Bagnall Bliss: The "Isibutu" Farewell...

Well, here we are: the end of season steam up at Statfold. This years season has of course been (for obvious reasons) the shortest season ever, having only really begun in July. However, with a dozen engines in steam and an intensive, socially distanced timetable, we were determined to have a fabulous weekend. The August Enthusiasts Weekend had provided a very much welcome return to the footplate, with myself and regular fireman Ben enjoying the Saturday on "Alpha" and then Sunday with my firm favourite: "Isibutu". I was absolutely astounded when the roster was released for this weekend and showed our names clearly penned to "Isibutu" once again. "Isibutu" twice in a row is the highlight of my SBR driving career! To top off our good fortune, the Met Office had promised cracking weather and so, excited and ready for some more Bagnall action, I arrived at Statfold this morning a little before 06:30. Ben had already performed all of the usual checks and lit the fire. With the loco having had a thorough warming fire yesterday, we'd be in no rush this morning. I soon set to with the oil cans whilst Ben polished the tanks and made the Bagnall shine... 

Aided by Chris: who joined us for a spot of cleaning before his Guards turn: we ended up with a very clean engine. I was particularly determined that we should go out shining as it was the Bagnalls last weekend in active service before the expiry of her 10-year boiler certificate. Naturally, with the rate of overhauls at Statfold she probably won't be away for long, but a send off is a send off nonetheless! After a nice cuppa' and the traditional morning Safety Brief on the lawn, we returned to the engine for our freshly delivered breakfast cob. Yard Master Paul soon arrived and instructed us to await the signal, which duly rose to the 'off' position. After a blast on the Stanier hooter, "Isibutu" hissed slowly backwards to start the descent of the bank. The shunt signal was given for the headshunt, where we duly came to a stand...

There were six loco consists on the low level railway today, which were to share three train sets. "Isibutu" would end up sharing the three-coach Severn Lamb rake with the Garrett K1, swapping over at Statfold Junction. On the high level line, the Quarry duo of "Cloister" and "Sybil Mary" would be top and tailing the freight train, operating alongside "Trangkil" and "Harrogate" with the two-coach passenger. The positioning move made for an interesting sight as it passed us a little after 09:00...

Our coaches were currently sited at the top of Platform 2 near the crossing, meaning that our first move would be to couple up and drag them down to the starter signal before passengers could board. With the necessary shunt signal now 'off', "Isibutu" hissed gradually forward, expelling reams of condensate outward from her cylinders. Of course, no matter how gentle I was with the regulator, "Isibutu" managed to cough quite spectacularly over our cleaning efforts as she made her way up into the station! Called on by the Guard, we buffered up and were duly coupled on. The train was then dragged down to the signal to await the next 'up' train...

The Quarry duo of "Statfold" and "Jack Lane" soon appeared into view, chuffing into Statfold Junctions platform 1 with simultaneous exhaust beats. With our train loaded and ready to go, the road was given before the starter signal rose to the 'off' position. With a "Right Away" from the Guard, I gave a blast on the hooter before releasing the train brake. "Isibutu" soon began to roll on the gradient, having to be checked a little as we passed the signalbox to collect the token for the section. This weekend would provide a slightly different method of working to the norm, with trains pausing at Strawberry Park station in both directions, in conjunction with the Road, Rail and Ale festival which was taking place in the event field. It was quite pleasant to have an extra stop and the bark from the chimney is very nice as the track rises away from the platform in both directions. Having passed No19 at Oak Tree, we sailed none-stop to the balloon loop and back as there were no low level trains passing/swapping there. After a wonderful first run, we paused at Oak Tree to await the token...

The sun was shining beautifully as we left Oak Tree behind, returning to Statfold via Strawberry Park. The engine was singing to us. She may be 10 years in with many days work done but she is still a strong and willing performer. Fair enough she is showing wear in all of the expected places, as any engine would at this stage but she still provides fantastic service. I love driving this engine: she is truly wonderful. I think it's because you almost have to drive her: dare I say it: like a big one and in my opinion she requires more feel than some of the other locomotives on the line. Having spent a short layover back in the headshunt, we were soon called upon again once K1 returned. This time we were facing chimney first and are captured here drifting into the new loop at Strawberry Park from Oak Tree with the lovely 4-4-0...

