GCR Firing Course: Day Two...

Evening all. I'm writing this post having completed day two of the Great Central Railway's 2022 firing course. Today involved another heavy classroom session, including powerpoint presentations, video resources and written exams followed by a full walk through of the track layout and signalling arrangements at Loughborough station this afternoon. Once again, today was a very engaging and informative experience, very much unlike the serious lack of training we were subjected to at other places not far from here. Talk about wishing you'd done something years ago! I've included one quick snap from today which sees 78018 resting on No2 road on the shed frontage. The engine was given a warming fire this afternoon in preparation for four round trips tomorrow on, I'd guess, a DATEX. Cheers...

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 Firing Course: Day One...

Afternoon all. I have just returned from day one of the 2022 Great Central Railway firing course and I'm pleased to report that I found it both engaging and rewarding. The GCR offers a firing course each year, running between October and February, which is applied for via letter. Applications are considered and candidates are then chosen in preparation for the course start. I have been lucky enough to make the grade for the 2022 course, along with six other fellow candidates. Day one included a full day of classroom learning with topics taken from a written curriculum. This was quite a change for me. Having been originally used to a nameless railway where there is zero training (or indeed experience) on offer, it was very refreshing to be a part of this course which is delivered professionally and with a wide variety of resources at hand. The course is aimed at teaching individuals regardless of previous experience and I only wish I'd had this at my disposal the first time around. Oh well, you live and learn! Anyway, a great day one and now we look forward to day two! Cheers...

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: The Autumn Gala - Ivatt Round Two...

This morning I arrived at the GCR base at Loughborough at around 06:30 to take part in another cleaning turn. The occasion was the GCRs annual Autumn Steam Gala and every operational steam locomotive was running, alongside two visiting engines. The two visitors were the NELPG J27 No65894 from the Moors and the Ivatt Class 2 tank No41312 from the Mid Hants. After my cleaning turn it was time to jump into the pits and shovel out some ashes but before that I managed to sneak a quick snap of the flagship Western engine No6990 "Witherslack Hall". "Witherslack" is currently in the shed receiving attention as she needs some boiler repairs amongst other bits and bobs. Rumour has it she is hoped to appear again later in 2023: let's hope so because a railway without a Western engine is like a day without sunshine!...

After the pits were emptied, Simon kindly arranged for me to have another unexpected turn on Ivatt Class 2 No46521 with Ashley and Andy. I wasn't rostered for anything today but would of course never turn down an extra turn! We took over the engine in the early afternoon in preparation for two round trips: one full line passenger and one local out to Rothley and then minerals back. Here, 46521 simmers quietly in the down loop at Loughborough, awaiting her next move. Our stock was still out up the line...

Andy kindly allowed me to fire the two round trips and, having been out on 46521 last weekend, I was hopeful all would be well. The tender had plenty of the Welsh dust in it, but not a lot of lumps. However, with right time nearing, I had to add coal to thicken the firebed and get some heat back in her. By the time I'd made my fire up it was clear that we were in for a bit of a rubbish outward trip, despite the water level and steam pressure being strong as we departed Loughborough. On a gala day you can't afford to hang about so once you've set sail you need to keep time otherwise everything else suffers. Though I managed to keep my water level up, my firing efforts were not having the desired effect and by the time we reached Kinchley Lane on the approach to Swithland Viaduct we were on our way 'down the nick'. I'm never ashamed to say it, I was 'down the nick'. ('Down the nick' is the common term for an engine struggling for steam). Nevertheless, onward we marched.

To be fair we kept plenty of water and we didn't have to stop for a blow up but it still wasn't the best performance. Luckily, thanks to having experienced this situation before, I could see the issue with my fire now that I'd had time to get my head in the game. There was plenty of coal on the grate and it was mostly in the right places, so it wasn't a question of quantity or a hole in the fire. The high quantity of slack however had cooled the fire and restricted the air flow from underneath the grate. A rake through with the iron turned the chimney immediately black as the volatiles began to burn off with the sudden surge of oxygen. The steam pressure was immediately affected (thankfully positively) and by the time we'd drifted away from Rothley through the slack near the carriage sidings, things were looking up. As Ashley dug the engine into the climb away from the section signal, the engine was approaching the red line again and things had significantly recovered. From then on, with a hotter, cleaner fire, we couldn't stop her steaming. Here she is on our second trip, at Rothley carriage sidings...

