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174 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on February 8, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Some passenger stock and other rolling stock.

174 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News Autumn 1994 – Part 3

Carriage & Wagon News

New Acquisitions – All four of the new DMU cars mentioned in the last magazine have now arrived at Chasewater and are in various stages of repair or modification.  This now makes a total of five asbestos-free coaches available for service.  The spares for these cars are to a large extent interchangeable, and a large stock has actually been collected together over the last twelve months and stored at Chasewater.W51372

Pressed Steel Co. DMBS W51372 – Since its arrival just before Whitsun, this unit has remained coupled to W59444 to form the steam-hauled train.  A bar, removed from the Wickham, has been installed in the Guard’s compartment, and a ramp is now available to allow access for disabled passengers through the double doors.  Repainting in carmine and cream livery to match W59444 is almost complete, giving us a very smart two coach train.  The history of this car is quite interesting.  It was built in 1960 without asbestos in its construction for Paddington suburban services and was later transferred to Tyseley for use on the Cross-City line.  In 1993 it was again transferred to TML and was the first DMU used to convey contractors through the Channel Tunnel during construction and has been through to France.W59603

Derby Works centre car M59603 – This car has remained out of use since its arrival at Chasewater.  It is intended to repaint it in carmine and cream livery to match our other loco hauled stock.  This centre car was built in 1959 and used on the St. Pancras to Bedford service.  Later it was transferred to Tyseley to strengthen their 3-car 116 and 117 sets from 3-car up to 4-car.

Derby Works centre car W59444 – This car has remained in service, running since Whitsun coupled to W51372 on steam-hauled trains.  The repaint into carmine and cream livery has recently received the finishing touches of lining and numbers.W51370

Pressed Steel Co. DMBS W51370 & DMS W51412 – This class 117 DMU has been purchased by Steve Organ for use at Chasewater.  Built in 1960 without asbestos in their construction, these two cars worked out of Paddington until they were transferred to work over the Cornish branch lines.  They eventually ended their working lives at Tyseley.  Both cars were in excellent condition on their arrival at Chasewater due to work carried out on them by our members whilst still at Tyseley.  They have already been put to use this summer on a number of mid-week school specials, and it is also intended to run the on non-steam Sundays and Saturdays.  Eventually the cars will be repainted in early BR green livery.

Wickhams E56171 & E50416 – Since their sale, these two cars have remained at Chasewater awaiting their removal to Llangollen.  In August contractors, paid for by the new owners, stripped both of these cars of their asbestos.  The interior of these vehicles was completely gutted right through to the steel framework and aluminium skin, which appeared to be in excellent condition.  Finally, on Monday 12th September the first car was removed by low-loader to its new home, followed the next day by the other half of the two-car set.  This has now relieved our immediate problem of lack of siding space for our own rolling stock, but more importantly, means the end of the liability of having asbestos insulated stock on our site.

Tank Wagon – Steve Organ has also purchased a tank wagon from Redditch Railway Society.  This vehicle, which is relatively modern, was built in 1963 by Chas, Roberts.  It is 15ft. wheelbase, with roller bearings and is vacuum brake fitted.  It was originally donated by Shell Oil UK and renovated by Wagon Repairs Ltd in 1981.  Whilst still in service the wagon had received a general repair in 1979.

4-Plank coal wagon – Tony Wheeler has now finished the re-paint of this wagon into the livery of the ‘Conduit Colliery’.  The only outstanding work is the renewal of one of the springs which looks to be highly dubious.The 4-plank wagon in the livery of one of our local pits, ‘Conduit Colliery’

Manchester, Sheffield & Lincoln 6-wheel coach – Work has begun on sanding down and painting the body panels of this coach.

Other Vintage Stock – Very little work appears to have been carried out on any other vehicles this summer.

Works Train – The 20-ton Great Western Toad and the Southern brake van have run together for most of the summer to form the basis of the works train.  The 21-ton steel mineral wagon which had been full of scrap has been emptied and the door hinges un-seized.  Since then it has been used to carry ash ballast to the causeway for track laying.  The flat (ex hopper) wagon has also assisted in this.  Obviously as the railway gets longer we are becoming more reliant on a works train to carry materials and provide shelter.  The middle of nowhere beyond Norton Lakeside is no place to be in the middle of winter with only a platelayer’s trolley.

