Category Archives: Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

130 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces Alfred Paget nearly got to Bescot – August 1990 – (Or the Not-so-Flying Scotsman) – P. Aldridge

Posted on December 22, 2022 by | Leave a comment

130 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

Alfred Paget nearly got to Bescot – August 1990

(Or the Not-so-Flying Scotsman) – P. Aldridge

BR’s ‘Bescot Open Day’ took place on Sunday, 6th May.  BR had requested that they borrow our venerable Neilson ‘Alfred Paget’ for the event.  We replied ‘yes’ but only if they cosmetically restored the engine, insured it and provided the transport.

Photo: P.Aldridge

Ian Edwards then spent many hours repainting the loco and even applied ‘No.11’ to the tank sides and buffer beams, so that the old engine looked very fine.  Arrangements were made to move the loco on Good Friday – but were then cancelled (pity no-one thought to tell me!) and re-scheduled for 3rd May.  Various Society members told the BR representative that a lifting frame would be needed and that trying to lift the loco with slings under the frames would not be permitted for fear of damaging our loco.

‘Don’t worry’ they said ‘we are professionals.’

The day arrived, and the said ‘professionals’ brought a low loader and a crane, but no lifting frame! Predictably they were unable to lift the loco, and, after six hours of struggling, gave up!

Thanks are due to Ian Edwards for restoring the loco, even though it did not get to Bescot.  Thanks are also due to Messrs. Emery, Newbold and Organ, plus a hologram of myself (I wasn’t there as I was off work sick) for organising the shunting and supervising the ‘lift’ – or lack of it!

Photo: P.Aldridge

Further thanks are also due to BR who provided the low loader and the crane.  Perhaps next time the ‘professionals’ will listen to us ‘AMATEURS’ who do, after all , have some idea what we are talking about!

Despite this disappointment it wasn’t a total waste of time, for even though our Neilson did not get to the Open Day, our sales stand did, and Mr. Bull added £200 to our coffers in a very successful day’s sales.

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128 –129 Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces, From Chasewater News April 1990 More Sid Browne Memories – Pete Aldridge

Posted on December 17, 2022 by | Leave a comment

128 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News April 1990

More Sid Browne Memories – Pete Aldridge

Sid Browne worked on the railways for nearly fifty years and had many anecdotes recalling his long experience.  Here is another tale, as remembered by his grandson.

After working at Brownhills for some time, Sid was promoted and transferred to Monument Lane in Birmingham.  This presented quite a problem, as Sid still lived in Brownhills.  Sid had to travel by push bike to New Street each morning, and back again at night.

One winter’s morning, with the roads covered in snow and a force eight gale blowing, Sid set off for work.  Unfortunately, he arrived just four minutes late.  He hurried down onto the platform to catch the train to Monument Lane, confident that the Inspector would have held the train long enough for Sid to catch it.

The platform, however, was empty except for the Inspector, Mr. Smith.

“You’re late!” he shouted “And you’ve just lost a day’s pay”

Very angry, Sid returned home.

The following spring, Sid was guard on an evening train from Coventry to New Street.  The train arrived at Stechford, and there, on the platform was Inspector Smith.  As the train was the last one of the day, Smith wanted to catch a lift back to Monument Lane, where he could ‘book off’ for the night.  Smith climbed into the brake end of the train.

“And where do you think you’re going?” asked Sid.

“Back to Monument Lane” replied Mr. Smith.

“Not on this train you’re not”

“But it’s the last train”

“That’s right, but some of us have got long memories, now get off!”

“Right!” said Mr. Smith “I’ll go and ride on the engine with the driver!”

“Oh no you won’t” said the fireman, who had come back down the train to see what the delay was.  “If you even touch that engine I’ll unhook it and go ‘light engine’ toMonument Lane.”

Absolutely furious, Inspector Smith was left standing on the station with a long walk ahead of him.

Photo – An old Midland Railway Class ‘2F’ 0-6-0 nears the end of the line on the three mile long branch from Monument Lane to Harborne, Birmingham, in July, 1961. –Birmingham Post

There are two morals to this tale:

  1. It pays to have friends in high places.
  2. Don’t get mad, get even.

Working at Monument Lane did have its benefits.  In particular, excursions could prove very lucrative, as being invariably overcrowded, children had to sit on parent’s laps all the way.  Sid made sure that the doors on one coach were locked as it arrived at New Street.  Once the rest of the train was full, Sid auctioned off the remaining seats to the highest bidder, earning more than a week’s pay.

Moral:  A fool and his money are soon parted.

Crime does not pay, unless you avoid being caught!

129– Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces From Chasewater News August 1990 – More Sid Browne Memories by Peter Aldridge

129– Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News August 1990

More Sid Browne Memories – Pete Aldridge

Pines Express

More recollections from a local railwayman, Sid Browne.

The name ‘Pines Express’ will always be associated with the Somerset and Dorset Railway, but it is often forgotten that the famous train ran through some rather less picturesque parts of the world, for instance, Walsall!

 Jubilee class locomotive 45687 arriving at Walsall Station with Pines Express 1958 Jack-Haddock

One overcast August day, Sid Browne stood at Walsall Station.  He was to relieve the guard on the northbound ‘Pines’ and take it as far as Derby.  Usually this was a cushy job, but today was to be very different.  For a start, the train was late.

The train arrived ten minutes late.

‘Injectors playin’ up’ called the fireman as the engine, a Black 5, rumbled past.  ‘Be lucky to reach Ryecroft at this rate’ he moaned as the engine once again disappeared in a cloud of steam.  Sid got on, and the train departed.  Sid saw that the train was almost empty and that the loco’s injectors were now working.  Everything seemed OK.  Just after Ryecroft shed, however, the injectors failed again and the train was coaxed into Aldridge.

‘Damn thing’ cursed the driver, ‘It just got past Ryecroft and then packed up’.

