Mid Norfolk Railway Diesel Gala Confirmation

Movement arrangements have been confirmed for the Mid-Norfolk Railway for D335 and 55022 to travel from The East Lancs to Dereham. This is the only planned visit of D335 away from the East Lancs this year and the first for some time.

We have also just had confirmation that Direct Rail Services will be sending us a class 37 which as the gala is English Electric, fits right in. By popular request, we will also be fitting in a short run with our Class 08 pilot, 08631.

Following on from a successful mixed traffic event in February, this event is sure to bring in the crowds with a popular variety of traction. Proceeds will also go towards our shed appeal, further details can be found here: http://www.mnr.org.uk/help/shed/

33 053 Mid Hants

33053 about to top and tail the Real Ale Train (RAT) on Saturday 18th February.  33053 has just arrived at Ropley with the ECS from Alresford and awaits U class 31806 to be attached to the rear. Autumn/Winter RAT’s are generally topped and tailed to ensure that rail conditions do not affect the booked mainline connection at Alton, with the last Waterloo service at 23:44. Photo Richard Bentley

Mid Norfolk Railway Mixed Traffic Event

A selection of Bill Pizer’s photos from the recent Mid Norfolk Mixed Traffic Event.  31235 about to depart Dereham with the 10.30 to Wymondham, 37003 heads away from Thuxton with the 12.15 Dereham-Wymondham ballast empties, 73210 & 50019 arrive at Thuxton with the 13.20 Dereham-Wymondham, 50019 stands at Wymondham runround facility with the 14.10 Wymondham-Dereham, 47596 approaches Wymondham with the 14.05 ex Dereham and 47580 at Wymondham on the rear of the 16.00 to Dereham 19/2/12.

New Deltic 50th Year Book

2011 was a very busy and exciting time for the preserved Deltics because the Class celebrated their 50th anniversary. This beautifully produced commemorative book covers the class at work throughout the year, depicted in a selection of great images taken by fans of the Class throughout the UK. The book includes the locos operating on preserved railways, 55 022 hard at work on railtours as well as the ‘Alcan’ freight trains, the spectacular ‘Magnificent 7′ event at Shildon and ‘Deltic Gathering’ at the ELR. A perfect souvenir to mark the celebrations of this memorable and special year. Further details can be found here

GWR Diesels

A selection of photos from Bill Pizer:

 

And proof that the PD Team do actually get their hands dirty and help out in Preservation instead of just sitting behind a PC…

Renown Repulse Restoration Group – Website and News

Following a major failure in traffic, the Renown Repulse Restoration Group website at www.renownrepulse.com has been hauled off to Doncaster Works for a thorough refurbishment. It will return in a short while. Meantime an interim website at http://renownrepulse.wordpress.com has been set up to give project news, updates and details of working parties and sales items. This interim site will feature pictures from working parties and parts acquisitions/overhauls and is also open for (moderated) comments from the enthusiast community, whose thoughts, questions and comments on the RRRG project remain as welcome as ever.

Following extremely generous sponsorship from a leading member of the Group, RRRG placed an order at the start of 2012 for two replica CU2 field divert units, to be constructed as near as possible to the original EE specification after a template unit was kindly loaned by another Class 50 group. This order helps to fill one of the major
‘missing parts’ gaps in the restoration of 50029 and 50030.

D9531 Test Run

D9531 undertook it’s first test run after extensive restoration and overhaul last Saturday. A Youtube video can be found here

D335

Jonny Stevenson’s photo of D335 at Bury Bolton Street on the E.L.R. from last Saturdays running day. The loco performed faultlessly and provided steam heating to the 4 coaches throughout the day. In the picture the loco has just taken on boiler water from the water column to the left of the photo.

86 259

86 259 of 1966 vintage was back in action on the Mainline yesterday and is seen below at Milton Keynes on the regular Saturday charter (Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express)  to Preston.  Unusually routed  in and out of platform two.  Photo Rob Morel.

GWR New Diesel Shed

The new diesel shed which has been privately funded at the GWR is now taking shape with erection of the main framework of the building starting last week Further details and photos can be found on the Growler Group Website here.  PD Contributor Bill Pizer is undertaking a sponsored swim to raise funds for 37 215′s share of the shed and further details can be found here.

Slug 5

37 905 is currently on loan to the Mid Hants Railway and Ian Parish has sent in the following photo of Slug 5 stabled in Ropley Yard on the 22/01/12.  More of Ian’s Photos can be found here.

25 191 Restoration

The restoration to working order of 25 191 continues at Buckfastleigh.  A full update and photos can be found on the loco’s restoration website here.  The following photo from Chris Rees shows what the team are up against…..

33 002 “Sea King” Update

South Devon Diesel Traction’s Class 33, 33 002 is currently receiving attention at Buckfastleigh.  The power unit was smoking in excess of what is expected for an overhauled unit.  The loco was stopped after the November Diesel Day and investigations undertaken.  The turbo was removed from the loco last Sunday and has been sent off for professional attention.  The group also lifted off three heads and have fitted new cylinder head valve stem seals.  The heads have been lifted back on and the power unit is now being reassembled.

Recently the loco has received bodywork and roof attention and a part repaint.

Rob Kitley has kindly sent over the following photos:

Swanage 2012 Diesel Gala

Swanage Railway has announced details of its seventh annual Diesel Gala which will see visiting main line locomotives in operation through the Purbeck countryside.

This year’s popular three-day event is being held from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 May, 2012, and co-incides with the Dorset Beer Festival being staged next to Harman’s Cross station by the Globe public house in Swanage.

