The "Mayflower" Blues...

On the way home from work today I decided to make a slight detour to see an old friend: the beautiful B1 "Mayflower". Long term readers will remember that I have many happy memories of this engine during her time at Shackerstone. Back then she was owned by the late Gerald Boden: a kind and welcoming gent who loved to show off his immaculate locomotive. The B1 was renowned for her sparkling livery and I spent many days on her footplate as a trainee fireman. These days she's a main line performer again and I managed to catch her slipping through the blustery fields of Warwickshire on route from Carnforth to Southall. Today's weather certainly heralded a return to more seasonal conditions: it was absolutely bitter! Just for old times sake, I've included a shot of "Mayflower" at Shackerstone a few years ago now...

"1306 Takes Coal at Shackerstone" (Pic - D.Hanks)

The sun was shining upon "Mayflower"s route just minutes before she came into view but, just as always, it hid behind the clouds as the 4-6-0 slipped by. It was nice to see the old gal' again, gently strolling southward with her short train. Good luck old gal': see you again. Until next time, Sam...

Tyseley: Cleaning The Castle...

Hi all. Just a quick one from today. I spent a very pleasant volunteer Saturday with the team over at Tyseley Loco Works in Birmingham. There I spent a few hours up in the cab of the new main line performer: No7029 "Clun Castle". I went to see "Clun" at Stratford the other day on one of her loaded test runs. Since then she's been to Worcester and back on an evening diner and will be repeating that trip this coming Thursday. Therefore, today, I was up in the cab buffing up the fittings. It was unusual in fact to have the engine this way round: they're all usually facing the city centre. Another good day spent with a Great Western thoroughbred. Until next time, Sam...

Statfold Cleaning Day...

Hi all. Today, in clement February sunshine, a group of hardy volunteers descended on Statfold for the annual Cleaning Day. I arrived at around 09:00 and, having parked the car, I wandered into the Roundhouse where some of the lads were gathering their cleaning materials. I soon found my way to my Statfold favourite: the beautiful Bagnall "Isibutu". Armed with rags and polish, I started on the top of the engine and worked my way down. All around, the various other members of the SBR fleet were being buffed up to within an inch of their lives. The cleaning of a steam engine is rather therapeutic, particularly when you look back upon the results of your efforts. The cleaning day provides a very much welcome break from the Winter blues. The well known debilitating illness 'Cold Firebox Syndrome' is very much in evidence in the closed season and I discussed the awful symptoms today with my fellow sufferers. 'CFS' has become a very real issue during the steamless months of January and February but we are doing all we can to raise awareness! After a couple of hours, "Isibutu" was shining beautifully alongside the much younger "Trangkil No4"...

After a spot of lunch, the early part of the afternoon was spent making the finishing touches to the now immaculate steeds. The operational members of the fleet will soon be steamed for their annual steam tests, with their first public appearance scheduled for March 23rd at the annual Spring Enthusiasts Day. I'm sure that many of us: including myself: will be glad to feel the touch of the regulator that day! On an entirely separate note, this week heralded the arrival of the new leaflets for the upcoming Giant Miniature Weekend. I guess it's time to get distributing...

If you're thinking about visiting GMW at all then take it from me that this year will be the biggest yet. We have so much on offer and steam engines of all shapes & sizes will be attending. Don't miss it. After a very pleasant day at the annual Cleaning Day, I headed for home at around 15:30. I can't wait for my next SBR driving turn!...

A Castle Reborn: Welcome Back "Clun"...

"An Express Sunset" (Pic - D.Chandler)

The restoration of any steam locomotive to operational condition is something to behold indeed. It's the bringing back to life of a historic machine, who's past and future spans far beyond our mortal selves, providing a touch of graceful nostalgia to a far more modern and ever changing world. Today, in an unseasonal 15 degrees, Tyseley's preservation pioneer No7029 "Clun Castle" was out and about in Warwickshire for her loaded test run. With a couple of hours to spare this afternoon, I couldn't resist the chance to ride out under the blue skies to see her at Stratford. Sure enough, as I pulled into the car park, a gleaming 7029 rolled in from Tyseley around 20 minutes early. Coming to rest in Platform 1, the engine wasn't allowed to run round until an arriving West Midlands Railway unit had been let into the adjacent Platform 3. With the road given, 7029's ejector hummed into life and the Castle was soon "on the move". Fireman Alastair gave me a wave as the engine passed by...