‘Hang on’ said Sid, ‘I’ve got an idea’ and he walked over to the ‘4F’ that was sitting in the Brownhills branch siding.  A few moments later Sid walked across to the signal box ‘It’s all sorted out’ he called.  The Black 5 duly came off the train and the 4F coupled on.

‘Quicker than getting an engine from Ryecroft’ said Sid, and the train set off once more.

The train arrived at Castle Bromwich Junction, half-an-hour late.

The signalman called out from his box.  ‘You’ve had it mate!  I’ve got no gaps onto the Derby line for hours’.

The handful of passengers complained, and the fireman from the 4F also had a gripe.  ‘My shift should have finished ten minutes ago’ he complained.

After a while, the steward from the dining car came along.

‘As we’ll be here till Christmas, why don’t you have a bite to eat?  I’ve got all this food left and no passengers to eat the stuff.’

Reluctantly Sid left his cheeses sandwiches and somehow managed to force himself to eat the soup, roast lamb (with a choice of vegetables) and even the apple pie and cream.  Double portions of everything, of course.  (Railwaymen were often prepared to make such sacrifices in the course of their work!)

So engrossed was Sid in this work that he quite failed to notice the 4F as it trundled past, heading for Bescot.  Some time later, looking at empty plates, and congratulating himself on a job well done, Sid felt the train start to move.  Looking out of the window he was surprised to see that not only were the signals still against them, but they had no loco on the train.  Sid ran to the brake end and screwed the handbrake on.  The train stopped, inches from the trap point protecting the main line.  Obviously the vacuum brakes had gradually leaked off after the engine had uncoupled.  The signalman returned to the train.

‘Your driver was fed up’ he explained ‘and as we’re having an engine off Saltley, they said they’d go.  They said they’d told you all about it.’

‘Well’ said Sid ‘we’re well and truly in it now.  The train’s fouling the crossover.  The Saltley engine will have to go round the triangle and come up behind.  Then he can pull us back clear of the crossover, run round, and get on the front.’

‘Can’t do that’ exclaimed the signalman, ‘I’ve got trains queuing for miles as it is.  I’ll have to get your 4F back.’

The signalman hurried across to the box and got on the phone to get the 4F sent back.

The replacement engine arrived from Saltley, but could not get onto the train as it was blocking the points.  The train was now nearly three hours late.

‘Disgraceful’ complained the passengers.

Eventually the 4F returned.  The loco crew were not amused!

An ordinary locomotive celebrated by its unique number, seen at Stockport View SE,LMS 4F 0-6-0 No. 44444 is shunting just south of Stockport (Edgeley) station, which was on the main ex-London & North Western line from Manchester (London Road) to Crewe, also Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent, also Buxton. No other British Rail locomotive had a number with five identical digits.

Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0 Ben Brooksbank – geograph.org.uk

‘We got to Ryecroft and then we were told to come back here,’ the driver moaned.  I’d almost thought I’d get home tonight!’ he grumbled.

The 4F dragged the train back clear of the crossover and the Saltley engine coupled onto the front.  The 4F returned from whence it came, and the ‘Pines’ got under way once more.

The ‘Pines’ finally made it to Derby, three hours late, and Sid got off.  He had missed his booked working back to Walsall and was faced with a long wait for another train.

As luck would have it, he just happened to have a cheese sandwich to keep him going till he got home to his dinner!

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127 – ChasewaterRailwayMuseum Bits & Pieces From Chasewater News January 1991

Posted on December 3, 2022 by | Leave a comment

About time for another Bits and Pieces! Thank you Nigel



127 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News January 1991

Editorial – Nigel Canning

At the end of this, another, year we have made further modest progress on our railway.  As yet, the proposed platform at Willow Vale has not been built, but only because a pre-fabricated concrete one, well worth waiting for, has been acquired and awaits removal to Chasewater.

The fact that we have run for the whole year with only one steam loco is in some ways a disappointment, but on the other hand it does show that our engineering standards are as good as anyone’s with no failures having occurred.

With the main line steadily being extended towards the causeway, carriage and wagon restoration proceeding at a pace not seen at Chasewater for many years, and the station site and line in general becoming tidier and more businesslike by the week, 1991 could be the year when we do finally expand and prosper.

Locomotive News

No.4 Asbestos – Progress on this loco is still very slow and as a result it is likely to be well into next year before it steams again.  The boiler and firebox are slowly being cleaned for inspection and following removal of the firebox lagging, which left a lot of mess, the motion has been thoroughly cleaned.Photo: N.Canning

No.5 Sentinel – This is still the line’s only working steam loco and as such will work all the Christmas and New Year trains.  It was painted in camouflage as WD 79632 for the military weekend in September and is now in red undercoat prior to being repainted in its original gasworks red livery.

A number of outstanding minor repairs have recently been carried out, including fitment of a new blower pipe and firing chute, re-machining of a leaking clack shut off valve, and rectification of an engine oil pressure problem followed by an engine oil change.  The loco will shortly be fitted with a new fire grate to replace the rapidly disintegrating one currently held in place with a piece of angle iron secured to the sander pipe by fencing wire.

No.2 Lion – This loco is currently being fitted with sliding cab shutters and is likely to be hydraulic tested at the same time as Asbestos.  The saddle tank has been sent away for repair by contractors and should return shortly in pristine condition.

S100 – The major work being carried out on this loco is still the construction of a machine for grinding the hornguides, which posed more problems than had originally been anticipated.

No.7  Ruston – This loco is still in good running order although there was a minor mishap in July.  After its having stood unused for a number of weeks, the engine bent a pushrod during start-up.  Further investigation revealed that one of the fuel elements in the injection pump was also seized.  Repairs were affected fairly quickly and the engine appears to start more easily than it has for a long while.

No.9 Fowler – This loco is now running reliably and sharing shunting duties with No.7

Smith Rodley 5 ton crane – This vehicle has received a lot of attention recently in preparation for forthcoming work on the track.  The bodywork is being repaired with new windows and a complete repaint.  Work is also being carried out to repair the wooden floor and fit a guard around the open gearing in the cab.