Shed Fund – This fund is increasing steadily.  Meanwhile a rough track-bed has been cleared to give access to the proposed site on the side of the existing loco shed yard so that track can be laid for temporary storage of stock.

The Redditch Railway Society – Keith Day

The Society, formed 1981, whose original aims were to operate trains over the Redditch to Barnt Green Branch have given up its base and equipment at Dixon’s Sidings site, Enfield Industrial Estate, Redditch, together with plans of running trains.

It was decided by the Society that since the refurbishment and electrification of the branch, the Society’s original aims could never be brought to fruition.  On the land leased since 1983 by the Society from Redditch Council are remains of the old Redditch loco shed, which comprises of the shed wall footings and part of the inspection pit.  Apart from the track and various railway relics, the Society owned an 0-4-0DM Fowler No.410013/1948, plant N0.1301 donated to them from Garringtons of Bromsgrove.  The Society is to carry on as a film and social society.

Some 300ft. of trackwork and the diesel loco have been donated to us at Chasewater by the Society.  Lifting and dismantling of the track took place over several weekends by members of both societies.  Removal was only possible by mobile crane from access gained with consent of the cement works next door to the sidings.  Track was loaded onto lorries on Saturday 23rd April, and moved to Chasewater the same day.  The track is to be used on the causeway extension.

The Fowler, under the custodianship of Andy Mould and Chris Hatton, is to be returned to working order in Garrington’s livery in the near future, with work on its engine taking priority as it has been out of use for the last two years.

Redditch Railway Society’s tanker wagon has been purchased by Steve Organ, and was recently removed to Chasewater.

It is hoped that some members of the Redditch Railway Society will follow the loco and track to Chasewater, where a warm welcome will be given.

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172/173- Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on January 24, 2024 by | Leave a comment

172 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News Autumn 1994 – Part 1

Permanent Way News

The second and final batch of track has now arrived from Four Ashes and is being put to good use by the Permanent Way Gang.  The works train has had to spend every Sunday ‘out of section’ at the end of the causeway just to make enough room for passenger trains, as with the amount of rolling stock now on site there is insufficient siding space at Brownhills West.  The track gang have put this situation to good use, and at the present rate of progress track will be in front of the platform at Norton Lakeside well before the end of this year.

In order to quantify the progress already made, and to assist with the planning of the future extension of the line, David Bathurst has produced the chart below showing distances between various points on the railway.

All distances were measured by pushing a pedometer along the head of the rail, and sleeper ends were marked with yellow paint at 100 metre intervals.  The ‘Zero Point’ was chosen as the gate post at the end of the loco shed yard, as after the motorway is built it is likely to be the closest surviving landmark to Brownhills West station.  When the time comes, new measurements can be made into the replacement station from the same spot.

The chart shows that we are currently running passenger trains over a distance of about a mile to the present running line limit almost half-way across the causeway.  When we ultimately reach Anglesey Wharf the total distance (estimated over the final section) will be around 2¾ miles, assuming that nothing is lost or added by the repositioning of Brownhills West Station (nice dream, but that’s all!).

173 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News Autumn 1994 – Part 2

Locomotive News

No.4 Asbestos – This engine has run exceptionally well considering the dubious start to the season.  Since then a total of twenty-two boiler tubes have been renewed and seem to have cured the problem of leakage at the firebox end.  Another 124 new tubes have now been acquired and are stacked in the shed ready to complete the re-tubing at the end of the running season.  Slight weepage of a few stays and part of the foundation ring will also have to be corrected.

The latest batch of Russian coal, although somewhat smoky, is giving excellent results without the problem of clinkering inherent in the last lot.  This is just as well, as with trains running every Sunday in this summer’s hot weather the last thing anyone wants to do is rake the fire through after every other trip.

Asbestos with a three-coach test train stands on the causeway ready to return to Brownhills West

No.5 Sentinel – Progress on this loco remains slow, although the boiler is now ready for its hydraulic test.  All of the boiler fittings have been refurbished and will be hydrauliced along with the boiler.  The injector has been moved to the fireman’s side of the cab and that and the Weir pump are being re-piped in such a way  that they can be drained easily in winter to prevent frost damage.

S100 – Work has continued with the manufacture of new mountings for the brake hangers to replace the original items which were somewhat bodged and worn out.

Fowler diesel hydraulic No.422015 – Replacement injectors have been acquired and fitted to the engine of this loco with the result that its performance has been transformed.  A few other minor problems have occurred, but it has remained in regular use for shunting and works trains.

