Locomotive News - February 2011

O2 Class W24 'Calbourne'

'Calbourne'  has travelled 2205 miles since returning to traffic in July 2010 and is currently available for service. W24 was on duty for 'The last train from Newport' event on 23rd January, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Wight Locomotive Society's move to Havenstreet. On the footplate was Engineering Manager Bob Huxtable, who was Fireman to Driver Tom 'Jacko' Jackman as 'Calbourne' hauled the society's stock to Havenstreet on 24th January 1971.  It is anticipated that 'Calbourne' will be the service engine during the 21st-25th February Half Term week.

A1x Class W8 'Freshwater'

1273 miles in 2010. 'Freshwater' was the mainstay of the Duty 2 diagram during the high season, giving her the opportunity to head the prestigious through train 'The Tourist'. Boiler and mechanical exams are now due to take place, no major problems are expected so 'Freshwater' should be available for traffic this season.

A1x Class W11 'Newport'

W11's overhaul is now well underway, work is progressing using our regular volunteer weekday workforce and also the Winter Sunday gang. Some defects have been identified, including a cracked valve chest cover. Unsurprisingly, corrosion holes have been found in the water tanks and their cover sheets.

Hawthorne Leslie W37 'Invincible'

Out of service since suffering a broken spring hanger in August 2009, 'Invincible' requires repair to corroded crown stays and foundation ring rivets followed by a 10-year boiler examination.

Barclay W38 'Ajax'

Only 357 miles covered in 2010. Following a boiler and mechanical examination 'Ajax' is expected to be available for traffic during 2011.

Hunslet Austerity WD192' Waggoner'

3644 miles in 2010.  Lateral play in axle boxes has been reduced by building up with white metal, machining and re-fitting.  This will make for a smoother ride, kinder on both track and the loco crews knees!  Similar work was carried out on WD198 many years ago.  Valve and piston exams have been ongoing for some time and are now nearing completion. Annual boiler and mechanical examinations will take place before being declared fit for service.

Hunslet Austerity WD198 'Royal Engineer'

4517 miles in 2010, the highest mileage locomotive of 2010.  All the usual examinations are now due and there is a requirement to have the tyres re-profiled.

BR Class 03 D2059

Some maintenance work has been carried out, including the fitting of new compressor belts, cab interior painting and repairs to one of the cab doors, which suffered from a broken droplight. D2059 is on the roster for a rare spell of planned passenger duty during February; it will be heading  the 1338hrs Havenstreet-Smallbrook-Wootton-Havenstreet  service during the 21st to 25th February 2011 Half Term train service.

Andrew Barclay 235

Repairs carried out to Cooling hoses after leaks revealed that some had perished. Remains available for shunting within Havenstreet Station Limits.  It is hoped that 235 will be carrying out some shunting demonstrations with the heritage wagon fleet around Havenstreet during the February Half Term week.

Enginemen wanted!

We are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join the Mechanical Engineering team, which includes our footplate crews.  If you would like to join us please contact the railway’s Volunteer Coordinator, who can arrange a railway safety induction followed by an introduction to the Mechanical Engineering Department.