 Permanent Way News

A prefabricated concrete platform has been acquired from the Severn Valley Railway and will shortly be brought to Chasewater.  This is obviously ideal for Willow Vale Halt and will be far superior to the sleeper built affair originally proposed.

Work has continued on extension of the track past Willow Vale in addition to maintenance of the existing running line.  The increased number of working members mentioned in the last magazine seems to have been more than maintained to the extent that we are handling the 45ft and 60ft rails with relative ease.  Unfortunately the overhead power lines which pass over this section of line preclude the use of the crane for quite a distance either side.

Carriage & Wagon News

Activities in this department have continued to increase so that there are currently a number of historic coaches and even wagons being worked on, as follows:

Midland four wheel passenger brake – Following extensive research, this vehicle is being restored to its original Midland Railway condition.  This has so far involved the removal of various post-MR additions, such as the internal partition, door and a bench seat.  Part of the roof is being rebuilt and various bad body panels renewed.

Manchester, Sheffield and Lincoln six wheel coach – Restoration of this vehicle has continued with renewal of broken windows and repair or replacement of damaged body panels.

Great Eastern six wheel passenger brake – Restoration of this long-abandoned vehicle has also recently commenced, initially with the stove, but also body panels and windows.  Hopefully the boiler from S100 which has blocked its movement for a number of years will soon be removed to the shed yard allowing the Great Eastern to be moved again.

Ex Cammel Laird hopper wagon – Having been little used since the hopper body was removed for scrap a number of years ago, this wagon has now been completely decked over with chequer plate to form a very sound flat wagon.  Minor repairs have also been carried out to the brake linkage and the whole thing painted in Tri0ang Big-Big Train bright blue.

Wooden five plank wagons – Both of the two examples of this type of wooden framed, wooden bodied wagons at Chasewater have badly deteriorated over the years.  At last a start has been made on one of these to renew all the rotten timbers in the floor and sides.

DMU Coaching stock – The Gloucester and Wickham trailer cars have remained coupled together as our passenger train throughout the season.  The left hand side of the Gloucester, which for some reason always seems to be more susceptible to body rot than the other, has received a few more patch repairs and a repaint.

The Wickham power car has remained in use as the station buffet.  However, when the new portacabin is opened for business, this coach could re-enter passenger service, steam hauled, or even under its own power.

New Acquisition – One of our members has just purchased from BR via Tyseley diesel depot, a DMU centre car.  Full details are not yet available, although it is No.59444, asbestos-free, in excellent condition and until very recently running on BR.  Further details, and hopefully an article, will appear in the next magazine.  This of course makes possible some very interesting train formations and raises the question ‘will we shortly be needing longer platforms?’

General News From The Line

A large portacabin has been acquired and will be put next to the booking office, and when fitted out will become the station buffet.  Mains power will be provided from the newly rewired site supply and it is rumoured that running water will also be plumbed in.

Photo: N.Canning

Work has continued on tidying up the station area by clearing away the assorted rubbish which continually seems to appear from nowhere.  Grass is now being encouraged to grow in the area in the middle of the run round loop to form a rough lawn and kept trimmed with a strimmer.  The stationary engine displaced by the new buffet is likely to be permanently mounted in the middle of the loop, and possibly made operational by a buried pipe to a compressed air or steam supply from one of the locos.

Sewer pipes have been run from the portacabins and portaloo out into the culvert in the park.  Most of the trench digging was done by a rented (cheaply!) JCB but a lot of work had to be finished off by hand.  This involved around a dozen or so people and is another example of what can be achieved by our steadily expanding volunteer workforce.

Stop Press

Following a problem with the release of the portacabin mentioned above from its current owners, a further two smaller portacabins have been acquired and arrived on site on December 1st.  Due to various problems, these units took two days to unload from the lorry and a further three Sundays to winch them through the fence and into position.  There are plans afoot to make one of the cabins into a mess room for members, and the other into a washroom with showers, lockers, etc.

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Chasewater Railway Museum – Bits and Pieces 72, December 1976

Posted on November 10, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 72 – Dec 1976

The Railway Preservation Society Newsletter

Chasewater News – Part 1

From the ‘Editorial’

Less than 24 hours ago, I was standing in the compound with a group of members, discussing the lack of recent Society literature, when jokingly I suggested I could piece together a newsletter.  Well here I am trying to write one.

Sincere apologies are due for the non-arrival of ‘Chasewater Express’ No.3, due to printing problems, etc.  Hopefully the next edition will revert to the magazine format, which has produced some favourable comments. (Sorry folks – it didn’t!).

Much activity has taken place at Chasewater during the long dry summer and the short wet autumn.  No less than three engines have been seen in steam at Chasewater this year, a record for the Society.  It is estimated that over 8,000 people visited us, so there is every confidence of getting into five figures in 1977.  ‘Alfred Paget’ the Neilson 0-4-0ST handled the bulk of the season’s traffic faultlessly (well almost!),

Alfred Paget and Invicta

whilst ‘Asbestos’ was steamed on a couple of occasions, but succumbed to rotten tubes in August and so was taken out of service pending the annual boiler inspection.

The big news however has been the completion of the overhaul of ‘Invicta’ the Barclay 0-4-0ST and its use in service pulling the vintage train on a couple of occasions at the end of the season.  Already it has proved to be quite powerful, despite its somewhat diminutive size.  Many thanks are due to Mike Wood for the purchase of this engine.

The boiler inspector has visited the site and passed ‘Alfred Paget’ and ‘Invicta’ for use next year, subject to steam tests.  Unfortunately ‘Asbestos’ is due for a major test entailing the removal of tank and lagging, so it may not steam next year, for the first time in five years. 

