Freezing our collective nuts off!

7903 prepares to head off shed - 29th December 2023

 

Well, shut the fire-hole door and strike me down with a feather, I guess it's time for another blog update! I did warn you that I had quite the backlog to get through the other day. Even more alarming is the sight of a rather large bright thing in the sky outside, which is seldom seen in rather wet and miserable Britain these days. I wonder if I'm dreaming or I've just happened to wake up in some sort of parallel universe? I've probably gone and jinxed it now and a torrential downpour will arrive at any moment, mind you, the car could do with a good wash anyway. It's currently covered in a layer of soot, and the inside aroma can rather accurately be described as "le parfum de département de vapeur." Personally, I think we should bottle the aforementioned fragrance up and sell it in the railway's shop. I reckon we'd generate a few sales from the die-hard steam enthusiasts around. Eat your heart out L'Oréal Paris and Dior, because I'm coming for you!

 

Don't worry folks as I've not been on the sauce, and it's only just gone 10 am. Even I have my limits, although I would probably be considered a lightweight by some (quite literally). There would be no point in the steam department using me as some sort of counterweight, considering I weigh about as much as your average garden twig (no offence to any twigs). Anyway, moving to matters much more pertinent, and specifically the last running weekend of the 2023 operating season. The title of this blog may be slightly concerning, however, there is a great deal of truth in it. More on that later. 

 

2807 warming up on shed - 29th December 2023

 

With 5526 having finished its rostered turns earlier in the week, the final services of the year up to and including New Year's Day were left in the capable pistons of 2807 and 7903. On the 29th December 2023, the rostered crew included Messrs Beale, Evason, Liley, Lamb, and the O'Hara duo. For anyone wondering, 7820 was still away on her winter holidays down at the South Devon Railway (SDR) at this point, and wasn't due to return for another couple of weeks. I arrived at Toddington shortly after 06:00 and got to work cleaning. Naturally, it had rained rather heavily overnight and therefore everything was pretty soaked. When I clean a locomotive, I like to follow a particular routine, unless I'm asked to clean something specific first by the driver or fireman. I usually give the motion some attention before anything else.

 

2807 ready to go at Toddington station - 29th December 2023

 

Generally speaking, the most neediest parts of the locomotive are cleaned first, or to be even more specific, the area's which are most visible to the visiting public - namely the bodywork, chimney, copper cap, safety valve cover/bonnet and the motion. In wet weather, it's important that any surfaces are made as dry as possible to reduce the risk of slippages. When I first joined the steam department as a cleaner, the idea of cleaning such a large piece of working machinery was a little daunting. However, it soon becomes second nature, and to anyone considering joining, I would think of it much like cleaning your car, but just on a much bigger scale. The cleaning process is frankly rather similar in many respects. 

 

We have a fair amount of documentation available offering people guidance and there's no such thing as a silly question! 

 

2807 ready to go at Toddington station - 29th December 2023

 

A couple of hours later, with the locomotives clean and ready to go, 2807 headed off shed to rendezvous with its set of coaching stock, which was waiting in Platform 1 at Toddington station. This was shortly followed by 7903 heading off. 

 

Unlike on the main running line, the points in yard are not operated by a signal-box, but instead changed manually by hand, using point levers. Some are more temperamental to change than others and it also depends on how recently they have been greased up. Changing points certainly gives you some exercise and it takes me a few attempts with some of them, especially the one point towards the exit of the yard with the 'S' shaped lever (I clearly don't eat enough pies). I'm still recovering from Monday evening's shunting and light-up shenanigans on shed with Mr Pedley. Oh, it was such fun!

2807 ready to go at Toddington station - 29th December 2023

 

Once the in-service locomotives have left shed to operate the day's trains, there are a number of jobs to do on-shed:

• Empty the outdoor pits of ash and clinker following locomotive disposal.
• Empty the bins of ash following the clearing out of smoke-boxes.
• Tidy up the yard area and make sure any steps/platforms are safe.
• Return any cleaning materials to the oil and rag stores.
• Pressure wash the the shed floor and apron / outdoor pits (if it is dry to do so). A hose can also be used.
  
