Does anyone have a 'Magic Carpet' going spare?

7820 'Dinmore Manor' & 35006 'P&O' being prepared for service at Toddington - 25th October 2022

 

From the outside, especially to those relatively unfamiliar with the heritage railway industry, it would be very easy to surmise that the vast majority of our time is spent 'Playing Trains' more than anything else. However, the reality in an operational steam department is actually quite different. Anyone with a model railway can attest to the fact that 'playing trains', or as it's more jokingly referred to as, 'testing', forms a mere fraction of the overall puzzle so to speak, or should that be layout to be more precise. It's quite a complicated affair.

 

Now of course, we'd all love to spend all day playing trains on our full size layout, week in, week out, and the operation of steam trains is quite rightly considered to be one of the most 'glamorous and fun' jobs on the railway. Nevertheless, there are a myriad of less glamorous jobs within the department which must be done in a timely manner and at regular intervals to ensure that our fun of playing trains is not impeded. If the more mundane tasks were consistently deferred or ignored, then this would cause a 'domino effect' for us all.

 

Sooner of later we'd hit the buffers (metaphorically speaking!) and everything would grind to halt, and by extension, so would the wider railway, thus having a big impact on our very important and valued visitors. It is therefore imperative that the whole department works as one big team to make sure that everything runs as effectively and efficiently as possible. As the saying goes - "Teamwork makes the dream work!"

7903 'Foremarke Hall' on shed at Toddington - 18th November 2022

 

It doesn't matter whether you're a new member, one with years of experience, operational footplate crew - be that drivers, firemen or cleaners, management, support staff, or those heavily involved with restoration projects, we are all members of the same department. First and foremost, the needs of the department come first and it's important that everyone gets involved, stuck in, and mucks in (I mean this quite literally). The washing machine certainly receives some abuse!

 

Aside from special events and galas, the run up to Christmas is one of the most important times of the year. Why the title reference to 'Magic Carpets' I hear you ask? Well, more on that particular subject is to come very shorty. 

 

The Steam Dept can turn its hands to most things, both big or small!

 

 

'Playing with the dog!' - Photo courtesy of John Cruxon

 

Here you see John Hancock, Mark Webber and Eddie Arnold fitting a new spring to the P Way dogfish. Once it was all fitted, the dragbox height was then checked to make sure the waggon sat level.

 

 

You can't beat a good wash! - Photo courtesy of John Cruxon

Here you see two of our regular Wednesday gang members, Fred Ardy in the pit and John Longhurst up top giving No 8 road outside pit a thorough clean. The yellow Steam Cleaner is in the background and if you look carefully, the new high pressure “Patio Cleaner type attachment” on the floor to the right of the cleaner is a new acquisition. The situation is we are having a major effort to clean area’s more effectively and this new kit works a treat. Whether we like it or not, Steam Engines are messy and leave a lot of mess so our housekeeping has to improve. The old steamer would do it but it took forever! This new machine blasts it off in no time. 4270 peeks out of the shed watching the activity.

...roll on Friday, or should I say 'Shuntday'!

 

Friday 18th November brought about a good reorganisation and a clean of the shed. With 7820 being away on her holidays for the winter, we were afforded some additional space within the shed to relocate various restoration projects and reposition certain pieces of associated railway equipment. Having further available space inside during the winter months is a godsend as it allows more items to be kept from the elements.

 

I bring up the aforementioned 'magic carpet' at this point as having one would've certainly made things a lot easier and less time consuming. Instead of shunting, we could have floated things around the shed with aplomb. I hear Aladdin is an avid user of such a contraption, but sadly I've yet to see one in the wild myself!

7903 on shed at Toddington in the early morning sunshine - 18th November 2022

The first task was to extract 7903 from shed No 9 road and place her over the outside pit on No 8 road. As a result, we then had access to 3850 who'd been stabled at the rear of the shed for some time. She was very carefully removed.  

