The engine continued to run well for the rest of the afternoon and, though there was a brief lull in proceedings just before 3pm, the intensity of the service didn't cease until gone 4pm. It was a great pleasure to be driving today: the sun was shining, people were waving at us everywhere we went and the little steam engine repeatedly broke the afternoon silence as she climbed the bank with train after train of happy passengers. At around 4:15pm we ran our final train and "Diane" steamed triumphantly back into Ryton Halt after an amazing little day out. I for one was very pleased with her efforts. We chugged easily back down to the bendy beam before coming off onto the run up rail. The engine was then uncoupled and hissed gracefully over onto the steaming bays for disposal. Upon opening up the smokebox, we were surprised the engine had managed to move at all...
I can honestly say I've never seen a smokebox so full with the engine still continuing to steam so well. Steaming was of course a little more reluctant than when we first started but not to a worrying level: well done "Diane"! If we examine the work done today though...the little engine completed 32 laps of the track to my count, which is equivalent to 12.1 miles or something along those lines. And they weren't just easy going laps, they were well loaded trains. This is actually well over 50 miles in scale terms, with those little wheels whizzing round with all their might! The railway carried a whopping 358 passengers today. For all the naysayers that say only the electrics can cope with the RPMR, "Diane" is a testament to miniature steam...
The engine was soon cleaned down, boiler empty, tubes swept, grate cleaned and tank buffed up ready to go back in the box for another time. I'm very pleased with today's performance, though I can tell you that 32 laps without a break driving a steam engine in todays weather has created a few stiff joints and terrible dehydration - but it was worth it! Thanks to everyone who helped run the trains at RPMR today and it was really nice to see steam doing the work and even catching up with the electric once or twice. I'll repeat, in my world, everything comes second to steam. Cheers all, Sam...
Hi everyone. Today was another volunteer Saturday at Tyseley Loco Works and, for once, the sun was shining! There were a few gangs around the site today working on various loco's: the Duke lads were in, the Princess group were in and some of the diesel boys were in too. Our small group, volunteering on behalf of the Tyseley Collection, was continuing with work on the boiler for historic Castle Class 4-6-0 No7029 "Clun Castle". "Clun" is rather important to Western region preservation in that she was the last Castle in service (withdrawn 1965) and also hauled the last steam service out of Paddington during her withdrawal year. The pioneer of the Tyseley Collection, 7029 will hopefully steam again in the not too distant future, thanks to the Castles for the Future Appeal that was launched in 2008. Its a very moving feeling sometimes when looking around the shed here: there are engines just everywhere in various states of restoration or overhaul and you sometimes need a little moment to take it all in. Its a wonderful atmosphere, straight out of the past. Meanwhile, whilst "Clun"s overhaul continues, the girls are no doubt looking forward to their next outing...
"5043 And 4965 Think Of The Main Line"
It was another very enjoyable day at Tyseley and, as always, I can recommend the railtours hauled by this fabulous stud of Great Western engines. The website can be found by clicking here. There are day trips available to book to various destinations and of course the "Shakespeare Express": Tyseley's signature trip: which runs on summer Sunday's between Birmingham and Stratford-Upon-Avon. Many thanks for reading all, Sam...
Hi all. Today, after leaving work at 11am, the sunshine on the short drive to Ryton Pools was a welcome addition to proceedings. Myself and everyone's favourite alarm clock snoozer 'Eddie the Late' had arranged to have a quiet steam up this afternoon at the club track and, I'm pleased to say, it went off very well. Eddie had arrived just before me and had performed the gallant task of firing up the kettle in preparation for a most welcome cuppa'...he calls it a "brew" - must be a mill owners term! The two engines were duly unloaded and stood proudly on their respective steaming bays. My offering was "Achilles" whilst Eddie brought along his very nice Don Young 'Midland' - his take on the Midland 2P 4-4-0s. Tea's in hand, we decided to have the obligatory "look at us with our engines" shot...
Both engines were soon lit up and "Achilles" was doing her usual job of smoking up a storm. Ed was most unimpressed by the smoke drifting his way and didn't seem at all amused by me blaming the wind and not my assortment of wood accelerants!...
Its a very leisurely affair at CMES on a Friday. There isn't the normal mad rush that there is on steam-up days or public days - you can just do it all in your own time. "Achilles" was first to hit the red line and duly hissed onto the traverser before backing onto the run up rail. The old engine hasn't been out since New Years Day, though we did make an attempt earlier in the Spring but even Noah's Ark would have protested at the level of rain that fell that day!...
Having not used the engine for five months, the main worry was that something would be wrong. I shouldn't have worried though, she was just fine. The engine chugged easily around the railway and up to Ryton Halt where she is captured at the column...
