Tyseley: Preparing "Polar Star"...

Hi all. This week has been part of my annual Christmas leave and so today allowed me the opportunity to head over to Tyseley to help prepare "Polar Star". This evenings services would be the final Thursday operation, with the final 'Polar Express' trains operating this Sunday. They have been hugely popular so far and bookings are strong into the weekend. I was incredibly impressed by the whole cast during my sneak peak at the performance last Friday. 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" has been a stalwart performer on all of the Polar workings, covering many miles back and forth on the Goods Line between Tyseley and Moor Street. On this very cold morning, I arrived at the former 84E at around 08:00 and duly unloaded my kit from the car. Walking down through the bustling loco works (they don't break up until tomorrow) I found Phil and Ted alongside 4965. I was instructed to start up the Class 08 diesel shunter to create air prior to dragging the Hall outside for lighting up...

Phil then lit the embryo fire whilst we passed mounds of chopped wood to the footplate. Many jobs have to take place during the morning preparation. The fire has to be lit, the tender watered, the locomotive and tender oiled and the whole thing cleaned. Ted was set to work rubbing down the wheels whilst myself and Phil went underneath to oil the internal components of the Stephenson's motion. It's amazing how much room there is between the frames of the larger GWR 4-6-0s: much nicer than the cramped conditions inside a Pannier! As you slink out from underneath the bufferbeam, the presence of 4965 is pretty imposing above your head...

As the morning wore on, slowly but surely "Rood Ashton" was coming to life. She'd been warmed gently the day before as normal before slowly being brought round into steam this morning. It was unusual weather today: blue skies and a chill breeze but with fairly poor lighting around the yard. The sun just couldn't make its mind up! In the yard amongst the boilers, 4965 shone brightly with steam pressure rising. The boilers below belong to a sister Hall (left) and a Manor (right)...

As usual, the renamed "Polar Star" would be moved across onto the waiting stock at around 13:00. The Class 47 diesel had been refuelled before taking up her place on the tail end of the Mk1 rake of coaches. As 4965's off shed time neared, the 47' shunted through the yard towards Warwick Road's Platform 1 to await the steamer...

When the time came, I enjoyed a short but very pleasant ride on the footplate of 4965 across onto the coaches. The engines always leave Five Road in a cloud of condensate as they attempt to clear their steam circuit during their first moves of the day. Once at the stop board, 4965 was given the road to drop back onto the coaches. The ECS departure for Moor Street was not many minutes after 14:00...

With the biting cold now starting to wear me down, I decided to head for home once the ECS had left Tyseley for the city centre. Right on time, Driver Ray Churchill and Fireman Phil Bates got "Polar Star" gently on the move and she hissed loudly through the yard towards the main line and ultimately her adoring public...

As the 47' ticked past on the rear of the train, it was time to grab my stuff and head home. That's my last Tyseley outing for 2018 complete. It's been a quiet year really for 84E (in terms of trips that is) but very exciting times now lie ahead as, following in the wake of the successful 'Polar Express', the new TOC hopes to see us out and about on other excursions in 2019. I can't wait! Today though was another very pleasant and relaxed morning spending time with good friends on and around a fabulous main line locomotive. Roll on 2019 at 84E! Thanks all and Merry Christmas...

Statfold: A Peckett Isn't Just For Christmas...

"Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen, when the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even" and so on and so forth! Throughout my steam career on the various railways I've been involved in, I've always loved the Christmas trains as it gets you in the mood for the big day. As the big man in the red suit only seems to bring me practical presents these days (you can't move for socks on Christmas morning), driving a steam train on the run up certainly seems to brighten my spirits. Today I was rostered for a PM driving turn at the Statfold Barn Railway. Once again I was to pilot the lovely 1944-built Peckett "Harrogate" on the 'Santa Express', joined this time by Fireman Matt on coal flinging duties. I arrived at the SBR at just after 13:00 and duly wandered over to the Mess Room to catch up with Matt and the afternoon crew of "Fiji": James, Josh and Frank. With our kit ready to go, we awaited the return of the 13:30 train. The Peckett soon roared into view, firing a thick white exhaust vigorously skyward and coming to rest at the top of the station...