"Bagnall Bliss" (Pic - I.Whitfield)

Leaving Strawberry Park we ran parallel for a short while with the Burton & Ashby Tram, providing quite a spectacle for passengers on the top deck as "Isibutu" climbed towards Statfold. Once back at base and shunt released by the departing K1, we were signalled back into the headshunt to await our next working. It all seemed to go very well today, with everything working neatly in a rotating system that you could plan your day by. "Isibutu" would spend her layovers simmering quietly in the sunshine...

Our layovers also allowed us to take a peak into the adjacent idyllic setting of the Garden Railway, where Kerr Stuart "Roger" (3128 of 1918) was working...

Of course, our third outing was bunker first. Again, extremely pleasant and no trouble at all. I remember saying to Ben that it was actually quite an uneventful day. It was just a lovely, stress-free outing aboard a fine engine in good weather and with good company: what more could you want?! As I've said before, "Isibutu" is an ex-Tongaat Sugar Bagnall which (along with several similar sisters) was built in Stafford for export to Natal, South Africa. The 'real' "Isibutu" was built in 1929 as works number 2374. This engine however is 2820 "Egolomi", or the majority of her is! She is a later build (1945/46...there is some debate!) and was renamed "Robert Armstrong" in her later career. The "Isibutu" plates were fitted following preservation and, although not historically correct in this instance, I do prefer the name. Isibutu was a neighbouring sugar estate to Egolomi so is still a fitting name for the engine. Three other ex-Tongaat Bagnalls still survive in the UK, though "Isibutu" (until next week anyway) is the only one currently operational. The Tongaat Bagnalls were quite handsome indeed...

For our fourth outing I'd installed my lunch (a cornish pasty) behind the manifold: one trip at gas mark 200 as normal! In the shot below we can see the simplistic cab layout of 2820, with the marine/bullhead firebox visible at the bottom...

This time we were stopped on a red flag by the balloon loop signaller as the high level train had already reached the loop. "Isibutu" meanwhile feathered loudly, impatient for the off with her mid-afternoon train of Severn Lamb coaches...

The timetable today was very intensive but still allowed us time to water the engine at Oak Tree and grab a cuppa' or a water from the tea hut. The extra minute or two gained by the 'down' trains having to call at Strawberry Park gave us a little more grace than usual. Here, "Isibutu" awaits the road at Oak Tree, bound for Statfold...

The sun was still shining as I drove "Isibutu" up into platform 1 at Statfold Junction. It's quite an interesting station to stop at really, particularly when trying to seat your regulator correctly! I was aiming to shut-off early and allow the regulator to seat before bringing the train to a stand. In this case, "Isibutu" has her own air brakes (unlike any of the rest of the fleet I believe) so the train is easily and controllably brought to a stand. Here, the engine rests as we await K1 to shunt release us...

Our fifth and final train of the day was bunker first once again and Ben drove this one whilst I fired. The engine continued to steam and pull extremely well, providing no stress for either of us. I do hope she gets turned around soon: I'll miss her. After a lovely final trip (which I'm sure Ben enjoyed) we were shunt released a final time by K1 before I took "Isibutu" up onto the shed via the signalbox. Coming to rest on the shed with the regulator firmly shut, we began the disposal procedure. With the fire thinned and boiler full, we settled "Isibutu" for the night. She'd no doubt still have steam next morning, if only 10 or 20 pounds. Before the bar, I took one last shot...

Well, signed out and washed up, there was time for a quick pint with the lads to reflect on the days events. It had been a fabulous day with the ex-Tongaat Sugar Bagnall and it was a pleasure to spend time with her one last time. Hopefully it won't be too long before she's back out again! I must thank Ben for a great day and Alex for rostering us on this fine machine again. Roll on tomorrow, with Peckett "Harrogate"...

Beautiful "Isibutu": A Tongaat Sugar Bagnall...