Paget with Asbestos

It is hoped that work will start on the Peckett 0-4-0ST ‘Lion’ in the New Year, so there is plenty of work for anyone interested in loco repairs – don’t be shy, come and volunteer to strengthen our loco fleet.

Both ‘Invicta’ and ‘Paget’ are to be repainted prior to next season.  The little Barclay, ‘Lion’ and the Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST have been repainted this summer, considerably improving the ‘scrap-yard’ image of the compound.  The planned repaint of ‘Asbestos’ will also be done, made easier by the need to dismantle it.

The other major scene of activity has been the current terminus of the line where the burning embankment has been dug out and refilled with non-combustible material.  The track here has been slewed across to avoid placing stress on the edge of the embankment.  Further relaying has taken place using concrete sleepers, extending the line by 50 yards or so.  Many thanks to Colin Vincent for the loan of his bulldozer.

Further relaying has ceased pending purchase of the loopline from British Railways.  It seems that the purchase will have to be completed without financial aid from the Council in view of the current economic and political climate (sound familiar!).  To this end several interested bodies have offered substantial sums of money for the ‘E1’ locomotive ‘Cannock Wood’. A subject of much heated discussion at the moment. (See separate letter. In the next post – cws). The selling of E1 can only be done as a last resort, if all other means fail.  Any sensible suggestions regarding fund-raising, etc. should be forwarded to the Hon. Sec.

Other progress has been seen with regard to re-fencing of the compound following two break-ins, when £40 worth of relics were stolen from the museum vehicle.  The police have the addresses of the probable culprits so the items may be recovered.

Major Olver of the Railway Inspectorate visited the line and was reasonably satisfied with the current state of affairs – the full report will appear in the next magazine.  It is to be hoped that the Chasewater Light Railway Company will finance the repainting of the DMU coach, so that it can match the current excellence of the two six-wheelers.

The Model Railway Exhibition held in September was another financial success, though the level of help, especially of the Friday night, was poor.  Many thanks to Andrew Louch, the organiser and to Mr. and Mrs. Duffill for the refreshments.

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Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces No. 71, April 1976

Posted on October 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 71

From the ‘Chasewater Express’ April 1976

I have no idea where the picture of the LP came from – it’s not on my preview or anywhere else on this post??

Editorial

Steve’s Bit

Considerable activity has been occurring on site in recent weeks. This is no doubt due largely to the long stretches of dry and sometimes mild weather. I hardly need say however, that those present were more or less the usual crowd. Still, spring is near, and the prospect of a few more members turning out occurs as a dream to those of us tied to the site every weekend. There are many fingers to be pulled out and bumps in the track to be smoothed, as well as a crossing and a siding to be laid, engines and carriages to be cleaned, painted, steamed and pulled in order to grab any stray waif, family of four or local loony for a ride, on which we depend so very much for our cash intake. The Society has ‘just about’ ticked along financially – we must this year raise enough cash for active members to realise their ambitions, i.e. re-panel and refit what is known as the ‘Football Special’

The LNWR compo brake; and more importantly, the TPO, which is in a shocking state for a vehicle of its importance.

Travelling Post Office at Hednesford.

Engines too need cash, which they tend to consume in greater quantities than coal during the period of their restoration – not to mention Keith Sargeant.

Steve Organ – Editor, Station Master and Order of the most meritorious school of tipyng errrorz.

(Listen for loud popping noises as people pull their fingers out in what for many will be their only physical response to this apple peel!)

Not to mention K.S. who complained that he wasn’t mentioned enough in the last mag!

Chasewater Site Notes

Some lunatic has stuck pieces of wood in the platform, painted them pink, and left them – saying nothing to anyone regarding them. (This is a sight worth seeing! Ed.)

Invicta arriving 1975

Mike Wood has been seen in his role as scrubber extraordinaire (Special duties – preparing his engine Invicta for painting prior to its introduction to Chasewater service, at… well let’s say ‘as soon after April 11th as possible.  Said scrubber Mike, ‘this is going to look the most impressive engine at Chasewater.  It is going to be rather lavishly lined over Easter, you know’. (Not to mention this last bit to Keith Sargeant, the Neilson freak!)

The LNWR full brake has been completely painted and laid out as a museum.  Nearly 1,500 square feet of wall space is now devoted in this vehicle to the exhibition of relics, as well as exhibits in cases therein ( not to mention the nameplates of Alfred Paget, which are to be fixed by K.S. to the Neilson at some point in the future, we are given to hope). (Vaguely).

Concrete sleepers? Bloody ‘ell mate, what do you think we are, main line to Euston?  I mean – what? Donated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries? Lying in the grass at Lichfield for years?  Enough for seven lengths did you say?  Bloody ‘ell mate, how many?  22 letters to get them?  Three cheers for DEREK JUNIOR!

The Midland is being spruced up externally and painted properly internally in order to preserve it until we have time and money to do it properly.  If any member would like to dismantle and rebuild two of the doors on this vehicle, would he please come to the site and report to Andrew Louch or Steve Organ?  Ta.

The Great Western water tower, complete with tower, tank and cap were cut up on site and removed during the week ending 20th February.  We know not the perpetrators of this terrible deed – the police have no idea.  What to do?  Someone buggered off with two tons of steel and no-one saw them.  We have our suspicions but no proof.

Credits:

Pink posts – Steve Organ

Invicta scrubbing – Mike Wood

LNWR brake – Albert Haywood, Derek Junior, Nigel Canning, Steve Foster, Barry Bull, Richard Louch, Andrew Louch (who painted the doors a different green to the rest of the vehicle – is this man colour blind?), Adrian (I don’t know his surname but he’s nearly always here).