There will be an intensive all-diesel three-train service between Norden Park & Ride, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross, Herston and Swanage from 9am to midnight on the Friday and the Saturday – and until 7pm on the Sunday.

Subject to availability, the visiting main line diesel locomotives starring in the diesel gala will be:

• Class 27 No. D5401 – courtesy of the Northampton Type 2 Group.
• Class 37 No. 37 521 – courtesy of Harry Needle Railroad Company.
• Warship class No. D821 ‘Greyhound’  – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group.
• Class 55 No. 55 019 ‘Royal Highland Fusilier’ – courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society.

The Swanage Railway’s resident diesel locomotives also taking part in the annual event on the six-mile Purbeck Line will be Class 08s No. 08 436 and No. D3591 as well as Class 33s No. D6515 and No. 33 111.

On the Friday and Saturday evenings, there will be a two-train service from 7pm.

The first of those trains will be the Wessex Belle bistro dining train – for which advanced booking is advised – while the second train will include a buffet serving light refreshments and alcoholic drinks.

Traction for these trains will be allocated closer to the diesel gala.

Diesel gala adult rover tickets are available for £22 for a one-day ticket, £33 for a two-day ticket or £40 for all three days.

There are also discounted fares available for children, ‘priv’ (privilege) card owners and CAMRA members at £16 for a one-day rover ticket, £25 for a two-day rover ticket and £31 for a three-day rover ticket.

Last year’s Diesel Gala attracted almost 2,966 passengers – up 30 per cent on the May 2010 diesel gala event.

For further updates and details, visit the Swanage Railway website at www.swanagerailway.co.uk, call the Swanage Railway on 01929 425800 or send a stamped addressed envelope to the Swanage Railway, Station House, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB.

 

Wheels pulled from under the Baby Deltic

The Baby Deltic Project (BDP) has suffered a double blow this week with the surprise news that the offer of a pair of Class 20 bogies pledged to complete the project has been withdrawn.

This unexpected development has the potential to leave the project temporarily homeless as the Project’s landlords, the Deltic Preservation Society, have confirmed that they cannot keep an immobile locomotive within their Depot.

Simon Hartshorne of the BDP said, “The withdrawal of the offer of bogies for this important project is problematical, but is not a game-changer at this stage of the programme. The key thing is to press ahead – we have time to examine other options.  There are other Class 20 bogies out there and we have opened talks with a number of owners about purchasing or leasing a pair.”

The BDP has now agreed terms with Rampart Carriage and Wagon Services for them to undertake the major modification work on the locomotive that had been earmarked for BDP volunteers.  The work will be carried out at Rampart’s new Barrow Hill workshops.

On completion of the modification work, which involves the shortening of the nose ends and body centre-section, the loco will be lifted onto accommodation bogies and moved to store at Barrow Hill.  The remainder of the conversion work will then be undertaken by Project members.

The major modification work will be part-funded by a loan from the Transport Trust and the accommodation bogies will be loaned by the 5BEL Trust.  “We are extremely grateful to both organisations for the generosity shown in our hour of need”, said Hartshorne.

Hartshorne, in his guise as MD of rail vehicle engineering specialists Pindari, is already working in partnership with Rampart to return the Brighton Belle electric multiple unit to traffic.  Rampart’s MD Paul Ramsden said, “The Class 23 is a missing link in our locomotive heritage so we’re delighted to play a part in this high-profile programme. It’s precisely the kind of challenge the team enjoys.”

MRC Diesels

A selection of photos from Derek Clarke taken at Swanwick Junction 08/01/12:

33 053

David Warwick’s photos of 33 053 top and tailing Black 5 45379 due to rail conditions on Sunday 15th January 2012.  More of David’s photos can be found on his website here

D1041 Western Prince Update

Matt Lindley provides the following detailed update:

Since the last report on D1041 there has been plenty going on.

At B-end of the loco, plenty more new cable has been going into the locomotive.  A large amount of time has been spent of late, fitting out as much of the internal wiring of the drivers desk as possible.  This includes all the wiring for the drivers and secondman warning lamps, the loco circuit breakers, instrument lighting, direction selector column, loco control push buttons i.e Engine Stop/ Start, Tooth on tooth, Rear horn valve as well as the loco cab switch panel and DSD circuitory.  We shall shortly get to a stage with B-end where no more wiring can be done really, until we get the end to end loom made up and fed into the loco at both desks.  The connecting end to end loom is where it is going to be costly due to the length and size of the loom.  Once this is done then any remaining internal wiring can be added and we will be able to start tieing all cable permenantly in place and terminating all cables at B-end and begin sequence and simulation testing.

This is all work that is necessary for the complete locomotive re-wire.  The re-wire entails the removal and renewal of every single wire within the locomotive due to the ever deteriorating condition of the locos origional electrical circuits.  As cable has been removed it has become apparent just how desperatly needed this level of work has been.  One example came with the removal of the compressor loom from the control box in the boiler room, to A-end compressor which is under-slung beneith the locomotive.  A block and tackle had to be clamped onto the old cable loom to drag it out of the conduit, as the motor cables insulation had weakened and evenutally blown to earth with a bang.  The result was a mass of melted copper welded hard to the inside of the conduit.  Many more examples of insulation breakdown and earth faults have been discovered as cable has been removed from the loco and the desks.

