We've got a Tank for Christmas!

 5526 at Cheltenham Racecourse - Photo courtesy of driver elf Ben Evason

 

Snow is falling, all around me, children playing, having fun! It's the season, love and understanding, Merry Christmas everyone... Please don’t worry, I’ll dispense with the karaoke for now as the sight and sound of me signing certainly isn’t a sight to behold, I can assure you. My abilities in that department are about as good as the proverbial chocolate teapot. You’d like to hear some more? Surely not, and I’ll politely suggest that you’ve been drinking a tad too much gluhwein! A worldwide tour and chart-topping album are not on my list of plans for next year, so I’m very sorry to disappoint my loyal readers (or should that be ‘followers’ in social media parlance). Unlike the words of Mr Stevens, sadly snow isn’t falling all around me, and it looks like we’re going to end up with a rather wet and windy Christmas, rather than a fluffy white one.

5526 undergoing a Steam Test - 16th November 2023 - Photo courtesy of driver elf Kevin Jarvis

 

My talents remain elsewhere, and readers may recall that I have a particular affinity with the trusty mince pie, copious amounts of which get me through the festive season and the cupboard is well and truly stocked up. Speaking of the cupboard, I may need to install some additional bracing due to the weight of all the pies. Mind you, I don’t think I’ve quite reached peak consumption just yet. I must consult with one of our Duty Operations Officers (DOO), namely Andy Smith, on this important matter, as he is quite the connoisseur when it comes to all things cake related. In my humble opinion, he should really be given the additional role of ‘Duty Cake Officer’ (DCO). If in doubt, bring some more cake out!

 

GWR Prairie tank 5526 seen on a miserable damp December day pulling up through Dixton Cutting and shutting off for Gotherington with the return Santa Special working for Cheltenham Racecourse.

GWSR Newsreel with 5526 (2017) - Video © Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Anyway, let us move on to more important matters at hand. Recent visitors to the railway will have noticed that we have a certain 'Small Prairie' tank with us for the festive season, as if the opening photograph of this blog wasn't a big enough giveaway! With 7820 once again away on holiday at the South Devon Railway (SDR) operating their 'Polar Express' services, we required an additional engine to bolster our fleet to operate our annual Santa and Mince Pie Specials. The loco in question is 5526, which arrived with us in mid-November, courtesy of the SDR. Shorty after arriving, the tank engine was tested and signed off for service over the festive period. It's great to have a tank back at the railway since the departure of the much loved and missed 4270 earlier in the year. 5526 will be staying here until the end of the season.

 

5526's first duty before the festive trains were underway was operating the November Race Specials to Cheltenham RC. 

5526 prepares to depart Toddington with a November Race Train - 17th November 2023

 

5526 is a member of the 100-strong Charles Collett designed Great Western Railway (GWR) 2-6-2T ‘4575’ Class of ‘Small Prairie’ tank locomotives. The class were a development of the earlier Churchward designed 4500 Class and featured larger side tanks with sloped tops which allowed for an increased water capacity. These small mixed traffic locomotives were predominantly designed for branch line work and were constructed at the GWR’s Swindon Works between 1927 and 1929. They carried the number range 4575–4599 and 5500–5574, with 15 members of the class later being fitted with auto apparatus in 1953, enabling them to run push-pull trains on South Wales lines with auto trailers.

 

5526 prepares to depart Toddington with a November Race Train - 17th November 2023

Known for their work in the West of England and Wales, these capable engines had a good turn of speed and were reportedly able to haul passenger trains of up to 11 coaches, despite their relatively small size. During the 1950s and 1960s, examples of the class could be found hauling part of the Cambrian Coast Express to Pwllheli and parts of the Cornish Riviera Express. The first withdrawal of the class began with 4586 in 1956 and members steadily declined until the last 11 were taken out of service in 1964. 11 of the class survived into preservation, with these being: 4588, 5521, 5526, 5532, 5538, 5539, 5541, 5542, 5552, 5553 & 5572. Most are operational or are undergoing overhaul / restoration.