Ruston diesel electric DL7 – One of the starting air valves of this loco has had to be renewed due to a damaged seat in the original.  A fuel leak from one of the injector pipes has also been rectified.  The loco is serviceable but has remained out of use mainly due to passenger trains being steam hauled throughout July and August.

Fowler diesel mechanical No.410013 – Following arrival from Redditch this loco has had its engine de-seized, the injectors have received attention and the engine has been run.  Faults have been found with the injection pump and governor and these have now been removed for attention.  Following completion of the air system overhaul the loco should be able to enter traffic.The new Fowler stands in the platform shortly after its arrival from Redditch

L&Y No1 (Motorail No.1947) – All of the axleboxes and springs have now been stripped and rebuilt and a new bearing is being made to replace one which was stolen recently.  Once the sandboxes and inside of the body castings have been stripped and primed the loco will be ready for craning from its present position in front of the museum coach so that final erection can begin.

No.21 diesel – This loco is making steady progress, the engine is now complete but still awaiting cylinder head gaskets.  It is hoped that it may be running for the Diesel Gala which is a new event to be held for the first time in September.

Lion – Following its removal to Foxfield last Autumn this loco entered service at Easter, running initially double-headed with ‘Harwarden’ The vacuum brake hoses were apparently awkward to couple as ours at Chasewater are the opposite side to ‘normal’ to suit our DMU stock.

Smith Rodley crane – This again remained out of use awaiting a potential purchaser.  So far a couple of enquiries have been received but no offers have been forthcoming.

From the Board Room

The Board has been actively involved in a number of new initiatives, while various on-going matters have been subjected to scrutiny and, where necessary, review.  The following will be of general interest to the membership.

1.    Personal circumstances have brought about the resignation from the Board of Les Emery.  However, Les has indicated a willingness to continue with his other roles on the railway.

2.    The Board has agreed to the co-option of Company Secretary Andy Clegg to the Board.

3.    The trading name of the company has been changed to the “Chasewater Railway”.  Previous official and unofficial trading (‘Chasewater Steam Railway’, ‘Chasewater Light Railway’, etc.) are no longer considered suitable and are felt to give a misleading impression of the nature of our current and future operations.

4.    In an attempt to encourage family travel during this period of continual financial restraint, the price of the Family Rover has been reduced, until further notice, from £5.80 to £4.95.

5.    During the course of the nest few months, the Board is to produce a new business plan for the purpose of clearly defining objectives and priorities, and how they might be best achieved within the resources (including financial and manpower) expected to become available.  Associated with this proposal is the revival of the concept of departmental heads, holding pre-determined budgets, to give focus to the completion of the many and varied tasks necessary for the railway to both exist and develop.

6.    The Board has responded to a plea from Rallies Organiser Dave Whittle by delegating various aspects and responsibilities to specified individuals.  Thanks largely to the efforts of Dave, the Chasewater Rallies are rapidly gaining in reputation, with Paul Richards taking up much of the strain as Administrative Officer.

7.    On other fronts:

·        Negotiations are proceeding with HM Railway Inspectorate in relation to the extension into, and construction of, Norton Lakeside Station.

·        The railway was represented at a meeting of Chasewater user groups hosted by Lichfield DC, and arranged on a largely social basis for the various groups to meet the Members and relevant Officers of the District Council.

·        Lichfield District Council has generously offered grant aid to the railway in the sum of £1,000 by way of a contribution towards forthcoming expenditure.  This generous act by the District Council signals a solid measure of support for the railway by its new ‘landlord’.

·        Accommodation at Brownhills West has become a problem in consequence of stock acquisition, (4 DMU coaches plus one tanker wagon).  However, this should be relieved by the imminent removal of one (at least) of the Wickhams, and the Board is still anxious to dispose of the crane (preferably to a good home on another railway) as a matter of priority.

·        The transfer of records from Adrian Hall should enable Paul Richards to take up his responsibilities as Membership Officer with early effect.

·        The Board has agreed strategy towards bidding for the trackwork at Bromford Sidings, and has noted that the remaining trackwork at Four Ashes is due to transfer to Chasewater in August.

David Bathurst – Chairman.