A-end cab is the last remaining and daunting job.  The cab is now fully stripped out to a shell as can be seen from the photograph, we have already gone deeper with this cab than the other.  Unfortunatly the cab desk has suffered just as much corrosion from water ingress as B-end (if not more) a first assessment has revealed the fact that the floor underneith the desk will require the entire secondman’s side to be cut out and a new sheet welded in place aswell as a new conduit box to be fabricated for the looms that come up from the BIS and davern set.  This conduit box was literally non existant and was just a whole in the floor.  A-end will now have the remainder of the old unipren cable pulled out and a big stripping session will go ahead to get as much cable weighed in to go towards the 200m of power cable we need to install in the loco.

Ideally, dependant on funding, it would be hoped that by the end of play 2012, the majority of the re-wire is done.  Definatly it is hoped the majority of the new cable is in the loco, and all that will remain is terminating all cable and a large amount of testing to ensure all is present and correct.  This will only happen if we can raise the sufficient funds for the 95mm power cables.  The looms for the compressors and exhausters which is smaller cable but still costly is now all fed into the loco and we intend to keep ordering more drums of control wire as we are going along.  A few months worth of work will now go into rebuilding A-end cab to the same very high standard as B-end which is photographed before any more wire goes in.

The other big project of the re-wire completed recently was the re-installation of the fully overhauled and re-wired dual brake control box in the boiler room and connecting up to the loco and sequence testing.

Away from the mass of electrical work going on, other areas are progressing.  As you may have seen from a previous report, just before christmas the replacement transmission was fitted to A-end of D1041.  This went smoothly and went ahead after refitting various other peices of equipment.  The overhauled serck oil reservour tank, various bits of framework and testing of the dynostarter in A-end before the transmission was bolted down and torqued up.  We can now start refitting peices of pipework around the transmission such as the large coolant pipes that feed the cooler group.  These will be needle gunned to the limit to find any possible weak spots that could develop leaks and cracks before painting and re-fitting.

B-end has seen the cooler group disconnected ready to be removed in the coming months.  This is for a number of reasons, namely to remove B-end dynostarter which will have a full overhaul including a blow through and dry out.  A deep clean and re-varnish and new brush gear.  Also the reverser block on B-end transmission will be removed and tested, possibly swapped for the reverser off the old transmission to recify the reversing problem, and also to gain access to the non-corridor side easily for cleaning and a look at the compressor down the non-corridor side.

B-end also saw the re-fitting of the fully overhauled oil and fuel priming pumps which were overhauled by Chris Bailey one of the men behind several of the most detailed locomotive rebuilds at Bury www.d8233.org.uk., Chris has volunteered to do all D1041s motors to the same standard.  The oil priming pump was connected up to B-end engine.  The engine was decompressed and barred round with ease, the priming pump was then ran off an external power supply and the guage was reading oil pressure on B engine for the first time in 7 years.  This will be done at regular intervals to keep the engine will lubricated.

This year we should also get the majority of the bodywork repairs finished.  Once the resident class 14 is returned to service this year, a few more hands should be available to do the re-fabrication work to B-end front end.  And towards the end of the year possibly make a start on the engine rebuild for A-end.  Plenty to keep us busy this year, but plenty of excellent progress being made forward.  We do however ask that if you feel you can contribute to the task by making a donation for 1041 towards buying the remainder of the cable needed (of which there is a fair bit) then please find the donation section on the website www.westernprince.co.uk

At this stage we would like to extend a big thanks to Jeff Targett and the WLA. To Brian Bowman. To everybody who has offered support and funding.

Progress shall be kept up to date on the locos website.

Heres to a prosperous 2012 for Western Prince.

Sponsored swim to help raise money for new GWR new shed

PD Contributor and Growler Group Member Bill Pizer is helping to raise money for 37215′s share of the new diesel shed at Toddington by doing a sponsored swim.  Bill wants to do his bit to raise money for the shed so is undertaking a sponsored swim of one mile during March 2012.  If you want to help Bill and give him some encouragement and support the new undercover home for 37215 in the process, then please visit the Just Giving webpage that has been set up, to make it really easy to donate.

If you are a UK tax payer, please register for Gift Aid and the Growler Group will receive the extra amount!!  It’s quick, simple and easy!

GCR Sulzer Sunday 15/01/12

Bill Pizer’s photos from the recent GCR Sulzer Sunday.  D5401 nears Rothley with 2A18 12.15 Loughboro’-Leicester North, D5401 arrives at Quorn with 2A35 15.35 Loughboro’-Leicester North, D123 departs Rothley on the rear of 2A35 15.35 Loughboro’-Leicester North 15/01/12

ELR Type 3 Gala 07/01/12

A selection of Bill Pizer’s photos from the recent ELR Type 3 Gala. 33109 arrives at Heywood with 2H52 09.35 ex Bury, 37109 trundles away from Bury with 2J56 10.15 Rawtenstall-Heywood, 37901 pulls away from Irwell Vale with 2J62 12.45 Rawtenstall-Heywood, D7076 departs Rawtenstall with 2J64 13.35 to Heywood, D335 (The People’s Engine) provided steam heat during the event, seen at Heywood in fading light 07/01/12.

47 596 Test Run

47 596 successfully underwent a loaded lest run on 2nd January 2012 with 2 locos and six coaches in tow some 400+ tonnes on the 14:00 Dereham – Wymondham Abbey.  This was the first run out since engine repairs were started in 2009.  The following three photos from the test run are from and credited to Geoff Tibble:

Severn Valley Railway Special Workings – 02/02/12

Bill Pizer’s photos of some recent special workings on the SVR.  D8188 arrives at Highley with the 12.05 ex Arley ‘mixed goods’, D8188 at Bewdley North with the 12.45 Highley-Kidderminster ‘mixed goods’, D8059 leaves Kidderminster with the 14.15 ‘crane’ to Bewdley 02/01/12:

GCR(N) Xmas Holiday Trains 27 & 28/12/11

Bill Pizer’s photos of the GCR(N) Xmas holiday trains.  20 154 departs Ruddington with the 14.30 to Loughboro’ 27/12/11.  20 154 at Rushcliffe South with the 15.10 Loughboro’-Ruddington and 20 154 calls at Rushcliffe Halt with the 15.10 Loughboro’-Ruddington 28/12/11.