The Birmingham end of Platform 2 was full of camera wielding enthusiasts all jostling for position as the 4-6-0 backed down. Soon enough, she was coupled up to the six-coach rake of chocolate & cream coaches which would form her trailing load. This was "Clun"s second outing on the main line in 31 years: the first time being two days ago when the lads took her on a late evening jaunt to Stratford with just the Support Coach. Built in 1950 and saved for preservation by Patrick Whitehouse direct from BR service, "Clun" has been resident at Tyseley ever since. Though she was active on the main line in the 1980s, 7029 did have another ticket which I believe expired in around 2002. During that period of operation she didn't do any main line work, being used instead on the extremely popular 'Drive a Loco' experiences at Tyseley as well as visiting other preserved lines. Happily, following a few years out of service, her restoration to main line standard began in 2009.

When I started at Tyseley in late summer 2015, the engine was made up of a largely complete rolling chassis. The boiler was being worked on alongside. By late Spring 2016, the boiler was being fired for the first time...

Like the rest of the Tyseley fleet, "Clun" has been restored to an impeccable standard. The engine was finally completed in October 2017 and we had a celebration Open Weekend at 84E to welcome her back into steam. Since then, despite being used on the open days and for a couple of private steamings, "Clun" has been waiting for her chance to get back on the road. One of the countless things I've learnt whilst volunteering with Tyseley is that the main line is definitely where these old express engines belong and it was fantastic this afternoon to finally see "Clun" back on the national network. It was also brilliant to see the lads back where they belong; aboard the Support Coach behind a shining locomotive...

Having admired the Castle a little while longer whilst remembering several cracking runs with sister 5043, I wandered over the footbridge to chat with the team...

The first half of this years tour program has now been published on the Vintage Trains website so if you'd like to book some mileage behind 7029 why not take a look? We're going to a variety of destinations, mainly the old favourites with a few extra diners mixed in. Personally (much like the rest of the Support Crew I'm sure) I can't wait to get back out there again. A main line steam tour is not just a day out volunteering, it's an adventure and a really unique steam experience. You won't see these engines anywhere near "the way they were" unless you see them at speed on the network, transporting you back to the days of the Great Western crack expresses on Brunel's billiard table. As "Clun"s return departure time neared, I jumped back into the car for a hurried dash through the last of the school run traffic to reach Stratford Parkway. There, preceded by a screeching whistle, came a Castle out of exile...

As the Castle barked away from us towards Wilmcote, I watched the tail lamp disappear from view before returning to the car. I can't lie: todays outing has got me all fired up for the trips ahead...I can't wait! It was quite moving to see the 'new' Castle out on the main and a fitting end to another painstaking restoration by the Tyseley team. My own contribution to these engines is nothing short of miniscule compared to the efforts of the 84E staff but for the small part I have played I am very proud. Welcome back "Clun Castle". As always, it's a pleasure to be involved in such a fine operation. For a cracking shot of 7029 at Widney Manor - click here. Until next time, Sam...

Tyseley: In The Bleak Midwinter...

Evening all. Today was another very enjoyable day spent in the company of express passenger 4-6-0s at Tyseley. Myself, Tony & Craig spent the day cleaning up No7029 "Clun Castle", kick-starting the steps to make her ready for the road. I'd already spent last Saturday cleaning up the cab and so today we focussed on the exterior brass work. By the end of the day the 1950-built Castle was beginning to sparkle as the warming Winter sun shone down through the clear roof panels. Hopefully "Clun" isn't too far away from her main line trials now; I can't wait to see her on the move! After another good days polishing it was time to head for home and sip a whiskey in front of the crackling fire: a must for any Winter evening! Cheers all, Sam...

Welcome Back "Bahamas"...