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171 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on January 15, 2024 by | Leave a comment

171 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

Permanent Way News

Words on Synthetic Chemicals – Arthur Edwards

This story started back in October, 1993 when a Mr. James Bates of Synthetic Chemicals paid us a visit with the news that his company was doing away with its railway network, which connected with the BR Wolverhampton to Stafford line at four Ashes.  Jim told us that a number of items, some chairs and a point lever had been disconnected and were surplus.

The following weekend Paul Whittaker, Dave Borthwick, Tony Wheeler and Keith Day drove over to Synthetic Chemicals to collect the items which were brought back and stored at Chasewater.  Jim said that the company would have to consider all the pros and cons on how to deal with the demise of the rest of its railway network.

In the spring of this year we learned that Synthetic Chemicals had generously donated the rest of their track to the CLR, and on May 7th a gang of our P.Way staff went back to Four Ashes to make a start on the dismantling.  All of the fishplates were unbolted, some of the pointwork was split up and all of the keys were removed and brought back to Chasewater.

The second week was spent doing more or less the same again, at the end of which Chris Chivers informed me that the track was all ready for lifting in 60ft panels.

The next week, after mid-week phone calls, we managed to get a crew for the lift at SC.  Meanwhile back at Chasewater Ian Buswell was hard at work with the JCB levelling the site ready for the pointwork and 30ft track panels which will be used eventually for our new sidings and shed.Nothing to do with the post – just looks nice! Beattie Well Tank in Brownhils West

Over at Synthetic Chemicals three of Cotton’s artic lorries were waiting for their loads.  At around 10.30am the first lorry was ready, and Steve asked me to return to Chasewater with it to oversee the unloading.  Curly brought his lorry up, and Harold set up his crane to lift the top panel, Curly then moved his lorry further forward, and Harold dropped the panel in more or less the right place.  This process was repeated until the lorry was unloaded and the next one arrived.

At around 1.00pm on the Saturday the rain started, and did it come down?!  By about 4.30pm I was absolutely soaked.  Funnily I had brought my wet suit but it was in Steve’s car and I didn’t have time to put it on anyway.  I thought it was about time to be heading back to the station where my Better Half was waiting to get away.

Ian told me on the following day he finally got away at about 8.3pm.

The new track panels stretch from the end of our current running line right across the causeway and through the platform of the new station, and there are still another two or three loads to come.

Thanks must go to Cotton’s Transport and Safe Load Indicators who provided the lorries and cranes.

Since the arrival of the panels work has started on fishplating them all together and jacking and packing to achieve the correct level and alignment.  This method of tracklaying is obviously much quicker than our traditional way and it is likely that we will have a train in front of the new platform very shortly.

The Causeway Station NameWorks train into Norton Lakeside

At the meeting on 25th March, the Board gave due consideration to the names proposed by members for the causeway station, previously referred to by the unflattering (but geographically correct) name of ‘Norton Bog’.

Members will recall that the Board had agreed to a form of competition, so that those who submitted the name eventually adopted by the Board will receive family tickets for the day of the first official public service into the new station.

The following names were suggested by members and other interested parties:

Chasewater Lakeside, Chasewater North Shore, Lakeside, North Shore Halt, Norton Biddulphs, Norton Bog, Norton Causeway, Norton Cranebrook, Norton East, Norton Lakeside, Norton Marsh, Norton Marshes, Norton Parkside.

Nominations for ‘Norton Lakeside’ were submitted by Mr.J.P.Merriman, and Mr.Chris Hatton, both of whom will be official guests on the due date.  The three Board members who submitted the name are disqualified from the competition!!

By way of thanking the other members who took the trouble to submit suggestions, the Board has also agreed to offer a small token of appreciation.

David Bathurst – Chairman Passenger train leaving Norton Lakeside

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168 / 169 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on November 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

168 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News Winter 93 – Spring 94 – Part 4

From The Board Room – David Bathurst, Acting Chairman.

With so many initiatives being worked-up on the railway at the present time, the Board is finding itself with an ever-increasing agenda.  Indeed, the Board Meeting held on 20th December failed to complete its business and had to be adjourned.

To enable members to be aware of the work being done on behalf of the Company, it is hoped to publish from time to time a brief resumé of matters currently under consideration by the Board.

This short note is not intended to cover all details of the Board’s business, but I trust it will be of interest to members.

1.    Following damage to the park which occurred during the movement of rolling stock, which resulted in considerable correspondence from the Council, it has been agreed that all such movements must in future be cleared with the general manager, and the crossing of grassed areas under the Council’s jurisdiction will not be permitted.

