Sunday Morning Standard...

Evening all. Just a short one from today to save repeating myself too much. Today I took part in another cleaning turn at Loughborough, with the main subject being visiting Standard Class 4MT No80080. It was a chilly morning on shed, helping with various prep tasks. 80080 carried a wreath today in memory of a founder member of her owning group who passed away recently. That's all folks.

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.

The World's Most Famous Steam Engine...

Evening all. This afternoon at work we were treated to the sight of the world's most famous steam locomotive (love it or hate it) No60103 "Flying Scotsman". The engine was hauling her support coach from Castleton to London to work some jobs in the south over the coming weeks for West Coast...

With a gang of us gathered on the lawn outside work to see her, the 1923-built pacific arrived quite typically just as the sun went behind the clouds. Feathering lightly at the valves, the engine coasted casually by before disappearing in the direction of the capital. I've never really been a fan of Eastern engines (except the GNR stuff) but I can definitely appreciate what the A3s and A4s were and in particular "Flying Scotsman". Love it or hate it, it continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of the masses and can only do good for this hobby in my opinion. It never hurts to have positive support. Thank you all for reading once again. Another good spot.

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

Achilles Report No77: Testing Times...

Today was quite a momentous day for "Achilles" as it was her first visit to her home track at Ryton Pools since 2016. I arrived at the railway a little after 13:00 and was able to drive straight in thanks to Derek opening the gates. Having unloaded my seemingly never ending mountain of kit from the car, "Achilles" was rolled onto one of the 5" gauge steaming bays ready for her hydraulic test. I'd already changed her fittings over during the week and so there was little to do but wait for the test kit to arrive. Here, boiler tester Derek and witness Eric perform the hydraulic test. Derek is checking the firebox for any leaks whilst Eric works the test kit pump to maintain 135psi...

The engine successfully held its one and a half times working pressure for the specified ten minutes and so the testers went off for a cuppa' whilst I got into steam...

It was a typical February day at Ryton: cold and windy. In fact, even with the electric blower whirling away, the wind was trying to blow the fire out of the ash pan! Here, Derek is testing the safety valves with a good fire and the blower on full to ensure that the excess steam can be cleared without exceeding working pressure...

With both tests passed successfully, I steamed out onto the track with "Achilles" for a few victory laps in the biting wind. There is a spot at the foot of the 1 in 70 Ryton bank that is nice for a quick snap so here is the engine simmering there...

The next hour or so was spent in quiet contemplation, chugging around and around as the solitary engine in steam (nothing new there then)...

Overall the engine ran very well although I'm getting increasingly keen to get the pistons out and change the rings. The current ones, I believe, have been in since the engine was completed in 1986 and so they don't owe anyone anything! I just get the impression that she's now a bit weaker than she should be. It still pulls well, but it should do better and the telltale steady blow up the chimney points to steam passing the pistons. Anyway, I digress, it ran very well today...

With a dozen or so laps under her belt to blow the cobwebs away, "Achilles" was returned to the steaming bays to dispose...

There we go then...we're back in business! For the first time since 2016 "Achilles" has a valid hydraulic and steam test certificate and is ready to take on the world. At least we can now go somewhere if we want to. Thanks to Derek, Eric and the rest of the CMES team who helped in sorting "Achilles" out today. Cheers all, Sam...

Achilles Report No76: The Resurrection...

It's funny how time passes. It's only when you take a minute to look back that you come to realize how long ago something was. For example, I had in my mind that it was this Christmas just gone that I'd steamed "Achilles" last...it wasn't...it was the one before! I can't believe it's 14 months almost since we were outside the workshop steaming on the rollers. I decided based on this knowledge that I really need to sort myself out and get at least one of the engines back into ticket. Therefore, I did the unthinkable: I booked in with Derek for a boiler test (my first since 2015). Last time I steamed the engine it had performed pretty much faultlessly, so much so in fact that I'd kept it in steam for a good few hours. With the boiler test booked for this coming Saturday, I spent this week giving the engine a good check over. I also gave it a rushed steaming at home to check the pumps as you never know when that fickle finger of fate may strike...

Once again, apart from a few little niggles, the engine steamed and ran pretty much faultlessly and seemed content to sit on the red line ticking away on its rollers...

In steam proving run complete, it was back into the workshop for a clean down. I also needed to prepare the tank engine for the hydraulic test (the little engine version of a cold test) which involves blanking the pressure gauge and one of the safety valves. The test kit is then screwed into the remaining safety valve bush using a male-male fitting. The boiler can then be pumped up with water to one and a half times working pressure to perform the shell test. With the hydraulic test complete, you can swap the fittings back and use the water in the boiler to get steam up for the actual steam test...

