2023 - A Year of Signficance

4270 at Toddington Station - 17th December 2022 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

 

Firstly, I'd like to wish all of you readers a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2023. If you've been following this blog for a while now you'll be no stranger to the fact that 2022 was a rather eventful year for both the railway and the steam department, culminating in a hugely popular festive season with the well patronised Santa & Mince Pie Specials. As much as I love galas and the special events which the railway puts on each year, nothing quite beats the run up to Christmas and the period through to the new year. You won't be surprised to read that I did rather over indulge somewhat!

On New Year's Day I set myself a target of getting my collapsed temple of a body shipshape (or should that be 'Footplate Ready'!) by the start of our 2023 operating season in March. Whether this is actually achieved remains to be seen, however I am of the optimistic persuasion, so there is at-least a glimmer of hope. That being said, one cannot ignore the proverbial elephant in the room so to speak, and this of course being the stockpile of mince pies stashed away in the freezer. 'A box a day keeps the doctor away!'. I don't think I've got that quite right? I'm sure it was apples the last time I checked. Anyway, I will endeavour to keep you posted on my progress and the railway is a great source of exercise.

 

7903 'Foremarke Hall' heads through the wintery countryside - Footage courtesy of Dan Wigg

 

The festive trains went down a treat with all of our visitors both young and old, and were made even better with the arrival of the white stuff. It all adds to the excitement and I hear that the reindeer were pleased with the snow covered runway. 

 

The cold winter weather does present the department and wider railway with a few challenges though, particularly ice!

An icicle hanging from one of 4270’s injector overflow pipes - Photo courtesy of Steve Parker

4270 at Winchcombe Station - 17th December 2022 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

 

Hmm, oh look, more delicious food! - 17th December 2022 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

'Chef' Briscoe - Would sir like a helping of coal with your sausage? - Photo courtesy of Ray O'Hara

 

We cannot talk about railways without mention of 'The Railway Children', the classic film from 1970 which I've seen countless times and is usually broadcast at some stage over the festive season. I'd say it's a film which ages like fine wine and is compulsory viewing as far as I'm concerned. Who can forget 'Bobbie' (Jenny Agutter) running down the platform upon sight of her Father amidst a cloud of steam and smoke - 'Daddy! My Daddy!'. A very moving scene indeed.

 

The following clip of the end of the film featuring the aforementioned scene in question needs no further introduction.

 

It's pretty remarkable to think that this film is now over 50 years old and at the time of its release, on the 21st December, our very own 4270 was itself over 50 years old. Sadly, as much as we might like it, time is a constant and never stands still. Another unforgettable character was of course, Mr Perks, played brilliantly by Bernard Cribbins who died last year.  

“If you just excuse me young man, I’ve got a lot to do cos the station master is having his haircut in Leeds you see? And Perks must be about it!”

“Perks? Who’s Perks?”

“ME, SIR! I’M PERKS!”

 

As per the above, I give you exhibit A. Fun fact, we have a fireman by the name of Mr Perks, as some of you may know.

 

 

As many of you will no doubt be aware, a sequel film was released on the 15th July 2022, titled 'The Railway Children Return'. I must confess that I haven't seen it as yet, thus I am unable to pass comment. I'm sure I'll get round to it eventually. Personally speaking, I think certain films should be left as they are and stand-alone, but I guess these days I'm probably in the minority on that one. Today, everything seems to revolve around 'Franchises', 'Reboots' and 'Sequels'.

 

Ade with a couple of young visitors on the footplate - Photo courtesy of Gwendolyne
 

The sun sets in the distance as 4270 heads away from Cheltenham Racecourse Station  - Photo courtesy of Gwendolyne
    

Wednesday gang to the rescue!

 

Our Colleagues in Carriage and Wagon were doing some maintenance on a wagon for carrying rail. The vehicle had to go into C&W for inspection and maintenance ready for some track relaying this winter. One of the tasks they needed to perform was to withdraw the two drawhooks and check that they were fit for use. Unfortunately, they were both in need of attention. The first drawhook was bent which needed straightening. The second drawhook was worse and was in fact unfit to be repaired. A third drawhook was removed from a similar vehicle and that was found to be straight and in relatively good condition. However, as they are a safety critical item we need to ensure they are free of cracks. As it is a fairly common process for the steam dept and we have the right kit for straightening things, it's called a Flypress, the Wednesday gang agreed to help. 