• Cut up more rags for cleaning and ensure there are enough for lighting-up (fill buckets as required).
• Return any wheelbarrows and stock up the wood store if needed (assist the Wednesday 'Wood Gang').
• Head up to the mess for a cup of tea and hope that there are a few biscuit crumbs left! 
  

 

7903 prepares to head off shed - 29th December 2023

7903 prepares to head off shed - 29th December 2023 

 

2807 & 7903 running at Toddington - 29th December 2023

 

End of year Steam on The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway with 2807 - 29/12/23 - Video © South Wales Trainspotting Caption below.

"The end of the 2023 running season at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway with 7903 'Foremarke Hall' & Newly Overhauled 2807 in traffic, hauling Mince Pie Specials from Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse. Featuring onboard shots as well as some taken from the lineside."

 

Early January was extremely cold, hence why 'freezing our collective nuts off' became the title of this particular instalment. Regular bouts of freezing rain, hail, and ice cold wind all added to the 'enjoyment' on shed. Suffice to say, it would often get to the point whereby I could barely feel my hands or my feet. Frustratingly for me, once this happens, trying to do anything practical or remotely useful becomes very difficult (and that's even with a few layers on and a thick pair of gloves). I really think that it's about time that someone invented the 'hot water boiler-suit'. Any takers reading?

 

I was back on shed on the 2nd and 5th January, with most of the time spent giving 35006's boiler barrel a good clean.

 

2807 rests inside the DP Shed at the end of the 2023 operating season - 2nd January 2024

 

From L-R - 7903, 3850, 2874 & Peckett 'John' - 2nd January 2024

 

35006's nameplate, boiler barrel and running board in need of a clean - 2nd January 2024

 

GWSR New Year 2024 - Video © John Keepin Caption below.

"A visit to the GWSR on New Year’s day 2024. The last time I saw No. 2807 in operation was exactly 4 years ago. She had come into service in 2010 after restoration, and the boiler certificate would have expired after 10 years, so between then and late 2023 a lot of maintenance etc had been done, so she’s back in action again.

Until Spring this year it’s not possible to operate north of Toddington because of the repair work being done on Stanway viaduct. At present the plan is to complete it soon after Easter (which is early this year), but as with many things it might depend on the weather this Winter. There is some footage about the A417 Missing Link project at the end." 

 

The following photographs were taken on a very chilly Friday 5th January 2024. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.

 

Signage above the entrance to 'The Goods Shed'

35006 & 7903 inside the DP Shed - 5th January 2024

7903 had been split for work to be done to her tender - 5th January 2024

A chocked 7903 sits over the indoor inspection pit - 5th January 2024

5526 awaits the date of departure for the South Devon Railway (SDR) - 5th January 2024

A rather smart looking 2807 - 5th January 2024

View of the fireman's side of 35006 - 5th January 2024

 

View of the driver's side of 35006, with the old ash-pan hopper removed - 5th January 2024

The imposing face of 35006 basks in the morning sunshine - 5th January 2024

Aboard the footplate of 7903 with it's various gauges and controls - 5th January 2024

Moving to the week ending the 12th January 2024, and the 'Manor' of the house had returned to shed.

7820 safely returned to Toddington - 12th January 2024 - Photo courtesy of Mark Harding

 

7820 ready to be unloaded - 13th January 2024 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims

 

After 7820 had been unloaded, it was time to crack on with her boiler washout...

 

Washout underway - 13th January 2024 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims

 

At-least the sun came out - 13th January 2024 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims

 

Meanwhile, 3850's cab roof received a coat of fresh paint and looked very smart indeed.

 

13th January 2024 - Photo courtesy of Kenneth Sims 

 

5526 loaded on the trailer and ready to head home - 13th January 2024 - Photo courtesy of Andy Smith

 

News from the footplate

 

As I reported in the last blog update, Liam Shakles was undergoing his Fireman Assessment aboard 7903, and I'm delighted to report that he passed out as a newly qualified fireman with flying colours. Well done Liam!

 

Becoming a fireman on the footplate is a significant achievement, which requires copious hours of hard graft and effort.