Edinburgh Explorer 2 – 19/11/11

Two photos from Jon Dunster of 50 044 and 50 049 at Chevington loop and after arrival at Edinburgh with Spitfire Tours “Edinburgh Explorer 2″.

2011 Report for Deltic’s 55 022 and 55 016

I’m very proud that ‘Royal Scots Grey’, ‘Gordon Highlander’, myself and our much valued great support team have played a big part in the amazing 50^th year of the Deltics. Following is a round up of the year’s events for ‘Royal Scots Grey’ and ‘Gordon Highlander’.

January began with us resurrecting D9016’s defective engine that had been out of service for around 7 years and the loco ran up and down Baron Street Yard at the ELR late at night on the 4th. 55 022 took part in the ELR’s Diesel Theme Day on the 8^th and then took the Class 40 Preservation Society’s D335 to Barrow Hill on the 11^th. The following Saturday saw both 55 022 and D9016 operate the diesel diagram at the ELR after which 55 022 was placed inside Buckley Wells Carriage & Wagon shed for painting.

February was rather quiet operationally!! The last day of the month saw 55 022 being rolled out of the shed painted in ‘York Railtour’ livery and carrying celebratory birthday banter on the 28^th, exactly 50 years from the date when ‘RSG’ was delivered to British Railways.

March, saw the special 50^th Birthday 3 day railtour which saw ‘RSG’ run to Carnforth on the 3rd and then operate from Preston to London Euston next morning, London Kings Cross to Edinburgh and return on the 5^th and Euston back to Preston on the 6^th and immediately back light to Bury. The loco operated faultlessly over the 1,250 or so miles covered, highlights of the memorable three days were the Queens Piper playing us out of Kings Cross and the proud chaps from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Association meeting us on arrival at Edinburgh. At the ELR, D9016 played his part in the Spring Diesel weekend on Sunday 6^th and 55 022 operated the diesel diagram on Saturday 19^th.

April turned out to be most memorable and events took many by surprise!! 55 022 headed light engine on the 10^th from Bury to North Blyth to operate the ‘Rio Tinto – Alcan’ tank trains for GB Railfreight and worked all of the North Blyth to Lynemouth trains hauling 21 PCA tank wagons until the 21^st. ‘RSG’ then returned home to join D9016 for the ‘Deltic 50’ event at the ELR over the 4 day Easter holidays. Due to 22 being away, ‘Gordon’ stood in on the 15^th working a Footplate Experience Day. After the Easter ELR event, 22 returned to Northumberland on the 26^th from Hopwood Ground Frame after being hauled to the ELR’s mainline connection by 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ together with the steam loco’s support coach and spent the last few days of the month back on the ‘Alcans’.

May saw 55 022 continuing to operate the North Blyth to Lynemouth services for GB RailFreight, until the 18^th when she travelled light engine to Bo’ness via Carlisle. Despite the doubts of many ‘apparent experts’ advice on the internet, ‘RSG’ performed soundly and as planned on all the ‘Alcan’ workings and the only defect requiring attention was replacement of two engine room light bulbs. Luckily some fantastic sunny weather allowed hundreds of photographers to take some great photos of these special workings. The loco then worked between North Berwick and Kyle of Lochalsh and back on the 28^th. The next day amazingly saw 55 022 detached from the empty SRPS train at Bo’ness and run light to Craigentinny and then onwards to Fort William. Returning the next day hauling the ‘Alcan Tanks’ for GB RailFreight as far as Mossend Yard, then light back to Bo’ness. The same day saw 22 featured on the BBC ‘Breakfast’ show working the North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcans’. 55 022 remained at Bo’ness for the remaining days of the month and in to June.

June was rather quiet following the previous couple of months and the only mainline work for 55 022 was the overnight trip on the longest weekend of daylight from Linlithgow to Wick and Thurso on the 17^th and 18^th. The following day she worked an SRPS service train from Bo’ness to Manuel Junction in tandem with tiny steam loco number 17 as part of her return to Bury, this also saw the loco haul 37 676 to Carnforth and continue light to Bury the next day where she worked a Footplate Experience day on the 27^th.

July started with both 22 and 16 playing a small part in the Railway’s summer diesel gala between the 1^st and 3^rd of the month, 22 left home the following week for Carnforth, hauling the coaches to Doncaster on the 8^th and then headed South West towards Paignton the next day. A small exhaust fire at Whiteball Tunnel saw the loco hauled by the accompanying West Coast Railway’s Class 47 for the rest of the outbound journey. Fortunately ‘RSG’ was OK and worked back from Paignton to Doncaster in tandem with the 47. Next day she returned home to Bury via Barrow Hill, where the CFPS’s 40, D335 was collected en-route. The only other working that month saw D9016 work it’s so far one and only normal days diesel diagram at the ELR!!

