Tyseley: A Castle At Rest...

Hi all. Today, in pleasant Spring sunshine, I was in Birmingham at the former 84E for another volunteer Saturday. I soon found myself on my now fairly regular task: cleaning the cab of "Clun Castle". Now that the engine is being used more regularly on the main line, maintaining her strict cleanliness procedure requires much extra work. Armed with rags and a fresh tube of Autosol, I gradually made my way around the various cab fittings as the hours ticked by. The results of cleaning this fine machine are self evident and always make your efforts worthwhile...

Later in the afternoon, with "Clun"s cab now shining, I headed for home. Tomorrow, on Easter Sunday, I'm out for a few hours with well known alarm clock snoozer 'Eddie the Late' for a visit to the Vintage Festival at Quorn. Cheers all, Sam...

Sutherland Sunset: Requiem Of A Railway...

The saying "all good things must come to an end" is very true in life. No matter how good something is, nothing lasts forever. This reflective post takes a look back at my old garden railway which was, up until recent years, a major player in my transition into this hobby. The history of the railway kind of dates back to when I had my first train set at around 4 years old. A Hornby four-wheeler and an oval of track soon morphed into a 6ft x 4ft layout, which grew gradually in size thanks to the efforts of one of my grandads and his trusty glue gun. A house move in the early 2000's removed the space required for the layout and a period of storage for my then fairly small collection of 00 gauge stock continued until late 2004. I suppose I could blame TV presenter Mark Found for what happened next! His inspiring series Garden Railway was airing around this time on the hobby channels and featured a wide variety of garden railways in all gauges and to suit practically all budgets. Grandad No2: who was often happy to support my various whimsical ramblings in return for valued peace and quiet: finally caved to my nags to create a small 00 gauge railway in his garden. I'm still not sure why as I would have never put up with me! 

The first trains eventually ran on what became known as Sutherland Steam Railway in spring 2005, with an extension down towards the house being added the following year. Since then, the railway has seen countless trains running in sun, sleet, hail, frost and even snow. In my younger days nothing would stop me, come rain or shine. Those little tracks must have seen more trains than most of the UK's rail network, and have given me thousands of hours worth of pleasure. I had a paper round until I was 16 and this, coupled with a then thriving model shop in the town centre, resulted in a massive growth in the loco fleet. I forget how many there are now, but there's quite a few! One of the things that has resulted in the end of the garden railway is my lack of time. I was at school then: I didn't have a car, a job or a house to worry about, or in fact a ridiculously overactive hobby that I've created into a monster! It's time enough now to let my now late grandad's garden go back to how it was about 15 years ago: train free! But, before the line becomes a distant memory, I thought I'd add this post of how things used to be. The images of the line looking a little dishevelled were taken on April 1st...

We'll start with the site of Sutherland Station: the hub of the line. The old Windmill provided the well known photography location and my Hornby Austerity is seen forging past on a sunny afternoon in 2011, hauling a freight...

The line actually began from the garden shed where we'd converted what was once a storage cupboard with shelving into a small fiddle yard. My grandad was then encouraged to take a jigsaw to his beloved shed and create two portals which would allow trains to leave and re-enter. The holes in the shed were filled by two hinged doors which were lockable from the inside. Once out of the shed the trains had to cross a small alleyway to reach the first wall. Reaching this wall would allow the track to continue across the rockery. Two wooden bridges were created for this purpose and my Bachmann Atlantic is seen crossing the Chilvers end example in 2016...

 

As of April 1st, the two bridges have been removed and the portals lie locked and dormant. The bridges were completely rotten by this stage, with the Sutherland end example having stood for the full life of the railway...

In 2015, my Hornby Grange sets out from the Sutherland portal with a rake of GWR coaches. This is approaching Sutherland station...

The same location on April 1st shows the bridge missing and the track being slowly overtaken by the ivy. This curve has been replaced a couple of times during the railways life as originally it was the first section of track we laid...

Looking upgrade towards Sutherland station...

