17th October 2026
A very chilly start to the day which made you think whether it was worth running. The temperature has certainly changed to what we expect this time of year, however when the sun came out it was nice to run but wary of the chill factor, unless you were Andy who wore shorts and T shirt!!! Robin turned up wearing only a T shirt but soon added clothing. Car must have a good heater. Thirteen friends today and were:- Alan and June plus, Tim, Heather, Andy, Robin, Phil, Mick, Alan S, David G, Dave M, Peter, Patricia, Jamie and Henry. Today was definitely the start of winter as the leaves had started to drop and required clearing, no Dave MB with his blower so the task took a little longer than usual. Alan S and David G repaired Spinney number 7 point as it has filled with leaves, earth and a worm!!!! Mechanism cleaned and now works again. David G can be seen operating the point under local control. Peter can be seen adjusting a hand point at Old Oak, readjusting the locking nut for travel and Robin is at Dingly explaining new power indications for Dingly as part of the winter projects. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes and to Dave M and Andy for the surprise Birthday cake.
Loco news
Three locomotives on track today and were Garratt, Katie and Andy's 0-4-0 locomotive which ran very well and I was privileged to have a drive. For a small locomotive it ran very well. Good to see the freight stock and the smoking stove from the guards van.
Alan S attended to his locomotive, Karen, which has broken drain cock mechanism and still needs further work when parts arrive.
Garratt suffered with fire issues and when dropping the fire there was a lot of clinker, also left hand lubricator was not functioning correctly.
S & T news
In the signal boxes were:- Dingly - Patricia, Baytree - Phil, Spinney - David G, Old Oak - Peter. Spinney number 4 signal protecting the level crossing has an intermittent fault and is therefore proving difficult to trace and rectify. Patricia can be seen checking the route to be set, whilst some signalling irregularities occurred at Old Oak and picture shows Mick entering Old Oak with Heather already occupying the platform waiting to depart and when she did the exit points were set against her. False start and OK on second attempt.
Alan S has recently had a birthday and secret let out via social media so cakes were bought With surprise in mind which it certainly was and also a job to keep the candles alight. Round the table were L - R: Alan S, June, Phil (partially hidden), Robin, Patricia, Peter, David G, Mick, Andy, Dave M, Heather, Alan A and Tim behind the camera. Happy Birthday.
We started running around 13.00 which surprised everyone and packed up at 17.00 as weather changed to rain and turned chilly again. A good day but the winter elements are certainly making themselves present.
10th October 2026 Visit to Pinewood MES
A good turnout at Pinewood Model Engineering Society where we met the usual suspects on a dry but a bit chilly day. From Spinney were:- Alan, June, Tim, Heather, Mick, Robin, Nick, Dave M, Dave MB, Phil, Peter, Jamie and Henry. Thanks to Pinewood for their hospitality, looked after us by arranging help in the yard, a BBQ enjoyed by all and making the day so pleasant. Mick took his class 20, Dave M with his Standard 5 number 73115 and 08 shunter, Dave MB with his Pannier tank and Tim and Heather with their 5 inch gauge class 66 which is rarely seen out and about. Unfortunately, Dave MB left a water pipe at home and drove back to get it and therefore steamed very late and towards the end of the day, he had the railway to himself. Thanks to Dave M and Peter for additional photos.
At some point everyone had a drive and thanks to Dave M for sharing both his Standard 5 and class 08 and Mick shared his class 20. Also I think this is the first time I have seen June drive any locomotive and can be seen on the class 66. It is also rare to see Robin drive and was observed on the Class 20 and 66.
Nick had the pleasure of driving Clan Line. Phil and Peter were also observed driving the electric locomotives but I did not manage to get a picture. Seven locomotives on track today so the station was always occupied.
3rd October 2026
Photo above shows the group having lunch at Old Oak. L - R Phil, Peter, Jamie, Henry, Tim, Robin, Nick, Dave M, Alan A and Dave MB with Heather behind the camera.