August began on the 3^rd with 55 022 running from Bury to Ramsbottom and Heywood driver training for GB RailFreight, then running light to Peterborough on the 19^th to work their staff train to Weston-Super-Mare the next day. This also included an E.C.S. run to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard where the stock was serviced for the return to Peterborough. Sunday 21^st, saw 22 hauled to Doncaster by 66 726 in the company of 2 other GBRF 66’s. The loco was stabled at the Royal Mail Terminal before heading home to Bury on the 23^rd. The following Sunday saw 22 operate the ELR’s diesel diagram and also on the Bank Holiday Monday as part of the ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’, unfortunately no day for a bear or anyone to enjoy picnic as it rained for most of the day!!

September turned out to be fairly busy beginning on Friday the 2^nd when 22 left Bury for Crewe and worked to and from Weymouth the next day, returning back to Bury on the Sunday. 9 days later she ran light to Carnforth and then made the long journey from Crewe to Oban and return on Tuesday the 14^th, returning to Bury next day and then worked another Footplate Experience Day on Friday 17^th. GB RailFreight were short of operational locos and required the services of 22 once again for the ‘Alcan Tanks’ and the loco ran light engine to Lynemouth on the 22^nd. The North Blyth services were operated until the 27^th when the loco ran light to Carlisle, remaining stabled in the Station until the 29^th when she headed back home to Bury.

October will live in Deltic Fan’s memories for many years, the action started on the 5^th when ‘Gordon Highlander’ was rolled out of Buckley Wells Carriage and Wagon shed, looking smart with his new full yellow nose ends and an appeal was started to raise funds required to return the loco to mainline operation. Thanks to all who have donated, this has so far raised just over £550.00 towards the huge sum involved. Next morning saw 55 022 depart from home hauling D9016 to Barrow Hill, from where D9009 was collected from the Deltic Preservation Society’s depot. The three then travelled to the Wensleydale Railway’s mainline connection and collected 55 019 and 55 002, all 5 then travelling the short distance up the East Coast Main Line through Darlington and on to Locomotion/NRM at Shildon. The weekend of the 8^th and 9^th saw these 5 joined by D9015 and the prototype ‘Deltic’ on display at the ‘Magnificent 7’ event, this was attended by thousands of Deltic fans and the event included two photo shoot evenings and a 5 loco simultaneous start up on the Sunday afternoon. 55 022 hauled D9009, 55 002, 55 019 and D9016 to Castleton on Tuesday 11^th with ‘Gordon Highlander’ hauling the locos in to Bury ready for the following weekend. ‘Gordon’ began working a Driving Experience Day at the ELR on Friday 14^th; unfortunately he had to be rescued by Class 47 D1501 on Broadfield Bank due to a defective engine governor. 55 022 was ready to take over at Bury and completed the rest of the day. The following morning saw the start of the ELR’s ‘Deltic Gathering’ with ‘Royal Scots Grey’ and ‘Gordon Highlander’ being joined for two days of intensive Deltic operation by ‘Kings Own Yorkshire Light infantry’, ‘Alycidon’ and ‘Royal Highland Fusilier’. The highlight for many was the Saturday evening ‘Beerex’ train with all 5 locos hauling 6 coaches up the hill to Rawtenstall. This was particularly memorable for myself as I was very privileged and appreciative to be driving 22 at the head of the train. Tuesday 18^th saw the unusual site of ‘RSG’ hauling 3 other Deltics and an Harsco Rail Grinding machine from Bury up to Castleton, 22 then continued to Barrow Hill returning 9 and 19 to their home and then on to York to drop 2 off at the National Railway Museum, leaving 22 to head back home alone. Finally ‘Gordon’ celebrated his 50^th birthday on the 27^th.

November began for us on the 11^th when 55 022 worked yet another of the ELR’s ever popular Deltic Footplate Experience Days, followed by the Railways full day diesel diagram on Saturday 19^th. The Napier T18-37K engine purchased from the PTF-3 Restoration Project in the USA arrived at Beaver Sport’s warehouse and we soon hope to start work preparing it for loco use. The last few days of the month saw 22 set off once again light engine to Carnforth on the 28^th and then hauled by 57 601 in the early hours next morning to Worcester on the rear of the coaching stock. From where she worked the long trip to Perth and back, being used as the ‘Lickey Banker’ on the empties back to Carnforth assisting 57 601. ‘RSG’ then remained at West Coast’s depot for a few days.

December started immediately on the 1^st when 22 was hauled with a few coaches to Bo’ness by a West Coast Class 47. The next day saw 2011’s final railtour with the loco working from Linlithgow to Lincoln and return, for the City’s famous Christmas Market. All went fine as far as York on the outbound journey, just after leaving there, a lack of power was noted, this turned out to be a fractured Reg Air pipe to the number 1 engine. The low power output was soon rectified by altering the engine control valves. This meant that both engines were speeding up simultaneously and a superb run was enjoyed on the return journey. The loco was running as originally built and before modifications were made due to the fitting of Electric Train Heating, and wow did she move!! Luckily the Reg air problem was soon repaired after the loco arrived back home following a run from Bo’ness being hauled to Carnforth with more coaches by the 47 on the 4^th and onwards to Bury the same evening, completing what has been a fabulous year!!!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our support team who have helped out with all of this years activity’s both mechanically and with our sales etc. Everyone involved in any way at the East Lancashire Railway with operating and maintaining 16 and 22 and getting us on and off the mainline, often at unsociable hours. Spitfire, Pathfinder, SRPS Railtours and GB RailFreight for hiring 55 022 for use on the mainline. The Train Operating Companies and their operational staff involved in operating ‘RSG’. All involved at the East Lancashire Railway, National Railway Museum, Locomotion at Shildon, the KOYLI Group and the Deltic Preservation Society for their co-operation in organising the special events in October. Guy Middleton for organising railtour bookings and Kevin McCormick for hosting the website.