2.    A framework for crew training is to be considered in conjunction with the Roster Clerk, so as to maximise the potential of prospective crew members.  This will include both steam and diesel traction.

3.    The rostering of trainee firemen under the supervision of a passed fireman will be discontinued.  Trainee firemen will in the future act under the direct supervision of the driver.

4.    Only drivers and passed firemen acting under the supervision of the driver shall be permitted to drive steam locomotives while hauling passenger trains.

5.    In view of steam locomotive footplate constraints, only rostered crew and other authorised persons (including official guests) shall be permitted to ride on the footplate.

6.    The Board has agreed to the disposal of the crane, in view of its limited use by the CLR and the liabilities associated with it.  The availability of the crane, by way of sale, is to be advertised in the railway press.

7.    Paul Richards is to assume responsibility as Membership Officer as successor to Adrian Hall.  The date for transfer of membership details has yet to be agreed, being dependent on the setting up of suitable computer software.

8.    A shed fund has been opened, with a small sum banked to set the ball rolling.

9.    In view of the shortage of siding accommodation, any future proposals to introduce further items of rolling stock to the railway will have to be cleared by a sub-committee constituted by the Board.

10.                       It is considered essential for the CLR to enter into proper agreements with private owners of rolling stock, and perhaps other plant and equipment, which is residing at Chasewater.  The introduction of such agreements is intended to provide a clearer relationship between the parties, and to protect the interests of both the CLR and the private owners concerned.

11.                       Work on the causeway restoration scheme is proceeding rapidly, and should be completed during the spring/early summer.  However, it will be necessary to obtain the approval of HMRI before long.  Thanks to a donor who wishes to be anonymous, a footbridge has arrived on site on the causeway.The recently installed footbridge at the far end of the causeway.  This bridge was located, donated and installed all in the space of a few days.  It will provide pedestrian access alongside the existing railway bridge.

12.                       Consultations are proceeding with Lichfield District Council to secure the land which will be needed in the future to extend the line to Anglesey Wharf, but this may be delayed owing to the uncertainties associated with the line of the Burntwood Western By-pass.

13.                       Consultations are also proceeding with the Birmingham Northern Relief Road promoters regarding the relocation of Brownhills West Station.  Track layouts have been prepared by Regional Railways as a basis for discussion.

14.                       The disposal to Llangollen of the Wickhams, following asbestos removal, has been confirmed by the Board, subject to suitable arrangements having been made with regard to replacement passenger stock.

169 – Bits and Pieces

169 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

From the Editorial – Nigel Canning

This issue of Chasewater News records our recent visit with ‘Asbestos’ and a brake van to Bromford Tube Works.  The majority of the magazine has been taken up by photos taken by members in an attempt to record the layout of the railway system in the works which has now sadly closed.

A great deal has been happening at Chasewater since the last issue.  Our coaching stock problem has been solved, although it may have created another one – lack of siding space; and track is being laid to the new station, which now has a name.

Locomotive News

No.4 Asbestos – This loco got through its visual examination and steam test without problem, although the Inspector did comment on the condition of some of the boiler tubes, and that if any of them failed the entire set would have to be replaced.  As if to emphasise the point, a number of tubes started to leak at Bromford following some energetic running, and have given trouble ever since.

Following renewal of the worst two tubes, the loco ran on Easter Sunday, but failed with further tubes leaking on the Monday.  After that, a further dozen tubes were renewed enabling the loco to run on Bank Holiday Sunday, only to fail again on the Monday.

Enough new tubes have been ordered to renew the entire set, some of which must be in excess of fifteen years old.  Whilst awaiting delivery of the full set, a further twelve have been renewed to enable trains to run at Spring Bank Holiday.

Apart from the tube problem the loco has continued to run well, and due to its being returned from Bromford facing the other way round, looks better hauling trains chimney first in its freshly painted green livery.

No.5 Sentinel – Very little  progress has been made on this loco due mainly to the amount of work needed to try and keep Asbestos running.  The boiler has, however, now been re-assembled, and the fittings are being refurbished off-site.

S100 – Work has continued on another of the four big leaf springs, the buckle of which was heated to expand it prior to assembly in Asbestos’s firebox. Various bits and pieces of brake rigging have also been fitted to the frames.