Driver Alex duly handed control of the Peckett to me and explained that all was well but her new gland packings would require regular oiling. Meanwhile, James and his team were preparing "Fiji" to lead us around the circuit on the 14:00 train. Right on time, away we went. Matt was busy checking over his fire as we were hauled towards the balloon loop. One big improvement was in the 'S-Bend' on the approach to the footpath crossing towards New Road. Historically this section has always kicked the engines a tad as you round the bend but has only this week been smoothed out and is much improved. After arrival at Oak Tree on the tail end of the train, "Harrogate"s freshly added coal smokes up a storm whilst I make my way around with the oil cans...

Our first trip on the front was the heavily loaded 14:30 train. "Harrogate" steamed very well indeed and was in good voice. The improved 'S-Bend' now means that once you're clear of the balloon loop you can link up and leave the regulator open right the way until you're slowing to stop at Oak Tree. 2050 will just wander along merrily, throwing white steam over her shoulder. The bank will require more regulator of course but once at the top you can just bring her back a bit, letting the train slow you down. It's amazing how much of an improvement one joint can make! The 15:00 saw us tailing again prior to our next trip on the front: the 15:30. I decided to light the headlamp now as the light would be fading on our return journey...

Returning with the 15:30 the heavens opened and the rain began to fall. It was pretty persistent then, all evening long. The Peckett is fairly steady on her feet but a heavy train and greasy conditions can make her slip, although the larger "Fiji" is definitely more prone to wheel-slip. During this weather and when top and tailing to boot, it is up to the Driver to decide what the necessary provision of power from the trailing engine should be. On the 16:00 train, with "Fiji" proving a little light on her feet, 2050 was given some steam to hold her weight against the train. The judgement involves route knowledge and the situation. Most of the time holding your own engine weight will solve adhesion issues. If a little more shove is required then we can do this but there are a variety of factors that should be considered when banking...

Throughout the evening 2050 steamed and pulled well. The occasional wheel-slip was quickly caught and she was largely her usual 'glued to the track' self. Matt drove her on our 16:30 journey whilst I had a go at firing. By now the rain was getting worse and was definitely in for the night. It was pelting against "Harrogate"s spectacle glasses and was just making for foul driving conditions. Ironically, driving a steam engine in pouring rain provides far better adhesion than in light drizzle. From now on we had to bank "Fiji" quite regularly to maintain her feet; hardly surprising in this hideous weather. Soon enough our 17:30 departure arrived: the last outward passenger trip...

By now my cap was sodden and this evening became one of the very rare occasions where I drove without wearing it! My cap meanwhile was cooking on the firebox cladding in an attempt to dry it out. The 17:30 train was followed by a 17:50 departure from Statfold with ECS led by "Fiji". Once at the mouth of the balloon loop we came to a stand for the lights to be turned off before returning with 2050 leading...

Then followed three shuttle trips between Oak Tree and Statfold, ferrying the remaining visitors back to their cars after their Santa experience. "Harrogate" is pictured after arrival with the third and final shuttle at around 19:15...

Once the passengers had left the train, 2050 was uncoupled and given the road to steam onto the turntable. Engine turned, we dropped slowly back on the steam brake to collect the coal wagon and return to the shed frontage via the headshunt outside the signalbox. "Harrogate" was then disposed on the shed just in front of "Fiji". What a very pleasant evening once again on the 'Santa Express'. Thanks to Alex for rostering me and thanks to Matt for your firing efforts. Merry Christmas all...

Return To The Polar Express...