 

 

The photographs above and below show 3850 as of Friday morning - 18th November 2022

The eventual goal was to reunite 3850 with shed No 7 road and specifically the jacks, to allow further restoration work to continue. In order for this to be facilitated, both 2807 and D6948 needed to be removed from shed No 7 road. The '37' has been in the steam shed for some time receiving some much needed repairs, which required the use of the jacks to lift the body from its bogies. I'm pleased to report that things are looking good for 2023 and the latest update can be found here: Is it nearly Winter already??  

A 'floating' 37? The state of play as of 26th August 2022 - Note the rather dirty shed floor!

Moving back to the present time. 2807 was removed from shed No 7 road and duly shunted over to No 10 road in front of the diesel shed. This meant that access could be gained to the '37' which was recently reunited with its bogies. Further work is required, thus the diesel could not be moved under her own power. A shunter was sent in to extract the Type 3.

 

Mark Young gets the shunter ready, 2874 can be seen on the right - 18th November 2022

 

With the 'Big Green Machine' removed, we were left with a completely free shed No 7 road. Thus, the opportunity was taken to give the far end beyond the indoor pit a thorough clean. Having not used the new cleaning equipment before, John Cruxon gave me a crash course in its operation (don't worry, nobody was injured!). However, I will admit that one or two folk may have got a little wet. I'm keen to give the machine a new name, how about 'Cleany McCleanFace'?

How shed No 7 road looked following a good clean. 3850's tender can be seen behind P&O.

 

The new cleaning equipment took a bit of getting used to initially but I soon got the hang of the “Patio Cleaner type attachment”. A bit of adjustment was required to the detergent output, as we rather quickly ended up with something akin to an industrial scale bubble-bath. You're always learning when you work on the railway!

 

It's not often you see an empty shed No 7 road! - 18th November 2022

  

By this point, 3850 had been brought round to shed No 7 road - The cleaner floor was drying out.

 

The floor cleaning was a team effort and an awful lot of crud and detritus was removed in the process. A fair bit of shovelling was required and we filled up two buckets with debris, fortunately no one 'kicked the bucket' so to speak. In between the sunken rails was thoroughly cleaned and we used a number of brooms to try and remove as much of the excess surface water as we could. I have to say that Steve was very adept with the hosepipe, wasn't he David H? Thank you to everyone who helped out as it wasn't a particularly easy job.

Simon Edmunds on 'light-up' duty with Ade on 4270 - 18th November 2022

 
Following a relatively short lunch break, 4270 was taken out of the shed and prepared to be lit-up by Simon and Ade during the afternoon - The 42xx being rostered for a 'Photo Charter' and 'Charity Santa' at the weekend. Luckily the sun was still shining at this point, even if it was a little on the chilly side. 2807 and 7903 were shunted into shed No 9 road. Later on, 3850 was reunited with her smokebox having been with 2807.  

3850 with her smokebox reattached - 18th November 2022

Simon's got the warming fire going as 4270 starts to slowly warm up by early evening - 18th November 2022

 

3850 now back where she belongs and reunited with her smokebox. Her wheelsets can be seen underneath - 18th November 2022

An overall view of the shed. L-R 7903, 2807, 35006, 3850 & 2874 - 18th November 2022

Like a lot of days on shed, things are planned out to a certain degree so that everyone knows what's going on. You could say that it's a bit like choreography in dancing. Sometimes things go swimmingly whilst on other occasions it can be more of a challenge and obstacles have to be overcome. But like I said at the start of this piece, it's the team that you have around you which makes all of the difference. A rather successful day or two by all accounts in my book.

Until next time folks, I'm off to 'play trains' once more, albeit of the model variety this time. Do keep warm!

Alex (the sooty one!).

P.S. If anyone happens to have a magic carpet or knows where I might be able to acquire one, then please shout!

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

A Hall to 'Marke' a poignant weekend of remembrance

7903 'Foremarke Hall' at Toddington after returning from the first round trip - 11th November 2022

Early November heralds the return of the 'November Meeting' at Cheltenham Racecourse, which tends to fall on either the second or third weekend of the month. To add to the occasion for racegoers, the GWSR puts on steam hauled 'November Race Specials'. These are non-stop express passenger services that operate between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse, with a morning round trip and another in the evening. 