The Midland – As the LNWR brake, plus Steve O.  Not to mention K.S., who is preparing Invicta, in league with Derek Luker and Brian Hames. Advertisements

Occasionally, some of your visitors may see an advertisement here,

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Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 70

Posted on October 20, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 70

From the ‘Chasewater Express’ April 1976

A poem which follows on from the previous post

The Neilson without nameplates and Asbestos

Neilson  – complete with Alfred Paget nameplates

One of the ‘Puddings’

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Chasewater Railway Museum – Bits and Pieces No.69

Posted on October 16, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 69

More from the ‘Chasewater Express’ January 1976

Editorial

The Editor wishes to state that he is in no way responsible for the ensuing passages, which emanate from the pen of a Black Country ex- butcher who nowadays works (?) for the only railway company in the country which is known to have in its stocklist a few hundred Brush 4s, a couple of dozen class 87 locos, etc.  Spelling and grammatical errors are his, not mine.

The Restoration of a Rusty Beast

Or

The Gospel According to Keith Sargeant

One particularly wet and generally normal Chasewater morning whilst shovelling (rubbish!) out of one very rusty coal bunker, I thought ‘will this thing ever go again?’ ‘’Course it will’ cried D.Luker, as he walked by for the tenth time that morning.

Well, it does go now and I will attempt to show how it was done.

In the winter of 1973/74, the boiler was stripped down and cleared of all the rotten lagging upon it, the firebox was cleared out in the space of one Sunday, the smokebox, however, was a completely different matter.  A very crude but effective spark arrester was cut out, never to be replaced; the next four hours (was!) were spent devoted to the removal of the blastpipe which was only held in with two taper cotters.  Evidence of neglect was showing through, on removal of the blastpipe a cup of tea was summoned and obtained.  ‘I’m not working on that thing in the rain any more’ Derek grunted through a sort of mist that arises off Chasewater tea.

The next weekend was devoted to building a ‘Tent’ upon the loco and fitting electric lights up to work on the loco in the dark.  Once it was completed, three weeks were devoted to clearing off the front tube plate.  To our horror, Derek’s clearing off of this revealed that the tube plate was less than half its original thickness for most of the lower 3” and non-existent at the flange with the barrel.  The smokebox bottom, which is formed of an extension of the boiler barrel, was also gone without trace.  A very awesome sight that left us wondering if the knuckles we had lost were lost in vain.

Work was suspended while Derek went cap-in-hand to the man with the money to ask for £300 which the Society had not got.  The remarkable thing was, they gave it to him.  He then got in touch with a bloke what mends boilers and after lengthy discussions with our boiler inspector and the boiler mender it was decided that the boiler was in such a good state that it was worth spending money on expensive repairs to it.  The contractor’s job was to replace 13 1” rivets and build up the smokebox tube plate to its original thickness and build up the corners of the firebox likewise.  This work was carried out in the space of three days, and restoration by Society members then re-commenced.

During the repairs, 10 flue tubes were replaced – bloody good ones they were too.  All boiler fittings were overhauled and replaced.  The regulator valve was taken home by Derek to Stafford where his neighbours were worried at the sound of him grinding ‘IT’ on the hearth rug.

The boiler was hydraulically tested and passed with flying colours.

Now with the boiler out of the way, the mechanics were looked at – ‘Boy, what a mess!’

4 tattered main bearings, 2 seized pistons, no side rods brassed, 2 valve spindles worn like egg-timers, and a partridge in a pear tree – PEAR TREE! Oh yes Boyo, we spent a few hours in there sampling the delicious tremblings, Boyo!

Work was suspended from the summer of ’74 to the winter of 74/75 fro work to be done on ‘Asbestos’, and also we built a workshop containing several mechanical works of art enabling Derek and Brian to while away the winter months machining the main bearings.  When they were done and fitted, the loco was lowered back on its wheels, the boiler was lagged and the tank was found to have more holes in it than a hairnet!  Six weeks were taken filling these in – we found the rest when it was on the loco!!

The loco was re-mated with the tank and the (Barkeus? Sorry, can’t decipher – Editor) nicely patched up and painted a delicate shade of black and red.  Now we had what looked almost like a steam loco, it was then decided to borrow the lubricator off of the Hudswell-Clarke.  This is where Brian Hames came into his own.  His short, Coal Board figure was just the ticket for getting round the little bits of engine that get in the way when you are laying lubrication pipes all over the place.  After that was done a steam test was made, the boiler steamed well and the injectors worked like two humming birds.  After eight months derelict and 18 months stripped down, only one leak in sight – and a very tiny one from a blown joint at that!

Now the moving parts.  As she stood they listed two seized pistons and valves, two weighbar shaft bearings (ready for a gallop) and one very rusty steam brake valve, complete with bent brake gear (a relic from Bruno days).  Something tells me I have (Sorry about this next bit of indecipherable script – Ed.) Wol’t fhat Bit a £ove –

After re-metalling the four main bearings and weighbar shaft brasses we set to putting it together again, first the pistons and valves, the valves took a lot of buggering about with and a great deal of patience on Derek’s part.  The siderods took about twelve weeks to fit as we had to make all the brasses from a similar but younger loco.

When Alfred Paget (as we had decided to call it) was back together again and had been made to look respectable with the aid of two gallons of black paint, we steamed it – what a day!!

06.30 we lit the fire and raised steam Lewis fashion (slowly – Ed).  By 11.00 we had got 50 lbs of steam, and it would not budge – what had we forgotten to do, I thought?  ‘Give it a nudge’ said a very dirty and unhygienic NCB Brian.  So we did.  Chuff, chuff, wheeze she went, like a ‘Super D’ with not a bit of trouble.  The brakes didn’t work  for a few weeks until they were worn in – but now we have one beautifully repaired Neilson 0-4-0ST loco of 1882 vintage and it was in steam for the 150th Anniversary to boot!

No mention yet has been made of the carriage and wagon tapping fraternity who are a body of MEN?? Who delight in making life difficult for us engine bashers.  Still, as I haven’t mentioned them before, I won’t bother now!!

Jotted by the most photographed driver at Cheesewater and published by the Keith Sargeant Appreciation Society.1975 Open Day – He’s in the middle! Andrew Louch on the right, with Brian Hames on the left.  Thanks Bob.