Evening all. Tonight on the way home from work I couldn't help but think about the LMS Jubilee "Bahamas" which was out 'on trial' in the area. The Jub had two tests planned for today: a round trip to Stratford and back in the morning and a loaded run around the Leicester circuit this evening. It was only a couple of miles out of my way to reach a bridge which crossed the Jub's route so I decided to stop by and see her. Due to pass through Nuneaton at 16:13 with her test train, I pulled up at Horsten Grange (where two bridges cross the line towards Hinckley) with around 10 minutes to spare. It was absolutely freezing as I trudged across the field to reach the second bridge, which is a farm access: the other one has too much traffic noise! A couple of minutes down, with the temperature barely above freezing, 45596 steamed into view with her distinctive three-cylinder beat echoing from her double chimney. Here is my grainy video attempt; by now I'd lost all feeling in my fingers...

One of the reasons I've never really been keen on spotting main line steam is that it's all over in a matter of seconds! Sure enough, once under the bridge, "Bahamas" was well on her way towards Leicester and beyond. She sounded a treat as she dug into the gradient with her short train. Once passed off, the 1935-built Jub will return to her home at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire, ready to commence revenue earning main line duties. I'm sure I'll see her again at Tyseley this Saturday but it was still very nice to catch her in flight! Thanks all, Sam...

Tyseley: A Castle And A Jubilee...

Hi all. Today was mostly spent aboard two fabulous main line express engines at Tyseley Loco Works. I arrived at around 10am and was immediately put to work buffing up the beautiful Castle Class No7029 "Clun Castle". Wandering down through the chilly engine shed, I found the 1950-built 4-6-0 resting silently in the lean-to shed. I spent the majority of the day cleaning the cab bright work. Though a very time consuming job, it is also very rewarding. The entirety of a Tyseley locomotive is always kept immaculate and the cab is no exception. With the radio on in the background, I set to work with my Brasso and rags. Later in the day, "Clun"s footplate was getting there... 

There's something about cleaning an engine that makes you feel pride in your work. When the results are as displayed above, it all seems very worthwhile indeed. I'm sure it won't be long before we see 7029 strutting her stuff on the main line; I can't wait for that day! It was a pleasure to be aboard her today and to contribute to this fine engine. Outside, the weather was fairly miserable, with a harsh wind being mostly joined by a persistent drizzle. It was trying to snow but just couldn't quite manage it! Stomping up and down on the demonstration line was another fine 4-6-0: LMS Jubilee No45596 "Bahamas". Recently returned to steam after an extensive overhaul to main line standard, 45596 was released to the public during the 'Tyseley at 50' event in September. Today she was being test steamed...

In this bleak midwinter weather, the Jub was steaming up and down gracefully. To my surprise (thanks to Batesy) we were invited to go for a couple of runs on the 5XP. Slowly but surely, after a toot on the booming Stanier hooter, the 4-6-0 moved away in a cloud of steam. With her three-cylinder beat echoing around the yard, 45596 took us up to the stop boards before drifting casually back down on the steam brake. A few trips later, to my amazement, I found myself in the driving seat of this Midland marvel. I felt quite honoured to take control of this beautiful engine, however briefly...

Having assumed full forward on the reverser: 75% cut-off: I released the steam brake and stood up from the seat to get some weight behind the regulator. The steam chest pressure gauge: a luxury afforded to larger passenger engines: is a great help in seeing what you're providing to the cylinders. Steadily, gracefully, "Bahamas" moved away. Once on the move you can gently wind back the reverser and the note at that lovely double chimney changes as valve cut-off is altered. After a quick stomp past the engine shed it's time to shut-off steam and rub the steam brake as the gradient begins to grab hold of the engine. Once you're at a stand you can release the brake and drift back in the drift position of reverse gear; the gradient will just take her back nicely. I had three very pleasant trips back and forth on this lovely Jubilee. Beautiful...