"Isibutu at the Balloon Loop" (Pic - B.Bryan)

Good evening all. Many people will have a favourite locomotive. In standard gauge for me it would have to be something copper capped, probably a Castle or a Hall. However, if we're talking narrow gauge, you won't find me singing the praises of anything more than "Isibutu", the Tongaat Sugar Bagnall of Statfold Barn. This is, by some considerable margin, my favourite narrow gauge engine and certainly my favourite to crew at the SBR. It's been just over four years since I was last rostered to drive this chunky 4-4-0 and since then the big green engine has often been in the care of regular driver Will. If handled incorrectly, "Isibutu"s marine firebox can result in leaking tubes so a good, caring fireman is required to keep everything shipshape as it were. It was very much to my joyful surprise last week to find myself & Ben penned to "Isibutu" for today, the Sunday of the Statfold summer Enthusiasts Weekend. Bright eyed, I found the big Bagnall simmering quietly to herself on the shed, a little before 06:30...

The size of "Isibutu" makes a real difference and she, along with "Fiji", is one of the few SBR engines you'll often find steam on the next day. Sure enough, with a full glass and 20psi still on the clock, the Bagnall wouldn't give us any issues with steam this morning. Fireman Ben duly arrived and set to work on the grate. The large pizza-oven style door is great for access but the relatively small ashpan beneath requires regular emptying, particularly when raking through a previous fire. After two or three ashpan cleaning sessions, we did all of the necessary checks before lighting up...

Whilst Ben had been cleaning the grate and ashpan, I had been shuttling back and forth with buckets of wood. I did have to do a bit of mining to find the bigger chunks as the considerable firebox on "Isibutu" does require something to bite on. Some of the tiny bits would just fall through the bars if given the chance! I built up the fire with plenty of wood, allowing the flames to take hold before applying a good covering of coal. To prevent too much chill, I opted to get the fire made up and get the door closed as soon as possible, leaving the damper open a crack to provide some primary air. The resultant plume of smoke rising skyward from the chimney on this breezy morning confirmed we had done something right and the green 4-4-0 began singing immediately...

Fire made up and steam rising nicely, I set to work with the oil cans and greasegun. "Isibutu" has the Bagnall Price valve gear which, as long as you can squeeze yourself through the gaps in the water tanks to reach the eccentrics and rocking arms, is fairly easy to lubricate of a morning. At some point during her preservation life she was 'modified' (if you like) to include solid bearings and grease points on the main rods, rather than the conventional split brass and taper pin arrangement found on most other engines. The wear she has developed over her soon to expire 10-year boiler ticket means that she now has a pronounced clank as the wear in the brasses cannot be taken up without some serious engineering. Loading the points with grease lessens the knock and I'm sure that when the time comes the engineering team at Statfold will return her to her conventional form. Here, I top up the drivers side leading driving axlebox...

"Topping up axleboxes" (Pic - B.Bryan)

The pressure needle was rising confidently as I climbed into the front framing to lubricate the leading bogie axleboxes. The addition of the bogie brings "Isibutu" nicely into point work when running forwards, providing a very smooth ride. As I finished up the lubrication, Ben returned from the snap van with breakfast: good man!...

After a pleasant few hours preparing the engine, we were called upon to form the first move at around 08:45. Following a blast on the Stanier hooter, I set the Bagnall steadily back down the bank towards the signalbox, coming to rest at the gantry. Hudswell Clarke No19 duly arrived and the two engines were coupled together...

The first hour of any Statfold Enthusiasts Day tends to be spent setting up the tokens. Yesterday with "Alpha" we were the token engine, hauling the first passenger train of the day to Cogan Halt before returning light engine. Today, forming the first move, we would run to Oak Tree where we would uncouple and take up our place on the waiting freight train. No19 would then perform the full line inspection before returning to Statfold, passing us again at Oak Tree on the way. The tokens would then be set up to start normal running by operating the first passenger train and sending the lead engine back from Cogan Halt light engine, just as we did yesterday. Road given and with the token aboard No19, away we went. The big Bagnall hissed loudly into the section, running bunker first bound for Oak Tree. Compared to little "Alpha" yesterday, "Isibutu" is quite a lump. Coasting down towards the roundhouse, we uncoupled as planned before setting back onto the freight. Now all we needed was a token and a Guard...

During our 30-minute or so layover at Oak Tree, we couldn't help but put some smokebox art on the engine. 84E is of course Tyseley shed, perfectly fitting for our Castle in disguise. This did get some humorous comments later in the day...

