Monday, 13 October 2025

A Standard Tank to grace The Cotswolds in 2026

BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T at Neasden Locomotive Depot, taken 3 March 1957 - Photo © Ben Brooksbank (cc-by-sa/2.0) geograph.org.uk/p/2817161
 
Oh where on earth has the time gone, if only I could summon Dr Who and the Tardis! But heyho, we must chuff on.
 
There's less than two weeks to go until our 'Autumn Showcase' event. Details & tickets are available here. 
 
In early August, we were excited to announce that, starting in mid-February 2026, we will be welcoming the recently overhauled BR 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80105 to our railway for the year, thanks to the generous support of Locomotive Owners Group (Scotland) Limited and the Bo'ness & Kinnell Railway. Standard 4MT Tanks are a personal favourite of mine and it will be great to have another tank engine on the roster, following the departure of the sorely missed 4270 back in 2023. 
 
With 7820 currently out of traffic undergoing overhaul and 35006 due to undergo the same in a few weeks time, it's imperative that the railway has adequate steam locomotive cover for the upcoming operating season. 80105 fits the bill. 
 
These powerful BR stalwarts were initially allocated to each region of British Railways, with the exception of the Western Region. By the mid-1960s however, this changed as 15 members of the 155 strong class were reallocated to the Western as of 1964. Shed allocations included; Exmouth Junction, Neath, Swansea East Dock, Templecombe & Yeovill Town. 
 
Photo courtesy of Mark Ashmole
 
Regular visitors and followers of the GWSR will know that the railway is no stranger to BR 'Standards', with Toddington MPD playing host to various different examples over the years - not forgetting our very own Standard Class 4 2-6-0 No. 76077, which was on display earlier this year during our Cotswold Festival Of Steam (CFoS). The restoration of this locomotive has progressed significantly over the past year and it is still hoped that 76077 will be operational by 2027.
 
Visiting BR 'Standards' to The Cotswolds have included: 70013, 75014, 75069,  76017, 78019 & 92203.  
 
76077 Boiler Update - May 2025 - A video update detailing the progress and issues found during our boiler refurbishment at Leaky Finders Limited. 
 
Further information on the restoration project and the locomotive can be found on the official 76077 website here.
 
76077 on shed at Toddington for the GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam – May 2025. Photo: Andrew Beale
 
Time for some history on 80105 with information from the SRPS. Further details on the loco can be found here.
 
80105 Standard 4 2-6-4T at Loughborough GCR
80105 Standard 4 2-6-4T at Loughborough GCR - Photo © Polyrus

Locomotive 80105 was built at Brighton Works in 1955 and rolled out that April. It was one of a batch designed for the London, Tilbury and Southend line, running out of Fenchurch Street in London. For several years, it handled suburban passenger trains on this busy route. These locomotives had a few interesting features for their time — they were fitted with the early LMS (Hudd) automatic train control system on the rear bogie, and each came with a speedometer straight from new. In fact, the speedometer fitted to 80105 today is still the original one. Back then, the engine cost £17,651 to build — quite a sum for the 1950s!

When first introduced, 80105 was based at Plaistow depot in East London, but after that shed closed in 1959, it moved to Tilbury, where it continued to work LT&S services until the line’s electrification in 1962. By that time, the engine was only eight years old but no longer needed for its original duties. It spent a short spell stored at Old Oak Common, before being reassigned to the Western Region for work on the scenic Cambrian Coast route. During this period, it was based at Machynlleth, Shrewsbury, and Croes Newydd, before finally being withdrawn in 1965. 

80105
 British Railways Standard 4MT 2-6-4 tank 80105 at Bo'ness - Photo © Robert McCulloch
 
While in service, 80105 received an overhaul at Crewe Works in 1960, where it was fitted with a new boiler — No. 1300 — which proved to be in excellent condition. Its original boiler, No. 1334, still survives today on sister engine 80079 at the Severn Valley Railway.

After withdrawal, 80105 made its way to the now-famous Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales. Like many engines there, its non-ferrous parts were removed, but much of the rest of it stayed intact. In 1972, members of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS) visited Barry in search of a good example of a Standard Class 4 tank — and 80105 caught their eye. It was in decent condition, with most of its motion still attached and the connecting rods safely stored in the bunker.
 
80105 at Machynlleth Depot
80105 at Machynlleth Depot 27.6.1965 - Photo © John Hill
 
Fundraising began soon after, and with the creation of the Locomotive Owners’ Group (Scotland) Ltd, enough money was finally raised to bring 80105 home. In October 1975, the locomotive was moved by road to Larbert, inspected by British Rail, and cleared to travel by rail to the SRPS depot at Falkirk. The journey went smoothly — thanks, in part, to liberal amounts of castor oil applied to the axle bearings!