 

This weekend turned out to be a rather more poignant affair given that steam trains would be operating on the 11th November, or as it's more importantly known, 'Armistice Day', to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France. Due to the way that the dates fell, this would be the first occasion in six years whereby we'd be running trains on the 11th, with the last time being way back in November 2016.

7903 'On Shed' at Toddington following preparation and a thorough clean - 11th November 2022

I arrived and signed on shortly before 06:30 ready to assist the rostered morning crew. The rostered crew for the first round trip being John (driver), Ade (fireman) and Liam (fellow cleaner). One of the benefits of the November Race Specials is that the timetable allows for more time in the morning before the engine needs to be ready to head off shed. Compared to gala weekends and days when we operate the purple timetable, the additional preparation time is certainly appreciated by the footplate crews and beats the 04:00 start I had during the Mixed Traction Gala. I don't mind the early starts! 

We were fortunate in that 7903 had already been disposed earlier on in the week and therefore the ashpan didn't need much attention. Great, not so dirty overalls then! As a consequence, more time could be spent giving Foremarke a thorough clean. Given that it was the 11th, we were keen to mark remembrance in some way. Luckily, we came across a Poppy which we were able to easily fix to the tender, along with the customary 'At The Races Express' headboard.  

 

A view of the rear of 7903's tender complete with 'At The Races Express' headboard & Poppy. BR Class 55 'Deltic' No. 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' can be seen stabled on the left - 11th November 2022

 

Now some of you might be wondering why the headboard and poppy are at the rear at this point. The reason for this is due to the fact that 7903 faces north on the railway. The first service of the day runs southbound from Toddington to Cheltenham and therefore operates 'tender first'. As a consequence, the embellishments needed to be facing in the direction of travel (or to put it more simply, so that the visitors can see them!). 

 

With the loco now ready and good to go, John and Ade headed off shed and approached Platform 1 at Toddington. I was very kindly invited out on the footplate and so Liam and I met 7903 once she had arrived at the station. It was great to see a good number of very smartly dressed racegoers ready for the train. 

 

After receiving the 'tip' from the guard to proceed, 7903 approaches the coaching stock in Platform 1 at Toddington Station - 11th November 2022

The 'tip' from the guard is when a signal is given to the footplate crew to say that it is safe and clear for the engine to approach and buffer-up to the coaching stock. Being a Great Western locomotive, the driver's position is on the right hand side of the footplate, thus the guard cannot easily be seen from that location. As a result, it is the fireman's job (Ade) to be on the lookout for the appropriate signal from the guard. 

Once on the footplate and with a good 30-40 minutes before we were due to depart, it was time for that all important tradition - Breakfast on the shovel! Not to mention a few cups of tea to wash it down with for good measure. There's nothing quite like a bacon sandwich that has been cooked on the footplate. You can keep your oven grill!

It's amazing how fast time flies when you're having fun, let alone eating, and that was just us aboard the footplate. I know the racegoers were in good spirits before we left and I gather a number of beverages were available! Anyway, with a blink of an eye, we were given the off and well on our way to Cheltenham. I haven't been on many non-stop trains at the railway but it's a great experience and it gives the steam locomotives a good chance to stretch their legs for a change. 

Using a steady hand, Liam cooks us some breakfast, kindly provided by Ade - 11th November 2022

We pulled into Platform 1 at Cheltenham Racecourse Station at around 10:55 and duly uncoupled 7903 from the coaching stock whilst the racegoers alighted from the train. Shortly before the hour, a bugle could be heard in the distance from the racecourse. When the clock moved to 11:00, John blew the whistle to mark the start of the two minutes silence. This was a very poignant and moving occasion for us all, to gather our thoughts, our reflections, and to remember all of those servicemen and women who gave their lives in conflict both at home and overseas. At 11:02 the whistle was blown again and the bugle sounded once more to signify the end of the silence.