When we extended the railway in 2006, the new formation required the addition of two extra wooden bridges to cross the gaps between the walls. One of them was replaced fairly early on with an extra brick-built wall but the latter remained for a couple of years. The second extra bridge was later replaced by moving the formation to allow its removal. Once off the main wall through Sutherland, the trains ran towards the house along a long straight. The same wooden base was used as a track bed...

My Bulleid heads along the same straight section of track in 2016. You will notice the later formation towards the rear of the train...

There was a small junction at Ashford which allowed access to the electrically operated turntable. The spur line was separately powered to allow the adding or removing of locomotives from the turntable roads whilst the main circuit was still operating independently. The section has now seen its last trains...

My Grange passes Pannier Tank No5775 at Ashford in 2011...

Now looking overgrown, the rails are slowly starting to turn brown. The section on the right in the image below was one of the very few sections of track to be made by Peco. In the early days we liked the idea of using Flexi-track and the original smaller loop around the rockery was almost all Hornby Flexi when first built. However, it turned out to be a real pain and could be quite fragile if you weren't extra careful with it. Therefore, slowly but surely, as many sections as possible were replaced with fixed pieces. This one however was left due to the unusual curve radius and with Peco's more hard-wearing Flexi in use it has survived very well. That section is probably the oldest remaining piece on the railway, having been fitted in 2006...

Ashford was the location of a steep bank for trains climbing towards Sutherland from Chilvers. It was a good pull away from the 180-degree curve at the foot of the steep climb and it wasn't uncommon for more light-footed models to slip here briefly during the ascent. In 2011, a visiting Hornby A4 forges up the hill through Ashford station with a long freight, made up of private owner wagons...

Here is a rare view: the turntable in use. This was taken in 2010...

The main line rounded the turntable before climbing back towards the shed and Chilvers station. We fitted a passing loop in 2007...

After the loop there was a final short straight before trains curved slightly right to reach the Chilvers bridge towards the returning shed portal. My Lima King and Mainline Railways Mogul are seen in the loop at Chilvers in 2008. You can see in that shot that the wood bases are only slightly weathered, having been in just over a year at this point: they are much greener now!...

Finally, here is a 2011 overall shot of the railway with all of its buildings laid out...

You'll notice that in most of the photos of the railway the buildings aren't out. This is simply because during shorter running sessions it wasn't worth it: it took longer to set them out than you'd plan to run your trains, especially when we added the internal lighting to them later on! The turntable in particular was a real rarity to come out as that could be a pig to set-up!

It's funny how things change as you go through life. When I was younger these tiny trains in the garden were a massive influence in the steam obsession that has resulted since. We had open days, organised visits, fireworks nights - you name it. Everyone really embraced the little railway and it always created interest. Now though, if you'll pardon the pun, we've come to the end of the line and, once again, my model trains will have to find a new home. Thanks Grandad, it was all worth it...

Sutherland Steam Railway

2005 - 2019

A Wonderful Memory

The "Severn Valley Limited"...

Evening all. Today involved another very pleasant outing on the 16-mile long Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire. Along with a couple of our friends, we were booked aboard the popular 'Severn Valley Limited' dining service, departing Kidderminster at 1:25pm. I forget how many times we've done the 'Limited' now, but it must be nearing a couple of dozen. We arrived at the SVR terminus in good time for our train. At the head of the next Bridgnorth departure stood Didcot's visiting Large Prairie No4144, built at Swindon in 1946. The Prairie was coupled to a nine-coach rake which would certainly make her copper capped chimney shout a bit!...

Wandering down towards the station we spotted Bulleid West Country pacific No34027 "Taw Valley" (also built in 1946) standing proud at the head of the dining stock. Despite some warmer spells recently, today's clouds brought with them a cold snap and so it was a relief to see that the Bulleid had the steam heat bagged up. After booking in, we were shown to our table aboard LMS First Open No7511, built in 1934. The table for four was set for the three-course meal ahead...

One thing you can always say for the Valley is that they have a varied and interesting collection of rolling stock, much like the Bluebell really. LMS 7511 is a gem of a coach, beautifully restored with ornate panelling and graceful lines. The level of restoration is clear with this one and it is always a pleasure to travel with her. Right on time, 34027 summoned a small portion of her strength to get the four-coach train away towards Bewdley and beyond. Over our tasty starters it was pleasant to see the elephants at the nearby West Midlands Safari Park putting on a show for their visitors. The 'Limited' train is a well oiled machine when it comes to service. The staff are attentive and efficient, moving quickly through the coaches to satisfy the numerous rumbling stomachs. Our hearty main of a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings was served as we passed 7802 at Arley. I was certainly ready for this...