Once at Falkirk, 80105 was dismantled and its frames taken indoors. Unfortunately, progress stalled when it was discovered that the rear frame stretcher, which supports the firebox, was far too corroded to repair. Despite an attempt to fix it, work largely stopped throughout the 1980s. When the Falkirk depot closed in 1989, the engine was moved to Bo’ness, where restoration could eventually continue.
 
80105
One of the first outings for this loco, which suffered leaking stays and was not seen for some time after this trip. 21/01/06. Published in Main Line Magazine - Photo © John Neave
 
With the Bo’ness workshop up and running, restoration work restarted properly in 1992. The locomotive was re-wheeled in 1995, and its boiler sent to Babcock for repairs. New castings and fittings were sourced, and even the cab fittings — which had been hidden away in a member’s loft for ten years — were recovered and refitted.

After years of hard work, 80105 finally steamed again on 11 December 1999. Since then, it’s been a regular sight on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, and has also visited the Caledonian Railway at Brechin and the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore. In 2000, it even made a special trip to Polmadie Depot in Glasgow to celebrate the site’s 150th anniversary. Over the years, 80105 has earned a great reputation — it’s a strong, free-steaming engine that’s lived up to every expectation its owners had. 
 
Another view of former BR (LOGS)  2-6-4T loco No. 80105, built in Brighton, 1955, at Bo'ness, 28 June, 2025.
No. 80105, built in Brighton, 1955, at Bo'ness, 28 June, 2025 - Photo © Kenneth G. Williamson 
 
Its boiler certificate expired in September 2010, and it was withdrawn for another full overhaul. The Standard Tank returned to service once more just in time for the Bo'ness and Kinneil steam gala in October 2024.
 
The BR Database entry for 80105 can be found here.
 
Further photographs of 80105 can be found here: https://www.srpssteam.com/80105-galleries/ 
 
80105 Steaming up - 
Video © BONESS27001
 
Looking ahead to next year, 2026 is coming together with some confirmed event dates as follows: 
 

Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer at the GWSR?
 
I have said this before and I will say it again. Give it a go... I did and it's the best decision I ever made! 
 

For those of you who use Facebook, here are a number of GWSR related groups which are worth following:
 
 
That's all for now folks and I shall endeavour to keep you updated on a more frequent basis!
 
I aim to have a more in depth 'on shed' update fairly shortly.
 
Another 'Footplate Experience' about to get underway with 2807 - 10th October 2025 
 
Burning nicely aboard 2807 - 10th October 2025
 
Alex (the sooty one!). 
 
All published photographs and videos are my own unless otherwise stated/credited.
 
80105 locomotive history based on information from SRPS Steam / Dr Alister McPhee.

Thursday, 13 March 2025

The kettle's boiling!

7903 & 35006 outside the DP Shed at Toddington - 25th February 2025
 
Well, the kettle is well and truly on and here we are once again for another dose of scintillating waffle, including a helping of self-deprecation, a side order of unburnt coal, and of course. copious amounts of tea and biscuits. Sadly, I've yet to sample some cake at the railway this year, although I hope I might come across the odd few crumbs once Duty Cake Officer 'Smithy' has replenished his supply. If anyone's interested, I am rather partial to chocolate fudge cake or that traditional old favourite, Victoria sponge. Carrot cake, however, well... I'd rather not type what I think of that on here, for fear of upsetting the baking fraternity (I can't see myself on 'Bake Off' anytime soon). Make of that what you will folks.
 
Anyway, back to more important matters at hand and I'm very happy to report that the fires are burning once more and we are well underway with the 2025 operating season. As reported in the last update, the final week in February was a significant one for the steam department with both internal and official steam tests taking place on the locomotive fleet at Toddington. It's always a week of great anticipation following all of the hard work carried out over the winter shutdown period by our volunteers. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the new season comes around each and every year.
 
Before a locomotive can re-enter traffic and be declared serviceable for the year ahead, it has to be signed off and certified. This is for a number of reasons, but most importantly, safety and insurance purposes. Each engine undergoes a number of mechanical inspections, commonly referred to as 'exams'. This could be in the form of a 'Cold Exam', 'Hot Exam' or a 'Fitness To Run' exam - otherwise known as an FTR. These inspections and tests are a mandatory requirement for any operational steam locomotive on the railway, and the same goes for our friends with their diesel locomotive fleet. Think of a required service or the annual MOT on your car for example, albeit on a much larger scale.
 
7903 & 35006 undergoing internal steam testing - 25th February 2025
 
Luckily for me, earlier in the year I had managed to secure a couple of weeks off work in both February and March respectively. This meant that I was able to make it down to Toddington and lend a hand. Anyone who is used to shift work hours knows that it does start to get to you after a while, and thus getting some time away from my ticket office in the 'day job' was certainly most appreciated. I really haven't missed getting up between 2:30 am and 3:00 am for a change!
 