Now for some "Bahamas" history. She was built by North British for the LMS in 1935 as one of the eventually 191-strong class of three-cylinder Jubilee's. Designed by Sir William Stanier, these chunky 4-6-0s employed 6ft 9" driving wheels powered by three 17" cylinders. Four of the class survive in preservation with all four having performed on the main line during their preserved careers. "Bahamas" was once a regular main line performer and is planned to resume these duties after a 20-year absence next month. She is unique amongst the surviving Jubilee's as "the one with the double chimney": this was fitted in 1961. JB has often remarked on his love for the Jub's after both 45596 and Tyseley-based sister "Kolhapur" visited Shackerstone in the late 1990s. "Bahamas" is definitely a beauty. Thanks to everyone involved in today's post for another fantastic opportunity. Cheers all, until next time, Sam...

Tyseley: Freezing...

Evening all. Today was my first visit of 2019 to the former 84E at Tyseley Loco Works for a volunteer Saturday. It was absolutely freezing: there was frost, sleet and hideously low temperatures. Needless to say I had a good few layers on for my day in the works with the lads. It was nice to catch up with everyone again after the Christmas break but it was a steady first day for me. I'll be back next week! Cheers all, Sam...

Giant Miniature Weekend IV...

Good evening all and a very Happy New Year to you! For various reasons this year has got off to a fairly slow start steam-wise but, at last, here is the first post of 2019. In recent weeks I've been hard at work with preparations for the fourth annual 'Giant Miniature Weekend' at Statfold Barn so this is the usual shameless plug...

I say it every year (I really do) but this year DEFINITELY is going to be the biggest GMW yet! We've invited masses of colourful engines from across the UK in all types, scales and sizes. For 2019 we're also adding a few more additional attractions which should certainly add to the steam rally vibe. Tickets for GMW IV are already selling on the SBR website (click here for that) and a good few have already gone so buy now to avoid disappointment! So, without further ado, the current attraction list for this years GMW is as follows:

• Over 100 Miniature Engines in Steam
• Steam Train Rides on the Statfold Barn Railway (6 Loco's in Steam)
• Tram Rides with Burton & Ashby Light Railway No14
• Footplate Rides & 'Driver for a Fiver' with "Fiji"*
• Visiting Full Size Showman's Engines "Repulse" and "The Iron Maiden"
• Dr Busker lunchtime performance (Sat Only)
• Go Ukulele Crazy lunchtime performance (Sun Only)
• Line Up & BIG Whistle - 2pm Each Day
• Vintage Steam Carousel 'Ashley's Steam Gallopers'*
• The amazing Statfold Barn Roundhouse
• Bouncy Castle & Face Painting*
• Indoor displays of model railways, toy steam and Meccano
• Trade Stands & Catering
• And much, much more!

As you can see it's already shaping up to be a huge event and we just hope we can pull it off! We're particularly pleased to have "The Iron Maiden" with us. This famous Showman's engine was the star of the 1962 comedy film of the same name and just has to be the "Flying Scotsman" of the road steam world! We're so pleased that her owners are bringing her down from Scarborough for the weekend - don't miss this celebrity engine!

Tickets are £10 Adult, £5 Under 14 and £25 Family (2a+2c) and all tickets include the show, museum visit and unlimited steam train rides on the Statfold Barn Railway. Please support us, don't miss it. If you're joining us as a visitor then please do seek me out and say hello - I'll be the grey haired chap in the flat cap! I swear this year has made me greyer than ever before! Thanks all, until next time, Sam...

Another Year Over...

"Steaming Along With 'Harrogate' at SBR" (Pic - R.Dimmick)

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?". Here we are once again then folks. On this blustery New Years Eve another fine year with steam is slowly but surely drawing to an end. It's been another busy one for the blog, with the final total coming in at 62 posts. I will admit that 2018 has probably been the most difficult year for my blog writing, mainly due to time constraints. Regular readers may have noticed that the posts have been going live at a much reduced pace and this is all down to just how long it takes to gather the photos, compose the backstory and then write and proof read each post as we go. But, nevertheless, here we are: the final post of 2018. As usual I'm just going to list the majority of the railway related things I've been up to and include a couple of photo highlights. You can refer back to any of the mentioned posts by searching the content list. For 2018, here's the rough scores on the doors:

