BMES: Statfold Road, Rail & Ale Festival...

Hi all... Today saw me helping out the guys with a portable track event at Statfold Barn Railway during their Road, Rail & Ale Festival, which was held over the weekend of the 11th & 12th September.

A slightly new event put on by the guys at SBR saw a fantastic collection of road and rail vehicles on display throughout the weekend, alongside various exhibitors and trade stands also attending.

From vintage buses to old Motorbikes & Traction Engines. The event had something for everyone to enjoy. 

One interesting thing to see running throughout the weekend was the former Burton & Ashby Light Railway Tram. Throughout the day myself, Dave, Mike & Jim took it in terms to drive our club Peckett on the portable track which was laid at Strawberry park, where most of the activity took place.

Inside one of the exhibition halls, alongside various other exhibitors, we had our own stand with various locomotives and other exhibits within the club. 

Before long we were joined by Adrian and Michael who helped share the driving between us all, however it was soon noticed that the Peckett was struggling to steam and it was decided to swap her for the Class 08, a battery electric loco which has been featured in my previous post here. With the last part of the day being operated by the 08 it was soon time to call it 'a day'. The end to another fun enjoyable day. Cheers all, Jake...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation. 

BMES: Hot Summers Day Steam...

 

Hi all... Today once again saw me back down at the Riverside Miniature Railway once again on a driving turn. However this time I'd be driving steam. My steed for the day would be the club's Simplex. An 0-6-0 tank engine painted in BR Black with early crest. No.1947, numbered as the year the club was formed.

"Lighting Up" (Pic - J.Davies)

Arriving on site at just after 10 with Jen and Alice. We signed in before collecting the engine from the container. After positioning the engine on the steaming bay, I checked the engine for leaks, before filling the tanks with water and began pumping water into the boiler using the handpump. 

"Raising Steam" (Pic - M.Davies)

With water in the gauge glass, it was time to put some wood in the firebox ready to light the fire. Under the supervision of Jim, one of the club's boiler inspectors, I proceeded to light the fire closing the firebox door once the fire was lit, before putting the electric blower on the engine chimney to help draw the fire.

"Concentrating" (Pic - J.Davies)

With the fire now burning nicely, Jim instructed me to start adding small shovelfuls of coal to the fire. With the pressure slowly beginning to go up the gauge, I began the task of oiling up, preventing possible damage to the motion during the day. 

"Tiny Steam Engine" (Pic - J.Davies)

With the pressure now reading around 30psi, we removed the electric blower, and cracked open the engine's own steam blower. The pressure still going up nicely, it was time to think about getting a riding truck out. With Jenny's help I went to fetch a riding truck. 

"Station departure" (Pic - M.Davies)

Riding truck collected, it was time to venture out onto the track, the first couple of laps Jim rode behind to ensure everything was okay. After a couple of laps with Jim riding as a passenger, it was time for Jen and Alice to have a ride. With a change of passengers and a quick water stop, it was time to for another couple of laps of the track.

"Smile Now" (Pic - M.Davies)

Having completed over 20 laps of the track, I decided to call it a day and with help from Jim, proceeded to drop the fire and blown down. Having put the club simplex away I joined Jenny, Alice and Mike who were sat chatting while eating a spot of lunch beneath one of the Marquees that had been set up to keep people cool during the day. 

"Having fun Jenny" (Pic - A.Tudor-Winch)

Late lunch finished we decided to call it a day and head home.. however.. just prior to us leaving, Jen was approached by Dave and Mike and asked if she wanted a go at driving a steam locomotive.. to which she quickly agreed. With Jen driving Dave's locomotive 'Clementine' under the careful supervision of Dave and Mike, me and Alice decided to head over to the ground level to have a ride behind the steam locomotive which can be seen in one of the photos above. The end to another fun enjoyable day. Cheers all, Jake...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation. 

A Trip To The Seaside: The Scarborough Spa Express...

Hi all.. Today saw me finally able to tick something off my bucket list that I've been wanting to do a for a while now... a trip on The Scarborough Spa Express. Having never found the time to travel on this before due to other commitments, I jumped at the chance when asked by good friend David if I wanted to join him for the day.