 

Inspector Jamie Christie (L) with Liam Shakles - 20th April 2024 - Photo courtesy of Jamie Christie

 

Liam's 'Chariot of Fire' for the day - 7903 - Photo courtesy of Liam Shakles

 

7820 picks up the token at Toddington signal-box en route to Winchcombe - 14th April 2024 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Fisher

 

If you are interested in joining the steam department or any department on the railway (I am obviously ever so slightly biased), we regularly hold 'Meet the recruitment team' days throughout the year. The details are shown below.

 

 

 

A very important Steam date for your diary folks! There's less than five weeks to go until the biggest event of the year.

 

Tickets for CFoS 2024 can be purchased online by visiting: https://www.gwsr.com/galas/steam-gala  

 

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... more from the coalface will be extracted shortly, including 35006's cold eventful washout.

35006 out in the freezing cold - 9th January 2024

 

I'll leave you with this sketch from the late great Ronnie Barker (Disclaimer: Please note this contains adult humour).

 

 

Alex (the sooty one!).

 

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

Dusting off the trusty keyboard!

35006 'P&O' stands on Road 8 outside the DP Shed - 22nd December 2023

 

The train now approaching Toddington Steam MPD is the heavily delayed 'Blogger Express' from Broadway, calling at: 'Oh, where's the time gone?', 'Where's my keyboard?', and 'Yes, I'm still very much here!'. A buffet service offering a selection of waffle, grovelling, x-rated material, and a modicum of humour is available on this train (please note that a slice of self deprecation is available for an additional charge). Yes, Nigel, you will be pleased to read that this blog is not all about your favourite tank engine that we had for Christmas. I am unable to type his exact words to me here, as the language used is of the rather colourful variety, and thus would necessitate the excessive use of a certain 'asterisk' key. 

 

Aboard 35006 with the locomotive safely left in mid-gear - 22nd December 2023 

 

Anyway, dear readers, if you are sitting comfortably and happen to have a suitable beverage, then we'll bring out the ever reliable shovel and crack on. At this point I must stress that for health and safety reasons, typing with said shovel doesn't tend to end well, either for your fingers or for the unfortunate computer apparatus! Despite the fact that four months have passed by since the last update, and the ever increasing tea, cake, and biscuit consumption aside, I can assure you that we have not been simply sitting around resting on our laurels. It's quite the opposite in fact, as the Winter downtime for the railway has been anything but quiet. Ironically, even though we weren't busy frequently running trains over the winter, it's actually one of the busiest times of the year for the steam department, other than at our popular gala events.

 

Oh look we're a few minutes in and Nigel's favourite tank engine appears... I think I'm going to regret this!

 

Visiting 5526 rests inside the DP Shed - 22nd December 2023 

 

The final week or so in December was the last period of running of our 2023 operating season when we ran our special 'Xmas & New Year' timetable. This included the remainder of the 'Santa Experience' trains up until Christmas Eve, followed by the generally well patronised 'Mince Pie Specials' up until the New Year. I can't quite fathom why these are so popular? Maybe Duty Cake Officer (DCO) Smithy could shed a light on this conundrum? I jest of course, because as many of you know, I am rather partial to a mince pie or two, or rather a few boxes if I'm given half the chance. Having written this I am now rather peckish, but sadly, the cupboard is now devoid of those festive treats. It's not good enough!

7903 'Foremarke Hall' & 2807 being prepared - 22nd December 2023

 

I'm usually down at Toddington on Fridays to help with various jobs on shed, and the 22nd December was no different. Despite the fact that it was pitch black outside, I decided that I would get up at some ungodly hour and get in early to assist the rostered crews with the cleaning and preparation of the in-service locomotives. It sounded like a good idea at the time, but the alarm doesn't half come round extremely quickly when you haven't had a great deal of shut-eye. For some reason, I never manage to sleep that well during the night before I attend the railway, and I'm not putting that down to my mince pie consumption before anyone suggests as such! At 04:30 the alarm sounded and I was raring to go... well, at-least after a few minutes, once my eyes had recovered from me turning the 'big light' on. All self-inflicted I know!