On the 25th February I arrived at Toddington fairly early to assist Jamie and dispose 35006. This didn't take too long to do as it had only received a warming fire the afternoon before. What was pleasing to see was that the fire was still burning lightly and there was still a certain amount of boiler pressure showing on the gauge. This is the ideal scenario as it makes things a lot easier because you are not starting with a stone cold engine (which of course, is the whole point of a warming fire). In the long run, this reduces stress and fatigue on both the locomotives metalwork and the boiler itself.   
 
35006 warming up at Toddington under the grey skies - 25th February 2025
 
With the firebox cleared, ash-pan hoppers empty, and the smoke-box checked, it was time to lay the fire. Everyone has their own way of doing things and it can vary depending on the engine that you are working on. If the intention is to bring the engine into full steam, then the entirety of the grate must be covered (unlike with a warming fire). Personally, I like to cover the grate with a layer of coal first and then add some wood with some oily rags, whereas some people do it the opposite way around. Once the wood has started to burn through and the initial layer of coal has started to catch, it's then time to add a bit more coal. At every stage, it's important to ensure that there are no holes in the fire and that you cannot see any fire-bars. One thing I learnt early on in training was not to keep opening the firehole doors to check your fire.
 
Opening the doors too frequently doesn't allow for sufficient heat build up and your fire can quite quickly start to die down, or worse still, go out altogether (not to mention you get a face full of smoke). This has happened to me on a couple of occasions and has resulted in a few choice words, never mind a load of unburnt coal on the grate. It's a very delicate balance, though, as if you don't check or tend to your fire often enough, you can also end up with the very same result.
 
7903 stands on Road 9 - Note the clean pits and concrete - 
25th February 2025
 
During a steam test, the objective is to increase the boiler pressure at a steady rate, and to carry out necessary checks at regular intervals (this is usually dictated by the PSI shown on the pressure gauge). Every locomotive is different and the key is to listen to what the engine is doing, in addition to the obvious visual cues. In the case of 35006 for example, the loco will start to bang, rattle and vibrate as the metalwork heats up. To those unfamiliar with steam locomotive practice, it can be a little disconcerting at first and does catch you off guard at times, but be rest assured, it's all perfectly normal.
 
With the internal testing on 7903 & 35006 successfully completed, attention turned to Friday and the all-important sign off. As has become the norm in the department, testing week gives the opportunity for more volunteers to participate in 'Warming Fire' & 'Steam Raising' training. More individuals who are trained in such activities means increased flexibility and availability for the roster clerks (in theory anyway). However, like me, the 'day job' has a habit of getting in the way!
 
Here is a selection of photographs and videos taken on Friday 28th February. We had quite a good turnout as well, which was pleasing to see. Mind you, when we get all the 'big toys' out, people do have a tendency to appear on shed.
 
2807 & 35006 undergoing their official steam tests - 28th February 2025
 
Happily, we were blessed with glorious weather once again, with hardly a cloud in the sky. By contrast, doing these activities in the pouring rain does test your patience, although we do have weather sheets available on the locomotives.
 
I spent most of the day on 35006 cleaning and pulling coal forward, while Tracy and Mark looked after the fire. I was informed that the fire proved quite stubborn to get going initially and much colourful language was necessary to provide it with some gentle encouragement. Evidently it had the desired effect, because the boiler pressure suddenly started to rise considerably, much to the amazement of Mr Marshall - "That's gone up quickly in such a short amount of time!".
 
Suffice to say, it wasn't long before we were ready for the boiler inspector and the required tests were carried out. 
 
7903 joins in on the fun!
- 28th February 2025
 
Southern meets Great Western at Toddington - 28th February 2025
 
There she blows! - Testing the safety valves on 35006 -
28th February 2025
 
Time to wake up the neighbours - 28th February 2025

Burning away quite well, it's now a question of managing the fire 
- 28th February 2025
 
Who needs the gym when you can spend some time pulling coal forward!
- 28th February 2025
 
2807 heads for a trundle around Toddington 
- 28th February 2025 - Video courtesy of Brian Gamlin 
 
7903 shines in the early afternoon sun -
28th February 2025
 

 
 


 
The great news for the department was that all three locomotives passed their inspections and were declared fit for use. A day later, 7903 took the helm and operated our first trains of the season, with sunshine to brighten the occasion.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway - 7903 Opens the 2025 Season 
 
Last weekend saw the first weekend of running of the 2025 season on the GWSR. This also coincided with the first decent weekend of weather of the year. 7903 kicked off the season and this its last year in traffic, before its ticket runs out. The Hall was rostered in the only steam service of both days and looked at home on the Chocolate and Cream MK1s. I captured about 6 pleasing shots of the Hall over the two days, but I’ll only feature 2 of them - Video © Steam Valley Productions
 
7903 heads for Winchcombe during the opening weekend of the season - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett

Not a cloud in the sky! -
Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
 
7903 'Foremarke Hall' slogs past Didbrook | GWSR Season Opener | 01/03/2025

Following a winter shutdown period, steam returned to the Cotswolds over the weekend of 1st-2nd of March 2025, with the commencement of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway's operating season. Running to the line's 'blue' timetable (1 steam & DMU diagram), the reopening weekend's steam workings were allocated to BR (W) 'Modified Hall' 4-6-0 No. 7903 'Foremarke Hall'.

