An eclectic mix of steam locomotives at Toddington - 22nd May 2026 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder
I had hoped to have a blog update much sooner than this, but thanks to my work commitments on the 'big railway', free time has been few and far between ...thus it feels like I simply live there at times!. Recently, life on the national network has been challenging for all concerned, whether you're a travelling passenger or a member of staff, mainly due to the unprecedented long spell of dry weather over the past couple of months. The GWSR has been no different, either.
Fires both on and off railway property have caused considerable damage and disruption on the network. This hit very close to home last month, as fields next to our house were ablaze. It was very disconcerting looking out of the window and not being able to see much beyond your own garden due to some rather thick smoke. However, thanks to the quick work of the local farmers and the fire brigade, things were eventually brought under control after several hours. We were very lucky, and the outcome could have been very different. Sadly, over the past couple of weeks, the results of a significant fire were devastating for the residents of Stourbridge, and those living along the former GWR route through Birmingham Snow Hill. It's at times like this that you realise what really matters: teamwork, community spirit, bringing people together and looking after one another. So-called 'first world' problems that we tend to like complaining about pale into insignificance. Seeing people lose their livelihoods and possessions really does put things into stark perspective.
As you'll no doubt be well aware, we have had a steam ban in place at the GWSR for some considerable time now, but it is hoped that this might change in the next week or two. Shovels crossed and all! Rain is supposedly forecast for later this week, but I'll believe it when I see it. We like to moan about wet weather, but for once, I know we'd all appreciate it!
This instalment covers our recent 'Cotswold Festival of Steam', and rather than reinvent the wheel, so to speak, I've included the article which I wrote for the latest issue of 'The Cornishman' - At the time of writing, this should have landed through letterboxes across the land. In the previous blog update, I mentioned about doing a CFoS 2026 review, so hopefully this goes some way towards covering it. I'm aiming to have another general update fairly soon, all being well.
2807 / Cotswold Steam Preservation Limited (CSPL) Update 18th May 2026 - Written by Graham Bondi
On Sunday, Ian & co got the loco back on the jacks so the wheels could be adjusted and the LHS rods put on, after the brake rigging, steam heat pipe, and the middle part of the train pipe had been reinstated.
Above: the missing sections replaced; the front parts of the train (vac) pipe and steam heat fittings are yet to be done.
Above:
on Monday, the loco is almost ready to be pulled forward to get the
wheels in the best position to fit the coupling rods on the RHS.
But first, the crosshead needed securing: Ashley did the honours
Dave S then joined Ashley to install the coupling rods, starting at the front end
Note the cloth in the intermediate small end. This is wrapped around an undersized “pin” – the proper one refused to fit at this stage. In fact, this was to prove the biggest problem on Monday: it took a lot of inching and jiggling (and a brass hammer, of course) to get the correct pin to fit.
Ian then shunted the locomotive to get the best position for fitting the conrod
The conrod big end is about to be partially pressed on with one of our special tools… a 4” AF boot.
The small end is now approximately lined up for the crosshead to be slid back onto it.
Dave is persuading the crosshead back onto the small end. A bothersome feature on the RHS is the vac pump. Dave is about to discover that he’d forgotten to take the pump spindle nut off.
Pinning the crosshead
Dave and I then tightened the crosshead castellated nuts and fitted split pins.
Dave and I then fitted parts to the rear:
Injector feed from the tender x 2, Injector overflow x 2, steam heat pipe support bracket x 1. All rather awkward to do.
Bruce attended in the afternoon and worked on the final fittings to the rods
We are now increasingly optimistic that, subject to final work and some sort of proving run, 2807 will be running at the gala.
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The following article is included in the latest issue of 'The Cornishman' (No. 178 - Summer 2026).
As I’m writing this, we appear to be in the midst of yet another heatwave, instances of which seem to have become more frequent in recent years. Much like the British tradition of drinking tea and eating biscuits (both on and off the shed), talking about the weather is another classic. Having just glanced at the current temperature, the mercury is showing a rather toasty 35 °C. This, of course, is glorious if you’re the sort of person who enjoys holidays on the beach, but unfortunately, it isn’t conducive when it comes to operating a heritage railway, particularly one with a varied range of steam locomotives!
The main theme of this instalment is, rather fittingly, our ‘Cotswold Festival of Steam’, which, to say was a challenge this year, would be more than an understatement, and that’s before we get to the weather over the gala weekend. Anyone who’s been involved with organising an event on a relatively large scale will know that it requires a tremendous amount of planning, teamwork, coordination, and a serious amount of dedication. The spinning of multiple plates is seemingly never-ending, but that is just part and parcel of putting on a show like this. The gala committee and the wider railway are thankfully well-versed in what’s required, and building on feedback and experiences from previous years is always invaluable. It’s a time that the steam department really pulls together to make it work.