Once No19 had passed us 'bang road' and returned to Statfold, the first passenger train of the day was released. The token was then taken back by the diminutive duo of "Wendy" and "Jack Lane". The next passenger train soon arrived at Oak Tree, allowing us to depart with the freight. Feeling the weight for the first time, the Bagnall steadily lumbered away from the station. Still 'cold', the engine was a bit woolly as we dug into the climb towards the Jurassic Park gates, just about managing to keep her feet on the greasy morning rails as the wagons began to drag. 

It was on the approach to the tightly curved points into the bay platform (and all too late) that I realised my mistake...too slow! As we entered the station the greasy rails took hold and after some energetic ragging of the regulator we came to a stand. Given permission to set back, we hissed backwards past the admiring hoards whilst sand was laid down. This time, we went straight in without issue. A little red faced, I was soon reassured of my ability when Batesy came up Platform 2 road slipping well with "Alpha": an engine well known for its sure footed behaviour. Can't win them all...

Our first full line outing was with the ex-Bredgar set of coaches, and the Bagnall was warming up nicely as we steamed out towards Cogan Halt. On the way back, I was already telling the Bagnall how lovely she was, with Ben commenting "I don't think I've ever seen you this happy!". He's quite right, I love being on this engine. Our second full outing was with the freight train again, much to my initial dismay as thoughts of stalling out on the point work a second time came to mind!...

As we sailed by the signalbox to collect the token, Will (who was signalling today) commented: "it'll give you some practise" over a partially hidden smile. Quite right! Around the railway we went, hauling our mixed rake of wagons. Ben had "Isibutu" singing to him: pressure was up and water just right. I was having a wonderful time on the regulator: "Isibutu" is beautiful. Returning to Statfold Junction, the engine barked loudly up into the bay with no trouble at all. If she had her own sanding gear she'd be unstoppable! As we simmered in Platform 1, the huge bulk of the Garrett K1 duly appeared on Platform 2 road, creating an interesting comparison of Statfold brutes...

Here we see the fairly basic backhead of the Bagnall. The marine firebox with its pizza-oven door can be seen at the bottom. Though it gives good access for firing, the lack of any water jacket or lagging around this area makes it a tremendous heat source and a terrific cab heater! The marine style firebox is basically a tube inside another tube, with the rear firebox door section removable for maintenance. Many an armchair expert relishes the opportunity to discredit the steaming ability of these boilers but, certainly in this case, we've never had a problem. Tongaat Sugar certainly seemed to like them: they had quite a fleet! All in all, a pleasant workspace and a well protected cab...

The third outing saw us hauling the pretty rake of ex-Lynton coaches, seen here approaching the balloon loop from Oak Tree...

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

By our fourth outing, which was another freight train, I was having a fantastic day. What a fine old machine this is: practically perfect in every way...

"Isibutu On The Freight" (Pic - J.Kindred)

I can't really praise the engine any more: she's just lovely. I would quite happily go on this at every Statfold open day, as I'm sure many would, and not get bored of it! After our freight working, we set back on the signals to reach the headshunt. By now the overcast morning had cleared to reveal blue skies and warm sunshine. The weather was far more pleasant today: yesterday was much too sticky!...

Our next working was another outing with the ex-Bredgar coaches, which Ben drove whilst I did my best to muck up the firing. Never hurts to keep your hand in...

It was quite nice to do a spot of firing, though not much is required on the strong Bagnall as she just steams so well. Ben took us easily around the route, returning to Statfold in good time for another run with the Lynton coaches. I must admit, I lost count of the true number of trips we did but it must have been 6 or 7 at least, which was good going! Our final full journey of the day was this one, with the Lynton set, seen here at a sunny Cogan Halt as we await permission from the signallers to proceed...

Returning to Statfold, I couldn't help but think how nice the Stanier hooter sounded. When it was first fitted I was a little reluctant, as I love the whistle "Isibutu" normally carries. However, this original hooter gives her a whole new identity and sounds just right as she pounds along sounding like a worn Black Five with 30 empties! As the days end neared, we were surprised to be called upon once more, to run light engine to Oak Tree to head the final train back to Statfold to return the tokens. This train was hauled by the huge Tasmanian Garrett K1, with "Isibutu" providing a pilot and two Quarries ("Sybil Mary" and "Cloister") on the tail. The ensemble made for quite an impressive sight as we barked loudly past the gallery bound for Statfold...