Fowler diesel – This loco has remained in service, used for shunting and works trains.

Ruston DL7 – In a surprise operation just prior to Easter this loco was fitted with an exhauster, valves and pipework to enable it to work vacuum braked passenger trains.  Since then it has completed several days of passenger train operation including ’extra’ non-advertised days as well as standing in for Asbestos.  Being unaccustomed to such intensive running, one of the axle boxes began to overheat, requiring stripping and cleaning.  The drive belt for the low voltage dynamo also caused a problem by disintegrating half way down the line.  This was, however, repaired fairly quickly without the train having to be rescued by another loco.  The general public appear unaware of the difference between the diesel and Asbestos, although to be fair, they are both painted the same shade of green and produce roughly similar quantities of smoke when running!

L&Y petrol loco – This loco seems to have been abandoned for the time being with various bits scattered around the station yard and loco shed.  Hopefully the re-assembly will commence shortly!

No.21 diesel – The engine for this loco is awaiting new cylinder head gaskets, and when fitted an attempt will be made to finally get it running again.

New Fowler – This four-coupled diesel mechanical loco appeared on site recently having been acquired from a preservation society in Redditch.  Following an attempt to tow-start the loco, it was found that the fuel injection pump needed repair, and this has since been removed.  Various other components have also been removed for attention so it could be some time before the loco is runnable.

Smith Rodley crane – this vehicle has remained out of use and has been pushed out of the way up No.3 road until a buyer can be found for it.

Carriage & Wagon News

New coaching stock – At long last replacements for the 2-car Wickham DMU and the recently departed Gloucester trailer have been found and began to arrive at Chasewater at the end of May.  A total of four additional vehicles have been purchased from BR, a centre car and three power cars.

The first of these vehicles, a Pressed Steel Co. motor brake second, W51372, arrived in time to run at Whitsun.  The recent history of this vehicle is quite interesting as it is one of several used by the contractors of the Channel Tunnel and has been through to France.  A maintenance record book found in the drivers’ cab refers to various faults as being at “the French end” of the train.

Ultimately it is intended to retain two of the four for use as a working DMU in BR green livery, whilst the other two will be used as loco-hauled stock.  Hopefully full details of the new stock will be included in the next magazine.

Wickhams E56171 & E50416 – The trailer car remained in service on passenger trains until just before Whitsun, when a vacuum leak in the brake system caused serious problems.  In view of the impending arrival of the replacements it was withdrawn from use.  The power car has also remained out of use.

Payment for the Wickhams has now been received from Llangollen, although a date has not yet been set for their removal from Chasewater.  This is likely to cause a space problem, as with the new arrivals there will be a total of seven DMU cars on site for a while.

Derby centre car W59444 – This coach has remained in service although it has been noticed that the surface of one of its tyres has started to flake away.  Advice is being sought as to whether it can be repaired.

20 ton Great Western Toad – This vehicle was ‘done up’ to run at Bromford Tube with Asbestos.  If nothing else it has benefited from having the rust worn off its brake blocks, as it covered most of the distance at Bromford with its brake screwed hard on!

CRC 4-plank wagon – Progress on the wagon has continued and it now appears to be back in one piece.  Tony Wheeler has started on the paintwork with the intention of finishing it in the livery of the ‘Conduit Colliery Company’.

Great Eastern six-wheel passenger brake – With the coming of better weather Dave Borthwick has started again on painting this vehicle.

Other vintage stock – No work appears to have been carried out on any other vehicles although this situation will hopefully improve during the course of the summer.

Shed Fund – This fund is now well underway so that by the time the route of the motorway is finally settled there may be enough money to make a start on this project.  Meanwhile donations will be gratefully received by the Treasurer, Chris Chivers.

I’m sorry but I can’t remember who took the photographs.

 

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166 – Chasewater Railway Bits and Pieces

Posted on October 12, 2023 by | Leave a comment

166 – ChasewaterRailwayMuseum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News Winter 93 – Spring 94 – Part 2

 From  A New Year’s Message from the Chairman

Without doubt, 1993 was a most interesting year for everyone associated with the CLR.

