GCR Firing Course: The Practical Weekend...

"The Class of 2022-2023" (Pic - R.Vincent)

Well, what a long, draining but thoroughly enjoyable weekend this was! Regular readers will know that I've been attending the Great Central Railway's firing course since October and the culmination of this class is the three day practical weekend which took place over the last three days. Up to now we'd had five classroom days which had included a lot of theory, with knowledge then proven by completing written exams. Outside of the course we'd all been taking part in footplate work but this weekend would see us going out with a team of instructors aboard BR Standard 2 No78018. The program for the weekend was as follows:

• Friday: Engine and brake van working.
• Saturday: Freight train working.
• Sunday: Empty coaching stock.

On the Friday we would have the railway to ourselves and so would work 78018 between Loughborough and Leicester North. The weekend days would see our trips working between Loughborough and Swithland Sidings, in and amongst the public trains. We arrived at 06:00 on Friday morning and our team of 7 trainees got together in the mess room to receive the briefing. We were then separated into pairs and given a roster for the three days. I was to be out with Dave and we had one trip per day booked to us, as did the others. The duties were rotated between the small teams and so each of us had either cleaning, driver's prep or fireman's prep to complete each morning. Friday saw myself and Dave on cleaning whilst the others prepared the engine. Here she is just as the sun started to come up...

On the Friday it was just the engine and the brake van so there was little weight behind a willing 78018. Myself and Dave were booked on the first trip of the day: one of us would drive and one would fire. I ended up driving the first section out of Loughborough and this was quite momentous for me as this was my first drive on the Great Central (hopefully not the last). It was also my first drive of a BR Standard, having been mainly used to Great Western engines in the past. How exciting...

Driving the Standard 2 was most enjoyable and quite enlightening. I always imagined that sitting down driving one would feel odd (having been so used to standing up at the regulator) but it felt very comfortable, with everything in easy reach. Riddles and his design team really had it just right. Here, 78018 prepares to leave Leicester North, propelling the van back to Loughborough at reduced speed...

Once we'd done our trip on the engine it was time to rejoin the brake van. Here, on the second trip, we're steaming out of a desolate Quorn...

During the afternoon we had a practical tutorial on detonator protection as well as some buckeye practise for when we need to join or slip coaches. Here, on the third trip of the day, 78018 waits at a chilly Rothley for the road back to Loughborough...

Four trips completed, it was time to return 78018 to the shed for disposal. Much like the morning, each pair had their own part of the disposal to complete each day...

Saturday morning soon rolled around and myself and Dave were on driver's prep with instructor Pete. Again we were rostered on the first footplate trip of the day and I drove 78018 light to Swithland before extracting the windcutter mineral train from the sidings. Once I'd ran the engine round ready for the run back, I propelled the wagons out over the crossover and then Dave took over to drive us back to Loughborough whilst I did the firing. By the second trip we were back on the brake van...

78018 runs round the second windcutter trip on the Saturday...

Back at Loughborough, 78018s sister 78019 was hauling the Saturday lunchtime diner. She looked immaculate as she awaited her 13:00 departure time...

Saturday evening myself and Dave completed the driver's disposal and as if by magic it was soon Sunday morning. This morning we were on fireman's prep and 78018s chimney is captured burning off the smoke from our freshly lit fire...

Here, 78018 looks a little puny alongside the larger 8F 48305...

A rushed footplate view of 78018 as we prepared to handover...

Here, 78018 awaits the road to run up to the up through to collect the ECS...

When we arrived at Swithland on the first ECS trip myself and Dave alighted with instructor Pete to walk Swithland and its signalling system a final time. There was also an opportunity to visit the impressive signalbox. Unfortunately a points failure had delayed departures from Loughborough and so we decided to walk to Rothley for some tea and cake. Why not? It was a lovely sunny day for it...

While we waited, 48305 pulled in with the Sunday lunchtime diner...

Eventually a rerouted 78018 arrived with the firing school ECS from Loughborough and we managed to rejoin our train (and our lunch!). On our return run to Loughborough (once 78018 had performed an extended run round via Swithland) it was announced that this second run would be the last of the day due to the late running of everything else. Therefore we ourselves didn't get a footplate go on the Sunday (we were rostered for a cancelled trip) but these things can't be helped. It had still been a most engaging and enjoyable weekend spent in good company. Once we'd returned 78018 to the shed for the third and final time it was time for us to complete our individual disposal jobs (today myself and Dave were on fireman's disposal). 

With everything done and the engine safe and secure, it was time to have the team photo that is included at the top of this post. These guys are a great bunch, as are the GCR instructors. It was a pleasure to spend the weekend with them. The GCR firing course has been a brilliant experience and hopefully it won't be too long now before I get my ticket. The process is like a well oiled machine and it is something that I wish I'd had the opportunity to do many years ago. Thanks to all involved.