With the engine all ready to go and her various toolboxes gathered up, all that remained was to give her a good clean. I always like to see the engine go out well presented and so I set to work with my various brass cleaners and the body polish. By the time I'd finished: apart from a few wear marks: I had a very shiny little engine...

You may notice in the final picture that the engine has received her dummy whistle back on the cab spectacle plate. She had that when I got her in 2011 but, having removed it for repainting a few years ago, I never got around to putting it back on. This week I polished it heavily and did a bit of fettling on it to make it fit as it always sat slightly proud of the cab roof. I think it finishes the cab front off nicely, despite being slightly over scale. Here's hoping we pass the boiler test! Cheers all, Sam...

A Wet Morning In Loughborough...

Some mornings you get up and you just think "shall I go back to bed?". Not always, but sometimes. This was one of those mornings! I rose just before 05:00 in readiness to head over to the GCR for another cleaning turn. When I went to bed the weather was fairly calm and so I was shocked upon opening the shutters this morning to see howling wind and rain! It was literally raining sideways. The usual back and forth of shall I or shan't I went on for a few minutes before I decided I'd go for it. In my old age (I've just turned 30 and I'm not dealing with it well!) my motivation for all weather outings is much reduced. Eddie often recounts stories of my previous disregard for weather conditions but not these days, not with these knees! However, when all said and done, we must go to get these turns in. I arrived a little after 06:30 and met up with fellow cleaner Dave before we helped prep Ivatt 46521. It was amazing though how the weather changed. By the time 10:00 came around the sky was blue, the sun was shining and the air was clear. Here, visiting "257 Squadron" (with some connections split ready for homeward transport) stands basking in the unexpected sunshine...

The Ivatt was booked on the normal service train today, with the Sunday lunch diner to be hauled by the 2-10-0 9F No92214. Here she stands over the pit just after I'd fitted "The Elizabethan" headboard. The change in weather was unbelievable...

I had a prior appointment to attend at 12:00 so didn't hang around too long today. Despite the foul weather for the early start it turned into a pleasant few hours on the shed. That's another turn ticked off! 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.

The Winter Gala at Loughborough...

During the quiet winter months from New Year until spring, most preserved railways tend to shut up shop and go into hibernation for their maintenance period. The GCR however, with the added luxury of double track allowing for single line running during permanent way projects, simply runs a reduced service and (excluding diesel events) usually runs at least one steam locomotive every weekend. The end of January however heralds the arrival of the ever popular Winter Steam Gala and this years event featured a total of eight locomotives in steam. Having booked a day off today to attend, I arrived at a gloomy Loughborough a little before 06:00. Having signed in and read the notices, I began cleaning visiting Standard 4 tank No80080...

The tank engine, built at Brighton in 1954, was appearing courtesy of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust at Butterley (owners of the Duchess herself). These 2-6-4 tanks are big engines and quite handsome. Five engines would be in service today for the gala Friday, with the remaining three joining in for the weekend. There was a great atmosphere on shed this morning, with engines coming to life all around and many crews busying themselves with various prep tasks. As the light came up, the standard tank was shining in anticipation of her first trip of the day...

Once the engines began to leave shed, I set to work with my next project for the day. I'd elected to bring my cleaning gear and have a good go at the only operational Western engine in the GCR fleet: No6990 "Witherslack Hall". This copper topped beauty has been part of the Great Central stud for many a year and, as a Western fan myself, I wanted to make sure she was shining for her gala appearance. It's funny how we all like our certain engines. When I was younger I was party to all of the people who don't like Great Western stuff. I've heard them all:

"There's only one Great Western, the North Western!"

"Gresley Was Right"

"Western engines have so many corks they'd float in the sea"

You name it, I've heard it! I too was guilty of these phrases once upon a time, with no knowledge of the machines behind them. (Bad mentoring of the time, nothing more). Having experienced Great Western engines first hand, both on and off the main line, I now feel a deep seated love and respect for them. My association with Tyseley and their stunning fleet of engines worked wonders in cementing this respect. If we have to pick a region then the region of copper topped greyhounds racing into the West Country with holiday expresses is mine. Anyway, I digress. Having spent an hour or so on top of the engine cleaning her bonnet, copper top and whistles, I jumped down so that she could be shunted onto the shed frontage on No2 road...