Evening all. Yesterday was my last day of work for 2018 and I can't tell you how joyful I am at being finished for Christmas! Today, with time on my hands, I'd decided to go over to the former 84E at Tyseley Loco Works to help with preparations for this evenings 'Polar Express' workings. The 'Polar Express' has been operating Thursday through Sunday throughout December and has been very well received amongst children and adults alike. Many thousands of seats have been sold and countless hot chocolates and cookies devoured! I arrived at our Birmingham base at just before 09:00. The warming orange rays of sunshine were certainly trying to take the chill away on this freezing morning. The drive over was icy and bleak and the ominous sight of thick frost atop boilers and sleepers in the Tyseley yard didn't make me feel any warmer! Down on 'Five Road' and already lit up was 4965 "Polar Star"...

"Polar Star"s alter ego is of course 1929-built "Rood Ashton Hall" who has been the stalwart performer throughout these Christmas diagrams. This morning, myself and Tony would be helping Batesy prepare the increasingly famous 4965 for her evening appearances. As well as being the 'Shakespeare Express' engine for so many years, the Hall is now making memories for thousands of visitors as "Polar Star". Whilst Batesy prepared the five-glass hydrostatic lubricator, I put a few rounds of coal on the embryo fire to help build pressure. The engine was still warm from last nights antics and wouldn't take long to brew up today. I was then set to work cleaning down the smokebox which involved a stroll along the running board...

The ECS departure from Tyseley is just after 14:00 and therefore the engine is usually taken over after lunch at 13:00. This gives us a timescale in which to work. With the smokebox complete, I buffed up the boiler barrel whilst Tony made a start on cleaning the running boards. Before the engine was brought forward I also polished the cab sides. With pressure now fast approaching the red line, 4965 was feathering loudly outside the shed whilst Batesy finished up the oiling...

Before 4965 left shed we decided to polish the tender and so the engine duly hissed forward after receiving the disc signal. Tender polished, we took the engine gently over onto the waiting stock. The 47' was already ticking away on the tail end of the train, providing Electric Train Heating to draw out the cold. With departure time nearing, I wandered back to my car to fetch the rest of my kit. Around the turntable stood a recent arrival: 34053 "Sir Keith Park": a Battle of Britain Class pacific formerly based on the Severn Valley. One of the things I love about Tyseley is the fact that there is always something new to see in and around the yard...

"Polar Star" patiently awaits her ECS departure for Moor Street...

Right on time, 4965 hissed into life and hauled the empty train to the bustling Platform 3 at Moor Street station. Here the remaining members of the team join the train before the 47' hauls us into the sidings to await a path to Platform 4...

Having not yet seen the entire 'Polar Express' performance, I joined the first round trip as staff. I was very impressed at the high standard of the cast and really enjoyed seeing them in action. Again, I cannot recommend the 'Polar Express' highly enough: give it a try and experience something entirely different from your usual 'Santa Special'. After the first round trip and with lots more happy passengers queuing to join us, we were hauled back into the sidings to await our next path. Once 4965 had loudly taken us into Platform 4 in a cloud of steam, the hoards of passengers for the next trip were led to us by the Conductor. It was quite magical to see the looks on peoples faces when they first saw "Polar Star" - with headlamp shining brightly - simmering away at the head of their train. I managed to grab a quick shot just moments before departure... 

The train runs to within feet of the Tyseley Museum site and so I alighted after a pleasant trip and a bit on the 'Polar Express'. 4965 was feathering loudly as she awaited the off towards Moor Street with the return run... 

Wandering through the dimly lit loco shed past the slumbering Castles, I reflected on a very nice afternoon. It's a pleasure to be back on the main line - if only briefly - with these fine machines and I can't wait until we start travelling further afield again. Thank you all for reading and of course, Merry Christmas. Until next time, Sam...

Please note that any descriptions or opinions given on this blog are entirely my own and do not in any way reflect the descriptions or opinions of the company in any way, shape or form. I speak only as a willing and enthusiastic volunteer of the group

Statfold: Driving A Peckett On The "Santa Express"...