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

"Braunton": A Valentines Bulleid...

Main line steam moves through Northampton have been in no short supply of late, particularly with the lesser spotted engine and coach moves between London and the north. Both Saphos Trains and West Coast Railways work regular jobs out of Southall depot and this requires the movement of engines and coaching stock from both Crewe and Carnforth respectively. Today it was the turn of 1946-built Bulleid pacific No34046 "Braunton" to head homeward to Crewe after a few weeks working in and around the big smoke. It was a crisp and wintry Valentines day today, with the sun shining down from a blue sky. Therefore, with the move passing by around lunchtime, I decided to do a going away shot which was also away from the sun, preventing any glare. "Braunton" slipped casually by, throwing white steam over her shoulder. All she had in tow was her support coach. Always nice to see her and no doubt we will again soon...

Cheers all and thanks for reading as always. Until next time...

Please note that the above image was taken from land outside of the NR boundary fence.

The Great Quorn Walkabout...

Afternoon all. A short one from today. This morning was a frosty start, arriving at around 9am at Quorn yard on the Great Central Railway for another walkabout session. As part of the 2022-2023 firing course we have walked the signalling and track layouts at all of the main points of interest on the railway, including Loughborough, Swithland and Rothley. The final tick in the box was Quorn and this walkabout took place this morning. We walked the entirety of the station limits between the up and down section signals, discussing the signalling, track layout and the variety of moves that could take place in and around the confines of the station. It was another very informative and useful morning that will hopefully stand us all in good stead for the future...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

Going Great Central: Unexpected Urie Delight...

Evening all. This was one of those days where things turned out unexpectedly good. It was the Saturday of the 2023 Winter Steam Gala at the Great Central and myself and Batesy arrived a little before 06:00 in order to complete a shed turn. Walking across the yard to sign in, I was immediately met with the sight of one of the visiting engines: BR Standard Class 5 No73082 "Camelot", of 1955 vintage...

Having admired the named Five, I walked up with Batesy to see the other visitor: Urie S15 No506 from the Mid Hants Railway. 506 was being prepared by Martyn and Simon and so we duly offered to lend a hand for a few hours...

Below is a view of the cab of the lovely 506 as she brewed up on shed this morning. It is typical 'old Southern', not unlike the T9 and "Sir Lamiel"...

506 was built under the LSWR in 1920 as part of Urie's S15 class of fast freight engines. Following the 1923 grouping, the class continued to be built (in a modified form) by the Southern's CME Maunsell. Eventually the S15 class numbered 45 examples and 7 of them survive in preservation: two Urie types and five Maunsell's. I believe that 506 is the only Urie S15 to have steamed in preservation (so far). Affectionately known as 'Goods Arthurs' due to their similarity to their N15 cousins, the S15 was a successful design that lasted in BR service right up until January 1966. I like 'old Southern' stuff. They're always handsome machines...

As the other engines gradually moved off, 506 completed prep over the No1 road pit. Here, the engine stands ready for action as Simon climbs aboard...

Once the S15 had departed shed in a cloud of condensate, the gaggle of cleaners could join forces to empty the three pits of ash. Here, well known 'King of the Pits' Batesy gets to work removing the ash from the No1 road pit. Contrary to popular rumour, anyone who is anyone starts out on the pits: that's how you get on!...

Once the S15 had completed its first round trip, we were surprised to be invited onto the footplate for a run to Leicester and back, following kind permission from both the crew and the engine rep from the MHR. This is an unusual honour, as visiting engines tend to be off limits to cleaners. Batesy would ride up to Leicester on 506, whilst I rode in the coaches, before swapping with me for the return journey. We were both very pleased to get a ride on this fine 'old Southern' machine, particularly such an unexpected one! During my ride on the engine, driver Simon awaits time at Rothley...

Having left Rothley in good voice, 506 was held for a few minutes at the Swithland down starter signal. Below is a rushed snap along the parallel boiler...

Whilst leaving Quorn towards Quorn's down starter signal, I grabbed this rushed snap of freshly repainted 9F No92214 as she arrived on the up line with a mixed freight. The engine has just completed a two week repaint into prototypical BR unlined black after many years in lined Brunswick green. She looks miles better...

All too soon my brief run aboard the lovely Urie S15 came to an end as we came to a stand at the north end of Loughborough's platform one. What a fine old thing...

One thing I always notice about the 'old Southern' stuff is how well made it seems. The S15 for example is built like a warship! Every component appears to have been made to be very strong. The whole engine appears to be sturdy. I observed this on a Maunsell example at the Bluebell some years ago. I must thank Martyn, Simon and of course the MHR minder for letting us have a ride on the beautiful 506. It's a pleasure to have ticked off an S15's footplate! If you'd like to support 506 in any way, please visit the owning group's website. Many thanks all for reading. Cheers then, Sam...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

"Sherwood Forester" Steams Homeward...