Today's challenge for Scott, try not to get wet helping with 78022... 19th May 2026 - Photo courtesy of Kev Jarvis
Probably the biggest hurdle for the event this year was sourcing visiting locomotives to complement our home fleet, not to mention finding engines that would attract both the public and enthusiasts alike. Whilst some would say that it’s just an excuse for the steam department to ‘get all the toys out’, we must remember that it’s key that the railway generates interest and brings in all-important revenue. Locomotive procurement was particularly difficult because so many engines are either currently undergoing overhaul, were already booked to attend other heritage railways (which face very similar challenges to our own), or it was simply the case that the hire and transport costs made certain options unviable. A big thank you must go to Mike Solloway for his tireless efforts in sourcing the engines that attended the gala, one or two of which went down to the wire. There were also several other individuals, both in the steam department and elsewhere, who assisted in this regard.
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15189 stabled on shed at Toddington - 20th May 2026
The biggest surprise of all was a certain ‘Black 5’ courtesy of West Coast Railways, which arrived very shortly before the start of the gala. There had been a cloud of mystery over this visitor for some time, since it had only just been through an overhaul and repaint at Carnforth. The GWSR would be the first heritage railway that No. 45110 steamed at in many years, having previously been based at the Severn Valley Railway until August 2023. We certainly gained some brownie points with this locomotive, and its surprise announcement pretty much broke our social media channels for a few days. Seeing the hefty Stanier stalwart rock up at Toddington on the back of a low-loader was a real sight to behold.
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As per tradition, ‘Gala preparation week’ is always a rather hectic affair with lots to do to get things ‘steamshape’. Luckily for the steam department, the gala committee had developed a daily plan so that volunteers knew which tasks needed to be done on each day before the gala. Back in 2024, I stayed in my ‘mobile accommodation’ for the week; however, for this year, I thought better of it and simply commuted to and from home for a few days. Anyone who works shifts as part of their day job with unsociable hours will know that your body clock goes all over the place, so the comfort of your own bed at the end of a hard day’s work is a real comfort. I struggle with what day it is half the time.
A busy scene at Toddington MPD - 22nd May 2026 - Video courtesy of Dan Wigg
The important tasks for prep week were ensuring that all the visiting locomotives arrived safely, were unloaded facing the correct direction (North or South), coupled up with their tenders (where applicable), steam-tested, and put through a fitness-to-run (FTR) exam. For those unfamiliar with an FTR, it’s essentially like an MOT on a motor vehicle and ensures that the locomotive is safe to operate on the railway. This involves a mechanical inspection, checking the boiler, and some test running. In the case of 45110, some mileage accumulation was also necessary as the ‘Black 5’ hadn’t covered many miles since returning from overhaul - Much like when you purchase a new car and you are advised to carry out a ‘running in’ period. Fortunately, all the visitors passed without any major issues of concern.
SR Battle of Britain ‘Manston’ peering into the shed - 22nd May 2026 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder
By Friday, we were ready to put all the locomotives in their correct starting positions on-shed for the weekend. The tool inventories were done, and everything was coaled and watered. Friday afternoon was spent giving everything a good clean, along with getting the warming fires going in preparation for the early start on Saturday morning. On the Friday evening, we welcomed ‘30742 Charters’ to Toddington for their photographic session, which involved shunting various engines around the shed to allow for a diverse and creative range of shots to be taken. The glorious sunshine really showed off the locomotives and perfectly illustrated why many of us in the department put in countless hours of work week in, week out. The evening was topped off by our traditional dept. BBQ.
BBQ with a view - 22nd May 2026 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder
When it came to the gala itself, it was very well attended, much like previous years, and it was great to see so many people riding the trains and taking in the idyllic scenery, not to mention the huge numbers of visitors lining the railway with cameras in hand. As many will recall, however, late May brought about some extremely hot weather, and we were up against it over the weekend. High temperatures and steam locomotives don’t mix particularly well, and we did have a couple of instances of lineside fires, signalling problems, points issues (a bit like good old ‘British Railways’!), plus a few visitors and crew members suffered with the heat – Particularly those aboard ‘Manston’ with its enclosed cab. I’m pleased to report, though, that everyone concerned made a swift recovery. It’s an important reminder that the heat can very easily catch you out, and keeping safe and hydrated is the highest priority, not forgetting to look out for each other and working as a tight team.
Cotswold Festival of Steam 2026 - Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway - Video Preserved Railway
In the interests of both crew and visitor safety, the planned timetable for the Monday of the gala was rewritten overnight on the Sunday, with several members of the gala committee working into the small hours to ensure that we had something both workable and achievable for the final day. Despite the challenges over the weekend, we had some very complimentary feedback from visitors at the event, both young and old. Much like the ‘big railway’, many things are beyond our control, but it’s how you deal with them which makes the difference. It would be rather dull if everything were plain steaming!
BR Black 5 No. 45110 works its first passenger train since 2008 through the Cotswolds near Stanton from Toddington to Broadway during our CFoS gala! - 23rd May 2026 - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
For the most part, the locomotives performed well over the weekend, despite the weather. 15189 was sadly red-carded on the Saturday due to an issue with its air pump. Sods law; it was a case of a small hidden component failing at just the wrong time. However, it was soon back in service thanks to the fantastic dedication of the engine's support crew. Mention must go to Mark Ashmole, who travelled all the way down from Scotland in the early hours of Sunday morning to repair the pump on the popular “Caley Tank”. The locomotive performed faultlessly for the remainder of the gala weekend.