Throughout the rest of the day a happy little group of us busied ourselves with the cleanliness of 6990. By the time her warming fire was lit later on in the afternoon, she was absolutely shining. All of the paintwork had been washed down with white spirit and polished, the bottom end cleaned in paraffin-oil mix and as much brass polished inside and out as we could. She looked lovely and quite ready for her public...

As the day drew on the engine was finally shunted back to No3 road where she'd started her day: albeit much, much cleaner. What a worthwhile day and a great feeling to see the 1948-built Modified Hall looking so well...

Thanks to all who made today (and 6990) shine. Here's to the next time folks...

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: Day 14...

Good evening all. This morning I was up before the dawn chorus once again, preparing to head over to the Great Central Railway at Loughborough for another cleaning turn. I arrived a little before 07:00 and immediately set to work (in darkness) cleaning the wheels and rods of the only rostered locomotive: 8F No48305. As first light arrived, I was put on pumping duties with the cumbersome lubrication pump used to fill the axlebox keeps. Meanwhile, another cleaner had given the barrel a good wipe down and by the time her fairly early off shed time of 09:00 arrived, the 8F was looking very smart. She is a handsome machine that simply oozes brute strength...

Behind 48305, cold and silent, stood Battle of Britain Class "257 Squadron" from the Swanage Railway. The Bulleid is one of two visitors that have arrived for next weekends ever popular Winter Gala. It was nice to see a Spam Can again...

Having waved the 8F off for her first train of the day, we busied ourselves with the traditional ash pit emptying session. I later completed my GCR PTS course which gives me another accomplishment for my file. Thanks for reading all...

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: Day 13...

Evening all. After a brilliant morning shift on 9F No92214 on New Years Day at Loughborough, I returned today for another cleaning turn to add to my steadily growing file. The A1 "Tornado" was rostered today for the GCRs passenger services and, as she comes with her own support crew, there would be no need to get involved with her. However, also in service was Ivatt Class 2 No46521 which needed preparing for the 13:00 Sunday dining train: the "Elizabethan". I arrived a little while before 08:00, in good time to meet the crew who were due in for 08:15. When the fireman arrived, myself and fellow cleaner Dave joined forces to make preparation of the mogul as simple as possible. Whilst the fireman cleaned the grate and checked the locomotive over, Dave went off on wood duty whilst I grabbed a couple of barrows of something that we won't see for much longer: Welsh steam coal from Ffos-y-Fran. Loughborough engines have lit up on Welsh for a long time, reducing the smoke nuisance on shed...

Dave then helped to light the embryo fire whilst I volunteered to clamber up onto the tender to check the water level and trim the coal. The tender had plenty in for 46521s singular trip of the day but it was all at the back. After a few years on the Tyseley support crew, chucking the majority of a tender forward is no hardship. I recall fondly a trip to Lincoln with beautiful 5043 and having to get a few tons forward during the layover! Coal trimmed, I went off on lamp duty. This involves checking, filling and cleaning the appropriate lamps (two headlamps and a frame lamp) before fitting them to the engine. Before changing onto actual cleaning duty, I searched around the shed and eventually discovered the "Elizabethan" headboard...

Between the four of us we had the pretty little Ivatt: built at Swindon in 1953: in good order well before her 11:30 off shed time. Here she is simmering on No1 road at Loughborough shed in sunny but bitterly chilly conditions...

It just so happened that Mum was booked on the diner today so, in good time before boarding, I popped up to the station to say hello. 46521 was busy steam heating the stock on this cold afternoon. The wind was really biting...

The A1 meanwhile was pulling a strengthened train of nine coaches and even then it was standing room only! A few of us joined her on her 12:50 departure in order to get to Rothley where we would perform a line walk to Swithland for some training on the impressive lower quadrant signals. We returned to Loughborough on "Tornado"s final train later in the day. Thanks all for reading...

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.

New Year Nine Freight...

Evening all and a massive Happy New Year to you! This morning I was bringing in the New Year in the right way with another 'Third Man' turn at the Great Central Railway in Loughborough. This is my fourth one I think (since the first one in October). The sign on time today was a not too offensive 07:00 and I arrived right on time after a pleasant drive along desolate roads. Our engine for this morning shift: the huge Riddles 9F No92214: was standing patiently under the floodlights of Empress Road bridge...