Yesterday a Bongo, today a Black Five! Yesterdays southward move of 61306 to Southall was only half of the job. Her crew had to today bring 45231 back to Crewe via the same route. The 5MT had moved south with "Sir Nigel Gresley" a few weeks before Christmas (post here) and today was returning home after the B1 took her place at Southall. Above, 45231 "Sherwood Forester" creeps steadily along the down goods line at Northampton as she approaches a red signal where she'd be held for other services to pass her. Sadly the sun was in totally the wrong place (unlike yesterday afternoon when the B1 called by) and so the shot of 45231 is a little blurred from the glare. After sidling steadily past, 45231 disappeared northward. Cheers all, Sam...

Please note that the above image was taken from land outside of the NR boundary fence.

A Wintry Bongo At Northampton...

Afternoon all. Today we were treated to the sight of an old friend passing the depot in the form of LNER B1 No61306 "Mayflower". The Bongo was steaming from Crewe to Southall with her support coach ready to work some Steam Dreams jobs over the coming weeks. I say an old friend as I was lucky enough to spend a few seasons helping to crew "Mayflower" as a trainee when it was owned by the late Gerald Boden. The engine was then residing on the Leicestershire withered arm and Gerald kindly allowed us trainees to go out as third men with his crews who then looked after the Eastern 4-6-0. This was the first standard gauge main liner I'd ever regularly crewed and it was a great thrill as a youngster to be out with her. Here I am snapped crewing "Mayflower" in 2010, aged 18. How things change...

These days "Mayflower" is part of the Saphos stud of express steam locomotives and is based at Crewe. It was a great pleasure to see her this afternoon and it's nice that she is still in regular operation. All of the engines featured in this blog contribute in some way to a memory from here or there and "Mayflower" is definitely one of those higher up the list. There are plenty of bad memories from a certain place from years past but the beautiful B1 isn't one of them. What a nice old thing...

Unlike the usual engine and coach moves where the loco is out of sight within seconds, today saw 61306 hanging around for about 25-minutes. During this time she waited on the up goods line at a red signal whilst various passenger and freight services passed her by. It was actually nice to have her around for a while to get a good look...

As her right time neared, the fireman made up the fire with what (from a distance) looked to be a harder coal. It certainly gave off some smoke! When the signal cleared, 61306 burst into life and hissed gently southward with one of her safety valves blowing. She then disappeared into the distance under a cloak of smoke and steam...

And that's that. I wonder when I'll see "Mayflower" again? No doubt she'll be back this way later in the year. A nice bit of nostalgia that was on an otherwise uneventful Tuesday afternoon. Thanks for reading folks. Cheers all, Sam...

Please note that the above images were taken from land outside of the NR boundary fence.

GCR Firing Course: Day Five...

Here we are again folks: back on the firing course! Today saw classroom day five of five take place, with the main subjects including route knowledge and rules. It was a heavy going session this one, culminating in another written exam. That's now it for the primary classroom days, with the next port of call being the three day practical weekend which is planned for February 17th-19th. I'm sure that after all of this classroom work we're all looking forward to being out on the engines again! So far I've found this course to be a very engaging and worthwhile experience and, as I've said before, I wish I'd had access to something like this years ago. Roll on the practical weekend...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

GCR: First Railway Day of 2023...

And just like that, we've completed week one of 2023! Welcome back folks to post No1 of 2023 which, unsurprisingly, found me at Loughborough shed on the Great Central Railway doing some cleaning work. I arrived at around 07:00 this morning and met up with Batesy for a few hours of chat and polishing. The weather however was vile: a below average January day. Whilst we scrubbed the wheels of the service locomotive (78018) the wind was howling and the rain was pouring down. It was definitely one of those mornings where you wished you'd stayed in bed. It was awful to be honest. But, nobody could knock us...we were there doing a bit! Later on, after a cuppa' to warm us back up, we set to aboard 78018s sister engine 78019. The other Standard 2 wasn't out today and sat drenched on No2 road at the shed as the rain continued to fall. Myself and Phil decided to clean up the cab and spent the next few hours cleaning and nattering. By the time home time came around, the sun had appeared and was shining, although it was still bitterly cold. At least the rain stopped...

After signing off, we returned to our cars and headed for home. It was nice to spend a few hours talking rubbish with a mate whilst cleaning the engine up. That's a good start to 2023, although a very cold one! Cheers all, Sam...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

Merry Christmas Everyone...

Just a very quick post from this afternoon to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you to everyone that has read this dribble this year: your readership is always appreciated. In a break from previous traditions I've thrown in an old rushed shot from Christmas 2017 of the beautiful No5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" making up her vacuum outside a frosty Tyseley shed ready for an excursion to York. That was a great day. A great engine and great memories. Well everyone, as usual...eat, drink and be merry! Thanks all, Sam...