Obviously, the work on the ‘extension’ represents the most tangible of our successes in 1993, culminating in the decision of the Railway Inspector, Mr. Colin Law, to pass this further stretch of line in time for the Transport Rally in October.  Immediately, our running line increased by over 50% in length, enabling us to market the CLR as a real railway with a real product on offer.  With eminent guests from Lichfield District Council and Burntwood Town Council in attendance, after a very short, informal, ‘Opening Ceremony’, the Lichfield DC Vice Chairman Councillor Mrs. E.J.Bayliss waved off the 12 noon departure.  This, as with most trains that day, was virtually full, with passengers having some little difficulty in finding seats of their choice.Photo: DMB

Councillor Mrs. Bayliss subsequently wrote a most charming letter to me, and I think it is appropriate to reproduce her letter in full –

“13th October 1993

Dear Mr. Bathurst,

Thank you very much for a lovely day at the Chasewater Light Railway and Museum Company’s Annual Transport and Machinery Rally and for the privilege of officially opening the new stretch of railway line.  My husband and I found the Rally in Chasewater Park most enjoyable and interesting and we wish you well for the future.

The District Council looks forward to working with you further in the future when the whole of Chasewater comes within the boundaries of this Authority.

Yours Sincerely,

Cllr Mrs.E.J.Bayliss

Vice Chairman of Council.”

I hardly need to comment on how important it is for the CLR to enter into a good dialogue with both the elected members and officers of Lichfield DC, whose respect for the CLR will, for certain, be influenced by the professionalism with which we maintain our operations.

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164 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on September 27, 2023 by | Leave a comment

164 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News Autumn 1993 – Part 3

General Manager’s Report and Boardroom Notes – Steve Organ

At the last meeting, the Board decided that certain changes should be made to reflect more accurately the roles required to be played by certain Board members.  As a result, I have relinquished the role of Chairman after seven years in office, and have been appointed General Manager.  David Bathurst has consented to act as Chairman.  The changes reflect the fact that I have perhaps more time than other Board members to supervise works being carried out during the week, and my new role gives me the opportunity to act as a liaising officer for the various projects being worked on at the railway.  I think that the Board also wants me to have the task of seeing to fruition the various projects that I have initiated during my tenancy as Chairman!

I first wish to thank Tony Sale for the work that he carried out as General Manager for more years than I care to remember, and to say how grateful I am that he has offered to administer the engineering records and locomotive examinations, as well as overseeing the Loco Department.

When Adrian Hall and I arranged the present company and administration in 1986, and engineered the amalgamation of the old Society and Company into the present Charitable Trust, the membership made it quite clear that the most desirable change to the old ‘set-up’ was to transform the Company into a real railway, running trains all the way along our leased trackbed to Burntwood, and perhaps towards Anglesey Basin and beyond.  In the first magazine produced by the new Company, I wrote a long piece entitled ‘The Lost Causeway’, about the perilous state of the old causeway that once carried the railway across the northern part of Chasewater, then severely eroded by wave action. It was quite clear that if we were ever to fulfil our ambitions, the causeway would need a huge scheme of works tore-establish the old link.  Mindful of that, it was decided that we would seek ways of carrying out those works, whilst in the meantime rebuilding the permanent way to the causeway from Brownhills West.  David Bathurst has described in previous magazines some of the ways we have attempted to bridge the causeway gap.  That scheme is at last well under way, with well over 30,000 tons of infill having already been delivered and landscaped, with completion envisaged around December 1993.  In the meantime, tracklaying gangs have achieved a great milestone marked by a visit  by HM inspector of Railways in September, during the course of which visit we were given authority, subject to completion of certain works, to operate passenger trains to the start of the causeway on and from our Autumn Vintage and General Rally on October 10th.A recent view of the causeway showing the scale of the earthworks, and the track in place.  The pylon on the left has been demolished since this photo was taken greatly improving the scene.

The most difficult of the outstanding works are to re-pack the whole of the relaid section as a certain amount of settlement has occurred, an inevitable result of the complete rebuilding of that section of line, so any Saturday or Sunday that you have time to spare, come on down.  We will find plenty for you to do.  This doubling of the railway’s operational line with passenger traffic to the start of the causeway for the first time ever can only happen if our efforts continue apace.

August Bank Holiday weekend saw an historic event, when the first four lengths of concrete-sleepered track were placed on the new causeway.  Using a sleeper refurbishment technique developed by Dave Borthwick and Keith Day, which received very favourable comment from the Railway Inspector, a very hard worked team really showed their pace.  No further tracklaying is likely to take place before early December, as the rest of the causeway is nowhere near complete.  It is also necessary to stockpile huge quantities of ash ballast and topsoil ready for the final shaping of the causeway once the arrival and compacting of fill materials is complete, and the only place available to stockpile is on the completed areas of the causeway itself.