"Tasmanian and South African Steam" (Pic - J.Kindred)

The engine then enjoyed a well earned break after arrival at Statfolds Platform 2...

The final move of the day, still coupled to K1, involved hissing down to Strawberry Park for the Sunday evening line up. The engines then returned to the signalbox for disposal, with K1 shoving us the final few panels so that I could get my regulator seated properly. "Butu" was built with a twin-port regulator but was modified in preservation to have only one valve in there. To get the valve nicely seated you have to open her wide, then fully open then shut it, allowing the steam to leave the circuit and allow the valve to seat. This was done on the approach to Statfold ready for disposal, allowing the big Garrett to position us where necessary and remove the need to reopen the regulator. Here, the Bagnall stands at the head of a sizeable line up of engines during disposal...

During disposal, a lady was brought to visit the engine who actually grew up not far from Tongaat Sugar in South Africa, where "Isibutu" and her sisters spent their working lives. She explained to us the origins of the engines name and the areas of Natal around these sugar fields. It was quite interesting and poignant to be honest. With our job done, we left the 1945-built 4-4-0 to simmer away to herself with a full boiler and a quiet fire. I must thank Ben for a fantastic day and his company throughout the weekend. I must also thank Alex (and Will) for the opportunity to crew "Isibutu" and the photographers whos pictures I've used in this post. Thank you all: a wonderful day on a wonderful engine...

Statfold: Sunny Saturday with "Alpha"...

"All Smiles with Alpha" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Hi all. This weekend I was rostered to drive both days of the Statfold "Back to Basics" Enthusiasts event which replaced the previously cancelled March do. Myself and Fireman Ben were both pleased (and also a little surprised) when the published roster saw us penned to two fine machines: "Alpha" on the Saturday and "Isibutu" on the Sunday. The Met Office had promised a scorching weekend and the temperature was already rising well as I drove along the A444 this morning in order to reach Statfold a little before 06:30. Arriving at the shed area with the hoards of fellow footplate crew, we each signed in and proceeded to our various steeds. Ben had already completed the necessary checks and had lit "Alpha"s fire. According to the notices, we were required for the first outbound train of the day so needed to be ready for 08:40...

With the 1922-built Hudswell Clarke already crackling away to herself nicely, I began oiling round. I felt particularly familiar with "Alpha" as I was driving her last Monday for a photo charter. The sun was already very warm and the cloudless blue sky ensured that it was going to be a cracking day for weather. As I topped up the various oiling points around the immaculate 0-6-0, the smoke-filled atmosphere on the shed frontage gave a hazy backdrop for the determined morning sun...

Whilst I oiled up the engine, Ben was giving her a wipe over with some rags. The now traditional 08:15 Safety Briefing was followed by breakfast from the snap van...

A little behind time (not our fault!), we were given the signal to leave shed and duly hissed downgrade towards the signalbox. No19 had already gone off on the line inspection and the first public train of the day was being marshalled in Platform 1. Once given the road, we set back in order to couple up to 1891-built Quarry Hunslet "Cloister". She was waiting with "Sybil Mary"...

The undoubted star of the event was the huge compound Garrett "K1", built in 1909 for the Tasmanian Government Railways. The engine was steamable in good time for the March event but this was sadly cancelled at the last minute due to the impending UK lockdown. Today, "K1" was in steam and looking the business for her excited audience. She would leave Statfold on the days second public trip, once we'd returned with the token. She's certainly a hefty lump on 2ft gauge tracks...

When "right time" came, we departed Statfold with our unusual trio of locomotives. Apart from a small chuff to get the weight moving towards the Jurassic Park gates when leaving Statfold Junction, the majority of the run to the balloon loop is fairly easy going. "Alpha" and her Quarry shed mates easily took the ex-Bredgar train to Cogan Halt. Here, the Hudswell would be uncoupled from "Cloister" ready to return to Statfold light engine with the token. This would then set the tokens up for the days running...