Another first for the Statfold Barn Railway in 2018 is an intense program of "Santa Express" workings, operating every weekend on the run up to Christmas. Utilising two of the Statfold fleet top and tailing a festively decorated four-coach train, the railway has a variety of activities on offer in and around its Roundhouse Museum at Oak Tree Halt. I have three turns rostered to me during December and today was the first of that trio of outings. Due to the long hours associated with these Christmas trains, the SBR had decided to half the turns into AM and PM shifts. I was booked onto the PM shift today which involved signing in at 13:00 ready to take over the locomotive just prior to the 14:00 departure. All three of my "Santa Express" turns have been rostered to the lovely Peckett No2050 "Harrogate" which I last drove at the June Enthusiasts Day. Myself and Fireman Max were ready on the platform as 2050 chugged in from Oak Tree with the heavy train. Once stabled at the stop board, we relieved Will and Joey after their morning shift as "Harrogate" basked in the afternoon sun...

The top and tail operation saves time on both uncoupling as well as disconnecting the train and locomotive lighting during the darker hours. The large Hudswell Clarke "Fiji" would lead us out of Statfold on the 14:00 train, with "Harrogate" tailing on the back. Max was getting his fire ready for the afternoon ahead as we coasted down to the balloon loop. With four coaches and a trailing locomotive the train consist is fairly heavy, particularly on the short but sharp banks of the SBR. Therefore, holding the weight of your engine whilst tailing does help the lead loco maintain adhesion in these greasy conditions. At Oak Tree our passengers alighted to see the various attractions on offer and of course visit Santa in his Grotto. I took the opportunity to splash some oil around the Peckett whilst "Fiji" took on water...

Leaving Oak Tree behind, the lengthy "Express" returned to Statfold and "Harrogate" aided "Fiji" into the platform, where a considerable crowd awaited us. The "Santa" workings are timed at 90-minute intervals, although the trains run at 30-minute intervals to increase capacity and to speed up bringing visitors back from Oak Tree. Therefore, every third working is very well loaded and the Peckett's 14:30 train would feel quite heavy! With all ready, we awaited the "Right Away"...

With a blast on the Peckett whistle, I released the air and steam brakes before letting the weight get us "on the move". The gradient through the platforms at Statfold is enough to roll you down towards the signalbox without effort from the locomotive. Steaming out past the tram shed into the fields, 2050 got the train well on the move before I shut off at the Jurassic Park gates. The line drops away here towards Oak Tree and the momentum of the train as it crests the climb will carry you quickly downgrade. The white light on the approach to Oak Tree shows that the weighted points are correctly set for the loop road and so we approached and passed through. Climbing out of Oak Tree is swiftly followed by a sharp downgrade which requires some train braking to hold the consist back before curving onto the long straight towards the balloon loop. At the balloon loop another white light denotes that the road is correctly set and, once "Fiji" is clear of the points, you open up to get to grips with the curved gradient which takes you around in a big circle.

Leaving the balloon loop across the weighted points, the engine will chuff nicely towards the foot of the bank where some good strength is required to drag the train over the hill. At Oak Tree we watered the Peckett before departing back towards Statfold. You can really feel the power of 2050 under your hand. The 1944-built tank engine is quite subtle and responsive for such a large 2ft gauge loco and I love driving her. She will do almost anything asked of her with ease, although this heavily loaded "Santa" train was certainly giving her something to think about! Like most Peckett's, "Harrogate" is a punchy engine built for short bursts of brute strength and therefore does everything at her own pace. You can't race this engine and nor should you. She's one of those where you find that sweet spot on the regulator and leave her to it. A lovely old thing. Later on in the day, 2050 is spotted at Oak Tree on the tail of "Fiji"s 16:00 trip, still steaming and behaving well...

As night began to fall, the festive illuminations on the train really came to life. I'm much more used to a traditional paraffin lamp - which we duly lit - but the colourful lighting around the engines and coaches did look quite impressive. The light was fading fast as a cold winter's night drew in for our 16:30 departure from Statfold...

Max drove the 16:30 whilst I had a go at firing. The Peckett only really needs the holes in the firebed filled and she'll hug the red line throughout her journey. Despite the heavy train, the SBR doesn't require long bursts of sustained steaming as you shut off so regularly for either sharp curves or approaching facing points that the boiler can just catch up. Later on, in the rain, "Harrogate" waits at Oak Tree with the returning 17:30 train whilst Max adds coal to the fire...