"Achilles" still carries proudly her brass cab plaque, dedicated to her loving builder Ken who we sadly lost early this year. I'm sure he was looking down today and would have been glad to see the old engine steaming merrily around the track at Ryton...
The engine was steaming very well today, being fired on a mixture of house coal and steam coal. I don't rate steam coal at the moment, not for miniatures anyway. If you've got a good strong draft, the steam coal is no problem but when running on your own with a loco the size of "Achilles", the draw simply isn't there due to the lessened blast being ejected up the chimney. Mixing in a little house coal creates a smoky but workable fire and I had no problems with pressure today. I did manage to take a short video clip too... Ed's 2P was also going very well, although his eye-wear was much more Toad of Toad Hall than Midland Railway Driver...
Ed disposed a couple of laps before I did and "Achilles" is spotted blowing down on the steaming bay after a pleasant little outing...
The engines had both done very well and I can always see the attraction in these Friday afternoon runs. Its quiet, simple, easy and stress-free and with only two of you running there is no issue if you have to stop for whatever reason away from the station. I must thank bringer of lateness 'Eddie the Late' for his welcome company at the track today and, as always, for being such a good sport after his usual pulling apart on the blog! Thanks for reading all, Sam...
Hi all. This evening my 3.5" gauge Great Northern Railway Atlantic (LBSC Maisie) was to be steam tested at the club track ready for another year's work. I arrived at around 6:30pm and immediately set to unloading the car. The 4-4-2 still has its cab off, allowing access to the pressure gauge nut on the manifold. Boiler tester Colin then came up and, overseen by Derek, tested my gauge for true reading. With all OK, the gauge was refitted to the engine and preparations made to light the fire. With 1/2 a glass of water in the boiler and some wood crackling away on the grate, the engine began to gradually warm through with help from the electric blower...
The steam test; undertaken every 12 to 14 months; is basically an MOT for the boiler. The fittings are checked and the tester(s) will also look for leaks. The main points are to ensure that A) the safety valves work, B) the safety valves can empty the boiler faster than steam can be created at full blower chat and C) that the engine has at least two methods of getting water into the boiler to replenish the supply. With a good coal fire now in the box, the engine was ramped up to full blower chat and sat happily with the needle only slightly edging over the red line. (You get 10% grace!). With the test pretty much passed, all that was required was to prove the hand-pump and water pump. The hand-pump was fine but to test the water pump the easiest way is to go for a run. Soon enough, 4436 found herself simmering away at Ryton Halt as the sun began to set on this warm late Spring evening...
After a lap, Colin came back to check all was well and then gave the engine a clean bill of health. The new boiler certificate was then issued, allowing 4436 to run for another 14 months - "Hurray!". She was running very well; free-steaming and content as normal...
A good fire in the box at Ryton Halt...
I did a good half a dozen or so laps with the Atlantic before deciding to retire. The job in hand had been completed and the engine had proved that she is now back in fettle. A final view of the engine at Ryton Halt: it looks horrendous without the cab!...
"4436 Simmers at Ryton Halt Having Passed The Steam Test"
After the final photo-stop I steamed down to the steaming bays and duly disposed the engine. Unlike my "Achilles" tank engine, 4436 has a rocking grate which slopes at the rear to allow the fire to be raked out. Its pretty much like standard gauge practise - you get dust and ash everywhere! The locomotive was soon packed up and ready for home after a good little run. I hope to use 4436 a good few times this year, probably on the CMES Wednesday evening runs. She's a nimble little engine that is fun to drive and fire, whilst being light enough for me to load into and out of the car without any potential injury! Cheers all, Sam...
Hi all. First of all, I am reliably informed that it is now May...how has this happened?! This morning on this dreary Bank Holiday Monday I was steaming my 3.5" gauge GNR Atlantic. The engine hasn't steamed since September, through one thing and another, but now I am determined to get it back up & running again. It's even out of ticket, hence the steaming at home prior to its booked steam test this Wednesday evening at the club. It failed last September with the handpump refusing to work. This has now been rectified and so today's run was to try out both water pumps and the newly fitted safety valve spindle. Steaming at home is a messy affair and I really don't like doing it. Coal and oil and water gets absolutely everywhere and it amazes me just how much mess the engines make at home compared to at the track! However, in some cases, needs must. The engines wheels were blocked up in readiness to try the axle-pump and the fire was lit...
The domestic authorities then gave the usual lecture about the carbon footprint and the local residents and their washing. Anyone would think I was bringing an over-loaded 8F up the drive with 50 coal wagons tagged on the back at 50% and all the regulator - different perceptions astound. The vision of scores of dozens of ash drenched housewives running for the laundry baskets in vain as a 3.5" gauge engine sits ticking over in the garden. In the first instance I kept the fire burning wood only, just in case the safety valve didn't work at all and the blaze had to be quickly extinguished - you never know! The fire was burning brightly with the electric blower whirling away...