 

5526 operating a Santa Special on 2nd December 2023 - Photo courtesy of photographer elf Jack Boskett

 

5526 was out-shopped from Swindon in May 1928 as part of a batch of 20 locomotives (Lot No. 251) numbering 5525–5544. The cost of construction was £3,602 which included £737 for its boiler. 5526’s first allocation was St. Blazey Shed (SBZ / 173) in Cornwall, and it was during this time that the engine was based out at Bodmin for two months, working the branch to Wadebridge. In November 1929 the engine was transferred to Exeter where it remained for two years.

 

5526 + Auto-trailer at Bishops Cleeve 26th May 2009 - Photo © xj900suk

In the six years that followed, 5526 had a number of allocations including; Plymouth (Millbay and Laira), Moorswater (LA / 123), Launceston and Newton Abbot (NA / 133) before being sent to Laira (LA) for its first general overhaul on 26th January, 1935. During the overhaul at Laira the engine was fitted with its second boiler. Following the completion of the overhaul, 5526 was transferred to its new home of Truro (TR / 213) on 6th June, 1935, where it would remain for the next twenty four years. Workings for the engine during this period would have included branch services to Falmouth and Newquay (via both Chasewater and Par). In March 1959, 5526 was transferred from Truro to Westbury (82D).

 

Anyone fancy a Mince Pie? I know I do! - Photo courtesy of photographer elf Jack Boskett

 

During its time at Westbury, the engine received its final heavy overhaul and its last "Classified" overhaul, due to it being stopped between the 17th April and the 5th June 1959. Whilst under overhaul, 5526 received its seventh and final boiler, which had been constructed during October 1947 for the reported sum of £1087. The 'Small Prairie' spent its final years working on local passenger and goods trains to locations including Swindon and Bristol (via Radstock). 5526 was withdrawn from BR service on the 8th June, 1962, after being in service for over thirty four years and covering a total of 968,577 miles. The engine was sold to the Woodham Brothers on the 28th August, 1962, and transferred to Barry in November that year. Twenty three years later, in July 1985, 5526 was finally saved by the “Project 5526 Group”.

 

5526 and 7903 on GWSR - Video © smerlinare

The locomotive was transferred to Toddington during the same month, but by 1988, it was decided that 5526 would be moved again (due to the lack of facilities at the GWSR at the time, which were required in order to restore the engine). It just goes to show how fortunate and lucky we are today to have the facilities that we do at Toddington, when compared to how it was some thirty five years ago! The tank engine was moved to Swindon Works Heritage Centre in April 1988 - specifically the No. 19 Shop (formerly the DMU Repair Shop), where most of the equipment needed for the restoration was available. Whilst at Swindon, a number of jobs were completed including; the re-profiling of the wheels, the replacement of the corroded rear portion of the main frame, the stripping, surveying and retubing of the boiler, and the construction of a new bunker and two new riveted side tanks.

 

GWR tank locos heading for Chinnor - Photo © Bob Walters (cc-by-sa/2.0)

 

Due to a building development and access problems, the group and locomotive needed to vacate the No. 19 Shop and a new operating base was sought. Fortunately, the group managed to find a suitable new home at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway (SDR), where restoration to full working order was completed. 5526 has visited the GWSR on a number of occasions since its original restoration, including in 2009 and in 2017. 

 

GWSR Christmas Cracker with No.5526 29 & 30/12/17 - Video © totally-transport

 

 5526 + Auto-trailer at Bishops Cleeve 24th May 2009 - Photo © Henry Elliott

 

Occasionally, things don't always go to plan. I gather the engine ran out of chuff last Sunday (that's a technical term!).

 

Thunderbirds to the rescue! - 37215 arrives to assist 5526 - Photo courtesy of driver elf Kevin Jarvis

 

I suppose we'd better play the theme tune... well it would be rather rude not to: Thunderbirds Are Go!