The returning second trip was far more leisurely as we were pulling the windcutter minerals. All GCR freight trains operate to a 20mph limit so you go a bit steadier with those. Upon arrival at Loughborough it was time to depart the engine after an interesting two trips with Ashley and Andy. Thanks both for a great time and thanks Simon for arranging it. Next Saturday is firing course day one. Cheers...

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.

Afternoon "Braunton" Delight...

Afternoon all. A very quick one from today as we were treated to the sight of "Braunton" passing work with the Statesman Rail stock. The Bulleid pacific looked lovely as she strolled past, blowing off at the one safety valve. There are some up close shots of her in this Tyseley post from 2017 when she popped into the steam trust for servicing. Todays encounter was far shorter and the engine was in sight for a matter of seconds before disappearing off in the direction of London. Oh well, a pleasant way to break up the afternoon and lovely to see her again. Until next time folks...

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

Going Great Central: An Afternoon Ivatt...

Evening all. In a change to recent proceedings I was today booked on an afternoon third man turn at Loughborough. I must admit, I didn't miss the early start! Wandering into the shed yard at Loughborough around lunchtime, I first passed the visiting Ivatt Class 2 No41312 from the Mid Hants as she gleamed on No2 road. What a pretty little thing that is! Having signed in and read the notices, I was pleased to see that I was penned to the railways own Ivatt No46521. Having cleaned her many times but never actually having been on her, I was pleased to be able to finally tick her off as she is due to retire for her ten year overhaul in a few weeks time. Once signed in, I completed the old favourite: cleaning the pits. This is where we all start and, in the case of me, I never seem to leave. Oh well, it's a good honest job that always needs doing...

Pits done, I met up with my crew for the afternoon: John and Pete. Wandering up to the station to meet 46521, we passed by the operations cabin where the two station tabbies live. Dreadnought and Onslaught were napping outside their cabin...

Right on time, Ken and Ian rolled in with 46521 on a returning passenger train...

Having taken over the engine, we stopped off at the water column for a splash and dash before steaming around back to the head of the train via the totem pole. Here, a rushed snap of the Ivatt as she sits under the Great Central Road bridge...

The first coach in our six coach train was an immaculately turned out Mk1 which was providing the railways popular Afternoon Tea service...

Pete fired the first trip whilst I watched how the Ivatt performed. Every engine seems to fire differently and, having never been on this one before, I was interested to see how she went. Here, driver John accelerates the Ivatt away from the 15mph slack just beyond the Quorn up section signal, heading towards Kinchley Lane...

I took over the firing from Swithland on the return trip and Pete kindly left me in charge of things on his side whilst he had a go at driving on the next trip. Here, 46521 prepares to depart Loughborough as a spot of rain comes down...

A quick snap of the footplate of 46521 as we prepare to depart Loughborough...

After a lovely second outward trip, the engine prepares to depart Leicester North...

I must say that I was mightily impressed with the little Ivatt. What a lovely engine. I know it's Swindon built so you expect it to be good, but still. For an engine that is so close to the end of her ten year ticket she just seems to go so well. I'll be sad to see her finish. I know she isn't totally different from the Standard 2s but the LMS inspired designs do seem to have that little bit more charm. 46521 was built at Swindon in 1953 and withdrawn in 1966. Returning to Loughborough, I didn't have to run her down as much as usual as we received word at Quorn that the 8F had unfortunately failed and so, rather than being disposed, 46521 would be out hauling the diner tonight in her place. Here she is resting on the shed as we prepare to hand over to Rob and James...