Steaming into Bridgnorth, 4144 was waiting to depart at the head of her lengthy returning train. We alighted to see the Prairie making an audible departure, with the odd bit of wheel slip. Wandering over the footbridge with our waistbands ever tightening, we had a quick look in the gift shop before returning to the diner. In Bridgnorth yard was 75069: something Eddie would refer to as a Riddles masterpiece. A Standard Class 4MT of 1955 vintage, 75069 returned to service in February this year after a 25-year absence. Though out of service for washout during our visit, the double-chimney 4-6-0 made for an impressive sight in the yard...

Once the road was given, "Taw Valley" slipped steadily backwards to reach the yard for coaling and watering. We had 34027 for our previous trip on the 'Limited' and she always makes for a stunning sight. Even the light Bulleid's provide an awe-inspiring spectacle, although Maisie wasn't overly enthused about my talk on their regular 90mph+ performances on the Waterloo to Bournemouth's...

Back at our seats aboard 7511, we enjoyed a stunning dessert before coffee and mints. 34027 strode easily through the Worcestershire countryside with little more than a murmur from her dustbin-style chimney. Once back at Kidderminster we alighted from the diner after yet another lovely experience. I managed to grab a quick shot through the cab door of the Bulleid whilst she waited for the train to empty...

A final view of "Taw Valley" as we walk back towards the car...

Well, that's it folks, another steam visit complete. The 'Severn Valley Limited' always provides a pleasant experience and I doubt it'll be long before we're back again. You just can't beat steaming through the countryside in first class dining whilst enjoying a three-course meal. Thank you all again for reading. Ta, Sam...

Tyseley: Sunlit "Clun" And A Polished Pannier...

Good evening everyone. This is post No13 of 2019: unlucky for some! Today I was over at my usual Saturday haunt: the former 84E at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham. There wasn't much to report from today. It was a quiet one really. I was tasked with polishing up the topside brass work on the red Pannier Tank No7752, who still wears her London Underground colours and the number L94. Armed with rags and a tube of Autosol, I clambered up onto the tanks to clean up the safety valve bonnet and top feed pipes. The end result was most pleasing...

At the rear of the shed, immaculate Castle Class 4-6-0 No7029 "Clun Castle" had been dragged half out into the afternoon sunshine. A few little jobs were being undertaken on Tyseley's preservation pioneer in preparation for next weeks 'Cotswold Explorer' trip to Oxford via Sapperton. The engine looked a real picture as she stood silent outside her home shed. I bet she can't wait to get those wheels up to speed...

After a little more polishing on L94, it was time to head for home. It's amazing how worn out you can get from just scrubbing some brass; it really tires you out after a bit! Thanks to Tyseley for another great day helping out in the works...

The Hunslet Cabriolet: A Statfold Quarry Duo...

"Driving The Cabless Cabriolet" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Evening all. Today involved another very pleasant driving turn at Statfold Barn as part of the annual March Enthusiasts Day. Paired with my now regular Fireman: Ben: I experienced a brief moment of panic when I noticed we were penned to cabless Quarry Hunslet "Jack Lane". Don't get me wrong, the four-wheeled Hunslet GTI's are cracking little engines but the thought of no cab after weeks of seemingly relentless rain did have me worried. I say that, but upon reflection my recent dose of debilitating CFS (Cold Firebox Syndrome) would have seen me willing to drive the thing through an arctic blizzard! Thankfully the Met-Men got it right and the promised dry forecast prevailed. This bonus, coupled with a cracking crew aboard our train engine Quarry "Statfold", made for a brilliant day on SBR metals. This morning, after a great run along the A444, I reached Statfold at around 06:00. The usual gaggle of eager enginemen were busily donning their overalls as I pulled up in the field. After signing in and meeting up with Ben, we wandered down to Platform 2 where I'd left "Jack Lane" the night before. With all checks made, Ben swiftly got a blaze on...