Summary of dimensions

Neilson standard 14” design

Weight: 28tons

Overall length: 23’ 7”

Height: 10’ 10”

Boiler Pressure: 120 lbs/sq.in.

Tractive Effort: 8885 lbs.

Cylinders (Outside) 14” x 20”

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Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 68

Posted on October 15, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 68

From the ‘Chasewater Express’

January 1976

Editorial

Steve’s Bit

Here we are, into 1976, and once again the Society is crying out.  Crying for cash and for help.  Once again it is up to members to try and help us over the winter patch, which, as in other years, is hit by poor attendance of volunteers.  Our Society is by no means unique in this respect.

I ask you then to do this:  there is enclosed in this mag a loose membership form: persuade a friend to fill it in and send it to us.  If each member gets just one new member, then our workforce should double.  Sounds glib – but is it too much to ask?

Hope you like the new magazine.  This is the ‘cheap’ winter edition, with duplicated insides, but the summer edition – in April – which will be on wide sale to non-members, will be a classier affair altogether.

Your adverts are welcome – send them to me.  I intend to widen our circulation by acting as a ‘Notice Board’ for vendors and collectors of Railwayana.

Steve Organ, Hon.Editor

Steve Organ has now taken over the editorship of the newsletter, though he tells me that he is going to modify the format slightly.  I must thank Steve for relieving me of the job, which has at times been rather difficult to achieve due to business commitments,

We are in the winter now and a difficult time to try and maintain our stock and locomotives at Chasewater due mainly to a lack of covered accommodation.

We are now in our sixteenth year, and can be fairly called a viable society; we do emphasise, however that we must have all the help that anyone can give, to continue to be viable.

Laurence Hodgkinson and I made a very enjoyable trip to Ludgvan, near Penzance, during November, and collected six gas lamps intact from an old GWR clerestory body – this entailed a lot of hard work, particularly for Laurence, who had to cut through all the plumbing.  We returned through fog, gale and rain to offload the lamps at Chasewater around midnight that evening.

Our sincere thanks to Mr. Davey Thomas who owned the coach body for his generosity and hospitality.

May I wish everyone a prosperous and happy New Year – Dave Ives – President.

I hope that at least one of these lamps will be restored and on the exhibition stands this year – Editor.

Recent Happenings at Chasewater

A pump handle trolley (YES, BUSTER KEATON STYLE!) has been restored to working order after many years of use as a timber stand.  Already, since being commissioned around 1st January, it has claimed two victims.  First Rob Duffill, who has a wrenched arm, and now Barry Bull, who the Machine’s handle lifted from the platform and hurled him through the air, to be deposited, muttering oaths and obscenities, into the Chasewater quagmire. (No photographs are available so I may ask them for an action replay!!). Thanks are due to John Elsley for the restoration of this museum piece for our torture-chamber exhibit.

The line has now been relaid and ballasted to the BR Boundary, but much packing is needed.

Negotiations twixt BR and the Council continue – developments hoped for very soon.

The compound is now fully lit by 240 volt lighting equipment – thank you Brian Hames.

Invicta arriving July 1975 – D.Bathurst’s collection

Invicta, the 0-4-0ST Barclay, ex Chatham Docks, has passed its hydraulic test – steaming soon.

Staging has been erected alongside the MSLR coach for public viewing.

Harold Wilson, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister has made a donation to Society funds (true!)

Original Stones lighting equipment for the ‘Paddy Train’ LNWR bogie brake compo is on order – thank you J.C.James

The TPO has been re-roofed and glazed.

Chairman’s Message

Once again we are well into the closed season, a time when the Railway has to be made ready for the next season of passenger operation.  This is a vital time for the Society, for if we are to operate trains we must make good the wear and tear of last year and make improvements where necessary, and whenever possible, and to do these things, we need YOU!  You are the Society’s greatest asset – without you we do not exist!

Working members are about 5% of the Society’s membership – a good percentage when compared to other Societies – i.e. SVR’s 4%.  Unfortunately for us, our membership as a whole is much less than the SVR, so I would urge you to take up the Editor’s scheme – with the enclosed form get just one new member, more if you can, and really help the Society in this way – if you can’t help on site, is this too much to ask?

We will start the season with two steam locomotives and soon there will be three, next year probably another will be added – these are as well as diesels – never before has the Society been in a position of such strength, but this alone is not enough.  We need track to run on, serviceable vehicles, coaches, to carry fare-paying passengers and station staff.

Come and help us then.  Make 1976 a year to remember.  If you cannot come to Chasewater but can offer us some other service, or have constructive proposals to make, please write to us via the editor.  Best wishes for the New Year – Albert Haywood, Chairman.

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Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 67

Posted on September 23, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 67

RPS Newsletters No. 14, 15 & 16  May – Oct 1975.

From No.14

I am pleased to report a fair influx of new members these last couple of months, several of these members have already proved their worth and capabilities.  I only wish that a few of our absent, long-standing members could pay a visit to the site now and again, I am sure that they would enjoy the odd weekend.

Trackwork

A very good effort has been done by our track laying gang, the bed has been levelled, sleepers and rail relaid almost to the underbridge.  A splendid effort by the usual stalwarts!!

Maryport & Carlisle Carriage

Work is progressing slowly but surely towards the final repaint of this vehicle, this carriage is being shown at the Stockton & Darlington 150th Railway Anniversary Exhibition at Shildon, Co. Durham.  It is going to be a race against time to finish it by the end of July!!  A few more skilled painting volunteers would be very welcome.  Messrs. Pomlett Sen & Jnr, I am pleased to report have answered the call, but further help would be very much appreciated.