Finally a huge thank you to all for their much valued support, kind and encouraging comments, excellent support of our sales and raffles which help raise funds to ensure we can continue maintaining and operating ‘Royal Scots Grey’ and ‘Gordon Highlander’.

I’m sure that no one could ever have imagined in their wildest dreams that the 50^th year and virtually 30 years after B.R. service ended, so much could have happened, and let’s hope that 2012 will be just as good as what turned out to be such a special year in 2011!!!!

We hope to soon complete our new book project, a full colour production featuring solely on 2011’s fascinating Deltic happenings, please ensure you purchase a copy, as this will assist us greatly with our fundraising. Following is a list of the huge amount of workings carried out last year by 55 022 and D9016. Plans are developing for Railtours and operation at the East Lancashire Railway and hopefully some other preserved Railway’s this year and details will be announced on this website as soon as they are finalised. Finally I hope all Deltic fans have had a Great Christmas and I’d like to wish everyone all the best for the New Year.

Thanks Very Much and Best Wishes,

Martin Walker

8th January 55 022 ELR Diesel Theme day.

 11th January 55 022 Bury to Barrow Hill hauling Class 40 D335, Light engine Barrow Hill to Bury.

 15th January 55 022/D9016 ELR Diesel Diagram.

 3rd March 55 022 Bury to Carnforth Light Engine.

 4th March 55 022 Carnforth to Preston E.C.S. Preston to London Euston ‘The Royal Scots Grey’.

 5th March 55 022 Southall to Hornsey E.C.S., London Kings Cross to Edinburgh to Kings Cross ‘The Royal Scots Grey’, Hornsey to Southall E.C.S.

 6th March 55 022 London Euston to Preston ‘The Royal Scots Grey’, Preston to Carnforth E.C.S., Carnforth to Castleton Light Engine, Castleton to Bury hauling Steam ‘Black 5’ 45407 and support coach. D9016 ELR Diesel Weekend,

 19th March 55 022 ELR Diesel Diagram.

 10th April, 55 022 Bury to Tyne Dock to North Blyth Light Engine.

 11^th -15^th April 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 15th April D9016 ELR Footplate Experience Day.

 16th April 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’. Lynemouth to Tyne Dock Light Engine.

 17th April Tyne Dock to Heaton T.M.D. to Tyne Dock hauling GB Railfreight Class 66’s.

 18th April Tyne Dock to North Blyth Light Engine, GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 19th – 21st April 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 21st April 55 022 Lynemouth to Bury Light Engine.

 2nd^d April 55 022/D9016 ELR Diesel Diagram/ ‘Deltic 50’ Event.

 23rd April 55 022/D9016 ELR Diesel Diagram/ ‘Deltic 50’ Event.

 24th April 55 022/D9016 ELR Diesel Diagram/ ‘Deltic 50’ Event.

 25th April 55 022/D9016 ELR Diesel Diagram/ ‘Deltic 50’ Event.

 26th April 55 002 Hopwood Ground Frame to Lynemouth Light Engine, Lynemouth to North Blyth GB Railfreight ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 27th April – 29th April 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 30th April 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’. Lynemouth to Tyne Dock Light Engine.

 1st May Tyne 55 022 Tyne Dock to Heaton T.M.D. to Tyne Dock hauling GB Railfreight Class 66’s.

 2nd May 55 022 Tyne Dock to North Blyth Light Engine. GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 3rd May – 6th May 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 7th May 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’. Lynemouth to Tyne Dock Light Engine.

 8th May Tyne 55 022 Tyne Dock to Heaton T.M.D. to Tyne Dock hauling GB Railfreight Class 66’s.

 9th May 55 022 Tyne Dock to North Blyth Light Engine. GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’

 10th May – 13th May 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 14th May 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’. Lynemouth to Tyne Dock Light Engine.

 15th May Tyne 55 022 Tyne Dock to Heaton T.M.D. to Tyne Dock hauling GB Railfreight Class 66’s.

 16th May 55 022 Tyne Dock to North Blyth Light Engine. GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’

 17th May 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 18th May 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’, North Blyth to Bo’ness via Carlisle Light Engine.

 27thMay 55 022 Bo’ness to Manuel Junction Empty Coaching Stock.

 28th May 55 022 North Berwick to Kyle of Lochalsh to North Berwick ‘The Kyle Crusader’.

 29th May 55 022 Greenhill Junction to Bo’ness Ground Frame E.C.S. Bo’ness Junction to Craigentinny to Fort William Light Engine.

 30th May 55 022 Fort William to Mossend Yard GB RailFreight ‘Alcan Tanks’. Mossend Yard to Bo’ness Light Engine.

 17th June 55 022 Manuel Junction to Linlithgow E.C.S. Linlithgow to Georgemas Junction ‘The Far North Challenger’.

 18th June 55 022 Thurso to Georgemas Junction to Thurso E.C.S., Wick to Georgemas Junction E.C.S., Wick to Linlithgow ‘The Far North Challenger’

 19th June Linlithgow to Bo’ness Junction E.C.S. Manuel Junction to Bo’ness E.C.S. Bo’ness to Manuel Junction in tandem with Steam loco No. 17. Linlithgow Up Passenger Loop to Carnforth hauling West Coast Railways 37 676.

 20th June 55 022 Carnforth to Bury Light Engine.

 27th June 55 022 ELR Footplate Experience Day.