Nick presented Heather and Tim with two warning signs 'Boiler empty" due to my error the previous meeting, something I am sure I will not live down and expect endless comments along with my ability to steam a loco!!! Thanks to Nick for spending his precious time to 3D print these signs. Ten friends today were:- Alan June plus Tim, Heather, Dave M, Dave MB, Phil, Jamie, Henry, Peter, Robin and Nick. List of friends with better ideas were:- Mick, David G, Alan A (flue jab illness). Visitors also pulled out due to flu jab reactions. Four locomotives in steam and a very relaxed afternoon. Peter was observed relaying a Baytree platform paving slab using glue and cement. Slab outside the Old Oak box was also looked at, but needs more work.
Another new format today, start running ASAP, have tea on the move and finish before it got dark which worked extremely well. After we packed up, it started to rain which was good timing.
Thanks to June for the teas and cakes and to Heather, Robin and Dave M for the additional pictures and to Berry for the marble cake.
Loco news
Four locomotives in steam today and were:- William Francis (Garratt), LMS 7163, Std 5 73115 and GWR Pannier 6412 with auto coach. Unfortunately Pannier 6412 had to be towed back from Spinney to Old Oak at the end of the day pending brake problems. Garratt was the first in steam at 12.45 (make a note of that, I can do it), whist the first train ran at 13.15 after lunch. All trains hauled coaching stock to add to the operations of running round. For no apparent reason the Garratt split on Spinney 9B points coming out of the loop, loco went the correct way and the bowser decided to go the other way. Also for no apparent reason, whilst the Garratt was traversing down the branch, the rear bogie on the rear coach derailed.
S & T news
In the signalboxes today were:- Dingly - train crew operated, Baytree - Phil, Spinney - Robin and Old Oak - Peter. With only a small number of locomotives in steam it was a pleasure to run round the track and Dingly with train crew operated worked very well with no points requiring altering unless the locomotive yard was required. The other signal boxes had busy periods and quiet periods, all trains seemed to arrive at once.
Left hand picture shows the Spinney duo in a quiet time whilst right hand picture shows Peter reverting to flags to move trains.
Phil and Dave M found the effectiveness of a brick, the freight stock was stabled in the down platform at Baytree and would not stop rolling until Phil placed a brick in the way as an obstruction. Unfortunately when Dave M came to move the freight stock and propel them to Dingly, the bricks were forgotten and when Dave moved, the wagon derailed. Well at least it worked. Quickly re railed and proceeded.
19th September 2026
Andrew and Fran knocked off the pole position on the web news. A different format today, start a bit earlier (allegedly), no stop for tea and stop earlier at 17.00 for a BBQ. Starting was a bit problematic but the rest went to plan. Eleven friends and were:- Alan A, June, Andrew, Fran plus, Tim, Heather, Robin, Nick, David G, Dave MB, Dave M, Andy, Jamie, Alan S and Mick. Dave M was accompanied by his family and two visitors. Rain arrived at the end of the BBQ so a good question to depart. Thanks to Dave M for photos and June and Alan for the BBQ, teas and cakes.
Andy bought along his brake van which he has fitted a remote controlled smoke generator from a fob and activates the smoke from the guards stove, which was very effective. Robin was controller last time so he asked for a volunteer to take the role today, so we all volunteered Robin (Default controller) again as he does an excellent job at it.
Loco news
Eight locomotives on track today and were:- Scott Line, 0-6-0 Pannier tank, Class 08, Garratt, Britannia, Class 20, Karen and Eileen, quite a busy railway at times. After a troublesome start, Tim eventually steamed at approximately 15.00, not the latest but late. Nick did say we enjoy this hobby, not sure if all the time. Eileen was first in steam and can be seen leaving Old Oak with Dave M at the controls with his guests as passengers. I did ask Mick to move the chair for the photograph, so he moved it closer to the train and in full view..... My fault for not being explicit enough.