Horizontal Single Cylinder Engine, Staffordshire Industrial Archaeology

This engine has been collected by the RPS and is now undergoing restoration on Chasewater site.  Staffordshire Industrial Archaeological Society have promised help in this work.  During this excursion the Midland Railway horsedrawn box van was loaned to Shugborough Museum.  (It’s still there – Jan 2011).(Back home for a couple of years now – 2020)

The horse-drawn box van can just about be seen to our left of the building

Spring Bank Holiday – Sunday and Monday

Thanks must be expressed to all members running the trains over this period, the effort was quite fruitful.  Thanks to Andrew Louch, Albert Haywood and helpers who prepared the site and erected the Birkenhead Railway Bookstall, this bookstall has great potential.

The bookstall is top left in the picture – above ‘BROW’ of Brownhills West

Thanks again to Mr. J.C.James for purchasing same.  A large number of visitors also went round the compound.  Many thanks to the stewards who held the fort in the TPO and LNWR brake.

LNWR, TPO & 60ft Brake

Urgent maintenance work is required on the roof of the TPO during the dry summer months.  Volunteers please!!  Rob Duffill has also made a start on the painting and restoration of the second half of the LNWR brake, he would appreciate help in this venture, also painting of the exterior of both vehicles.

Dave Ives.  President & Editor.

 

From No.15

We are still in the midst of this marvellous weather, what a glorious summer indeed.  We have had a long run of steaming and train running these last two months, but takings, alack, have been sadly down on last year, also lack of members to run the trains, the task of running the trains has fallen yet again on the same old crew.  May I appeal for members to get over to Chasewater and give a turn, we shall be running until October.

This month of course sees the 150th Anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, I expect and hope most members will attend.  As most members are aware, we are exhibiting the Maryport & Carlisle carriage, also we are manning a sales stand.  Barry Bull, our Hon. Sec. is in charge and would appreciate a little help, he will be on duty all week from 25th August to the 31st – a long stint.  We shall appreciate a little help in this direction.  We also look forward to a good attendance at the AGM in September, see separate notice from the Hon. Sec.

Maryport & Carlisle CarriageM & C  on show at Shildon

Andrew Louch has truly done a first class job getting this vehicle ready for the Anniversary.  I am sure it is really credit due to him and his few helpers!  All members will be sorry to learn that Andrew’s mother has broken her ankle, with an unfortunate accident at their home.  All members, along with me, will I’m sure wish her well during what will be a drawn out recovery.

Neilson Locomotive

Work continues to progress on this engine.  I understand that we should see her moving, possibly in service, before the season ends.

Pump Action Mechanical Trolley

Keith Sargeant has spotted and bought a trolley for the Society.  We are however having a members’ whip round to offset the cost for Keith.  The total amount being £30 + transport.  £19 has been donated to date.  Please don’t forget to add the odd £1 next time you renew your subscription.  The trolley will be a valuable acquisition.

Dave Ives – President & Editor

From No.16

Several events have now come and gone since the publication of the last Newsletter.  The 150th Anniversary at Shildon was probably amongst the most memorable.  The Cavalcade at the end of the week was to me the most memorable and unforgettable experience.  A lot has already been said and reported on this subject, but I still have my personal experience, one that I would not have missed!!  Our very sincere thanks to our Hon. Sec., his friend Ken, Adrian Pearson, Iain Patterson, Andrew and Richard Louch and Bob Ives, Mike Wood and Gerald Wildish for manning the RPS Stand at Shildon through a long and somewhat arduous week.  I understand that a clear profit in the region of £350 was made.  A truly excellent effort on the part of the above mentioned members.

My wife and I also had an invitation to attend the Official Opening of York Railway Museum by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh.  This again was quite an impressive ceremony, and of course yet again, a chance to meet several old friends and colleagues.  I understand that a visit to York Railway Museum is being planned by one or two Chasewater members; it is certainly well worth a visit.

AGM

The meeting was quite well attended this year, the highlight event being after the meeting and members were able to participate in trips behind the Neilson down the line.  I am sure that all members were thrilled to make this trip and sincere thanks to loco staff and operating staff for the wonderful effort put into getting this loco back in working order.

Maryport & Carlisle Carriage Exhibited at Shildon

We are all justifiably proud of the fact that this carriage was duly exhibited at Shildon.  We must again thank Andrew Louch and his helpers for making this possible.  We had the misfortune to have two door handles stolen by a ‘souvenir hunter’; these were replica handles but will cost the Society something like £10 to replace.  We must all agree that this was a despicable act!!

Progress at Chasewater

The running season has now come to a close.  Passenger receipts this year were a little down on last year, but this is to be expected with the expensive, inflationary times we live in.

Miniature Railway

Albert Haywood very successfully negotiated with the Council (Walsall) for the RPS to run and maintain the 7½” gauge railway in the park.  This has been operated and run by our members during the closing weeks of the season.  This should prove a very worth-while project, the Society receiving 50% of passenger receipts.  Our very grateful thanks to Albert and his operating staff, Ted West and Colin Finch.

(I haven’t managed to get a photo of this yet – can anyone help, please?)

Trackwork

This arduous but necessary work continues, thanks to our general Manager Derek Luker and his gang of stalwarts.

Platform

The slotted signal at our original Brownhills West Station

Steve Organ (that’s the first time that I’ve seen that name mentioned!) has made good progress with the station platform, he intends to extend it to its full length during the winter season, weather permitting.  The Cannock Wood Colliery signal has been installed, a start signal, this is all good progress, thanks to Steve and his helpers.

Cannock Forum Theatre RPS Exhibition

This exhibition was held again fro the third occasion and was a great success, financially and publicity wise.  Our sincere thanks to Andrew Louch, the organiser, Barry Bull, our energetic Hon. Sec. and all other members who helped with this successful event, in particular to the non-stop catering team led by Rob Duffill.  I understand that a profit of £125 was made.

Nigel and Helena Hadlow

Our very sincere congratulations to Nigel and his wife on their marriage in September.  Nigel is one of our stalwart members, having served the Society for some 15 years.  I am sure that all members will join in wishing them a long and happy marriage.