 

We firstly straightened the bent one. There is quite an art to this, getting it straight without looking like a dogs hind leg, and John Hancock of John Hancock Engineering is a dab hand at this. Ably assisted by Martin Clarke they soon had it straight. 

 

 

Next was cleaning it and Flawfinder testing. It’s a three part test, first a degreaser to clean it, followed by a red dye. The final spray turns white and if there any cracks the red dye will bleed through. Fortunately we were in luck.

 

The second drawhook was also cleaned and tested the same way and we were in business both drawhooks fit to go.

 

John H in the middle, Martin Clarke on the right and Ian Grant on the left - Photo courtesy of John Cruxon

 

The New Year sees us in full swing...

 

2023 is a significant year for a number of railway reasons. The 1st January marked 100 years since the commencement of 'The Railways Act 1921', also known as the 'Grouping Act', whereby over 120 railway companies were grouped together to form form four larger companies, known as the 'Big Four'. The newly amalgamated company covering the Western Region was of course, the 'Great Western Railway' (GWR), which retained its name that dates way back to 1835. 2023 marks the end of Churchward 2-8-0T 4270's service, at over 100 years old, having been constructed in 1919.

 

A rather shiny looking numberplate. If only my car looked this good! - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

This year also marks 100 years since the construction of the first Collet designed GWR 4073 Castle Class locomotive.

 

Monday 2nd January 2023

 

Monday was the last running day of our 2022 operating season and that duty fell to 35006, 4270 & 37215. It was a fitting end for 4270 as we were blessed with glorious weather and many visitors, enthusiasts and photographers were present. The lucky crew to have the honour of 4270's final day in service were Paul Richardson, Jonathan Perks & Matthew Palmer. Andrew Beale and Andrew Bartlett were rostered to cover the lunch-break on 4270 and then take on 35006. I was not going to miss this day for all the tea in China, so I signed on early and gave the crew a hand with the preparations.

 

The morning crew for 35006 were John Cruxon, David Jenkins, Ed Brooks & Andrew Briscoe. It was rather busy on shed!

 

Your blogger was spotted on 'wood duty' - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Paul Richardson

 

It took a little while before the fire could be lit on 4270 due to the sheer amount of ash and clinker that needed to be removed from the firebox. I assisted Matthew and Jonathan with this task as having three on the job made things slightly easier. We got as much out as we could by raking the grate and using the fire irons. At one point we resorted to filling several buckets by hand after pulling a load forward underneath the fire-hole doors. Not fun when everything around you is still pretty hot from the previous days outing! However, we got there in the end and the grate was left reasonably clean.   

 

Jonathan Perks getting the fire going in 4270 - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Paul Richardson
 

Behold, he has seen the light! You are the chosen one! - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Paul Richardson

 

Whilst this was going on, Paul continued to oil, check and prep the loco to ensure it was ready for the off. Matthew emptied the smokebox and gave the bodywork a good clean. I decided to tackle below the running board and cleaned the connecting rods & motion, after which I applied a new coat of motion oil. I had to be rather careful when I did this as Paul was armed with a hosepipe underneath the loco emptying the ashpan. Fortunately, I didn't receive an impromptu shower and I did wonder if this was because I had recently provided the crews with tea and Jaffa Cakes! They went down well.   