A few minutes later, John carried out the 'run round' of 7903 to the other end of the train. Liam helped me reattach the coupling and vacuum pipe between the loco and the coaching stock, whilst Ade moved the headboard and poppy from the tender and kept an eye on the fire. It's not the easiest job to couple up and reattach the pipes to the stock due to the confined space, but luckily we weren't using steam heating on the first round trip so that was one pipe less to wrestle with! Here's a photo of Ade & Liam with 7903 taken shortly before we were due to head off with the return trip back. 

Ade & Liam with 7903 at Cheltenham Racecourse Station - 11th November 2022

I couldn't think of something more fitting to be doing on a day such as this, particularly given that both of my grandfathers served in the Second World War and both also had a keen interest in all things railway (especially steam). Sadly, they are no longer with us but I'd like to think that they are looking down on us with fondness at what they have left behind. 

If someone had said to me a few years ago that I'd be riding on the footplate of a steam locomotive on 'Armistice Day' then I wouldn't have believed them. It's a day that I'll never forget and one made all the better with great company and support. It's that 'Keep Calm and Carry On' spirt that keeps us going through the good times and the bad. Life may be difficult at times, but nothing can compare to living through war or conflict. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have given their lives. It is understood that over 20,000 members of the 'Railway Family' were lost during 'The Great War'. 

The Railway Industry Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire - Photo © Derek Bennett (cc-by-sa/2.0)

 

Our railway runs through an idyllic landscape with the surrounding hills, rolling fields and many picturesque Cotswold properties. We have beautifully adorned period stations, signal boxes, and iconic pieces of railway infrastructure in Greet Tunnel, Stanway Viaduct and Three Arch Bridge, to name but a few. We have superbly maintained locomotives, coaches, wagons and facilities, but for all these wonderful things, we would be nothing without our volunteers - A number of whom have either served or continue to serve in the armed forces and civilian services. It is thanks to their support, dedication, time, enthusiasm, pride and workmanship, not forgetting those from the generations before them, that we are so lucky. For it is the people that make the railway, it is the people that define a nation and it is the people who shape the world that we live in today.

 

 "At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them". - Photo courtesy of Dan Wigg

It is a fact of life that people come and go, new friendships and acquaintances are made, and sadly, due to the passage of time, the generations move on. Life is precious and fleeting, but we will never forget and we will always remember.

 

"When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today"

 

As I bring this piece to a close on the evening of 'Remembrance Sunday', I'll leave you with this which needs no further introduction: Edward Elgar - Nimrod (Enigma Variations)
 

Alex (the sooty one!).

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

Heading south for the winter

 

35006 arrives at Winchcombe with a southbound service to Cheltenham. 46521 waits to head north - 23rd August 2022

As much as I'd like to say that I'm about to board an Airbus A380 and head 'Down Under' to see one of my favourite overseas locomotives, specifically New South Wales C38 class locomotive No. '3801', sadly this isn't the case and I must be content with YouTube videos and another one of my old VHS videos (as mentioned in the last blog entry). The VHS video in question can be viewed here 3801: A Legend In Steam

On a brighter note, 7820 is the one who's actually heading south for a winter holiday (not 'Down Under') and much like last year, will once again be taking charge of the 'Polar Express' trains on the South Devon Railway (SDR). The Manor was prepared for her departure during the week following our Mixed Traction Gala. The photographs below show the locomotive after being shunted into position for collection. 

 

7820 'Dinmore Manor' being prepared for her winter holiday - 5th November 2022

 

 

Operating and maintaining steam locomotives is a constant endeavour and is by no means an easy task. The preparation, loading and subsequent transportation of them however, is a completely different challenge altogether. I was involved with the departure of 92203 following the 'Cotswold Festival Of Steam' back in June, and to be more precise, the separation of the tender from the locomotive. Oh what a day that was!  