Leaving the Quarry Hunslets behind, "Alpha" ticked easily back to Statfold. It was quite unusual running "bang road" at Oak Tree, slipping past "Isibutu" as she waited with the freight wagons. The sight of "Howard" bowling into Oak Tree on the High Level did create a very brief moment of horror, reassured by the token hanging on our rear cab sheet! Oak Tree can become a hive of activity on Enthusiasts Days, with three separate lines converging on it independently. Once back at Statfold we were signalled into the yard to allow "K1" to depart. After a brief wait, we were called onto the next outbound passenger working as the sun shone down...

As I said the other week, "Alpha" is really master of the job and is just so easy to drive and fire. On the Low Level railway she really will do pretty much anything asked of her with relative ease. Here she is at Cogan Halt...

After a very pleasant second run back to Statfold, we were turned on the table in readiness for a brief spell on the shed apron. Fireman Ben had the job well in hand and "Alpha" was steaming a treat and proving no trouble at all...

"Alpha on the Turntable" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Though no doubt a world away from her working home at the Ryam Sugar Company in the East Indian state of Bihar, "Alpha" seems to enjoy a fairly relaxed retirement in South Staffordshire. She is a very nice engine indeed...

"Alpha on Shed" (Pic - M.Waldron)

The day went on pretty much like that, rotating between services with the other engines. There were 13 in steam today: two on the High Level, "Roger" the Wren in the garden and the remaining 10 operating either alone or in pairs on the Low Level. The reduced visitor numbers (closely monitored to allow for appropriate social distancing) really seemed to work out well, with the place seeming busy enough but not too crowded. After our third trip, my cornish pasty was ready. Cooked to perfection in the high temperatures of the smokebox: 1 trip at Gas Mark 200...

Lunch devoured, Ben took over on the handle for the next two trips whilst I did my best to mess up the firing. The sun was still shining well and the whole experience proved to be very pleasant indeed. We do live for days like this...

Below, with Ben driving, "Alpha" slips through the new passing loop at Strawberry Park on the approach to Oak Tree. This is the home of the new event field and a new station has been built to improve access for field-based events. For this weekend, the loop was locked out and trains were passing through. American passenger saloon "Carabassett" was on display in the platform in a rare escape from the roundhouse...

"Passing Strawberry Park" (Pic - M.Waldron)

Finally, "Alpha" stands awaiting the road from the departure-side of the balloon loop with our fourth returning train, bound for Statfold Junction...

In the end we did 6 round trips today, finishing with a small jaunt out to Strawberry Park for a photo-line up around 5pm with the rest of the days engines. It had been a wonderful first day of the "Back to Basics" Enthusiasts event and it was again a pleasure to drive "Alpha". I must thank Ben for his firing efforts and Max for use of some of his photos from the day. All that remains for me to say is, it's great to be firmly back on the handle! Roll on tomorrow with my favourite Bagnall! Cheers all, Sam...

Statfold: A Socially Distanced Charter...

"Driver Sam and Fireman Matt with Alpha" (Pic - B.Bryan)

Well, after four months, we're back! With the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, the mothballed steam preservation scene is now beginning the slow journey back out of hibernation, with Statfold no exception. We should have started the season back in March with the spring Enthusiasts Day, working towards the annual Giant Miniature Weekend, both of which were cancelled early on. Last week the railway hosted two socially distanced photo days on behalf of 30472 Charters, starring "Isibutu". A third was planned for today with Hudswell Clarke "Alpha" the main subject. When Alex contacted me last week to see if I was available to drive, my severe case of Cold Firebox Syndrome resulted in me quickly booking a day off work! I hadn't driven for a charter before, although I've been involved with one or two in the past. This morning, with the sun shining, I trundled along the A444 towards the SBRs Tamworth base, arriving there a little before 07:30. Fireman Matt was already warming "Alpha" through on the prep road outside the roundhouse. It was a lovely morning...

Having signed in, donned my prep coat and picked up the oil cans, I began oiling round. It felt quite odd to be back initially! "Alpha" carries outside Walschaerts valve gear and all of the motion is easily accessible...