Obituary

Eric Haswell.  It is with sadness and regret that I write these lines.  Eric died suddenly whilst on a visit to our old friend Teddy Boston at Cadeby Rectory on Tuesday 14th October.  I am sure that all members will sadly miss that tall figure at the exhibition, with that wonderful talent for locomotive drawing.  Thus passes another Gentleman.

Dave Ives – President and Editor.

After something like 30 years outside, the Maryport & Carlisle could do with another Andrew Louch!!

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Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces No.66 April 1975

Posted on September 13, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces No.66 April 1975

RPS Newsletters No. 12 & 13, Jan – April 1975.

Again two for the price of one! – But sadly no number 11!

From No.12

Neilson 0-4-0ST

This locomotive has had a stationary steam test and the reports prove very favourable.  Derek Luker informs me that the next step will be valve gear and motion.  We should see this loco in steam with ‘Asbestos’ this season.

Maryport & Carlisle Carriage

Work steadily progressing but more help is needed as the carriage must be ready for August this year for the Stockton & Darlington Anniversary.

Track Laying

Work has now commenced lifting track.   The track bed will be re-aligned and the rail relaid, sleepers will be replaced where necessary.  This job must be completed before commencing the season’s running.

North Eastern Railway Van

A hasty repair job was done to the roof of this vehicle.  The canvas roof loading flap was ripped to shreds during the weekend gale of Saturday 25th January.

Mr. J.C.James of Liverpool recently acquired a station bookstall from the Birkenhead Railway.  This has been delivered to Chasewater and should prove a useful item.  Our grateful thanks to Mr. James.

Notes from Barry Bull, Hon. Sec.

The two meetings already held were quite well attended with 25/30 people on each occasion.  There were to be two further meetings at Aston University , one in March about ‘Main Line Steam’ and the other in May about ’Spanish Steam in 1963’. This to include both main line and industrial steam, and some real antique British built locos.

Sales Stand

With another season ahead we have been busy obtaining items for the sales stand.  In the past we have had to rely very much on the generosity of members in donating second-hand mags, etc. for resale.  In recent weeks our thanks must go to Nigel Canning, Rob Duffill and Laurence Hodgkinson for giving many suitable items for resale.  If any other members have any photos, relics, magazines, etc. which they would like to donate or perhaps sell at reasonable prices, would they please contact the Hon.Sec.  It is worth recalling that sales for the last 12 month period to July 1974 together with social activities raised £274 – remember ‘Sales Support Steam’.

From No.13

We are now attempting to get ourselves geared up for the season’s running, the actual news will follow in items listed below. All members will sympathise (after a period of considerable and very cruel laughter!!) with Barry Bull, our Hon. Sec. who unfortunately broke his ankle playing football during February.  Barry, although partially immobile, has managed to get over to Chasewater and cleared the decks for action in the sales portion of the LNWR brake (It takes more than a broken ankle to keep Barry away from his vacuum cleaner!!). He is of course doing an immense amount of work on the correspondence side for the Society.  We all wish Barry a speedy recovery.  I know he is itching (!) to throw those crutches away.  Just a final word on this matter, may we advise Barry, in future, it is far safer at Chasewater RPS site than playing football on Sunday afternoons!!

Asbestos

I understand from the loco dept that this engine will be in trim for the forthcoming season, let us hope that it will be a busy one!  PS Two tubes were hastily fitted on Easter Monday morning!

Neilson

I am also assured that this locomotive will also be assisting with the season’s traffic later this year, a few last minute snags have yet to be sorted out.

Trackwork

In spite of the inclement weather, our usual stalwarts have been very busy lifting track, the bed is being levelled by Colin Vincent with his bulldozer and should be relaid during April. This effort is very praiseworthy, our sincere thanks to all participating in this hard graft.

Birkenhead Rly Bookstall

It is hoped to assemble this bookstall as a ticket office and sales stand this season.  We are of course short of volunteers for this operation, more about manpower appeal in a later item.

Maryport & Carlisle CarriageMaryport & Carlisle Carriage with No.21 – D. Bathurst Collection

Work is going ahead slowly with this vehicle, due in the main to the weather, and the call for manpower on other jobs.  The carriage has to be ready for the 150th Anniversary at Darlington, by the end of July at the latest.  Volunteers for painting please!

DMU Trailer Coach

A thorough cleaning of the interior is taking place, in readiness again for the 1975 running season, this should be completed by Sunday April 6th.

Manpower, Womanpower Appeal!!

May we once again appeal most earnestly for manpower during this special year, viz. the 150th Anniversary of Passenger Railway Travel (Stockton, Darlington 1825).  We have plenty of restoration jobs, and in particular, a list must be drawn up for the train operating crews.  Vacancies for firemen, Guards, Stewards on trains, sales stand and ticket issuing and collector staff.  Members should report to the General Manager and Chairman Derek Luker or any senior member deputising in his absence.  Please come and help if only for a couple of times this season, we desperately require extra help this season!

NCB Slotted Signal, Cannock Wood CollierySlotted signal at our old Brownhills West Station, 1978 – D. Bathurst Collection

This signal has been kindly donated by the NCB, it will eventually join our collection of NSR and LNWR signals at Chasewater.  The NSR signals came from Pinnox Crossing, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent and were also donated by the NCB several years ago.

Discussion at Chasewater

Loco spares, carriage spares, etc., this will be held on Saturday afternoon 3.00pm , 19th April 1975. All members are invited to attend and comment.

Littleton Colliery Visit – Engine in Steam

Saturday 17th May 9.30am.  Brake van trip down the line.  Members wishing to attend contact Albert Haywood.Littleton No.5  Manning W ardle 0-6-0ST

Canal Boat Rally

Birmingham Navigation Canal Society, 10th and 11th May 1975.  Catshill Junction, Lindon Road, Anchor Bridge, Brownhills.

Dave Ives, President.

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