May’s usual standards of weather since I’ve been at the GWSR seem to have disappeared this year, leaving a few crews on the slightly soggy side in the wet and windy period. Despite what some may think, even guards don’t escape the inclement weather, and at the moment, one of the brake cabins doesn’t have a working heater - guess which one I’ve been stuck with most recently…
Thankfully, the sun has still come out on a few occasions, most notably a few weekends ago whilst cleaning 7903. A new polish has been procured by the ‘Working Engines’ team that apparently can be a “one polish does all” and I undertook a crash course in how to use it, both slightly nervously up one the safety valve bonnet, and then more comfortably on 7903’s driver’s side nameplate. If I do say so myself, the nameplate came out quite well!
The wheels were also cleaned up, after the photo was taken!
My time spent sat atop a loco is still minimal at the moment, so pictures from up there are few and far between. The view is nice though, if a bit warm! Not really surprising, given what’s in the firebox at the time.
Anyone for bbq?
Eventually 7903 left the shed for the day, and I got stuck in helping with various tasks that come with bedding in a new building - none of which are really blog worthy, but I did pop round to snap a quick shot of 7903 before she left for the day’s trips.
Sat waiting to join the stock
The following weekend was slightly less enjoyable weather wise, and there was a slight irony in some of the activities occurring around the yard. Whilst most were engaging in restoration or various training sessions, John and myself got stuck in to building the new furniture for the outside mezzanine, and getting thoroughly drenched in the process.
And of course we got papped whilst doing so! (Keith S, I will have my revenge!)
The white chair is doing a very good job in highlighting the reason why we have gone for full benches rather than singular chairs, our thanks to the commenter who offered to donate, as there were concerns inclement weather could result in a “Mary Poppins” situation with chairs landing on the running line. The feet also had a nasty habit of sliding through the floor as you sat on them, hard as that may seem, so something more sturdy was needed.
Not the wind! It was decided it was easier to tighten bolts like this
Of course, every so often a washer or bolt would fall through to the ground below, with someone needing to run down and collect it; who needs a treadmill!
Out on the running line, some practical training has resumed, on those engines with the space to maintain a safe distance for crew members. The lifting of restrictions on 17 May also meant rostered cleaners could once again be invited to join the crew, much to my relief as I was rostered that coming weekend.
Looking resplendent in the sun
Having spent my minimal amount of footplate time out on 35006, this time I was very kindly invited by Jim and Andy to join them out on Dinmore Manor for the day, much to my excitement. Finally out on the “correct” style of footplate - reminder, I’m from Swindon, therefore I’m pretty much obliged by blood oath to say that. Tom, meanwhile, was getting back to grips with firing “the wrong way round” on 7903.
Can you spot him?
Whilst the recent return of the sun is welcomed 99% of the time, on a footplate it is slightly cursed, as has often previously been reported. We were afforded some comforts though, as the threat of rain and more than a slight breeze seemed to keep the temperature fairly manageable. From what I hear, 7903’s crew had more than just a threat, with the showers following them rather than us.
This being my first full turn out on a footplate, I was struck how different the line seems to be experiencing it in panorama as opposed to out of the brake van windows. It will be interesting to see how learning more about what the crew are doing impacts my decision making as a guard, and vice versa, as well as learning what all the noises I have just come to expect coming from the engine actually mean. It wasn’t until I got out on a footplate I realised just how many foot crossings the line has!
The mezzanine does provide a nice view!
It will be exciting to see what comes next.
Bryony
Did you know - it’s the GWSR’s 40th anniversary this year! Various events are being (provisionally) planned for the next few months, with one confirmed being a photography exhibition in the Tim Mitchell building at Winchcombe, opening on 18 July. If you’re thinking about visiting us, make sure to pop in and take a look through the GWSR through the years.
Great read. What's this one polish that does it all?
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