Soon enough the safety valve was lifting and all pressures were maintained no matter what you did with the fire or the blower. I even built the fire up to just above the foot of the door ring and it still refused to creep more than 10% above the red line at full blower chat - just the job! The engine sat happily, expelling a jet of steam hurriedly skyward...
The engine was then turned over for a while to get some oil round her and to check the axle-pump was working as it should be. I'm happy to say that she was running well...
The engine was soon disposed and put away, thankfully just before a Spring shower began to come down on us. Now, if we take a trip back to February time we see the tender on its side and the loco looking longingly at it...
The handpump was removed back in February to check what was wrong with it. Accumulated muck, rust and grime had seized the two bronze balls solid in the delivery chamber and thus everytime you pumped the handle you got the water coming back. The non-return system just could not work. With the pump apart and cleaned up well, things were looking a little brighter: at least it was nothing sinister...
The inside of the tender was boil washed during March to get rid of the accumulated coal dust, swarf and general muck that seems to gather in it. The idea behind this thorough clean up was to give the handpump a chance of new life...
Once the tender was nice and clean inside, the handpump was refitted with a newly repacked ram and looked quite smart...
"The Handpump Cleaned, Unseized, Repacked and Refitted"
The pump was tested out of the tender before fitting, with the household authorities expressing their hatred for jets of water being launched up the cupboards. My comments that it was all good news because the pump was working did not manage to provide contentment at the mess in the kitchen! Well, that's all folks for this one. The Atlantic is now ready to go to her steam test this Wednesday evening and, barring any unforeseen planetary alignments, I'm sure it will be OK. Best Regards, Sam...
Saturday Kitchen over, it was time to get changed and head into the site. There were four of us at the shed today volunteering on behalf of the Tyseley Collection, though some of the 6201 boys were also in working on their huge Stanier pacific. Efforts for our gang today centred around the boiler for No7029 "Clun Castle", which is making steady progress towards a much-anticipated return to steam. My first task was to knock up a gasket for the blow-down valve which was to be fitted soon afterwards. The blow-down is bolted to the foundation ring on the door-plate and allows not only the emptying of the boiler (if required) but also allows a fast release of steam and water when the boiler is in steam, thus drawing out any accumulated scale...
With the blow-down valve fitted, the rest of the day revolved around tapping out and fitting studs which will later hold fittings such as the brake valve, blower valve and the gauge glass. It will be amazing when 7029 is finally complete and Tyseley will then boast both of the remaining pair of double-chimney Castle's. Over the way, sister Castle No5043 was waiting patiently near the shed door alongside Pannier Tank No9600...
"5043 & 9600 Think Of The Main Line"
The trips are now being announced for the mainstay of the 2016 season and I'm sure the "Earl" will soon be batting along at 70mph+ once again. Tyseley's most well known tour is arguably the "Shakespeare Express" which runs on summer Sunday's between July and September, operating the North Warwick Line route between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-Upon-Avon. Motive power is either the ever reliable 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" or the Castle and for more info you can click here. Tickets for the "Shakespeare" are available now on that link and, though I'm now biased I guess, it is a lovely trip which we've had the pleasure of travelling on a few times before. Likewise, there will be other trips going further afield with either steam or diesel traction at the head. Don't miss your chance to get behind the Castle or the Hall in 2016, with of course all funds from the trips going to good causes such as the restoration of 7029 "Clun Castle". I left Tyseley after another interesting day at around 5pm. All the best all, Sam...
Hi all. Well, at 8am this morning the fourth and final day began for me at the 2016 Statfold Barn Miniature Steam Rally. Today would see engine numbers in the mid-60s (you always get Saturday day visitors) with a further additional engine joining us too. We were just as busy, running around everywhere delivering bits, giving things out, answering questions, lining things up etc. We had just over 40 engines in this afternoon's damp line-up but, joined by the big engines too, it still looked and sounded fantastic. It was a very enjoyable and busy day. Today we performed the Heavy Haulage again, this time using the 3-ton Simplicity roller as the load which actually prompted some of the other engines to get involved (maybe "Pedler" was too heavy!). Meanwhile there were countless model steamers to see, steam train rides, photo op's, footplate rides and much more. By the time closing time came around we were preparing to get everything off-site as efficiently but as calmly as possible. I was in the Defender in case anything got stuck, with all the necessary tow equipment in the back. However, much to our surprise, everything got out easily and under its own power and the site was pretty much empty by the time 6pm rolled around. It had been a great triumph for our team and SBR as a whole. The first family event has now been completed and I think this proves that it can be done at this fantastic railway. My many thanks to all our helpers, exhibitors and visitors for making this event such a worthwhile enjoyable success. I cannot put into words how tired I am at this moment but it has all been worth it and it makes one wonder..."where did those 4 days go?!". Cheers all, Sam...