 

4270 is due to leave us soon for Margate where it will be kept safe pending overhaul. It will be clean and dry, and on display in the One:One Museum which is situated in the former Hornby factory. Further info here The One One Collection

 

35006 prepares to head off shed to collect coal and water - 2nd January 2023
 

4270 heads off shed for the last time to collect coal and water - 2nd January 2023
 

35006 in position to be coaled up next to the old ash pit - 2nd January 2023

 

With 35006 now clear, 4270 heads round to be coaled - 2nd January 2023

 

While being coaled and with the sun rising, a suitable headboard was attached to the loco - 2nd January 2023
 

Conversation is exchanged whilst Steve loads some coal with the JCB - 2nd January 2023

 

A while later, 4270 returns to Toddington after taking its train to Broadway - 2nd January 2023

 

Stand well back from the platform edge as you may get wet! Matthew & Jonathan look on in amusement - 2nd January 2023

 

...and we're off, on our way to Winchcombe - 2nd January 2023
 

Look who bagged the front window of the first coach :) - 2nd January 2023

Tony Boston takes the token from Matthew at Cheltenham whilst your blogger looks on - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

4270 heads down the platform to take on water - 2nd January 2023

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin... Jonathan Perks enjoys an audience whilst he fills 4270 with water - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

4270 heads round the coaching stock at Cheltenham - 2nd January 2023
 

Approaching the end of the platform and signal-box at Cheltenham - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder 

 

Back on the stock - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

The dream team with 4270 (L-R) Matthew, Jonathan & Paul - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

Paul attends to the Farewell message - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

Our resident Press Officer (Ian) takes a close up of Paul (see previous photo) - 2nd January 2023

 

4270 looking resplendent in the late morning sunshine - 2nd January 2023
 

Now back at Winchcombe. we await the arrival of 35006 - 2nd January 2023

 

4270 basks in the sunshine whilst the Gunpowder Van attracts some attention - 2nd January 2023
 

Another photo of the dream team! - 2nd January 2023

 

Caption competition anyone? - 2nd January 2023

35006 arrives at Winchcombe - 2nd January 2023

Now back at Toddington, the relief crew take over to cover the lunch-break. No less than three Andrews on the footplate! - 2nd January 2023

 

Looks like there's decent pressure on the gauge, always a good sign! - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Briscoe

It was at this point that I took a break myself and would later join 35006 after lunch.

4270 runs round the stock at Broadway Station - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

A busy scene at Broadway Station as 4270 approaches - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

35006 at Toddington Station - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Gwendolyne

 

Having arrived at Broadway Station, 35006 prepares to run round the stock - 2nd January 2023
  

35006 heads past Broadway signal-box - 2nd January 2023
 

Broadway Station in the afternoon sun is very picturesque - 2nd January 2023
 

A few minutes to go before we head back to Toddington - 2nd January 2023

 

 

Driver Andrew Beale takes a break from the footplate at Toddington Station - 2nd January 2023

One of my favourite locations for photographing locomotives - 2nd January 2023

35006 waits 'for the off' to head south to Winchcombe - 2nd January 2023

Shorty before 15:00, 4270 approached Toddington Station before her last trip up to Broadway. I joined some of my fellow Steam Department members aboard the train and 37215 was attached to the rear. The day had gone by without a hitch. 

 

After exchanging the token at the signal-box, 4270 approaches Toddington Station - 2nd January 2023

 

Over 100 years old and still going strong! - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder 

 

We couldn't have asked for a better day! - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder

 

Once back from Broadway, 4270 was detached from the rear of the train and 37215 took us down to Cheltenham and back. Travelling by train in the evening is very atmospheric and nostalgic at the same time. Great scenery helps, too!

 

A rather idyllic scene with the station lamps at Cheltenham Racecourse - 2nd January 2023

 

37215 runs round the stock before the return trip to Toddington - 2nd January 2023
 

Meanwhile, back up at Toddington... 

 

4270 returns to shed for the final time after her last day in service - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Paul Richardson

 

 

On Shed at Toddington - 2nd January 2023 - Photos courtesy of Paul Richardson

 

'Farewell 2/1/23' - 2nd January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Paul Richardson

 

4270 rests inside Toddington Shed after her final day in service - 2nd January 2023

 

4270 rests inside Toddington Shed - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

 

Here's a short film of the last day of running for 4270 on the 2nd January 2023. 

 

As we move in to the middle of January, now I think it's time to see what else has been happening this month. 