Most locomotives ran light engine but some hauled the freight and Nick can be seen on the 08 shunter with the freight stock. Nick allowed out and on a promise not to get dirty so observed on the 08 shunter, not bad after only 3 1/2 hours sleep.... Little ones ...
Once shown the railway, Dave M guests had a pleasant time trundling around on Scott Line.
Unfortunately, Karen derailed at Baytree number 4 points and damaged the drain cocks which will require replacing. Good weather meant the rails were not slippery especially on the branch gradient. The Brit ran out of steam at one point and caused a short stoppage. Eileen ran after having a gauge glass changed and Mick ran his class 20 with a new controller as the previous one was damaged.
S & T news
Robin tested the signal boxes and all ok. In the signal boxes today were:- Dingly - points operated by the drivers (unstaffed), Baytree - Robin (evicted from Spinney), Spinney - Andy and Old Oak - Jamie.
Not all signals worked all the time, Andy can be seen showing a yellow flag to authorise a train to pass a signal at danger and Jamie showed the over ride feature currently at Old Oak to keep things operational.
BBQ group photograph
We stopped earlier as arranged for a BBQ and this can add towards a group photograph as most of us were there.
Left table - Dave M and family, Jen, Lillie and Elsie. Long table L - R, Alan A, David G, Jamie, Robin, Fran, June, Andrew,Dave MB, Alan S, Andy, Mick, Heather and Tim behind the camera. Having the BBQ earlier meant that more friends could stay and enjoy it and on new table, chairs and patio.
13th September 2026 Wedding Special
Wedding Special on a Sunday for Bride and Groom - Fran and Andrew plus guests.
With an earlier start than normal, ten friends arranged to meet at 09.30 ish and were Tim, Heather, Robin, Andy, Dave M, Dave MB, David G, Jamie, Peter and Patricia. Robin was controller - naturally. Usual tasks of tidying the railway with leaf blowers and getting rolling stock out and locomotives in steam. We were all treated to lunch at 13.00 with trains running shortly afterwards as there were approximately 60 guests invited. Rain was forecast but it was light showers rather than heavy as expected, but this did not dampen the day and the guests enjoyed themselves.
Loco news
Six locomotive on track today and were: William Francis, Scott Line, Royal Scot, King Jack, LMS 7163 and Bobside. All in steam early and coupled to coaches to give rides. Every time I tried to capture Andy on Royal Scot, the passengers were either getting off or he was empty!!! Dave M can be seen sporting his new glasses from the wedding party. Due to the light rain showers the track became slippery and had to be treated, especially up the branch. Andy reduced the Royal Scot lubricator setting as in previous runs this has been a bit excessive and you end up wearing it.
S & T news
Robin and Alan A have been putting in extra hours to ensure the signalling works as it should. Robin worked on Baytree Signalbox, installing indicators to signals 3 and 5 and number 4 points to show normal or reverse which prove the point and signals, saving the signaller the trouble of going to have a look when things don't go to plan. Alan A worked in Old Oak box and fitted over ride switches so when the known intermittent fault reappears, we can still signal trains. David G asked around if we had seen his track circuit operating clips which he uses to test the signalling, luckily he found them and they were where he left them, along with his meter. In the signal boxes today were: Dingly - Patricia, Baytree - David G, Spinney - Robin, Old Oak - Peter. Problems were still encountered at Old Oak and a new one for Spinney was opening of the main gate whilst trains were running. Picture shows David G in Baytree , showing what a relaxed life it is, although I don't think Robin would agree after spending an afternoon in Spinney box and often having to juggle with three or four trains at once and then there is the entrance gate to fit in.
Wedding train
LMS 7163, Scot and Bobside triple headed from Old Oak to Dingly and made it up the branch gradient.
Guests driving
Picture show guests driving and were given Scott Line and King Jack to drive with instructions on controlling the locomotive and route / gradients, especially in the tunnel, a whole new experience for them.