I was quite pleasantly surprised to get the 9F as both the Standard 5 and the 8F had been the stalwarts over Christmas, so I guessed it would be one of those. No complaints here though as the 9F was another new class of engine to tick off my list! I duly met up with driver Ken and fireman Andy and the three of us set to work with various tasks around the massive engine...

Having checked over the cab and firebox, we elected to get the smokebox emptied. On this occasion I was on the shovel and, having removed the festive wreath and opened the huge door, I began to shovel out the ashes. With 80psi still on the clock after a late night turn on the New Years Eve diner, it was certainly hot in the front end! Job done, Andy disposed of the ash whilst I swept down and then fastened up the door. The grate was then cleared using the very useful rocking grate which on this engine moves in two halves: left and right. I was very surprised at the ease of use of the rocking grate and you can see why Mr Riddles included such advancements in his user friendly designs. With the grate clear, it was time to light up. This process began with the usual wheelbarrows of soft coal which, added first, very much reduce the smoke output on shed. With the coal added, I passed up a fair amount of wood to Andy who then lit the fire. 92214 started singing to herself almost immediately and, with so much pressure still on, she wouldn't take too long to come round.

I was surprised at the width and capacity of the firebox. Personally I haven't had much experience on wide box engines, save for a day on a Bulleid light pacific at Tyseley a couple of years ago. With the fire now burning well, Ken called it tea time and I grabbed this quick snap whilst fetching my mug from the car...

Returning to the 9F, I went underneath with Andy to do the driving axleboxes before we started the ashing out process. The wide firebox sitting over the frames means that ash can collect away from the central pan. Therefore there are four side doors (two per side) which open to allow a hose and a rake to get in. Washing the ashes through these doors pushes the majority into the main hopper pan and the water build up keeps the dust down. It's then a case of pulling the catch and emptying the pan via the hopper doors. It's quick and easy: far better than the conventional pans. Another fabulous Riddles advancement that impressed me greatly...

By the time our jobs were done our off shed time of 10:15 was fast approaching and so we all washed up and got changed. Andy then kindly provided breakfast on the shovel (the best kind of breakfast) which was most appreciated! By 10:30 we were at the head of the eight coach train, steam heating the stock. Andy talked me through the habits of 92214 and said he tends to run a large back end, tapering off to the front. Everyone I've spoken to always comments on the back corners being most important, particularly as they can be overlooked with a firebox this wide. Andy kindly allowed me to build up the back end as the minutes ticked away...

Andy fired the first round trip whilst I watched how the engine behaved. It's great fun learning these different machines and the different techniques required to get what you need from them. For the second trip Andy would be driving with Ken keeping an eye on my firing. I was once again incredibly grateful to be allowed to have a go. Here, 92214 stands at the head of the 12:50 departure from Loughborough. The engine was built at Swindon in 1959 as one of the 251-strong Standard Class 9Fs...

The second round trip was most enjoyable and it was a real education getting to know this huge engine. I kept the back end up and filled the holes where required, topping up the boiler water level as appropriate. She steamed incredibly well and even eight coaches was absolutely no issue for her (50psi in the steam chest had her motoring along nicely!). As we steamed back towards Loughborough on the return trip I ran the fire down a little as the engine would be standing for an hour or so following the crew change prior to her last run of the day at 15:15. Rolling into Loughborough and coming to a stand, I uncoupled the engine whilst Ken and Andy handed over to the afternoon crew. The 9F then went off for water at the column, where I grabbed a final snap. What a huge and imposing engine this is: quite fabulous...

With that there was little else to do but wash up, fill in my cleaners paperwork and sign out before heading for home. What a great New Years Day shift with 92214. I must thank Ken and Andy for their company, hospitality and advice. I had a great time. Here's to 2022! Cheers all and Happy New Year, 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 2021...

Well, here we are again everybody: the Merry Christmas post! It's been a funny old year but nowhere near as bad as the last. We're still getting used to the 'new normal' and living under the threat of restrictions returning at any given moment but at least we've managed to experience a lot more elements of freedom during the last twelve months. Thank you as always to the readers who keep reading this drivel and thank you to everyone that has been involved in this years steam journey. There is still quite a lot of content from this year missing but I will attempt to correct this during the dark and gloomy months before the new season begins. I hope this Christmas finds you all safe and well. As I always say: eat, drink and be merry! Just after Christmas I'll be turning 30 (god willing) and it's quite sobering to think that I've been adding to this blog for 14 years now! Quoting her majesty, "I wish you all a very happy Christmas". Thank you all, stay safe and I hope you'll keep reading in 2022. Cheers all, Sam...