The sheer size of a locomotive can be quite unbelievable at times and seeing them running on the railway with a rake of MK1 coaches or appropriate wagons formed up as a goods train never gets old. It's only when one of these beasts needs to be transported by road, that you really begin to appreciate their magnitude and presence. The term 'Hand Of God' is often uttered in model railway circles, if only such a thing existed in 4 ft 8+1⁄2" scale things would certainly be a darn sight easier. I've tried praying, but the big man upstairs hasn't responded. Thus, a significant amount of elbow grease and heavy equipment will have to suffice for now!

As many of you probably know, there are a number of heavy haulage companies operating in the country who assist the railway with the various locomotive transfers as and when required. One of them just so happens to be based a few miles down the road from me and features in the 'Train Truckers' TV series. 

Watching a locomotive negotiate narrow village streets or travel around roundabouts of different sizes certainly makes for compelling viewing. I'm not ashamed to say that I'll happily wait to let the truck out to see what mighty engine or piece of rolling stock happens to be on the trailer. However, I will confess that it can be a little disconcerting to see a steam locomotive in your rear view mirror or approaching you down a hill.  

 

92203 'Black Prince' being loaded and secured ready for her trip back to the North Norfolk Railway (NNR) - 14th June 2022

 

 

It's an absolute privilege to be involved with such fine pieces of British engineering and I find myself in awe of these machines every time I see them. I guess that's one of the reasons why I keep coming back month after month! Nothing really beats the sights, sounds and of course, the smells of steam. They transport us back to a time when things were very different (for better or for worse) and as we're living through a period of constant change and technical advancement, these locomotives really need to be cherished and valued. 

It's easy to forget that in reality, we don't actually own these locomotives (despite what it may well say on the paperwork!), but we are merely custodians trusted with their continued care and upkeep, so that future generations can hopefully gain as much knowledge, insight and enjoyment out of them as we all do now. If the number of recent coach parties and school visits are anything to go by, the future is looking rather bright.

 

46521 on shed at Toddington not long before her return to the Great Central Railway (GCR) - 26th August 2022

 

The fire seems to be doing its job on 35006... keeping the all important tea warm!
 

Anyway, on to more productive matters. I think it's time for a bit of restoration news and how about 2807.

 

Here's a general view of the situation at week ending 5th November. - Photo courtesy of Graham Bondi 

 

The tender frames have been returned to ‘flat-pack’ status and by this I mean, laid out flat (this makes the fitting of parts as easy as possible). The previous week they had been clamped vertically *. The serviceable spring hangers have been fitted with another four new ones being cast soon. The horn guides have been fitted on the left hand frame, and (in the distance) the support brackets for the front steps have been temporally bolted on ahead of riveting. Close inspection of the centre of the photograph shows the two steam pistons fitted to their crossheads. There is a problem here: the machined surfaces of the crossheads are not quite parallel with the piston rods. It is very likely that they will have to be returned to Tyseley for further careful machining.

 

* Earlier on in the restoration process when working on the tender overhaul, it became apparent that the front 3 metres of the frames would have to be replaced. 

 

On the right can be seen the front end of 2807’s bottom half. The smokebox is not 2807s – it is for 3850 and was sent with 2807 for her outing to Lancashire where Riley’s checked it against their boiler. 2807s boiler is progressing up there and the group have recently received a short video of the barrel being riveted. 

 

Speaking of 'heading south' as per the title, we now turn our attention to the Southern Region and 35006.

 

35006 sporting a look more akin to something out of 'Mad Max' rather than 'Merchant Navy'!  

 

Now I could say that this is the newly improved 'convertible' P&O which is able to provide the footplate crews with some additional air conditioning during those infrequent hot summer days of operation, but then that would be skirting from the truth somewhat. It looks like this at the present time for very good reason.  

 

The cab-side panelling has been removed on the fireman's side purely as a means of gaining access to some of the internal workings behind (as illustrated in the photographs), specifically an annoying leaking pipe joint on the steel steam heat pipe (bottom right). The pipe in question has been removed going forwards so that the joint can be remade using stag jointing compound and plumbers hemp, which sounds like a fun job! 