The 17:30 is the last outward passenger departure, swiftly followed by a 17:45 departure from Oak Tree with returning visitors. It's amazing when you're driving at Statfold how much difference those extra visitors make: a fully loaded four-coach train is very much heavier than a half-empty one! Back at Statfold, "Fiji" took over for our ECS run to the balloon loop where the lights and generator down there would be shut off prior to returning to Oak Tree. Unusually, 2050 hauled the train back from the balloon loop to keep things in the required order...

The returning trains would now work in a shuttle mode between Oak Tree and Statfold, ferrying the remaining visitors back to their cars after their Santa experience. There was quite a lot on offer at the festively decorated Roundhouse, everything from cookie decorating to letter writing, bouncy castles, children's entertainment and of course the Grotto and Father Christmas. The four visiting reindeer were also quite a draw for visitors as they rested in their purpose built pen near the station...

We then performed three shuttle trips with 2050 on the Statfold end. "Fiji" led us down as ECS before pulling up at the balloon loop end of the station. The Peckett then summoned her strength to haul the train in to load up again. The final shuttle arrived back at Statfold at around 19:15 and "Harrogate" is later seen resting on the shed whilst Max rakes the fire through after a pleasant evening...

"Fiji" meanwhile stood being disposed under the harsh shed lighting...

There we go then: one down, two to go. My next SBR turn is another PM shift on 2050 next Sunday. Thank you to Alex for rostering me and thanks to Max for putting up with me as your driver. It was a very pleasant evening ferrying people back and forth to see Santa and I believe it is only the second time in my short steam career that I've ever taken over an engine already prepared and in steam! I'm not used to such delicate luxury! Thank you all for reading and of course, Merry Christmas...

Tyseley: Feeling Festive On The Polar Express...

The festive season on heritage railways is filled with "Santa Special"s of varying descriptions, promoting Christmas cheer through the medium of a specially decorated steam train. This year, Tyseley have branched into the musical world of the 'Polar Express', which plays out a pretty much theatrical version of the popular Christmas film of the same name. Operated by the new Vintage Trains TOC, the 'Polar Express' is operating out of Birmingham Moor Street every Thursday through Sunday until December 23rd. Many tickets have sold and most trains are sold out but there is still some limited availability if you want to try something different. Today I had planned to go to the former 84E and help with preparations of this afternoons 'Polar' trains, but was then asked to nip over to Shackerstone on my way to collect some parts. After a dreary drive through the filthy, mud swept Fen Lanes, I arrived at Shackerstone for around 08:30. Visiting for the Santa season this year is South Devon-based 64xx No6412, which is seen simmering outside the shed...

She's a nice old thing 6412: we saw her at Buckfastleigh the other year. Parts collected, it was back into the car with the heater on full blast as I navigated the M42 and A45 on route to Tyseley. Wandering down through the engine shed I found 4965 simmering quietly on the prep road. The rain was still falling in an annoyingly persistent drizzle as the engine awaited her many expectant passengers...

The lads had just finished oiling the boxes and the Stephenson's motion. With most prep tasks complete we decided to wipe down the wheels and frames as they were still protected from the falling rain. A nice touch was the replacement nameplate for 4965, who for the festive season is wearing the name "Polar Star"...

As 13:00 neared, 4965 hissed into life and expelled reams of condensate from her steam circuit as she summoned her strength to move off shed...

The pleasure of seeing Tyseley operating steam on the main line again is quite something in itself, let alone the pleasure of seeing 4965 "Polar Star" (usually "RAH") out and about again after a couple of years spent out of gauge. After exiting her shed road and being summoned back via the ground discs, 4965 is seen waiting at the head of the train as our ECS departure time of 14:09 approached...