The reassuring crackle from the firebox told that the wood inside was gradually taking hold and a few more chunks were added to ensure that the chimney was warm and drafting well before coal was added. These little fireboxes can become quickly choked when the battle between poor draft and coal with a tendency to smoke heavily ensues. With all well, Ben started cleaning whilst I reached for the oil cans...

Wearing my new prep coat: a fresh fashion statement I'm trying out to reduce my regular oily knees: I set to with a small pump can. The Quarry's must be one of the easiest engines to oil up, mainly due to their small stature. The addition of the platform did require a few acts of contortionism but the whole process was completed in a fairly injury-free manner. With only the axleboxes left to top up, I heard the familiar tone of JB chuntering his way down from the shed frontage. His constructive insults and slurs were all that broke the morning birdsong as the Quarry's gradually brewed up...

With JB now on his merry way towards "Jack": his 18" gauge steed: I wandered up to the shed to try to find a feeder for the boxes. My prep coat received mixed reviews; every comment from Traction Inspector to Apprentice Machinist! Wheezing back to the platform with seemingly the worlds heaviest oil pump, I topped our boxes up before passing it on to the two John's on "Statfold". All around, the other Statfold engines were coming to life after their Winter break. The elderly Corpet and the throaty Davenport were being prepared in the opposite platform...

Just prior to the usual 08:30 Safety Briefing on the lawn, myself and Ben wandered over to the catering van to grab our crew breakfast cobs. This tends to set us up for the next few hours as by now operations are about to begin...

Briefing complete, we awaited the return of "Trangkil No4" from the line inspection. Our Quarry's were already coupled to the first passenger train of the day, made up of the ex-Lynton stock. When "Trangkil" arrived back at Statfold she was coupled up to us and would soon lead us to the balloon loop, returning light engine with the token. With a "Right Away" from the Guard, the large Brazil set off with us in tow. Still not warm, the larger engine gave us a refreshing smut shower as she steamed out into the fields. Having passed "Isibutu" at Oak Tree on the freight, we soon made it to the balloon loop where "Trangkil" would leave us behind...

"The Token Run" (Pic - B.Bryan)

With the Brazil gone, we had time to sort our engines out in readiness for our return to Statfold. We'd both already warmed our cylinders on the way but the two Quarry's were still effectively 'cold' engines. When the Corpet & Davenport double-act came into view, the loop master gave us permission to run round to the Stop Board. On the greasy morning rails the two Quarry's were a tad light on their feet but soon rose to the occasion. With line clear, we set off into the section and had a cracking homeward run. Once released at Statfold we were turned on the turntable before a brief wait on the shed. Soon enough however, the two Quarry's were called upon again...

The Quarry duo are captured steaming away from the bottom of the bank...

"Steaming Along" (Pic - M.Waldron)

At the balloon loop the four of us agreed that, even on only our second trip, the day had been a great one so far. It was unusual in a way to be on our second run at only 10:30 as I've spent days on the shed til' nearly lunchtime if you end up at the back of the queue! I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you get the right weather then you can't beat a cabless Quarry. They're great fun to drive...

Back at Statfold we were turned on the table again before steaming back to the shed frontage. This short break gave time to grab a cuppa' before our next trip...

"Off To The Shed" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Our third run of the day was just as enjoyable and my CFS was definitely starting to retreat. The thing with a cabless engine is that you can hear everything going on. Even during the Bala years you couldn't beat a day on "Alice", despite how good an engine "Holy War" was. The bark at the chimney is far more audible and even the tiniest rattle created by the most well-built cab in the world is none-existent. Our only regret was not bringing earplugs as little "Statfold" turns into a canon when put to work! For our fourth outing of the day, again with the Lynton set, Ben took over the handle whilst I did my best to mess up the firing. Thankfully, both of us managed to keep the needle up to the red line without crossing it throughout the afternoon...

Coming to rest on the shed again, we all fell victim to the typical "will we get one more?!" mode. It's always a battle at this time of day. Do we add more coal? Do we get ready to dispose? It's one big guessing game...