Thanks very much to John and Pete for a great afternoon on the little Ivatt and thank you to you all for reading. What a lovely little engine. Cheers 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.

Statfold: Return to "Marchlyn"...

"On The Move With Marchlyn" (Pic - G.Cryer)

And just like that, here I am writing the blog post for the event that signals the end of the summer season at Statfold: "Road, Rail and Ale" weekend. Each year seems to pass worryingly quicker than the last these days! Today myself and Norfolk-based after sunrise riser 'Eddie the Late' were booked together aboard "Marchlyn": Avonside No2067 of 1933. I last drove "Marchlyn" (coincidentally) at the September do eight years ago, at the ripe old age of 22. Sitting here writing this at 30 is actually quite depressing to say the least! Even though Eddie had actually camped on site for this event, it will come as a surprise to nobody that I still made it to the loco first! He'd be along once he'd folded his nightcap. Here, No2067 sits cold in the high level platform at Statfold waiting to be prepared for the day...

I duly met up with a yawning Eddie at the signing in hut as I completed my journey via the station footbridge to collect a bucket of wood. Back at the engine, I had a good check around the front and back end (smokebox and firebox) before spreading the wood chunks across the grate. Some pre-soaked paraffin rags were then lit up on the shovel to start the embryo fire. These were duly thrown into the firebox...

With the fire lit, we decided to have a much needed cuppa' as, much like Gracie Fields, we like a nice cup of tea in the morning! Eddie was the booked driver for today, with myself booked to the role of fireman. We're both drivers at SBR and so the senior driver (term used in the least offensive way) takes the higher role. This is no issue for me at all as I've never liked oiling up, ever. I much prefer to get the fire ready and bring the engine around into steam. Ed meanwhile got to work with the oil cans...

As we busied ourselves around the engine, James was spotted over the way lighting up the very attractive "Mary" Marshall: a 1929-built General Purpose traction engine. James then had to rush off to do some urgent jobs down the bottom with Alex and so asked me to keep an eye on "Mary". Below is the view from the footplate as I gently bring the Marshall into steam. It was nice to stand on "Mary" again as it had been eight years since I last stood here (small world) when we had her at Market Bosworth for the long deceased miniature do there. Even though traction engines aren't my thing, I can really appreciate this one. "Mary" is a lovely old thing...

James duly returned to his engine for the day and so I trotted back across the yard to mine. By now "Marchlyn" was raising steam nicely on the very smoky Shotton coal. It's great stuff in every regard except the exhaust from the chimney. It provides good heat, little ash, little clinker and lights beautifully but my god does it smoke!...

The September do has always featured an annual gathering of traction engines and this year was no exception. Once steam was fully raised and the brass had been polished, James and "Mary" steamed away towards the event field at Strawberry Park...

After the usual 08:30 safety briefing (and bacon cob) on the lawn, all crews returned to their respective steeds for the day. Our turn today was a little different to normal in that we would be top and tailing the freight with the ever so slightly workworn "Cloister": Hunslet No542 of 1891. Our short rake of wagons would have possession of the upper half of the high level line, from Oak Tree to Statfold. The lower half would then be occupied by the beautiful Bagnall "Isaac" which was on 'Driver for a Fiver' duty. Despite us not having any passengers to haul today, this job certainly had its benefits which included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Go when you want
• Stop when you want
• Finish earlier than everyone else

Who can argue with that, ay? As soon as both engines had steam and the departure peg was pulled off from the box, off we went. The train rumbled steadily downgrade to Oak Tree where "Marchlyn" is pictured awaiting the return trip...

I lost count of the amount of trips we did during the day but it must have been a couple of dozen at least. We were back and forth, back and forth, entertaining the public and running parallel with the odd passenger service or two! The first few trips with Eddie driving were quite greasy as some light rain had added to the slippery layer on the dewy morning rails. A liberal application of sand on both running lines by a group of us with watering cans (of sand) really helped later trips! Though the freight was short, the short but sharp gradients of the high level railway certainly gave the two little engines something to think about, particularly on the return trips to Statfold...