 

Plenty of power for this impromptu mixed traction service! - Photo courtesy of inspector elf Ian Butler

 

5526 has some Santa Special company in the form of newly overhauled 2807...

 

2807 at Winchcombe Station - Photo courtesy of driver elf Dan Wigg

 

Inspector elf Ian Butler looks to be having fun! - Photo courtesy of fireman elf Tom Willson

 

2807 & 5526 on shed at Toddington - Photo courtesy of Mark Wilson

In other department news...

 

Christmas came early for DMLL and 3850 as its boiler arrived and was reunited with its frames. Rather uplifting!

En-route from Rileys - Photo courtesy of DMLL

 

Lifting into position on the 8th December 2023 - Photo courtesy of DMLL

 

Easy does it! - Photo courtesy of DMLL

 

Drum roll please... Photo courtesy of DMLL

 

Shunting around to the DP shed at Toddington - Photo courtesy of DMLL 

 

Looking much more like a loco now! - 3850 reunited with its boiler - 8th December 2023

 

News from the footplate

 

I'm delighted to report that Peter Young and Tina Sutton have both recently passed out as newly qualified driver elves in the steam department, with David Jenkins and Jeremy Booth-Rossiter also passing out as a newly qualified fireman elves. Tom Willson is now a newly qualified shunter driver elf, in addition to his roles as gala chairman, roster clerk and fireman - thus another member of the department very familiar with the spinning of multiple plates. Well done to all!

 

Elf Tom Willson at the controls of one of our diesel shunters - Photo courtesy of driver elf Kevin Jarvis 

 

Oh look more food...courtesy of newly qualified fireman elf David, a man of many talents!

David Jenkins popping his cooking on the shovel cherry - 21st December 2023 - Photo courtesy of driver elf Ray O'Hara

 

2807 & 35006 on shed at Toddington - 24th November 2023

 

5526 & 2807 on shed at Toddington - 24th November 2023 

 

Cleaner elf Ryan giving 5526's cab a good clean - 15th December 2023

 

Whilst cleaner elf Matthew gives the bodywork a good wash. High vis hat too! - 15th December 2023

2807 on shed ready for a warming fire - 15th December 2023

Looking down the yard - 15th December 2023

Reminiscent of the 1960s perhaps? 35006 inside the DP shed undergoing maintenance - 15th December 2023

 

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. 2023 has simply flown by and it's been a chuffing good one in my book, certainly as the GWSR steam department is concerned. Onwards and upwards!

 

For those of you who use Facebook, here are a number of GWSR related 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 

Until next time folks... I'm a little peckish, so I think it's time I went to check on that Mince Pie cupboard!

I'd better leave you with Mr Stevens: Merry Christmas Everyone

Alex (the sooty one!). 

 

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

5526 reference material sourced from PBSL and the South Devon Railway Association (SDA).

Time to remember what really matters

35006 'P&O' & 7820 'Dinmore Manor' inside the DP Shed at Toddington - 10th November 2023

 

People often say that life is brimming with chances, opportunities and challenges, and to a certain extent, I would agree. However, as for life itself, the reality is that you only get one chance. Circumstances can change in the blink of an eye and without any warning. Life has its ups and downs, and having had a fair few of these myself in recent weeks and months makes you appreciate what matters. It's a sad fact of life that there is someone somewhere in a worse position than you are. The periods of darkness test our resilience, mental strength and the belief that light is at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Our so-called 'First World Problems' pale into insignificance with everything else going on in the world.

 

 The Great Western Railway War Memorial at London Paddington station - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett

 

As I'm writing this on the 11th November, it's exactly one year to the day that I was out on the footplate of 7903 'Foremarke Hall' with John, Ade, and Liam, operating the 'November Race Specials' between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse. Readers may recall at the time that I found the day very moving, and it only feels like yesterday that we were observing the 2 minutes silence before carrying out the run around of the coaching stock at Cheltenham. This year we weren't scheduled to run trains on 'Armistice Day', with the race trains taking place next week on the 17th & 18th November. Nonetheless, the fact that trains aren't operating today doesn't make the date in question any less significant.