The Quarry's were soon called upon to shunt the freight train away into the steeply graded Goods Siding. Although we enjoyed listening to the two engines having some real work to do, during our shunting we were robbed of two train hauling opportunities! After grumbling loudly to ourselves right opposite the Signalbox, John and Caroline kindly submitted to our childish taunts and gave us one more run...

Down at the balloon loop, our slightly shorter passenger train awaited the road in the last of the afternoons sun. Ben was making up the fire ready for the off...

When the time came I finally made a slip-less departure from the balloon loop with little "Jack Lane". The slips of "Statfold" behind us were met with much jovial mocking from our footplate but all in the spirit of good fun. I've always said that a great footplate day requires a strict recipe of three ingredients: a good crew, good weather and a good engine. Today, again, we had all three plus the added bonus of the two John's on our Quarry partner. Here, the pair leave the balloon loop on the last trip...

"On The Move" (Pic - B.Bryan)

Our train was the penultimate passenger train of the day and as such the Quarry's ensured it was a cracking run. After a triumphant arrival back at Statfold, we were surprised to be sent light engine (well, as a pair) back to Oak Tree on a token run. This was the first time we'd travelled in reverse down the line all day and, to be honest, I'm relieved it was the only time! The shorter chimney of the red Quarry offers a very much "chimney in face" situation!  At Oak Tree we found "Trangkil" at the head of the final passenger train, with "Alpha" and "Howard" at the rear. The Quarry duo were coupled on behind ready to form the final train home. If we couldn't get back with five engines we all needed striking off! "Trangkil" has recently received some attention to her valve events and sounded a world better as she hauled us back to Statfold. Once the train was stabled in the platform the Quarry's were released to the shed. After a great day, "Jack Lane" is seen resting following disposal...

Worn out and with the traditional smut peppering, the respective crews headed to the Mess Room to wash up and fill in their loco reports. Once signed out, we wandered across to the catering van for a jacket potato and a pint. Thank you to Ben, John & John for a cracking day as part of 'Team Quarry' and thanks to Alex for rostering me again. Special thanks must also go to Barry and Max for use of their pictures in this post. The SBR continues to offer great days on the footplate, especially on the intensive Enthusiast Days. Another really great day. Until next time, Sam...

Statfold: Prepping A Quarry...

Hi all. Today, after work, I swiftly headed over to Statfold Barn to check over my steed for tomorrow's March Enthusiasts Day: "Jack Lane". I arrived at around 14:30 and immediately found the little green Quarry waiting in the platform, coupled to her sister "Statfold". These Quarry's are just two of six based at Statfold but are unique due to their ages. Both were built brand new by the SBR in 2005 and 2006 respectively to the Dinorwic Port design. Plucky and very willing engines, "Statfold" and "Jack Lane" have performed many faultless miles on various narrow gauge railways, proving their Quarry pedigree. Tomorrow, myself and Fireman Ben will be double-heading with "Statfold" as part of a 14-locomotive line-up. I can't wait! It's always great to get out on the regulator again after the steamless Winter months! This afternoon I just made sure we had plenty of wood and plenty of rags in readiness for our early morning preparation tomorrow. I left for home at around 17:00. Cheers all, Sam...

Tyseley: An Immaculate Castle...

Evening all. Today involved another pleasant few hours working with the lads at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham. Since I've moved to the RR facility near Solihull, my usually pleasant Saturday morning drive to Tyseley has become somewhat more of a chore due to it being pretty much the same as my daily commuter route! On this chilly and very windy Saturday, a group of us hardy volunteers grabbed some rags and spent the day cleaning "Clun Castle". Tyseley engines have a reputation for their spotless liveries and so we rose to the occasion to ensure that 7029 looked her very best. Towards the end of the day, after many hours polishing, the engine was getting somewhere near to her usual high standard...

The hardest part of cleaning any steam locomotive is dealing with the knowledge that your several weekends worth of effort is destroyed in a matter of hours once the fire is lit! However, that is how in the glory days they were always kept and so, for the love of steam, these standards will be maintained. I'll next be at Tyseley in two weeks time (next week it's Statfold). Cheers all, Sam...