Thanks
Thanks to Dave M, Dave MB, Jamie, Peter and Robin for additional photos and to Alan, June, Andrew and Fran for their hospitality.
11th September 2026 Visit to Great Cockcrow railway
Great Cockcrow railway held their annual gala 11th - 13th September and we made appearances on the Friday and Saturday. Food was pre ordered and additionally a visit to the chip shop for an evening chatting.
Tim, Heather, Dave M and Jamie were present on the Friday with locomotives William Francis and 08 shunter. Lefthand picture shows a new class 33 locomotive nearing final build and was admired as Dave M, Nick and Jamie are building to the same method and parts.
5th September 2026
No Tim so its DG this time.
Present:
Alan A, June A, Andrew A (fixed Dingly then off to his Stag Party), Andy C, Phil E, DG, Jamie H, Henry H, Dave MB, Dave Marsh, Nick S, Robin S and Peter W.
Locos in steam:
Standard 5 73115, Jamie's 7163, Eileen, New Dave MB loco, visiting Rail Motor.
The visiting Rail Motor can just about be seen in the picture on the left.
(A Rail Motor is carriage with a built steam engine at one end.)
The top of the drive was being re-surfaced with available road only as far as the way down to the bridges. All parking was below the bridges which was difficult given the various spoil heaps and material stacks in the area. But we coped!
Signalling
Old Oak has developed an occasional complete failure which we can't trace, Spinney had one point occasionally not working. The "occasional" symptom suggest loose wires but we have been unable to trace them.
Dave MB took delivery of his new loco: The loco's builder was present and there was a successful proving run. Henry was driving 7163 most of the time.
Eileen failed to raise steam on the first attempt but there was successful 2nd attempt. A glimpse of one of DG's exciting moments is on the right. Thank you Andy who can put the grate back when DG can't.
Additional pictures
Thanks to Phil for these additional pictures showing Dave MB new Auto coach in use which takes two people to drive it, as per the full size. Also the carriages were checked in readiness for the forth coming wedding run.
15th August 2026
A little bit cooler today than previous heat wave and the twelve attendees were:- June, Alan, Andrew, Fran, plus Tim, Heather, Robin, Nick, Andy, Alan S, David G, Dave M, Dave MB, Phil, Peter and Jamie along with seven visitors. A good turnout. Start of the day included erection of two new posts at Dingly one of which was constructed at home by Robin. These will hold boxes for new wiring for the signalling up grade. Holes were dug avoiding other buried services and then the posts were post creted in place. Thanks to June for the teas, cakes and the orange squash. Also thanks to Robin who was default controller for today and for submitting photos.
If you look closely in the left hand picture above, you will see Nick working on installing a new signalling box amongst the other workers.... Right hand picture shows the team looking for something, Davids wallet was mentioned... but actually, fault finding at Dingly number 14 points. Microswitch changed and all worked. Spinney number 7 point which always has issues until it has been moved a few times was also looked at.
Running trains
Three locomotives on track today and were:- Spinney Electric, King Jack and Royal Scot. Both locomotives used my time line for steaming and were in steam in time for tea, approximately 4pm after a 13.15 lunch which was also delayed. Jamie worked on his LMS 7163 locomotive but did not steam. Are we ready for the wedding event?
In the signal boxes were:- Dingly - David G (at times otherwise it was left unattended), Baytree - Phil, Spinney - Robin followed by Nick and Dave M after tea and Old Oak - Peter. When Dingly is unattended, trains can go with one in and out before sending the next. If platform 1 is used on arrival and locomotives run round using the goods line, it only involves the use of number 14 points and therefore one lever in the signal box which makes things simple.
Baytree number 4 point proved to be problematic, and failed to fully traverse in reverse and caused a derailment. Robin and Nick were soon on hand to find out why. In the resignalling, a switch has been installed in the adjacent electrical box to allow the people working on the point to take control away from the signal box and switch back when a train arrives. This proved invaluable when trying to adjust the points. In the end a wrench had to be used to bend the rail back into shape and all was well, once we had remembered to switch back to signal box control.