A Lancaster Bomber drops poppies over Green Park in London. This was taken in 2012 just after a ceremony took place by the late Queen Elizabeth II to unveil a memorial for 55,573 men of Bomber Command who never came home - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett

Regular visitors and commuters to London's Paddington station will no doubt be familiar with The Great Western War Memorial that is located on platform 1. It was designed by the renowned sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger and architect, Thomas Smith Tait. Jagger was known for his powerful and evocative war memorials, and his work often depicted the grim realities of warfare. The memorial was unveiled on 11th November 1922, and it commemorates the employees of the Great Western Railway who lost their lives during World War I. It was later updated to include the casualties from World War II. 3312 men and women gave their lives. Around one third of the GWR's workforce left to serve in 'The Great War'.

The memorial after Remembrance Sunday, 2021 - Photo © Andrew Davidson (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The inscription, updated to include Second World War casualties - Photo © Cnbrb (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The slogan "The war to end all wars" is commonly associated with World War I and originates from the 1914 book by H. G. Wells. Sadly, as we know, the slogan was somewhat idealistic and the aftermath of the war contributed towards the outbreak of World War II. Over 100 years later there is still war and conflict ongoing somewhere in the world, whether that be in Ukraine, or in the Middle East, to name but a couple of examples. It's a stark reality that no-one could have imagined all those years ago. I mentioned at the beginning of this piece about 'First World Problems', and seeing others endure unimaginable suffering puts the aforementioned problems into perspective. Hopefully things will get better for all.

 

 

 

7903 Foremarke Hall crossing Stanway Viaduct during October - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett

 

In terms of our heritage railway in the Cotswolds, now more than ever, it's time to remember why we volunteer. 

 

We volunteer because we enjoy it.
We volunteer because we care.
We volunteer because it's our history.
We volunteer because it's our heritage.
We volunteer because it makes a difference.
We volunteer because it gives something back.
We volunteer because it matters.
We volunteer because it helps to preserve a railway for current and future generations.
We remember those volunteers who gave their time, dedication, skills, and knowledge with effort and enthusiasm.

 

Without the sacrifices of the generations before us, we would not be fortunate to have the wonderful railway that we have here today. We owe it to them to continue forward and 'carpe diem'. Like all heritage railways, we're always on the lookout for new volunteers, so if you're interested, please do get in touch with us! Any help would be most appreciated!

Video courtesy of Jack Boskett

 

Armistice Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a living testament to the enduring resilience of a nation and the railways that bore witness to its trials and tribulations. Our railway network, like the veins of a living being, continues to pulse with the memories of heroes who, in their silent departure and triumphant return, left an indelible mark on the tracks of time. On the 11th November, we stand on the platforms of history, not simply as humble passengers but as custodians of a legacy forged in the crucible of war and preserved in the quiet dignity of remembrance.

 

7820 'Dinmore Manor' receiving attention inside the DP Shed at Toddington - 10th November 2023

With a world that seemingly never stands still in both the literal and figurative sense, it's important that we never lose sight of our past, our history, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. War and conflict shows humanity at its most raw and vulnerable, and demonstrates how fragile and precious life really is. We thank all those who fought for our freedom.

 

Many lives were lost, many lives were saved, and many lives will be remembered.

 

Remembrance means different things to different people, whether you are someone who has served in the armed forces or not. It gives us the opportunity to remember friends, family, comrades, special occasions, the good times and the bad, but probably most of all, it makes us remember what really matters and to give thanks and respect to those who never came home. For me, it's appreciating the things that you have rather than those you do not. I have a loving family, friends, food and water, a roof over my head, and my health. Many people throughout the world do not have these things.

 

 

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

 

As the sun goes down on another day, I will leave you with this to listen to here.

 

Alex (the sooty one!). 

 

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