In perfect weather conditions, I paid a visit to Didbrook on the morning of Saturday 1st March, the plan being to film the very first service of the GWSR's season - the 10:00am departure from Toddington. With a distant, echoing blast on its whistle, 7903 soon comes into view, being opened up with a brief spell of claggy exhaust. Steadily accelerating round the curve on its approach, the 'Modified Hall' saunters past bound for Cheltenham with 8 MK1s in tow. Video 
© 85A Steam Videos
 
35006 at Cheltenham Racecourse Station - Sunday 9th March 2025 - Photo courtesy of Dan Wigg
 
On Monday 10th March, Tom, Andrew and I were down at Toddington to prep the initial locomotives for the start of 'Race Week'. 7903 & 35006 were rostered to operate the in-service trains on Tuesday, with 6880 being the 'Hot' standby engine, should one be required during the day. The first tasks of the day were to dispose 35006 and then shunt the locomotives around accordingly so that they were in the correct position. Disposing the 'Merchant' was quite a challenge, even with the rocking grate, as there was quite a thick layer of clinker and ash to remove. My arms have just about recovered. By the early evening, we had all three locomotives prepared and warming up for week ahead. 
 
35006, 7903 & 6880 warming up on shed - 10th March 2025
 
Something tells me we're going to need more coal! - 10th March 2025

By mid-afternoon I'd got the fire going on 35006 reasonably well - 10th March 2025
 
   6880 & 7903 warming up - Sadly the weather wasn't kind to us - 10th March 2025
 
Giants of steam awaiting their next duty - 10th March 2025

Eagle eyed readers may have noticed that 6880 is 'North Facing' this year - 10th March 2025
 
Toddington stalwart 7903 simmers away - 10th March 2025
 
The jolly green giant - 10th March 2025
 
"When It Rains It Pours" - 10th March 2025

Slow and steady wins the race, or so the saying goes! - 10th March 2025
 
Putting on the 'Race Trains' for Cheltenham is no small task and requires an awful lot of planning and manpower across the GWSR. That being said, we have done it for many years now and the event is operated with military-like precision.
 
Please Note: Bookings for the Race Trains are handled by 'Classic Hospitality' - See here for further details.
 
Ready for the Off! - 7903 at Toddington - 11th March 2025
- Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
 
John Cruxon with 7903 at Toddington -
11th March 2025 - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
 
All aboard!
11th March 2025 - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
 
A rather impressive line-up at Toddington -
11th March 2025 - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
 
35006 heads to the races - 11th March 2025 - Photo courtesy of Jack Boskett
 
You can’t park it there mate! - 13th March 2025 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale
 
35006 ready for 'Gold Cup Day' - 14th March 2025 - Photo courtesy of Dan Wigg 
   

As a reminder, we are just a couple of months away from our biggest event of the year.
 
 
Tickets for the Festival are available online at https://www.gwsr.com/galas/steam-gala. With an eclectic mix of steam locomotives running, it will offer an action-packed timetable of trains, including goods trains and shunting demonstrations. The locomotive and carriage & wagon workshops will throw open their doors for rare behind-the-scenes visits and there will be plenty of other activity at the railway’s picturesque stations* .
 
NEW just out! An exclusive DVD produced by Matt Fielding of Steam Valley Productions depicting the GWSR throughout 2024. Our 2023 edition sold out completely and this high quality DVD is available from our shops along the GWSR and also online at: https://www.gwsr.vticket.co.uk/product.php/2954/dvd-steam-on-the-gloucestershire-warwickshire-railway-202
 
My new DVD “Steam On The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway” is out with action from the 2024 season. All home fleet and visiting locos are included, featuring the popular visits of for the ‘Western Workhorse Gala’ of 6880 Betton Grange, 2999 Lady Of Legend and GWR Mogul 9351. The return to traffic of 3850 is also featured along with 7820 Dinmore Manors last full year in traffic during just over an hour of footage from the lineside - Video © Steam Valley Productions 
 
For those of you who use Facebook, here are a number of GWSR related groups which are worth following:
 

I'm glad I've put the heating on as I kid you not, I've just looked outside and it's snowing!
 

Until next time folks, further CFOS news and announcements are on the way.
 
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.