Dave MB has finally received delivery of his 64XX locomotive and Auto coach which we are looking forward to seeing at future running days.
Heather and Alan A managed to have their first trip on the railway this year.
Next run is 5th September and will be a practice run for the forth coming wedding run on the 13th, we will need an earlier start. Also, in the pictures section, there is a photograph of Andy's face after driving Royal Scot, what will the wedding guests look like after a trip, especially if they dress in white?
10th August 2026 extra working day
A sweltering hot day (another one) and the cable-pulling team (Phil, Peter, Dave MB and Robin) had a successful day. Project moved forward with all main cables from Dingly Dell signal box now in trunking waiting to be connected. A couple more line side boxes need holes to be dug and post creted in and trunking is required to pass under the track in places, another digging job. Thanks to Robin for the report and pictures.
1st August 2026
I start with tea break because it shows the relaxed atmosphere despite what the railway throws at us and the number of people who attended today. Lovely warm day and the fourteen attendees were:- June, Alan, plus Tim, Heather, Robin, Nick, Andy, Mick, Alan S, David G, Dave M, Dave MB (Controller), Phil, Peter, Michael and Patricia. Also present were Mick's wife Sue, family and grandchildren, Dave M wife Jen and children and four visitors, some who have previously visited and from Network Rail. So able to share a wealth of knowledge. Dave MB did a very good job as controller, announcing lunch verbally and by text (which is a first - modern technology) so we all got the message. Lunch was called at 12.06 (according to text) which enabled a prompt 13.00 start for the visitors, all good practice for the forthcoming wedding.
Thanks to June for the teas, cakes and to Dave M, for photos.
Loco news
A few spanner in the works, Tim started with the Garratt and made it from Old Oak to Spinney (a short distance) before failing and being assisted by Alan S and pushed back to Old Oak. Alan S himself failed whilst driving Dave M 73115 Standard 5 locomotive and had to be assisted by Dave M on the class 20 locomotive. The class 20 later derailed due to foot catching and also the freight stock derailed due to a miss understanding with the signalman at Dingly and the wrong lever being moved, however where was the track circuit interlocking, another problem to tackle. The injectors failed to work on the Garratt and after removal, checking and refitment the locomotive was steamed again. Unfortunately only one injector would function so it was put away. Maybe the water was just too hot from the bowser, tests next week will establish the cause. A very busy day for the controller and good to see so many friends driving who are not normally seen behind the locomotive controls.
S & T news
In the signal boxes were:- Dingly - David G / visitors, Baytree - Phil / Robin, Spinney - Nick / visitors and Old Oak - Peter / Patricia. Interesting to note, Phil in Baytree can tell the difference between Robin and Nick operating Spinney signal box by the speed of the bell indications. Good to see signallers swap signal boxes as part of a challenge and make the railway operate differently.
Alan A and David G can be seen repairing a block joint at Dingly, whilst Alan S attended to Spinney number 7 point which did not want to operate but then became faultless during the running session.
Visitors
Good to see Matt again with his Scamp engine, not so frequent now he has moved to the Birmingham area. Something you can put in the back of a car and travel. Matt ran all afternoon without issues, unlike the steam counter parts.
Other visitors arrived and currently work for Network Rail signalling so were able to offer advice for our resignalling programme. David G discussed signalling using the schematic diagrams we have. I think changes are in order of the day.
Pictures show a visitor operating Dingly signal box whilst others had a go at Spinney signal box.
18th July 2026 Freight day
Glorious day, both for the weather and running freight trains on the railway which proved to be popular with all. Three passenger coaches out amongst the freight to provide some services for visitors. Unfortunately Heather was the only person not to ride around the railway as she couldn't get her leg over. Fourteen friends attending today which is a record for a long time and were Alan, June, Andrew, Fran, Jacob, Isaac plus Tim, Heather, Dave M, Dave MB, David G, Mick, Alan S, Phil, Andy, Robin, Nick, Peter, Jamie and Henry. Five visitors also joined us and the Mid Hants Railway visitors had a drive on the standard 5. Overall the railway was buzzing and a joy to see it so busy for so long.