Operationally, the 'Polar' is made up of the SRPS BR Mk1 coaches with the 84E-based Class 47 working in top and tail mode with 4965. All departures are from the bustling bay platforms of Moor Street station, right over the road from Selfridges in Birmingham's city centre. The ECS run involved a trundle along the Goods Line to reach Moor Street via Small Heath. As we left the yard behind, the sound of 4965 getting stuck into the climb as the weight of the train hung on the drawbar was fantastic. I wish we could just nip to Worcester and back or something to stretch her legs! Once we'd arrived at Moor Street it was time to set back into the sidings...

Once the passengers were gathered on the platform, "Polar Star" duly appeared in a cloud of steam hauling her festively decorated coaches. My words and pictures of today do by no means attempt to convey the level of service and entertainment on offer on the 'Polar Express'. As staff we didn't get to see the majority of the performance but the bits we did see were very enjoyable and well executed. The amount of effort that has gone into putting on this fantastic program of on-train shows really does shine through and it's a massive credit to everyone involved, from the Tyseley team to the production and cast. Please do support them and enjoy your ride with "Polar Star"! Once back at Tyseley, those of us not needed to continue the performance left the train and returned to the shed whilst 4965 prepared to steam back to Moor Street...

An extra treat for passengers on todays workings was the addition of the wonderful Jubilee "Bahamas" barking up and down on the Tyseley demo line. The Jub is being run in gently after her thorough overhaul to main line standards and she looks amazing; a credit to the group who look after her. Here, the Jub creeps up on 4965 as both steam towards Birmingham in the fading Winter light...

I left Tyseley at around 16:30 after a very enjoyable day viewing the workings of the 'Polar Express'. As I say, please just give it a try. The team have worked so hard to make this happen and you'll also be supporting steam on the main line. What better way to start your Christmas festivities? Until next time, Sam...
Please note that any descriptions or opinions given on this blog are entirely my own and do not in any way reflect the descriptions or opinions of the company in any way, shape or form. I speak only as a willing and enthusiastic volunteer of the group

A Warley Wander...

The arrival of the festive season in my calendar always comes around with our annual visit to the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham. This huge festival of all things model railway is well worth a look, particularly with it being pretty much on our doorstep. Having booked tickets a few weeks ago, we arrived in the bustling foyer area outside Hall 5 for around 09:00, with advanced ticket holders queuing to be let in at the usual opening time of 09:15. Once pushed and shoved into the exhibition hall, we wandered around to see what was on offer. These days I don't really buy anything, as my collection of railway bits in various gauges needs to reduce rather than grow further, but it never hurts to look! The two main centrepiece engines this year were of a slightly different breed than the standard gauge variants that usually attend. 15" gauge "Samson" and "Northern Chief" (of 1927 and 1925 vintage respectively) were visiting from the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch. The impressive pair were immaculately turned out and a credit to their owners...

I have something special planned for a visit to the RHDR next year so watch this space on that one. We haven't been for over 10 years and a return visit is well overdue! Elsewhere in the hall was Statfold-based "Alpha" and the recently restored War Department Hunslet. The layouts made for an impressive mass of colour and variety as usual. These days I rarely photograph anything at Warley as a) my pictures don't do the show justice and b) it's quite often far too busy to get a clear shot of anything. We spent around 3 hours enjoying a steady wander around the show before we reached our usual limit of being bashed by the rucksacks of several thousand bobble hatted show goers. As usual, it was a nice morning out. Best Regards, Sam...

Tyseley: It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas...

Hi all. How is it the middle of November already? 2018 has simply flown by and the sound of sleigh bells is already ringing in the air! My desk has been alive with Santa rosters for the various preservation locations I attend and I've naturally booked a few December dates. However, today I was at the former 84E of Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham for another volunteer Saturday. Work today was focussed around both 7029 "Clun Castle" and 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall", whilst slumbering cold between the pair was the resting "Earl". The 'Polar Express' trains: Tyseley's first public outings under the new TOC: are fast approaching and so all efforts are geared towards putting on a great show. 4965 was looking longingly towards the shed door today in readiness to escape: I can't wait to see her out again...