The day started at 6am, waking up, showering and getting dressed before catching a lift from my dad to the station to catch the 7:30am service to York, the journey to York was fairly standard with stops at Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield... and before long...York, arriving just after 9:30am. I was soon joined by good friend and fellow Youtuber David, who is mention in one of my previous posts from 2018 which can be found here. Pleasantries over, we headed to the North end of York station to wait for 45699 "Galatea", which was due to come off York NRM Depot at 10:00am, to collect her train from York Holgate sidings which had been brought over from Carnforth by two West Coast Railways Class 37s. 

Whilst waiting for Galatea, I spotted 37402 as she trundled her way through York station on a route learner for Scarborough. With the time now well after 10, we began to get a bit concerned that todays trip to Scarborough would be diesel hauled throughout... however at around 10:40 the sound of a Stanier hooter could be heard, marking 45699's departure off the the NRM yard, as she trundled past us through the station to Holgate sidings... Phew...

Few minutes later, she returned with her train bound for Scarborough. After finding seats on the train, we settled down for the run to Scarborough. Before long we were leaving York crossing over the river with 45699 sounding in fine fettle, the guard came down to sell tickets. Tickets purchased and David busy filming for his YouTube Channel, I sat back and enjoyed the journey.

The journey was fairly standard, passing through fantastic scenery, the engine sounding in fine fettle. Malton soon came and went as we passed through the station and over the level crossing North of the station, before long we were slowing down for Scarborough itself, as we passed the turntable and sidings just south of the station, where the locomotive and coaching stock would be serviced prior to the return journey. 

As we rolled into the platform the sun was out, after donning my sun glasses, we disembarked before walking up to the engine to take photos before heading down to the seafront to get some lunch.

After taking many photos and watching 45627 propel her empty train out of the platform into the carriage sidings just south of the station, we left the station and took a steady walk down the high street towards the seafront. We soon made it to the sea front, and David directed us to a fish and chip shop for lunch. 

Lunch purchased, we crossed the road and found a bench to sit down on and eat our fish and chips while watching the hive of activity on the beach and seafront.

Lunch finished, we decided to head up to a café buy drinks and snacks, before standing on a suspension bridge to take photos of the magnificent view of the seafront. 

Lunch finished, we decided to head up to a café buy drinks and snacks, before standing on a suspension bridge to take photos of the magnificent view of the seafront. With many photos taken, some of which I have added in this post, I managed to take a sneaky photo of David photographing the views from the bridge... sorry David. lol

Before long it was time to take a steady walk back to the station ready for our return journey to York. To my surprise, the train was already in the platform, resting in the mid afternoon sunshine. With our train not due to depart till 16:41, we had plenty of time to take some more photos. 

Soon it was time to re-join the train for our return journey to York, departing Scarborough at 16:41. We were soon on our way speeding along through the countryside, leaving the sunny seaside town of Scarborough behind. Before long we were slowing for Malton Level Crossing, where we were pathed through the station to David's surprise. Leaving Malton behind, we were soon back up to line speed with the engine sounding in fine fettle. 

Before long we were slowing once again as we approached York, crossing over the River Ouse before entering the station beneath the famous train shed station canopy, leaving the train, we walked up to the engine, watch the departure as she trundled into Holgate Sidings where the 37s would once again take over the train for the final leg to Carnforth.. It was soon time for me and David to go our separate ways as my train home arrived. The end to another very enjoyable day. Until next time.. Cheers all...Jake...

BMES: Another Driving turn...

 

Hi all.. Been a while since I last posted anything from BMES so here's another post for you all.. Today saw me once again back down at the Riverside Miniature Railway in Burton-on-Trent on a driving turn. Today's turn would see me driving the club's Class 08 locomotive, a diesel outline battery operated locomotive. I arrived on site just before 10am, to find Dave and his wife Mel already on site... shortly followed by Mike and his Wife Paula, after signing in and a chat with Dave, Mel and Mike, Adrian & Michael arrived, with Paul not far behind them.