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the temperature was already rising and a great day was pretty much assured. We did encounter one obstacle which can strike fear into the heart of any fireman: damp wood! Thanks to my years at Shackerstone however, I've developed a keen knack for foraging wood to coax an ailing embryo fire! With some dryer wood in the box, the reassuring crackle and a healthy column of smoke from the chimney proved we'd cured the issue. Whilst Matt rubbed a rag around the already immaculate Hudswell, she began singing away to herself, joining in the chorus with the morning birdsong. We had well over an hour left before we were required...

The charter was due to start at 10:00, with the loco and stock required for posed photographs at Oak Tree from 09:30 onwards. Once changed and ready, I drove "Alpha" steadily off shed with the drains and valve chest taps hissing. Reversing onto the pre-formed mixed train, we coupled on before setting back under the Guards instructions. Once in the loop at Oak Tree, we took on water...

One clear advantage Statfold has, particularly in these strange times, is that photo charters can be conducted across the whole railway without the need for photographers to board the train. The various locations around the route can be reached on foot, with the assembled consist making various run pasts in each location before moving on. This allows social distancing to be fully enforced with great ease. A little before 10:00, with the photographers already making their way on foot towards the Jurassic Park gates, we were asked to board the engine in readiness for departure. The two ex-Bredgar coaches, the Banana van and the coal truck formed a fairly light train, particularly for chunky little "Alpha". When the call came over the radio, away we went. The engine strode merrily past the gallery, on route to Statfold Jnc where we uncoupled outside the signalbox before carrying on to turn the engine...

Drifting back down past the signalbox via the yard, we coupled on to the stock at the opposite end before providing a few run pasts. The morning was spent on the north section, offering countless run pasts at various locations and cameos with a couple of dressed up reenactors and the blue Austin van. We made it back to Oak Tree in time for lunch break, where "Alpha" simmered quietly on the through road. I had a wander around to catch up on developments. The new workshop (where the American trucks used to live) housed the two current projects: the Fowler tank engine and "Fiji", both dismantled for their overhauls. "Fiji" now has her boiler removed...

In the roundhouse stood a very clean and tidy K1: the Tasmanian compound Garrett. I did have a brief look around it at Christmas when I did my Santa turns. Back then it was out of commission and looking sorry for itself. Statfold performed a whirlwind turn around for her over the closed months and she was steamable and repainted in time for the March open day...which unfortunately didn't happen! The railway hope to showcase the big engine as part of their August Enthusiasts weekend: a socially distanced replacement for the March do. Here, K1 provides a surprising comparison with the big Peckett "Harrogate". At 33 tons, K1 is now by far the biggest locomotive based at Statfold. It'll be interesting to see her in operation...

Other pieces of interest for me in the roundhouse were the two Bagnalls: little and large, otherwise known as "Wendy" and "Isibutu". "Wendy" is much smaller in stature than her Tongaat Sugar cousin but both have the Staffordshire pedigree. Having refilled my tea can, I wandered back out to "Alpha"...

For lunch, I'd warmed a couple of sausage rolls through on "Alpha"s manifold during the morning whilst Matt had put a pie in the smokebox. Tea was taken in peace, with only the simmering Hudswell to listen to...

After their lunch and their roundhouse tour, the photographers returned for the afternoon session. This would take place on the south section between Oak Tree and the balloon loop. The first shot included another cameo with the blue van. Matt drove for a while during this time whilst I kept my eyes on the fire and the water. Here, "Alpha" sets out from the Oak Tree platform, passing the Austin...

"Alpha and the Austin" (Pic - J.Evans)

I lost count of the amount of run pasts we did during the afternoon, or even the day...but it was definitely alot! Our final run pasts were on the high level line, returning to Oak Tree. As "Alpha" repeatedly dug into the stiff climb, I was sure it was her first time over that side. Back and forth we went, finishing the day with some glorious afternoon sun. The punters left a little before 17:00 and, from what we were told, a good day was had by all. As we returned the ex-Ryam 1922-built Hudswell to the shed, we remarked on what a pleasant and stress-free day it had been. I certainly enjoyed it: something different. It was definitely good to be back on the handle and finally relieve my CFS. Thanks to the 30472 team for the opportunity, thanks to Alex for rostering me and thanks to Matt for doing the shovelling. Roll on the next time...