After a very pleasant day at 84E, I left for home at just after 4pm. I'll next be at Tyseley the week after next, helping get the engine ready for just one of the many booked 'Polar Express' duties. Next Saturday involves a Warley wander for me: November wouldn't be November without being bashed into by the overflowing rucksack of a bobble-hatted modeller! Kind Regards, Sam...

Tyseley: A Boiler Washout...

Hi all. Today I was over at Birmingham-based Tyseley Loco Works taking part in another Saturday working party. Throughout the day I was gainfully employed on a periodic boiler washout for 4965. For those not in the know, I thought it might be interesting to talk a little bit about the process and the background to it. During evaporation of water into steam, certain deposits are created from the impurities of the water. These deposits don't leave the engine during normal working, but settle within the boiler. Of course locomotive owners will tend to opt for boiler water treatments which help to keep the 'solids in suspension' before they can be removed from the boiler. No boiler treatment can prevent the requirement of a washout however, it is simply used to ensure that the water causes the least damage to the boiler between water changes and washouts.

Boiler washouts tend to be carried out, depending on the railway in question, at intervals of anything between 14 and 21 steaming days, although engines at 84E are often washed out more regularly than that. At this point the engine is removed from service, the water drained to empty the boiler and then the various mudhole doors and plugs removed. Water is then injected at high pressure in order to washout the harmful deposits that have collected during steaming. Starting at the top of the firebox, you can wash over the crown before continuing around the boiler washing everything downwards. Your aim is basically to wash everything down towards the lowest point in the boiler: the foundation ring: where the open mudholes at the lowest point will allow the water to gush out, taking with it any accumulated scale or muck. A thorough wash is undertaken both through the water space between the inner firebox and outer wrapper as well as through the boiler barrel itself. It's a process which involves getting very wet as a water jet sprayed in through one hole tends to find its way out of the next but it's the only way to thoroughly wash out scale.

Whilst the locomotive is being washed out the various mudhole doors and plugs can be checked, cleaned and readied for refitting. The fusible plugs are also generally checked during a boiler washout for condition. Eventually, once boxed back up again, the locomotive can be refilled with clean water and the process begins again. In 14-21 days time (depending on the railway in question) it will be time to washout again. All of this helps to keep the level of harmful scale down within the boiler, particularly between the inner box and outer wrapper. I've seen outer wrappers cut away during 10-year overhauls to reveal a pile of solid scale several inches thick; just imagine what that does to your stays! But yes, in short, the washout is not unlike descaling your kettle at home and is the staple of steam locomotive maintenance regimes. Cheers all, Sam...

A Bulleid Pacific On The "Severn Valley Limited"...

I don't think I've ever made any secret of enjoying a steam hauled dining train. The opulent experience of watching a locomotive exhaust drift steadily past your window whilst you wend your way through picturesque countryside over a three-course meal, topped off with a glass of red, is something to savour indeed. Today we were dining on the Severn Valley Railway, taking advantage of some vouchers I'd been given last Christmas. Their popular 'Severn Valley Limited' Dining Train began operation in 1978 and has since delighted countless stomachs and provided many miles of luxury travel whilst traversing SVR metals. I forget how many times we've sampled this train now; it must be over a dozen but I've lost count. What keeps us coming back is the professional set-up and the promise of a relaxed afternoon with steam. After a horrid drive through the rain to reach the SVR's terminus at Kidderminster, we wandered down the sodden pathway towards the station platforms. Bulleid Pacific No34072 "Taw Valley" was sat at the head of the 'Limited' stock; simmering nicely whilst steam heating the rake of chocolate and cream coaches...

As the rain and wind swirled around the train on this bleak November day, we hurried towards the coaches where we were met by the lady in charge. After giving our name we were kindly shown to our table of two, set for the meal ahead...

The departure was planned for 12:20 and, right on time, "Taw Valley" summoned a portion of her strength to move the five-coach train steadily away. As the train gathered pace Maisie was, as usual, incredibly impressed with my chat about the Bulleid pacifics and their glory days on the Waterloo to Bournemouth's...