7820 is now back on home turf after her holiday - 5th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Mike Solloway

 

Friday 6th January 2023

 

Friday is generally a busy day on shed, even though we're not actively operating trains at this time of year. This was my second visit to the railway following the last day of the 2022 operating season on Monday 2nd January. Volunteers from several of the loco owning groups and wider department were on-site - The DMLL & P&O groups to name two of them.    

4270 inside Toddington Shed a few days after her final day of active service - 6th January 2023

 

35006 'P&O' inside the shed before being shunted outside later that morning - 6th January 2023 

7820 back on shed after returning from the SDR. David and I spent the day cleaning her connecting rods, frames and wheels (further cleaning was done the following week) - 6th January 2023

 

Winter maintenance and boiler washout on 35006 - 6th January 2023

Saturday 7th January 2023

 

The 2807 gang hard at work - 7th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims

 

2807's ashpan after being lowered onto the shed floor - 7th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims
 

4270 being cleaned and prepared for her eventual departure - 7th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims

 

4270's smokebox being given a thorough clean and once over - 7th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims

 

7903 inside the shed for Winter maintenance - 7th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims

Friday 13th January 2023

 

A busy day on shed once again, particularly for the P&O group, who removed the drivers side connecting rods. Luckily there were a considerable number of members available to get involved as a fair amount of elbow grease was required.  

 

7820 was given a good wash and clean, particularly with regards to the bodywork, nameplates, numbers, running boards and smokebox - Much more to do! - 13th January 2023

Before 35006's connecting rods could be removed, the speedo equipment needed to be taken off by Steve.

 

35006's speedometer and associated generator after being removed for maintenance - 13th January 2023

Bob, Jack & Steve come up with a plan of action. Adjustable trolleys were used to help support the weight  - 13th January 2023

Easy does it! To say these components are heavy would be an understatement! - 13th January 2023

With one of the main rods removed it was on to the next... 13th January 2023

 

Chris surveys the scene - 13th January 2023

 

Getting things positioned correctly - 13th January 2023

The team check that everything is good to go - 13th January 2023

The sun is streaming in and things are progressing well - 13th January 2023

 

It's not often that you get to see the driving wheels in their entirety. The rope is present to ensure that the remaining components stay in position - 13th January 2023

 

35006, 7820 & 7903 inside Toddington Shed - 13th January 2023

The removed connecting rods will be cleaned and put through maintenance (re-bushing & re-metalling where required) before they are refitted to the loco.

 

Saturday 14th January 2023

 

Toddington Shed was a hive of activity on Saturday 14th January. It's always great to see so many folk involved in the various projects. There's always something which needs doing in the department, whether it's a big job or a small one.

Bev & Dave (new double act?), along with Jeremy, really got stuck into cleaning underneath 4270 - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

Ongoing work on 7903 - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

 

7903 was having attention to its valve rings and packing’s.

 

35006 with her drivers side connecting rods removed - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale
 

The shed floor has been given a good blasting with our new cleaner - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale 

 

Looking down shed roads 8 & 9 - One of 35006' connecting rods can be seen in the middle - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale
 

The second (and final) radius rod being polished for 76077 - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

 

New firebox blackhead cladding for 76077 - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

New boiler crinolines for 76077 - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

 

Crinolines - The framework of hoops used to support cladding over a boiler.

Superheater elements for 3850 ready for pressure testing - 14th January 2023 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

The 2807 group were busy working on the new tender chassis.  

 

For those of you who use Facebook, here are a number of GWSR groups which are worth following.

 

DMLL - Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd

CSPL - Cotswold Steam Preservation Limited (CSPL) 

2874 - The 2874 Trust

35006 - 35006 Group

76077 - Standard Locomotive 76077

CWR - Cotswold Wagon Restorations

CFOS - GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam Gala Page

THL - The Honeybourne Line - a GWR mainline in the making

I will leave you with Rod Stewart and his rendition of Tom Waits' Downtown Train. Until next time folks... stay safe.

 

Alex (the sooty one!). 

 

All published photographs are my own unless otherwise stated/credited.