 

Just getting to the railway early can be 'fun' in itself, no thanks to the B4632 (Cheltenham Road) between Broadway and Toddington. This stretch of road is either closed or has multiple sets of roadworks (with temperamental traffic lights) seemingly every other week. Don't get me started on the potholes either, which are more like craters. So much so that you're often left with no other option but to drive down the middle of the road. If you've ever watched the film '1917', then the B4632 might as well be renamed 'no man's land'. Sam Mendes could've saved some of the film's budget and used the road for one of the locations, because in my eyes it looks rather realistic. Fortunately, my car remains intact thus far.  

2807 warming up on shed complete with 'Santa Special' headboard - 22nd December 2023

 

I arrived at the railway and duly signed on just before 06:00, then got to work cleaning 2807. Even though it was rather nippy to say the least, it wasn't raining for a change which gave some relief. I can assure you that trying to clean the exterior of locomotive in a torrential downpour is a somewhat futile exercise. We are all very dedicated volunteers, but I will confess that in the rain things can get a bit 'testing' at times. A change of clothing and a second pair of overalls is most definitely worth having on days where there is very inclement weather. If you're not wet and dirty within a short space of time then I would say that you're not working hard enough, then again, some would say 'Work smarter, not harder!'. Regardless of the weather, it's important to remember that it's for a good cause, to give our visitors a fun day out.

The rostered crew for 2807 on the day were Messrs Pedley, Beale, Shakles, Boskett & Byrne, with Liam having another training turn as a trainee firemen. Funnily enough, as I'm typing this, Liam is currently undergoing his Fireman Assessment, so fingers crossed that by the time this is published we'll have another fully qualified fireman on the roster. With Mr Boskett on shed assisting with the cleaning duties, I did my best to keep out of the way whilst he was taking photographs. I wouldn't say that I'm camera shy as such, although I prefer to beaver away behind the scenes. For those of you who may not be aware, Jack is the Editor of 'The Cornishman' magazine, along with being in charge of the railway's official social media accounts and photographic activities. Thus, yet another volunteer wearing multiple hats.

The rostered crew for 7903 on the day were Messrs Evason, Hunt & Orriss. Thus, plenty of shed banter ensued on shed.

Let there by light, in more ways than one! - 22nd December 2023

By 08:30, daylight was finally with us and the doom and gloom of the small hours had disappeared for another day. There was a possibility of me going out on the footplate, but with Liam training I thought it best that I stayed on shed and got involved with other jobs instead. Whilst you can accommodate four people on the footplate, which is typically the case on 'Footplate Experience' days', it does get a little crowded depending on what is going on at any given time. 35006 is easily the most spacious with its large enclosed cab, but all of our engines each have their pros and cons when you're out on the line. 2807 is excellent for 'open top' steaming, but not so much when it's out in driving rain or snowy conditions. Readers may recall a rather wintery day for Messrs Butler & Willson back in 2022 when they were out with 7903.

 

The spacious cab of 35006 - 22nd December 2023

 

This particular day was quite a significant one for me as it was the first day that I'd seen 2807 in service on the line since it returned from its Heavy General Overhaul (HGO). In fact, it was the first time that I'd seen the locomotive running since I joined the steam department back in June 2021. It's quite alarming to think that I have been volunteering at the railway for the best part of three years now. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and if I have one regret, its that I wish that I had joined the railway sooner (although a global pandemic put paid to those plans). I originally filled in the application form back in January 2020, and we all know what happened just a few months later. We're always on the lookout for more volunteers, and all I will say is, give it a go. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked within 5 minutes of starting and I most certainly was.

 

2807 heads round to take on some coal - 22nd December 2023

 

Anyway, back to the day in question as I'm conscious that I'm waffling on and some of you are most likely drifting off to sleep by now. With 2807 heading off to see Santa, Mike mentioned that 5526 needed disposing, and a little while later, James kindly shunted the visiting tank engine out of the shed. Use of the visiting ‘Small Prairie’ over the winter proved to be somewhat eventful shall we say, and certainly kept the various footplate crews on their toes that’s for sure. Having not been aboard a ‘4575’ myself before, my first day with her was an experience, notably because I failed to notice the raised platform on the driver’s side of the footplate, thus I very nearly fell flat on my face! The cab door openings are rather narrow too, even more so than 4270’s, and emptying of the rear ashpan can only be described as an uphill struggle, especially for those of us who happen to be ‘vertically challenged’.