Pleasantries complete, Michael and myself proceeded to fetch the 08 out of the container assisted by Connor who had also arrived on site.... Being the first locomotive on the track has its advantages. I was able to complete several laps without issue, and before long I soon found myself handing over the controls to Connor for a couple of laps, while I rode as a passenger. 

After a couple of laps with Connor driving, I resumed my position as driver for a few more laps of the track. A brief stop between laps allowed for a photo opportunity, with thanks to Connor for the photo.. even if it was slightly out of focus.. ah well. Other locos on site included Dave's 0-6-0 Simplex Clementine as well as Paul's 7 1/4 0-6-0 quarry tank loco.

"Smile Now" (Pic - C.Harvey)

Sadly after a few issues with Dave's engine resulting in me and the trusty club 08 having to push him back to the steaming bay, Dave declared his loco a failure leaving just myself and the Club 08 and Paul's 0-6-0 loco giving train rides. 

After a couple more hours of running, Paul decided to call it a day, shunting the ground level stock back into the container before disposing of his engine, dropping the fire and blowing down.

After few laps later I also decided to call it a day, assisted by Connor, I began the task of packing the 08 away followed by the riding truck. The end to another fun enjoyable day. Cheers all, Jake...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation. 

A visit to Severn Valley Railway...

Evening all.. Today saw me take surprise unplanned trip to Severn Valley Railway, following a text from my dad yesterday morning informing me that he had booked us both tickets to travel on the railway. This would be the first time I had visited the railway in over year following the Autumn Steam Gala in 2019. The day with the old favourite early start, waking up at around 6:30am. Cook breakfast eaten, and now washed and changed, we left the house around 7:15am, arriving at Kidderminster just after 8:30am. After collecting our tickets from the Booking office we went and sat on the station concourse and waited to be allowed to board the train. Our locomotive for the day would be Ex LMS Ivatt 2-6-0 No.43106. Aka the 'Flying Pig'. 

At 10am, we were given permission to board the train. Once boarded, we quickly found our compartment seats that we had booked and settled down for the journey to Highley. At 10:15am we departed Kidderminster for Highley, and eventually Bridgnorth... After a brief stop at Bewdley to pick up passengers, we continued our journey to Highley passing through Northwood Lane Halt and Arley. Due to the current pandemic restrictions, trains aren't able to stop at either station as they would usually.

Our arrival at Highley saw everyone get off the train, and the locomotive moved into a siding to allow a down train to pass from Bridgnorth, bound for Kidderminster. After watching 43106 shunt her train into the siding, we proceeded to head into the Highley Engine House... For those who don't know, Highley Engine House is a museum building where locomotives that are awaiting overhaul are stored undercover within the museum building. The museum is briefly mentioned in a previous post here.

"Little and Large"

While in the Engine House, I took the opportunity to take photos of various locomotives currently on display within the museum, One photo in particular can be seen above, featuring Ex WD 2-10-0 No.600 "Gordon" and visiting Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway 4-6-2 Pacific No.7 "Typhoon". After a brief walk round the museum, we decided to head back to the station to wait for 43106 to shunt her train back into the platform.

While waiting on the platform, Ex BR (W) 1500 0-6-0 Pannier Tank No.1501 arrived with the second train of the day from Kidderminster. After a brief stop on the platform, 1501 departed leaving the platform clear for 43106 to bring the empty train into. Before long we were back on the train and on our away once again bound for Bridgnorth. On arrival at Bridgnorth, we had just over two hours to kill before our return journey to Kidderminster.

After filming 2857 depart with a down train for Kidderminster, we headed back onto the station grab some lunch while 43106 shunted her train from Platform 2 into Platform 1 for the return journey.

Lunch finished I decided to walk up to the engine to take a photo of 43106, before posing for a photo next to next her. Before long it was time to return to our seats for the journey back to Kidderminster. Unlike the outward journey, the return journey saw us make a brief stop at Hampton Loade to exchange the single line token with the signal as well as to pass 2857 waiting in the platform with a Northbound service for Bridgnorth. 