 1st July 55 022/D9016 ELR Diesel Gala.

 2nd July D9016 ELR Diesel Gala.

 3rd July 55 022 ELR Diesel Gala.

 8th July 55 022 Bury to Carnforth Light Engine, Carnforth to Doncaster via Skipton E.C.S.

 9th July 55 022 Doncaster to Tiverton Loop, Paignton to Doncaster ‘The Devonian’.

 10th July 55 022 Doncaster to Barrow Hill Light Engine, Barrow Hill to Bury via Hope Valley hauling Class 40 D335.

 16th July D9016 ELR Diesel Diagram.

 3rd August 55 022 Bury to Ramsbottom to Heywood to Bury, hauling D9016 and 37 901 GB RailFreight Driver Training.

 19th August 55 022 Bury to Peterborough Light Engine.

 20th August 55 022 Peterborough to Weston-Super-Mare ‘GBRF Staff Train’. Weston-Super-Mare to Bishops Lydeard to Weston-Super-Mare E.C.S., Weston-Super-Mare to Peterborough ‘GBRF Staff Train’.

 23rd August 55 022 Doncaster Royal Mail Terminal to Bury Light Engine.

 28th August 55 022 ELR Diesel Diagram.

 29th August 55 022 ELR Diesel Diagram.

 2nd September 55 022 Bury to Crewe Light Engine.

 3rd September 55 022 Crewe to Weymouth to Crewe, ‘The Dorset Deltic Explorer’.

 4th September 55 022 Crewe to Bury Light Engine.

 13th September 55 022 Bury to Carnforth Light Engine.

 14th September 55 022 Crewe to Oban to Crewe ‘The Lochs and Glens Napier’.

 15th September 55 022 Carnforth to Bury Light Engine.

 17th September 55 022 ELR Freight Footplate Experience Day.

 22nd September 55 022 Bury to Lynemouth Light Engine. GB RailFreight Lynemouth to North Blyth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 23rd – 24th September 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 26th September 55 022 GB RailFreight North Blyth to Lynemouth ‘Alcan Tanks’.

 27th September 55 022 Lynemouth to North Blyth to Lynemouth GB RailFreight ‘Alcan Tanks’, Lynemouth to Carlisle Light Engine.

 29th September 55 022 Carlisle to Bury Light Engine.

 6thOctober 55 022 Bury to Barrow Hill hauling D9016, Barrow Hill to Castle Hills Junction hauling D9016 and D9009, Castle Hills Junction to Locomotion/NRM Shildon hauling D9016, D9009, 55 019 and 55 002.

 11thOctober 55 022 Locomotion/NRM Shildon to Castleton hauling D9016, D9009, 55 019 and 55 002. D9016 Castleton to Bury hauling D9009, 55 019, 55 002 and 55 022.

 14th October D9016 ELR Footplate Experience Day, removed midday due to governor problem. 55 022 ELR Footplate Experience Day replacing D9016.

 15th October 55 022/D9016 ELR ‘Deltic Gathering’ Event.

 16th October 55 022/D9016 ELR ‘Deltic Gathering’ Event.

 18thOctober 55 022 Bury to Hopwood Ground Frame hauling D9009, 55 019, 55 002 and Harsco Rail Grinder, Hopwood Ground Frame to Barrow Hill hauling D9009, 55 019 and 55 002, Barrow Hill to NRM York hauling 55 002, NRM York to Bury Light Engine.

 11th November 55 022 ELR Footplate Experience Day.

 19th November 55 022 ELR Diesel Diagram.

 28th November 55 022 Bury to Carnforth Light Engine.

29th November 55 022 Worcester to Perth to Worcester ‘The Scotsman’

30th November 55 022 Worcester to Birmingham New Street, Top and Tail E.C.S, with West Coast Railways Class 47.

1st December 55 022 Bo’ness to Manuel Junction E.C.S.

2nd December 55 022 Bo’ness Ground Frame to Linlithgow E.C.S., Linlithgow to Lincoln ‘The Santa Express’. Lincoln to Barnetby E.C.S., Barnetby to Lincoln E.C.S., Lincoln to Linlithgow ‘The Santa Express’, Linlithgow to Polmont Junction E.C.S.

4th December 55 022 Carnforth to Bury Light Engine.

Cheddleton

Chris Moxon has supplied the following update and photos from Cheddleton:

33021 Captain Charles stabled in the bay at Cheddleton.  This loco remains the railway’s only operating mainline diesel and has recently seen unexpected use as a top & tail engine for Santa Specials following problems with one of the run round loops.

33102′s restoration continues in the carriage works.  Work is currently concentrating of replacement of the woodwork inside the cabs.

Finally, Class 37, 37075, in the yard in October, recently returned from Oakamoor after contract bodywork but reported elsewhere to be for sale.

GWR Small Sulzers

Work continues at Toddington on 24081′s  bodywork overhaul and preparation for a full repaint.  Photos from Phil Seymour:

Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society

News Update December 2011

This month we welcome lots of new news subscribers. As a reminder, if you would like to see the archive of messages that were sent before you signed up, then just open this email in your browser (The link is at the top right of the message) and one of the options at the top of the page is to view the archive.

The Big News – The engine.