Thanks to June for the teas, cakes and cold orange and to Dave M, Andy, Phil and Jamie for photos. I have over 25 photos to choose from so I will add to pictures section, don't think I have had so many from one day.
Dave M is owed a special mention as he instigated this freight day, got the Spinney spirit back and for getting everyone motivated. Nick and Andy also provided their wagons and I counted 34 wagons in various trains. Such was the enthusiasm, the first train was seen at 13.20 and we ran to well after 18.00. Andy was also part of the planning during the week leading up to the day. Lunch was had on the move. Dave can be seen laying down on a wagon just to show how easy the controllers job is.....
Pictures of the day can be found in Pictures of Freight Day Pictures - events - freight 2026.
Loco news
Seven locomotives on track today and were: Standard 5 (73115), LMS 7163, Kate, Karen, Class 20, GWR dock tank and Spinney electric. Alan S said this was the first time his locomotive (Karen) which is a coal board loco has actually hauled coal wagons. Train formations included Top and Tail, double heading and lots of propelling moves whilst shunting at Dingly and Old Oak. When in top and tail formation, the rear locomotive carried the token which meant the signallers had to be on the ball.
S & T news
In the signal boxes were:- Dingly - David G, Baytree - Phil, Spinney - Robin and Old Oak - Peter, the usual faces. Robin and Phil checked all signal boxes using the new check sheets for each signal box, stating as all working correctly. Alan A was on hand for signalling problems and was called to Old Oak when smoke was reported and filling up the signal box, Peter immediately switched the power off and rendered the signal box out of use for a while and points had to be manually held over. Fault traced to dislodged ballast which had slipped into the operating area of number 8 point which jammed and smoked. Prior to this, I had all wheels off with the class 20 on this point as it had not moved across fully. Dingly also suffered signalling problems but no information about these issues. Baytree had some interesting moves and shunts and the siding along with Baytree number 13 signal from the platform were used frequently. This avoided Dingly when it was congested.
4th July 2026
Another warm and hot day, Ten friends present today were:- Alan and June, plus Tim (AM Only), Mick, Alan S, Robin, Dave M, Phil, Peter, Patricia, Jamie and Henry. Dave MB off playing with Clan Line at Willesden.
Dave M, Jamie and Henry continued to clear the railway, the vegetation does not stop growing in this weather and needs trimming back in places. Peter has revamped an old electrical box and fixed into place at Dingly number 17 signal. This will be used when the rewiring is completed. Alan A can be seen up a ladder fitting a new float level / sensor as the old one had previously failed and water poured out through the over flow and not on to Dingly and old Oak. Phil and Robin tested the signal boxes. Phil has made a check list so we all test the same. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes and Dave M and Jamie for photographs.
Due to the excessive heat, we had trouble inserting the bridges as they had expanded, normal resolution is to spray them with water, Alan S to the rescue.
Locomotives on track today were:- 7163. Beatty and Karen. Dave M wagon derailed several times and this was traced to floating wheels on their axles, alright for multi gauge.
Phil was surprised at tea time when he was presented with a birthday cake and card as he has reached a good age of 70.
30th June 2026 Extra day
Robin and Andy put in extra time to progress with the resignalling between Baytree and Dingly Dell, which today involved mounting the lineside boxes and measuring out the cable and conduit lengths.
20th June 2026
Lovely warm day for running but subject to staff shortages. Thirteen friends present today were:- Alan and June, plus Tim (AM Only), Mick, Alan S, Robin, Nick, David G, Dave M, Dave MB, Andy, Jamie and Henry, Patricia and Michael, despite Mick saying he was coming then wasn't but arrived later in the day and Tim saying not coming but turned up for two hours in the morning, all very confusing, we got there. We seemed to be short of signallers and as I was only present until 12.30 I am not sure how the day developed after that. Jamie and Henry managed to snip back some vegetation as can be seen, the sun and heat have caused the vegetation to sprout quickly and Dave MB was observed behind a leaf blower to tidy the site. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes and Dave MB, Nick for additional photos and David G for additional report.