Statfold: A Peckett Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas...

"We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Evening all. This afternoon I was rostered to drive the lovely 1944-built Peckett "Harrogate" at the Statfold Barn Railway. Our requested sign on time was 13:00 (ready to take over the engine just under an hour later) and so I had a leisurely drive along the A444 in the blustery winter weather to reach Statfold just after lunch. Having grabbed my kit from the car, I made my way towards the mess room in the roundhouse. On my way through the main museum it was nice to see the various locomotives of the collection resting quietly around the turntable amidst the festive decorations. These probably won't see steam again until Spring...

Upon arrival at the mess room I met up with Alex and Phil before signing in and reading the notices. My fireman Josh and the crew for "Fiji" duly arrived and we then all enjoyed a cuppa' whilst giving out the usual banter. As changeover time neared, we changed into our smarts and made our way out to the Strawberry Park platform. Driver Ben handed "Harrogate" over to me and reported that all was well before we set sail on the tail of "Fiji" for the next train. "Harrogate" is pictured here as I check her over at the Oak Tree crossing whilst on the rear of our first train...

The weather was a mixture of dark cloud and drizzle, with a good sharp crosswind biting its way through the cab from across the fields. Even in a well enclosed cab like "Harrogate"s it was still quite bitter at times. This I guess is the joy of the bleak midwinter! Luckily we had a good fire going and I had my trusty billy can on the tea tray to keep me going. We certainly needed hot tea today!...

Once "Fiji" had hauled us back into Strawberry Park it was time for us to take over and lead the next trip, once we'd swapped our lamps and exchanged the staff...

Despite my love for the Statfold-based Bagnalls, I really do like the Peckett "Harrogate". The rivet counters will no doubt comment on the missing original cab (it used to have a very cut down version for working through the restrictive gas works tunnels at Harrogate) but I do believe that everything done to this engine during its preservation life has been very sympathetic. The cab fittings in particular are some of the nicest I've seen on a Peckett and the thing has been kept as close to as built as possible. The only one that I've seen that is as nice is the pampered pet Peckett of Tyseley: No2004 of 1941...she's a real sweetheart that one. Both examples are a far cry from poor old former friend "Sir Gomer" which rests neglected, rusty and unloved not far from here, but that's another story. Here, "Harrogate" simmers quietly at Oak Tree as we await our next ECS move to Strawberry Park to pick up more passengers...

As usual, lovingly restored "Harrogate" was performing very well and there were no real faults to speak of. She always pulls well, steams well and stops well which is all you can really ask. In recent years I feel like she's been at the top of her game and I always have a pleasant turn on her. The only thing we were missing today were her lovely Peckett lamps which had been replaced by a BR (M) and a BR (E), allowing us to display a red aspect when on the rear of the train...

I drove the first two trips and swapped with fireman Josh for the next two. We were joined on the footplate for most of the shift by the 'Inspectorate', otherwise known as Mr Phil Bates who offered a constant stream of comical but constructive criticism of our efforts! Here, "Harrogate" prepares to depart Strawberry Park...

By the time we reached Oak Tree with the 16:05 ex-Strawberry Park train, the light was fading well. The lighting around the engines and coaches were all that illuminated the darkening landscape before us as we prepared for departure...

On our fourth leading working we were treated to our evening snap during the brief Oak Tree layover. I'd opted for the festive roll which included turkey and cranberry sauce, roast potatoes and gravy and some pigs in blankets. On this cold, damp evening, this was just what the doctor ordered I can tell you!...

Here, "Harrogate" tails "Fiji"s last leading departure as we prepare for our last train of the evening. I was just giving her a final check around...

Our last train of the night was very enjoyable and quite spirited. By now I was back on the handle and enjoyed the final romp up to Oak Tree with another heavy train. Once the passengers had alighted at Oak Tree for their Santa experience, the lights were turned off and we returned the train to Strawberry Park as ECS for stabling. "Fiji" was released from the rear of the stock and proceeded onto the shed whilst we were sent back to the balloon loop light engine to switch off the lighting there and lock up the gates upon our return. Here, the Peckett waits on the bank at Oak Tree whilst we lock the field gates. A bit of a blurry one, but atmospheric...

After a final trundle back through the empty platform at Oak Tree, we returned "Harrogate" back to the shed road and began our disposal...

"Fiji" and "Harrogate" will be in service on 'Santa Express' workings throughout this week on the run up to Christmas, with the final trains operating on the 23rd. Both have had a reliable and hard working season once again and have no doubt delighted several thousands of happy passengers. I must thank Josh for his firing efforts this afternoon and Alex for rostering me for both turns at the SBR this December: both outings were most enjoyable. That's it for me this Christmas folks. Thanks for reading and, of course, Merry Christmas one and all...