• • As we hope you will by now be aware, we have secured an original English Electric 16SVT engine. 16 Cylinders, 247 Litres and about 1600HP.
  • This is the same type of engine that was used in LMS 10000 and 10001, right down to the fact it has the correct Brown Boveri turbochargers
  • This is a major step forward in the project as it gives us the heart of the loco. Now with the correct engine we can be confident that the shape and sound of the recreation will be as close to the original as possible.
  • We need to raise funds to pay for it in full  - so please go to our fundraising page and donate if you can. Donations to the “Buy a Litre for 10000″ campaign are great, but all donations are welcome.
  • The Engine was originally built in Preston as a Mk1, but has been partially uprated with some Mk2 components. It was used as a standby generator in a “Government building” and so has had very little running. Our CME has fully inspected it  (and Winterised it) and declared it to be in A1 condition with very low hours.
  • The engine is stored away safely. We aren’t publicising its location too much because of the possibility of souvenir hunters or metal thieves (nobody on this list – but you never know who reads this once it is out on the internet)

Design

• • We have come across even more existing drawings, may of which are unique to The Twins. The drawings are appearing from a number of different sources.
  • A start has been made on a serious design proposal document, which will outline the key design decisions. We intend to put this before the society membership in the new year to get feedback.
  • Even more historic documents have been brought to us from readers, thanks to all of those who submitted copies of documents. We are always looking for more, so if you happen to have some ageing drawing, photo or manual, please let us know — we would love to have a copy.
  • We are in talks to secure some of the existing contemporary parts we know of.  We can’t give details until we have them firmly in our hands but watch this space… (this is in addition to the engine)
  • A historical archive is making further progress with information from many sources (Books, Manuals, film, photos etc), again, any donations or copies would be appreciated – Especially if you have photographs we can get rights to use.
  • We are getting a steady stream of people signing up to news & information from the website, and this has increased again over what we had last month.
  • We have had initial and very preliminary talks with the certification authorities to understand more clearly exactly what the project needs to achieve for certification (both for possible mainline running and for heritage railway use).
  • We have filled our archivist role, one of our members has stepped in to help. We are still looking for specialists in a number of areas, see below.
  • We have also been in touch with some of the crew of the original locos, they are sharing their memories and stories with us. We hope to bring them to you over coming months.

Publicity

• • We have had more publicity this month in a number of magazines.
  • Most of the coverage has been good and accurate. A few, more searching questions have been asked both in the press and on forums, which is a generally good thing. We do need to answer some of these questions, and we intend to prove the project as we move forward.
  • Whilst it doesn’t make sense to get into a full discussion in a newsletter, it is worth bearing in mind that “If you don’t try, it will definitely never happen”, and that some of the other new build projects mentioned didn’t start with a vast stack of drawings, and numerous major components still in existence. That said, questions about support and fundraising ability are valid – it is going to be the hardest part of the project, by a long way.

Marketing/Fundraising

• • Our fundraising plan has kicked off with the “Buy a Litre for 10000” campaign – giving you the chance to see you name down on a plaque in the engine room of the locomotive, and recording your input as one of the founders of this project. There won’t be another chance to be one of the first few. Details are here.
  • Expect other fundraising activities over the coming months as we move forward.
  • We are putting together a calendar of events for 2012, we hope to attend galas and other events, with a stand – if you have suggestions as to where we should attend, please let us know. Also if you could help out, we would be very interested to hear from you.
  • The website is getting approx. 2600 hits/month,   This has increased from 2350 in November,  900 in October and  750 in September
  • www.lms10000.org has moved right up the google rankings, this helps us with visibility and enables us to attract visitors who might not otherwise have stumbled across us. The more searches people do for LMS 10000 the better as every click to our page and every “+1″ makes us more visible
  • Charity registration (important for Gift aid etc..) is ongoing, we have been seeking guidance from the Heritage Railway Association. This is an area where we haven’t made the progress we would have desired. We would love to hear from readers who have experience in this area and can assist.

What we need;

• • We need more volunteers who want to be in at the start of this exciting project. At the moment we are specifically looking for;
    • Graphic designer; we could really do with a decent logo(and this authors skills just aren’t up to it…)
    • Charity experience; As we apply for charity registration we would benefit from the experience of somebody who has done this before and can help.
    • Power Electrical/Electronics; One of the big questions we need to answer is how to build the control system. Depending on the source of traction motors, generator and controls we may have to modify or replace the original control systems and we need to strengthen project expertise in this area.
    • Film Making; We would love to hear from any commercial film makers who would be interested in covering the project.
  • Any drawings, data or info on the locomotives, especially including photos or video that we can gain rights to reuse for the project.
  • Info about any original parts that may still exist, or ones that might be converted for use.
  • Tell your friends, we need as many people as possible.  Ask them to visit www.lms10000.org and subscribe to this news letter.

Feedback;

•    We actively encourage feedback. If you have suggestions, information or criticism (Constructive preferably)  then please let us know by email, by web-forum, twitter or Facebook. Likewise if  you have specific questions about the project, feel free to get in touch and we will do our best to answer them.
•    If you would like to join us at future meetings, let us know and we’ll make sure you are on the invite list.

How to contact us;
Facebook;   www.facebook.com/lms10000

Twitter:       @LMS10000

Web:          www.lms10000.org

Post:          IDRS, Flat 40, River Court, Catherine Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4EY

eMail:         Info@lms10000.org

The Preserved Diesels Team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to this site over the past year.  We hope that we have kept viewers as up to date as we can, not always an easy task fitting around work, life and preservation…..

2011 has been an excellent year for preservation, hoping that 2012 continues in the same way!

Personal highlights for me have to be D7612 at the Severn Valley Railway Gala and helping 37 248 to steam for the “first” time.  I’m sure that Matt’s will be the return to service and then the naming of 37 175!

Enjoy the festive season!

Phil Seymour and Matt Stoddon