Loco news
Dave M displayed his recently built milk wagon and just needs the ladders attached to each side to complete and Andy and Dave can be seen admiring the wagon.
Alan S continued to fix Karen as the lubricator required a pin and then ran the locomotive, hopefully without any further issues.
Mick returned his class 20 and ran it whilst Nick steamed his T9 to haul the freight wagons. Unfortunately, Dave M suffered problems with his loco with the blowdown valve causing a problem.
S & T news
Left hand picture shows David G trying to fix the problem of Old Oak number 7 point not operating whilst the right hand picture shows Nick restoring operation to Spinney number 7 point under the supervision of Robin. In reality, Robin had been working on the point and Nick turned up seconds before I did and took this picture, sods law....
Luckily Patricia and Michael turned up as we thought we might be short of signallers but we managed with the following:- Spinney - Andy/Dave M, Baytree - Robin, Dingly - Patricia/Michael and Old Oak - David G.
Other news
- Nick fixed point at gate (Spinney number 7 point)
- Alan S fixed point at Old Oak (Number 7 point)
- Nick fixed closed insulating joint at Spinney
- Alan A raised the voltage at Old Oak - sluggish signals now work first time
- David and Alan A did further signalling investigations but there will be more work needed.
Picture shows a relaxing time where we had tea.
We all missed Heather and send her our very best wishes.
6th June 2026 CANCELLED
This is the second meeting cancelled this year due to the British weather, none stop rain and high winds.
16th May 2026 First run of the year
Lucky with the weather again, rain stopped play but we were ready to pack up. Eleven friends today and were:- Alan and June plus Tim, Heather, Phil, Robin, Alan S, Mick, Dave M, Dave MB, David G, Andy and Peter. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes and to Robin, Dave M and Dave MB for photos.
Alan S has been working on improving the engine shed area (patio) and was the first to use it when he hauled out Karen and worked on the lubricator. The area has a newness feel about it and woe betide anyone who makes a mark or drops oil or ash!!!!! A metal tray can be seen under the loco. Mick can be seen investigating a water pump problem, the pump would not rotate so had to be removed and freed, then rehoused. Pumped worked fine afterwards so must have stuck from months of no use. Pump reinstated at Old Oak and works. Railway had some prunning and leaf blowing to clear the railway of vegetation. We eventually ran our first train at 15.12, maybe we can be a bit earlier next time.
Loco news
Left hand picture shows the Garratt but more importantly we see Mick trying to find the boiler capacity when filling with umpteen cans of water. Alan S can be seen watching the water empty from the drain valve...... News spread fast and everyone came to see what the answer might be.
New to the railway is Tim and Heathers recently restored Garratt based on the LMS Garratt currently on display as a static exhibit at Bressingham museum. After a successful hydraulic and steam test it completed a few laps of the railway. A few issues materialised, such as a stuck steam drain cock but on the whole a successful steam. Unfortunately we were not ready until tea was a called and the same for Jamie and Henry with LMS 7163.
Kate also ran and was handed over to Andy who drove with Dave taking it easy in the wagon (feet showing).
S & T news
Alan A attended to Old Oak signalling and increased the voltage to alleviate the sluggish signals and maintained / serviced the Old Oak signals. At one point there was an electrical supply issue but was quickly over come. Peter has taken away a small electrical box to fix a signal connector as the signal connection for Dingly number 17 signal is beyond repair.
Birthday
A few birthdays popping up and today Heather was surprised with a card and gifts, thank you, Phil is the next one with a major birthday looming.
Not only is it Heathers Birthday but she is now officially retired, June managed to fit a train theme onto the cake.