 

When we think of the Southern Region, London's Waterloo Station is probably one of the first places that comes to mind. This is rather appropriate given that it was one of P&O's main calling points back in her mainline service career with the Southern Railway (SR) and then British Railways (BR), not forgetting visits to the nearby Nine Elms Depot (70A). P&O spent her entire working life based at Salisbury Depot (72B). 

 

Two of Oliver Bulleid's 4-6-2 'Pacific' locomotives are seen here at the end of the Waterloo platforms. 34040 'Crewkerne' & 35006 'Peninsular and Oriental S.N. Co.' - Photo © Andy Parrett (cc-by-sa/2.0)

I happened to come across some colourized footage of Waterloo Station dating from the 1930s. See Here

 

Moving back to things on home turf, here's a view of the main steam shed looking in the opposite direction. Having a large space such as this is invaluable, especially during the winter months with the shorter days and increased possibility of inclement weather. There's only so much you can achieve in the driving rain or snow! I'm sure those who own classic cars or bikes with a garage (preferably heated!) can relate to this.  

 

The view inside Toddington 'DP' shed. 4270, 7903, 3850, 35006, 2807, 2874 (just in shot on right) and D6948 on the jacks. (Wheelsets are 3850’s) - 5th November 2022 - Photo courtesy of Andrew Beale

Earlier in this instalment I talked about seeing locomotives in your mirrors, and on that note, I'll leave you with the following photograph. For the avoidance of any doubt, my car was stationery and not running at the time.  

I'm not quite sure where the coal goes in this one? Any ideas folks? D6948 at Toddington.- 24th September 2021

Until we meet again at the coalface... it's goodbye for now.

Alex (the sooty one!).

P.S. In food related news, I'm pleased to report that my stockpile of mince pies is slowly increasing!

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

Full Steam Ahead!

Long term followers of this blog would be forgiven for thinking that we’re all still sat around enjoying the mulled wine and mince pies, but alas, a whole ten months has passed us by. The snow, Father Christmas and the mince pies are all but a distant memory, the disappearance of the latter being a particular disappointment to me. Absence makes the heart, or should that be stomach, grow fonder!

 

A little about me. I have had an interest in railways from an early age ever since watching a collection of VHS videos about Steam Trains belonging to my late grandfather. Films such as 'A Steam Train Passes', 'Steam On The Settle & Carlisle', and '3801: A Legend In Steam' from the 'Great Trains' series dating from the mid to late 1980s just might sound familiar to some of you. Not forgetting of course, the heavily used Duplo train-set that my parents bought me in my formative years (which broke down!). Unfortunately, the motor in the locomotive had failed and Duplo kindly sent out a brand new diesel. I must stress that a steam locomotive option wasn't available at the time!  

Here's one of the aforementioned VHS videos on YouTube: Steam On The Settle & Carlisle

 

Frankly, if it runs on rails then you can pretty much guarantee that I'm interested in it, whether that be steam, diesel or electric. I come from an IT support and retail background with aspirations to join the mainline, so it was only natural that I would get involved with the heritage railway movement in one form or another at some stage. I applied to join the GWSR Steam department back in January 2020 and after almost three years down the tracks, with a global pandemic thrown in for good measure, I find myself still here and strangely attached to the place! I can't really fathom why that is however? 

If I’m not cleaning, disposing, or lighting up an engine, I can usually be found drinking tea or scoffing food of some description, normally out of my rather distinctive blue picnic bag, which some in the department believe is akin to Doctor Who’s Tardis – I’m pleased to report that there have been no sightings of the Daleks or Cybermen just yet! Anyway, I digress and we must move on to more important matters at hand. I was recently asked to contribute to this blog and so hopefully, if you’re still reading, you’ve got an appetite to continue further. 