"Climbing The Car Park" (Pic - G.Cryer)

Here, "Marchlyn" waits at the Statfold platform for our next downgrade trip...

One massively fun element of being on the high level is running parallel with the low level services. Both the crews and the public really get into it and it's a great spectacle. Here, "Marchlyn" paces the American Davenport "Ryam No1"...

"Avonside and Davenport" (Pic - G.Cryer)

Later on, products of Stafford and Bristol stand side by side at Oak Tree...

It was certainly a changeable day for weather today, with the odd heavy shower mixed in with warm sunshine. It's like being in a giant egg poacher when it's like this, as the warm sun heats the moisture in your damp overalls! Below, Ed looks on whilst "Marchlyn" simmers. Where does the name "Marchlyn" come from I hear you ask? Marchlyn Mawr is actually a reservoir in Snowdonia...

During the early afternoon lunch was served in the form of freshly heated sausage rolls, courtesy of the manifold and outer firebox wrapper...

After some energetic afternoon runs in the lovely sunshine, "Cloister" took us down to Oak Tree one last time so that we could join onto "Isaac" for the final trip home. Here, "Marchlyn" faces towards Statfold from Oak Tree...

There we go: back in the high level platform, safe and sound...

We then did the usual disposal process: deaden the fire, fill the boiler, isolate the necessaries and give the engine a good wipe down ready for the next crew. "Marchlyn" would of course be out tomorrow on the same job. I do like this engine. She is a very workable and plucky machine and the brilliant Avonside footbrake is a masterpiece. No2067 has to be one of the best engines Statfold have turned out: it's just lovely. I liked it in 2014 and I like it now! Leaving the Avonside behind, we signed out before heading down to the event field for a beer and a burger. A pair of Aveling rollers (the one on the right belongs to Batesy) were basking in the evening sun...

Well, that's another day done folks. Thanks to Eddie for his comedic company aboard "Marchlyn" and thanks to Alex of course for having us. It's always a good day on the engine at Statfold. Special thanks also to Mr Cryer for kindly sending in the credited pictures used in this post. Geoff has a wonderful rail diary website which is well worth a look and can be found here. Thanks all, Sam...

A Bank Holiday Standard 2...

The unexpected footplate turns can often be the best footplate turns and today was one such day! This morning I arrived at the GCRs Loughborough base at around 05:30 in readiness for a shed turn. I was planning to complete my usual cleaning duties and then do the pits but when the crew for 78018 (Martyn and Jack) arrived they kindly invited me out as 'third man' for their shift. It would be incredibly rude (and silly) to refuse such an offer, so I never have up to now! Myself and Jack began the fireman's prep for 78018 which, compared to last weeks 48305, is quite leisurely. Having checked and emptied the smokebox, I turned my attention to the fire grate. 78018 has a very nice rocking grate which deposits the majority of the spent ashes. I did however decide to quickly nip in with the hand brush to get the remaining bits out, ensuring the cleanest possible grate. It was soon time to light the fire, which is seen here giving off some dark smoke just minutes after lighting up. Don't worry, it soon dies down...

The current coal is Welsh stuff from the open cast at Ffos-y-Fran and doesn't give off much smoke at all. However, you always get a small build up of smoke with a freshly lit fire due to the paraffin rags and wood getting started. The 1953-built Standard class 2 immediately started singing away to herself as she was still very warm from yesterdays efforts. Up the yard, the fireman of 48305 had just lit the first rags and smoke began to rise steadily from her chimney. She is seen adjacent to the boiler for 45491...

Across the morning the three of us busied ourselves around the engine and we ended up being ready for traffic well before our off-shed time. This gave a few moments for a cab snap as the engine simmered happily to herself on No1 road...

As it was Bank Holiday Monday the railway was running a mixed traffic timetable, with our two trips this morning being split by a Loughborough layover. Here, 78018 prepares for our first departure, awaiting the Up Main Starter at Platform 2...