• 23 Tyseley Shed Days
• 2 Tyseley Open Weekends
• 7 Statfold Driving Turns
• 4 Evesham Driving Turns (Should have been 5 but 1 got snowed off!)
• 3 Shackerstone Outings
• 1 massive Giant Miniature Weekend
• And a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

Naturally, in amongst the above there has been a few days out here and there and of course the odd one-off experience. I suppose the first big highlight of 2018 came in April when I visited Ed's new base in Sheringham. First stop was the North Norfolk Railway where I managed to catch a short footplate ride with the huge WD 2-10-0 No90775 during the run round at Holt...

The reason for the visit to Norfolk was to take part in a footplate day Ed had organised for me at his new haunt: the Bure Valley Railway. This 15" gauge main line in miniature provides miles of enthralling steam action and I had a brilliant time...

Here we are aboard ZB "Blickling Hall", otherwise known as 'Beaver 6'...

In May I was instrumental in organising yet another successful "Giant Miniature Weekend" at the Statfold Barn Railway. With 100 miniature engines joining us from across the UK and many visitor tickets sold, GMW III was a winner. GMW IV will hit Statfold this coming May: don't miss it...

"Six-Inch Savage 'Spud' All The Way From Ireland" (Pic - M.Ranieri)

One of the visiting 4" Foster's which attend GMW...

(M.Ranieri)

In a return to old haunts, myself and JB did two turns at Shack in June. The first of these turns involved a bright sunny day and we cleaned our steed: GWR 5542: to within an inch of her life. She looked the business...

In early July we had the first of two Tyseley Open Weekends at 84E. I spent two half days crewing the ever immaculate Pannier 9600 in roasting hot weather...

The warm sunshine made an almost miraculous disappearing act in time for our third annual visit to Welland to crew on the Road Making railway. Thankfully though, in the end, rain didn't stop play and we still had a great time...

A fairly pleasant August was completed for me with a very wet turn at Evesham. That day was literally like a scene from Noah's Ark...

Steaming into October, we made our first visit to the wonderful Bluebell Railway in Sussex: the preservation pioneer of standard gauge...

A daytime trip through typical Autumn drizzle behind a chunky S15 was followed by fine dining aboard the beautiful 'Golden Arrow' Pullman in the evening...

Thanks to Statfold Barn's introduction of additional events into their calendar, I've done more driving turns there this year than ever before. In late October I had a cracking night at the regulator of "Trangkil No4", complete with skeleton...

November saw us make the annual pilgrimage to the Severn Valley Railway. "Taw Valley" did the honours for us as we dined on the 'Severn Valley Limited'...

As far as Tyseley trips go, the new TOC made its first public steam moves during December with the very popular 'Polar Express'. "Rood Ashton Hall" (renamed "Polar Star") performed many trips between Moor Street and Tyseley throughout December. This magical theatrical performance really seemed to captivate the thousands of passengers that took part in the experience...

Also new to Statfold in 2018 were the 'Santa Express' trains which quickly became a sell-out success. I had three 1/2 days driving the lovely Peckett...

My last turn of 2018 was completed aboard a wonderful Western visitor to Shackerstone: 6400 Class Pannier Tank No6412. Crewing with David on this fine old steed was just like old times, completed entirely by a flying visit from JB to boot. 6412, I really hope our paths cross again...

And with that, I'm done for 2018! As you'll see in the contents list there are many outings and posts that I haven't mentioned above and plenty of dribble to read if you're ever bored over a cuppa'. Finally, just quickly, I'll mention the two little engines: my 5" Achilles and 3.5" Maisie. Neither have turned a wheel this year I'm ashamed to say. Only the other day I uncovered the two of them before guilt and their no doubt burning resentment got the better of me! I'm committed to steaming them in 2019 as two years out of action is quite long enough. Sorry you two...

With that I'll sign off after another great year with steam. Thank you to everyone who has read, commented and even contributed to the posts this year: it's great to hear that people are still reading! I wish you all a very Happy New Year...