7820 ‘Dinmore Manor’ being prepared on shed – 1st July 2022

Summer has sadly come and gone for another year, complete with heatwaves, fires and ice cream, and that’s just on the footplate! You’ve got to have your wits about you though, as you may end up with an impromptu shower, courtesy of the fireman armed with the pep pipe! The past ten months have been a busy time for the railway and especially the steam department. We opened for services in mid-March with the race trains, which were a roaring success, and brought a much-needed return to a sense of normality, for both crews and visitors alike after the trials and tribulations of the past couple of years. It was great to see so many back in the saddle, so to speak. The odd tipple or should that be several, certainly added to the entertainment for the racegoers!

47109 ‘Joyce’, 92203 ‘Black Prince’ & 34028 ‘Eddystone’ on shed – 29th May 2022

Early June saw return of the ‘Cotswold Festival of Steam’ (CFOS) with no less than nine engines in steam. This year’s theme being the ‘Somerset & Dorset Remembered’. Many months of planning, long hours, dedication, and sleepless nights for a great number in the department resulted in a truly spectacular event. Judging by the smiles from visitors, both young and old, all of the effort certainly paid off. A personal highlight for me was being given the opportunity to light up 92203 for its steam test prior to the gala. This was an interesting experience due to the 9Fs surprisingly shallow firebox, which took me by surprise upon first glance. Incidentally, ‘Black Prince’ was the first steam engine that I saw when I first visited the GWSR back in 2007. Oh, how time flies!

BR Standard 9F 92203 ‘Black Prince’ prepares to leave shed – 2nd June 2022

One of the joys of a gala besides all of the hustle and bustle in the department, is having visiting engines and their representatives at the railway. It is a great opportunity to learn, share ideas, knowledge, and not forgetting the obligatory friendly banter. It’s what makes it all so worthwhile. With five visiting engines on shed, as a loco department, you could say we were very spoilt for choice.

This year we were fortunate in that we had 46521 to stay with us for the summer months and as much as we love our home fleet, it’s always exciting to have something different to get to grips with. Being a Swindon built machine and having spent the first 10 years of its operational BR career allocated to the Western Region (based at Oswestry and Brecon), the GWSR was a rather fitting location for the Ivatt to take a summer holiday. Eagle eyed readers may recall that 46521 visited us previously for the ‘Cotswold Festival of Steam’ back in 2016, not to mention that the loco also had a starring role in the 90s sitcom ‘Oh, Doctor Beeching!’ carrying the name "Blossom".

LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T 41312 & LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 46521 on shed – 2nd June 2022

An interesting fact with warming fires on 46521 is that unlike Western engines, the fire is placed down the front under the arch.

The summer months also meant the return of the ‘Fish & Chip Specials’ which are always well patronised. One of these days I’ll hopefully manage to get a seat on board and it’s ‘Cod & Chips’ for me if anyone’s asking? You’ve probably noticed that I’ve raised the subject of food once again, but in my experience of being a member of the steam dept, good sustenance and copious amounts of tea are mandatory requirements for optimal function, much like coal and water are for steam engines!

 

LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 46521 warming up on shed. Smoke can be seen so I must have been doing something right! – 24th June 2022

 

A pair of Bulleids! - 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co.’ & 34028 ‘Eddystone’ on shed – 6th June 2022

As June progressed it was time to say a fond farewell to some of our gala visitors. 47109 ‘Joyce’, 34028, 41312 and 92203 all returned to their respective home railways, and whilst their visits were only fleeting, their time with us will not be forgotten in a hurry. Who could have envisaged that two Rebuilt Southern Pacifics would be working together crossing Stanway Viaduct? A truly magnificent sight to behold and one to be remembered for years to come. It certainly went down well judging by the sheer number of YouTube videos and photographs on the various social media channels!

LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T 41312 loaded and ready to depart – 7th June 2022

Southern Rebuilt West Country 34028 ‘Eddystone’ heads off shed – 7th June 2022

The ever popular ‘Steam Footplate Experience’ days resumed during the same month with both 35006 and 7820 taking charge of the various turns. 7903 has since operated a few of these experiences over the past couple of months. I assisted with cleaning and preparation duties on a number of days. All the locomotives performed extremely well and were greatly appreciated by all concerned. A testament to the efforts of both the steam department and the railway as a whole. I gather the ice buns are rather good, especially with a sprinkling of coal dust! Sadly, I've yet to sample them, although saying that, I was very fortunate to receive a cooked breakfast on the one occasion. 