"Smile Now" (Pic - N.Bonner)

Tokens exchanged we were soon underway again, this time passing straight through Highley Station slowing only for speed restrictions. Before long we were back in Bewdley where we would pass the third train service in operation hauled by Ex GWR 5700 Class 0-6-0 Pannier Tank No.7714. 

After a brief stop at Bewdley to set down passengers, we soon arrived back into Kidderminster. The end to another successful day. After grabbing one last photo of 43106, we headed back towards the car... after taking a quick photo of 40106 which was sat in the Bay Platform. Until next time... Cheers all.. Jake...

Fradley Junction: A Sunday Afternoon Walk...

Now for something slightly different... Many who know me will know that I'm a bit of a amateur photographer and film maker, and as such I enjoy going out taking photos and making videos. Most of what I film and take photos of is trains, however I do occasionally do non railway related photography and films too. After arranging to meet up with my girlfriend Jenny for the day, we decided to make the most of the nice weather with a visit to Fradley Junction. I woke up just after 9am and after a morning glass of Chocolate Milkshake, I got washed and changed and waited for Jenny to arrive, before long she arrived and after deciding to go out to Fradley Junction, we got in her car and I helped direct her. 

We arrived at Fradley Junction just before 11am and after getting my camera kit from the car, we went for a walk towards the locks near the Swan Inn pub. After a chat with a volunteer from the Canal & River Trust, we decided to grab some lunch before doing some filming.

"Quack quack" (Pic - J.Davies)

Lunch finished we decided to start filming towards a little film project I was planning. While I was filming, Jenny armed with my DSLR photo camera, kept herself occupied taking photos, some of which can be seen in this post.

At around half two, we decided to call it a day and head home. Another end to another fun and successful day. Cheers all.. Jake...

BMES: Another Work Party & Driving Turn...

Evening all... Today once again saw me back down at the Riverside Miniature Railway for the weekly work party, but also the monthly 'Steam Up' which takes place on the first Tuesday of the month from April to October. This is usually for volunteers only and a chance to test any work done to locomotives, as well as iron out any niggling problems... as well as being a chance to play trains. I woke up at around half 7 and after a quick glass of Chocolate Milkshake, I got dressed and got my stuff ready... leaving the house just after 9am, I was able to get a lift in the car into town...Unfortunately fate wasn't on mine or my mum's side today, her car had developed a strange grinding sound on the brakes and it was decided to drop it off at the garage, resulting in a call to my dad to pick us him... disaster averted, I arrived in town just after half 9 and wandered through to the Birds Bakery on Station Street, after buying myself some breakfast I carried on the short walk past the library and Meadowside Leisure centre over to the Trent Bridge and down to the Club. 

I arrived on site around 10am, just behind John and found Brian and Dave were already on site, after signing the track and trace form, we went into the club house to drop our bags off and were soon joined by Jim, Barrie and Phil. After eating my sausage sandwich I'd bought from Birds, it was time to help Barrie unload his engine, despite the lovely sunshine, it was rather cold today, unlike the weather last weekend.. this only hindered todays activities.

We were soon joined in the steaming bay by Dave who had also brought his engine Maude, a little Polly 0-4-0 trojan style tank engine. Before long both engines were in steam and were both on the track. After struggling to maintain steam due to bad coal, Barrie managed to get the Pannier to steam and completed a few laps before asking me if I wanted a go at driving. Having not driven since the middle of last year I took the controls and with the pressure on the red mark and a full ahead of steam, and Barrie sat behind, I eased the loco from a stand, just as a light snow shower began, we managed to complete a lap and stopped back under the canopy where after a brief stop to check the fire and boiler water level. Checks complete, I took the loco round a few more laps of the track before handing back to controls to Barrie who decided to come off for the day and drop the fire, soon followed by Dave on Maude. Both seemed fairly happy with the way their engines had performed.

Of course as soon as they did this.. the sun came out.... typical.. ah well.. there's always next time. Fires dropped and boilers blown down, I helped Barrie put the riding truck we had used back into the container before packing away my camera and tripod. Another end to another successful day.. Thanks again to Barrie for letting me have a go at driving... Until next time...cheers all...Jake...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.