15189 - Photo courtesy of Tom Willson
2807 at Broadway on the first day of the gala - 23rd May 2026 - Photo courtesy of Graham Bondi
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The week following the gala it was back to the usual routine of restoration and normal running...
Finally, it’s gloss day for Dinmore’s cab roof. Weeks (and weeks) of prep followed by an expectant wait for the right weather and temperature - Photo courtesy of Mark Sanders - 28th May 2026
Tomorrow, back to square 1 flatting back and dealing with the inevitable drips and curtains.
Tomorrow, back to square 1 flatting back and dealing with the inevitable drips and curtains.
Looking splendid - Photo courtesy of Mark Sanders - 28th May 2026
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2807 & 78022 operating on the GWSR - 28th May 2026
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35006 Overhaul & Strip-down - 2nd June 2026
Further progress has been made by Ash and the team with more components removed from 35006.
I'm not sure what to make of this weather, does anyone have any idea as to what is going on?
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Work on 7820's cab continued at the start of June with further progress made on the roof.
Photo courtesy of Mark Sanders - 4th June 2026
Photo courtesy of Mark Sanders - 4th June 2026
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76077 / Toddington Standard Locomotive Limited Update - 7th June 2026 - Written by TSLL
Yesterday’s working party at Toddington was a slightly interrupted affair with a footplate turn and a meeting taking people away from 76077. Still, we got a few bits progressed and nice to catch up over tea and cake. All photos courtesy of TSLL
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35006 Overhaul & Strip-down - 9th June 2026
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The 19th June was a busy day at Toddington, with various jobs ongoing, including a considerable amount of shunting to reorganise things inside the DP shed. As previously reported, space is very tight with several overhauls underway.
35006 looks rather different without her driving wheels! - Photo courtesy of Ash Haines
7820 has brief run around the yard, DMLL are making excellent progress - Video courtesy of Ash Haines
As
some of you may have seen on our social media channels, at the end of
May, we were delighted to announce that it had been agreed between the
GWSR and West Coast Railways that 45110 would stay in the Cotswolds for a
further six months. I am quite a fan of a ‘Black 5’ and so I was rather
delighted by this news. During June, I had the opportunity to help raise
steam on the locomotive along with fireman Liam, which was an
interesting experience given that I’d not worked on one of these engines
before. Let’s just say a fair bit of practice was required to keep the
fire going, and using the blower carefully aided the process. I will
neither confirm nor deny that the fire may have gone out at one point!
Proof, if ever there was one, that every day is a school day, and you’re
always learning. :)
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2807 / Cotswold Steam Preservation Limited (CSPL) Update W/E 20th June 2026 - Written by Graham Bondi
In the morning Teresa and Fred were in the siphon, but as far as work on the tender was concerned it was just Bruce and myself. The main job was the trial fitting of the vac cylinder. First, we measured the gap between the cylinder support stretchers and the width of the cylinder where the pivot rings are. Not an exact science but it looked promising. Secondly, we had to fit the top halves of the pivot brackets having satisfied ourselves that we had the best left/right orientation.
I am on the block and tackle winching the vac cylinder into position while Bruce guides the pivot axle up into the pivot bracket on both sides.
Bruce is loosely fitting the bottom halves of the pivot brackets. I then climbed under and we shared the final tightening.
The fit looked a little tight, but the cylinder did swing on the pivots as demonstrated by Bruce.
Okay, Okay, you will just have to take our word for it. Everything was left in position for Ian to check that the degree of swing and the ease of such is satisfactory. There is also the need to use fitted nuts & bolts in the final assembly. Since we had spent a fair bit of time getting the brackets the right way round, they were labelled up.
There was a small metal plate to be painted once the mill-scale had been removed. It was small enough for Bruce to abrade immediately rather than wait for me to apply the special wallpaper paste.
I had this and some angle irons to prime:
The two items on the left have only been primed on one side. Note the ½” paint brush, the only serviceable one I could find in the container. There were also the axle box underkeeps to undercoat for which I needed a bigger brush. Teresa obliged with a 1½” brush from the boot scraper workshop.
I had time to do half of them.
That’s all for now folks.
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For those of you who use Facebook, here are several GWSR-related groups which are worth following:
DMLL - Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd
2874 - The 2874 Trust
35006 - 35006 Group
76077 - Standard Locomotive 76077
THL - The Honeybourne Line - a GWR mainline in the makingAnyway, I'm due back in my ticket office at work shortly, so I'd better savour my last few hours of freedom.
3850 with a rather authentic goods train - June 2026 - Video courtesy of Ian Crowder
Thanks to Ash, Mark, CSPL, DMLL, TSLL, and my fellow steam department members for their contributions.
Alex (the sooty one!).
* Please Note: All locomotives are subject to availability and changes may be made at short notice.
All published photographs and videos are my own unless otherwise stated/credited.