 

 

7903 'Foremarke Hall' at Cheltenham Racecourse station - 14th September 2022

 

More recently, maintenance has been carried out on various members of the home fleet, with 35006, 4270, 7820 and 7903 either going through exams, boiler washouts and/or the necessary steam tests. As I write this, I'm happy to report that our Mixed Traction Gala at the end of October was another highly successful event, which was well attended and both our steam a diesel departments played as starting role, ably assisted by all the departments on the railway.

 

 

4270 stabled outside the goods shed at Toddington during the Mixed Traction Gala - 30th October 2022

With the winter months now with us, our regular services have come to a close for the season. We now turn our attention to the 'Santa Express' trains and our 'Mince Pie Specials' during the festive break. It looks like Father Christmas is going to be in for another busy year once again, maybe we can tempt him to join the crews aboard the footplate? Watch this space!

 

Whilst the nights have drawn in and the temperature has dropped, this doesn't mean all things have gone quiet on the department front, quite the opposite. Much like any heritage railway operating steam locomotives, a department such as this never sleeps as there are always important jobs to be getting on with. Our winter maintenance period has begun and great progress has been made over the past year with the various locomotive restoration projects. More on these to come in future instalments, so please stay tuned and ensure you look both ways before you cross the line to the next entry.   

35006 heads off for her next turn during the Mixed Traction Gala - 30th October 2022

Until we meet again, I’m off to rummage in the freezer as I’m sure there may be a mince pie in there… I can but hope!  

 

Alex (the sooty one!).

Catching Up

Sometimes you blink and suddenly three months have passed without you even realising! When you have barely been at the railway during that time as well, beyond getting caught in a blizzard and guarding a few Santa trains, the time definitely seems to fly by.

Roger braves the blizzard to check 4270. 7903's crew were hiding

So, what’s been happening? Well, the GWSR steam dept is currently in the thick of its winter maintenance programme. Long time readers will know, the railway shuts from New Year to March, and the department and owning groups set upon their engines to work on general annual maintenance, plus any of those jobs that take a little bit longer to get done.

It certainly felt very festive for the first Santa trains of the year

November’s Gala was a terrific success, and the promised “memories from the Gala” should hopefully still be created and published as planned. This member of Team Blog is currently dealing with a more than stressful house move which has drained the creative spirit, so bear with me.

Cheltenham Racecourse once again opened to the public, so our standard November race trains ran smoothly, just before the south end of the line closed for a very large crane at Winchcombe.

Winter always makes for some stunning pictures

This meant that the usual Santa’s from CRC couldn’t run again this year. The slightly significant detail that the crane was sat over the points at the south end of Winchcombe station meant we needed to run with our compatriots in the Diesel department in order to get back from the North Pole. From a guard’s perspective, it made for a nice break from the norm. From the footplate, we’ll I’m not actually sure as the universe saw fit to deprive me of my Santa footplate time, for once not just because of Covid!

7903 awaiting the off

The Santa trains themselves were a great success, and were very much enjoyed by the crew who enjoyed the complimentary hot drinks and mince pies. Upon the cancellation of the post Christmas trains, I heard a rumour that that week’s crews got even more mince pies than normal, which I presume were heartily enjoyed! For now, we settle and let the engines enjoy their holiday. 

Mince pie anyone?

Readers, I shall confess now I’m not sure when the next update will be posted. Whilst hopefully the aforementioned house move bears fruit, it will eat up my weekends for the foreseeable, potentially until we are back running again, and I very kindly gave my spies time off for good behaviour! If any more spies fancy popping out of the woodwork, they know where to find us!


A belated Happy New Year everyone, here’s to 2022!

Bryony