Locomotive News - July 2010
O2 Class W24 ‘Calbourne’
All efforts have been directed to reassembly for a return to traffic as soon as possible. During the week commencing 28 June the lining out of the locomotive was undertaken. A steam test was carried out on 13th July followed in the same week by an ‘In Steam’ examination by the Boiler Inspector and a test run to Ashey. If all goes well ‘Calbourne’ may enter passenger traffic during August, which raises the possibility of her being available for the August Bank Holiday Steam Show.
A1x Class W8 ‘Freshwater’
The locomotive’s debut for the 2010 season saw it hauling a train comprised solely of ex-LCDR 4-wheeled carriages for Members on AGM day. Subsequent duties have been as part of the two-train service during the 1940s and 1960s Weekend special events. ‘Freshwater’ will be sharing the Duty 2 turns with ‘Ajax’ during the high season and should be available for the August Bank Holiday Steam Show.
Barclay W38 ‘Ajax’
Repairs have been carried out and the locomotive is now available for traffic. ‘Ajax’ is expected to be in traffic during the high season two-train operating period.
Hunslet ‘Austerity’ WD192 ‘Waggoner’ and WD198 ‘Royal Engineer’
These two locomotives have worked turn and turn about and have been the mainstay of the service so far this season. High passenger numbers have dictated the need for maximum length trains for most operating days, hence the requirement for one of these powerful locomotives to be rostered. WD192 ‘Waggoner’ was a ‘Really Useful Engine’ during the ‘Days Out With Thomas’ event.
BR Class 03 D2059
The overhaul and repaint came to a successful conclusion in the middle of May. Following an ‘A’ examination, on 14 May 2010 D2059 hauled a 121 ton test train (three bogies and four 4-wheelers) to Wootton and back, was pronounced available for use, signed off and released from works. It was first used to haul the Members’ special train from Smallbrook Junction on AGM day. For the first time in three years D2059 was able to portray ‘Mavis’ during the ‘Days Out with Thomas’ event, with recently passed out Diesel Driver Roger Silsbury at the controls on two of the days.
Engine Cleaners Training Day
An Engine Cleaners Induction Training Day took place on Saturday, 5th June 2010. There were three participants; Phill Upsall, Jake Vivash and Alex Yemm. Driver Tony Barry had arranged a full and interesting day of training which started with a session on railway safety, including a briefing from Locomotive Support Manager Len Pullinger on the railway’s new Safety Management System. The focus then switched to the loco yard where, with the assistance of Duty Fitter Mike Brittan, the techniques required to turn out the railway’s locomotives in spotless condition were explained. A further session on safe operation of locomotives and railway operating rules followed. The remainder of the day was spent gaining an understanding of the general arrangement of steam locomotives and how they work, the two spare ‘Terrier’ boilers proving to be very useful training aids. Preparation, servicing and disposal of locomotives was also dealt with when the service locomotive returned to the shed at lunchtime and at the end of the day’s passenger services.
During a typical days work our Cleaners arrive at the Loco Yard at around 7.30am (or sometimes later!) and get stuck into cleaning the day’s service locomotives. Once the locos go ‘off shed’ a well earned tea break is taken and then the yard is cleaned up, including everyone’s favourite job – emptying the ash pits!
During the rest of the day the Cleaners assist the Mechanical Engineering staff with whatever locomotive maintenance tasks need doing; this could include a boiler washout, carrying out mechanical examinations and adjustments or lighting up locomotives required for service on the following day.
Being an Engine Cleaner isn’t just about polishing locomotives and emptying ash pits, it’s very much a learning role and is the first step towards securing promotion to Fireman and eventually Driver and so, whenever possible, the Cleaners get to go out for at least one round trip on the service locomotive’s footplate. This is the opportunity to absorb the knowledge and skills required to be passed out as a Fireman; route knowledge, firing techniques and operating procedures. When the locomotives return to the shed at the end of the day the Cleaners assist the footplate crew with their disposal duties; cleaning the fire, filling up the boiler and emptying the smokebox before going home with the satisfaction of a job well done!
New Engine Cleaners are always welcome and, as the busy high season approaches, now is the time to join the team! As a first step please contact the railway’s Volunteer Coordinator, who can arrange a railway safety induction followed by an introduction to the Mechanical Engineering Department, which is responsible for Locomotive Operation.