 

5526 is dwarfed by the jolly green giant - 22nd December 2023

 

5526 outside in the cold winter air - 22nd December 2023

 

35006 'P&O' stands on Road 8 outside the DP Shed - 22nd December 2023
 

While I was working on disposing 5526, the P&O gang were carrying out maintenance on 35006. It is a well looked after locomotive, with various jobs carried out on her virtually every week. One of the ongoing jobs with the Merchant Navy is replacing the ageing ash-pan hoppers, and this progressed during the winter. With 2807 back in traffic late last year, 35006 spent the whole of December effectively as a standby loco. As such, some of the metalwork was replaced on the old hoppers to see the loco through until the end of the 2023 operating season, just in-case it was required for service.

 

After I had finished disposing 5526 and given her a bit of a clean, both locomotives were duly shunted back into the DP Shed. With 2807 and 7903 out on the service trains, it was important that the outdoor pit roads remained clear for when they returned to shed at the end of the day. Not to mention the fact that we try to avoid shunting engines around in the dark for health and safety reasons. While we do have outdoor floodlights in the yard, it's really not worth taking the risk.   

 

New metalwork on the driver's side hopper - 22nd December 2023    

 

With all the members of our operational fleet, regular maintenance is of paramount importance to maximize their availability. This ultimately reduces the risk of issues and the need to take them out of traffic unless it's absolutely necessary - which is typically for boiler washouts, inspections and required exams. 

 

I know that 'Winterisation' has been talked about before here, but for those new to the blog...

 

After a locomotive has been taken out of service and disposed, some of the work carried out includes:

•    Smokebox swept out.
•    Tube plates swept down, and lower section needle gunned and painted.
•    Tubes cleaned through.
•    Brick arch swept off.
•    Firebox cleaned out with all birds’ nests removed.
•    Grate removed, deep cleaned, scale removed from foundation ring rivets.
•    Part grate reinstated.
•    Boilers drained, unboxed and washed out.
•    Gauges removed and calibrated.
•    Gauge frames stripped and cleaned.
•    Safety valves stripped cleaned and lapped.
•    Booked defects rectified.
•    Tenders / bunkers emptied, cleaned out and painted.

Once all of the above has been completed, the locomotive boilers are boxed up and filled with water, the firebox grates are reinstalled, and the gauges are refitted. This is in readiness for steam tests.

 

News from the footplate

 

I'm delighted to report that James Clarke has recently passed out as a newly qualified driver in the steam department, with Mark Wilson and Andrew Plumb also passing out as a newly qualified fireman. Well done to all!

 

James Clarke (L) with Inspector Ian Butler (R) - 6th April 2024  - Photo courtesy of James Clarke

 

Mark Wilson with Clive Norton (L) & Chris Blake (R) - 3rd April 2024 - Photo courtesy of Chris Blake

 

Here's something a little more recent, courtesy of our friends at Steam Valley Productions.

Springtime Scenes On The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Featuring 7820 & 7903 - Video © Steam Valley Productions

 

The weather has been hit and miss so far this Spring, but mostly miss with the wind and rain we’ve been having. But on Sunday 3rd March I had a pleasing day on the GWSR during the first weekend of running of the 2024 season, here we see 7820 Dinmore Manor leaving Winchcombe heading for Greet Tunnel with the second service train of the day in gorgeous conditions, which continued throughout the day. This is followed by a shot from Tuesday 9th April and following a promising late afternoon forecast a drive down to Gotherington and to Dixton Cutting for 7903 Foremarke Hall with its last run to Broadway. Luckily the sun stayed out and when walking back to the car, i did in cloudy skies. Makes a change!!

 

 

A very important Steam date for your diary folks! There's just five weeks to go until the biggest event of the year.

 

Tickets for CFoS 2024 can be purchased online by visiting: https://www.gwsr.com/galas/steam-gala  

 

John Cruxon oversees proceedings on shed during CFoS 2023 - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett

 

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 off to sort through a load more of my photographs and videos for you all.

 

I have quite a backlog of content to talk about I will have more soon! :)

 

Alex (the sooty one!).

 

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