Jack fired the first trip and said that I should fire the second: happy days! Having run round at Leicester North, 78018 prepares for a northbound departure...

Our six coach train certainly made the Standard 2 work a bit on the departure from Leicester. Though they seem quite large in stature, it is worth remembering that the smaller looking Class 3F 0-6-0 is rated more powerful, with over 2000lbs extra tractive effort than a class 2! It's deceiving. They are however willing and free steaming little engines, perfectly suited to the needs of most preserved railways. She is seen here marching out into the trees whilst fireman Jack watches the road...

Back at Loughborough, our train was taken over by a diesel and we were signalled into the down loop for our layover. The skyline around the station has changed a lot in recent years, with the adjacent apartment building being a fairly recent addition to the horizon. Here, 78018 simmers in the down loop, passing the time...

When our second departure came myself and Jack swapped roles as planned, with me firing 78018 to Leicester and back. Jack drove us back from Leicester under Martyn's guidance and a great morning was had by all! On arrival back at Loughborough we uncoupled the engine before running forward on the shunter head to cross-over to No1 road. Here we handed over to the incoming afternoon crew...

I must thank Martyn and Jack very much for a lovely unexpected turn aboard the little Standard. I'm really enjoying my time at the GCR and it's great to be back on a standard gauge footplate regularly again. 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.

GCR: Another Go On The Eight Freight...

Good evening all. Today heralded another brilliant 'third man' turn at the Great Central. It was a third time outing for me aboard the lovely 8F No48305 which is seen here on No1 road at Loughborough shed just as the sun began to rise...

As I wandered across to sign on, I noticed this shot of the two Standards (78018 and 73156) standing quietly behind older 48305 on the same road...

Today I was out with Driver Dave and Fireman Arran, both of which were happy for me to perform the majority of the fireman's duties, which was very kind of them. The first job was to check the water level and the state of play in the cab, before emptying the smokebox and checking around in there. Smokebox done, it was time to clear the fire grate which proved to be a bit of a pain as the iron managed to wedge itself between the tight fitting bars. Arran kindly volunteered to go in and release the end of the iron, much to my grateful delight! Arran then swept down the rest of the grate and left me ready to light up, which was very kind and much appreciated! With a bed of coal spread around the firebox, it was time to add the flaming rags and pallet wood to get us underway. The engine started singing as soon as the rags were lit...

With a good fire burning away on the grate, it was time to prep the lamps and then have a much needed cuppa'. As steam pressure gently rose, more coal was added to the fire to produce a light and bright bed. It was then time to perform one of the worst duties that comes with a steam engine: the dreaded ashpan. 48305 has the manual style pan with damper doors front and rear. To stop lineside fires caused by the pans, the engines also have mesh screens fitted which are good fun (term used loosely) to remove when the pan is full of hot ash. This is a view of the rear damper door open after I'd removed the screen, with the grate visible above. I've just given the ash a liberal soaking with the hose in an attempt to lessen the oncoming dust storm...

I have always been a massive fan of pre-nationalisation designs, mainly due to the history and charm surrounding them. However, I will say on record that the Standard engines really do spoil you when it comes to the preparation and disposal. Taking 73156 as an example, the rocking grate and rocking pan makes life a dream in comparison to prepping something like the 8F. You can see why Riddles made his improvements in these departments and they really do help!...

Arran kindly allowed me to fire both of our two trips this morning, which again was very nice of him. Here, 48305 waits for the Up Main Starter at Platform 2...

Our two trips this morning were very pleasant indeed, spent in good company under good weather and aboard a good engine. I really like the 8F...especially once the prep is done! Here, the mighty 8F blows up the train brakes at Leicester North in readiness for a northbound departure back towards Loughborough...

Rolling into Loughborough on our second returning trip, we came to a stand and duly handed over to the oncoming afternoon crew after a great morning with the 1943-built 48305. I really like this old Midland engine: it's probably my none-Great Western favourite! Thank you Dave and Arran for a great morning; I really enjoyed it.

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.