The starters were served as we trundled steadily towards Foley Tunnel on route to Bewdley. I had a lovely red vine & tomato soup...

Unusually today we were seated on the right hand side of the train which affords a better view of the West Midlands Safari Park. The line runs adjacent to two of their large enclosures and we were afforded a grandstand view of their wonderful trio of African Elephants as they went about their Sunday business. At Bewdley the driver slowed the train so as to exchange single line tokens and we drifted through the station. Autotank No1450 and Pannier No7714 stood idle and damp in miserable conditions. After a lovely starter course we were treated to a very hearty helping of roast beef with all the trimmings. This was served a little later than usual...

An hour after leaving Kidderminster and having only stopped once at Arley to pass No2857, the train drifted into the base of SVR operations at Bridgnorth. There we alighted from the train; already stuffed beyond belief. The train waits here for around 30 minutes or so, allowing the passengers some time to visit the gift shop and take in a leg stretch. I managed to grab a shot of our dining coach: 1925-built Collett Restaurant Third No9654: as the train awaited its next path. I was only thinking on the way up that this was a very 'new' looking coach: turns out it was only finished in 2018 after a lengthy restoration. What a lovely piece of rolling stock...

The Bulleid Pacific was taken from the crew by some sort of prep crew, who duly proceeded to service the engine whilst the main crew took their lunch break. The engine was taken across to the shed for watering and coaling, with the express headlamp code still affixed following her earlier arrival...

We pulled up a pew on a platform bench to watch the JCB steadily replenish the coal supply whilst the bag was dropped into the 4500-gallon tender. The 'Shrewsbury Saloon' was on the rear of the 'Limited' stock today...

Now for some "Taw Valley" history. She was built in 1946 as part of the ultimately 110-strong class of West Country/Battle of Britain Class locomotives designed by Bulleid. A slightly smaller alternative to their larger sisters the Merchant Navy Class, these 'light pacifics' were afforded wider route availability due to their reduced weight. Originally streamlined with the problematic Bulleid chain driven valve gear and oil bath, sixty of these engines were rebuilt by BR in the 1950s. "Taw Valley" is a rebuilt example, with Walschaerts valve gear and no streamlining. A big engine for preserved railway use, twenty of the 'light pacifics' survive in preservation, mainly thanks to Barry Scrapyard. Bulleid's employment of steel fireboxes no doubt aided their escape from the cutters torch, with the lack of copper making them cheaper to purchase for the budding preservationists of the day. 34027 is in regular service on the SVR as one of their largest residents, and very nice she is too...

Sliding out of Bridgnorth's very busy three-road shed area (the origins of this phrase were born from a previous encounter here), the Bulleid was backed onto the train by the prep crew. The main crew duly returned to find their engine fully serviced, coupled up and ready for the off: it seems like it's an easy life on the Valley! Leaving Bridgnorth behind, 34027 warmed her three 16" cylinders and took the five-coach train steadily homeward. Interestingly, three times during the round trip she had to set back as she couldn't get on the move in the required direction from a start. I imagine these big Bulleid's are some handful though. We enjoyed a pleasant dessert followed by coffee and a mint on the return trip as we steamed along the sodden Severn Valley. All too soon however, following one last view of the elephants, we arrived back at Kidderminster where we bid farewell to the 'Limited'...

"Taw Valley" was wearing a Southern variant of the well known headboard...

A pleasant sight at Kidderminster was Class 40 D306 which used to be Gerald's old engine, as did 1306 "Mayflower". D306 "Atlantic Conveyer" was ticking away nicely, emitting steam from her steam heat boiler. It seems odd to think of a diesel still needing a boiler for steam heated coaches but that was how it was in the early days of transition. Maisie was enthralled by this chat too! Walking back towards the car in the rain, we reflected on another enjoyable outing on the 'Severn Valley Limited'. Always a pleasure. Thank you all, until next time, Sam...