The station on the northern side of the causeway is under construction, and by the time you read this, the platform should be complete except for coping stones and the northern ramp.

Our aim is to open to a Civic Reception on Good Friday, 1st April, 1994.  Come and help!!!Norton Lakeside 1992

Motorway Update

Revised plans for our new relocated station at Brownhills West, with associated works yard, are under preparation by Ove Arup and Partners after consultation between Midland Expressway and the Railway’s negotiators (i.e. David Bathurst and Steve Organ).  MEL’s Consultation Manager, John Burton, has told me today (21st September) that ‘a scheme’ will be ready by mid-October.  I hope that he is right, because new sidings are urgently needed, and we must plan them to tie up with the motorway’s scheme.

The railway is an exciting place just now.  Dreams have become plans and are now hardening into reality.  All members of our group have a part to play – come and help make it so!!

Halloween Specials

Chasewater Railway (Brownhills West), Walsall, WS8 7NL

Sat 28th October 2023 – Sun 29th October 2023

Board our Terrifying Train at Brownhills West Station for a spooky trip to the Haunted Heaths, beware the Ghostly Ghouls. 

If you make it back pay a visit to our Scare Centre if you dare!!!

There will be Spooky Stories in our Blood Curdling Brake Van and the Night time Narrow Gauge in operation.

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159 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces from Chasewater News Summer 1993 –Part 2

Posted on August 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

159 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

from Chasewater News Summer 1993 –Part 2

The Re-opening of the Museum

Bob Duffill

I am sitting in a Midland Railway chair, aptly for the article, in the museum which is housed in our LNWR full brake.  The rain is tipping it down and Easter Sunday has Chris’s pipe in danger of being flooded!  As it is not very busy I’m writing this article as for some time we’ve called ourselves the Chasewater Railway and Museum Co. but have not had a museum for the last few years.

Firstly, I would freely acknowledge past members who have gathered together a very good collection of railway relics and artefacts.  The last curator  being Barry Bull, who put in many hours over the years. (This was first published in 1993, now, in 2023, 30 years later, Barry Bull is still Curator, still putting in many hours. See below).

My involvement began when, a couple of years ago, I went into the museum to tidy up and dust and polish the display cabinet.  It was soon obvious, however, that all was not well.  The roof leaked badly, the exhibits had become dirty and run down, and many items were being ruined due to lack of care and attention.

The next few weeks were spent in desperation salvaging items that had become wet and taking them home to dry out as best I could.  The house began to look like a waste paper collection point as rare items were carefully dried out.  The smaller exhibits were also taken away for safe keeping, and the larger ones moved to drier spots in the brake.

Eventually the L&NW Society found that it had enough money to re-roof the vehicle, and after much reminding and being a nuisance, Steve Organ and his helpers re-roofed the vehicle, and the top-lights were rebuilt.  Adrian Hall re-wired the vehicle and installed new light fittings.  All of the remaining exhibits were taken down and moved to one end to enable a start to be made on painting the interior.  It was decided to use the coach for Santa’s Grotto, and John Duffill did most of the scraping down and painting.  Once Christmas was over and Santa’s Grotto was taken away, I re-arranged the interior to look a bit like an office and rebuilt and varnished the display case.

Keith Poynter has made a start on painting our metal signs.  He is making an excellent job of it but it is a bit like painting the Forth Bridge, there’s a lot more to do yet!

A view of one end of the museum which has been re-roofed and re-decorated and is now open to the public once more.   Pic – Nigel Canning

Anyway, the museum re-opened on our first steaming of 1993, March 21st, it still needs work but at least we’ve made a reasonable start, and hopefully it will be an added attraction for the public, and reveal our collection to members who just did not know what we had in store.

The latest news is an attempted break-in during the week before Easter when two local youths broke open a door.  Fortunately they were heard by Chris Hatton, and he and Steve Organ apprehended one of them who will shortly be appearing in court.  The burglar alarm fitted to this vehicle is in perfect working order, so hopefully this will be our last break-in and I look forward to the museum being further re-opened in stages.

Part of the 2012 museum

Finally, if anyone has photos of the local engines or collieries we are always willing to copy them for the collection in order that we get a comprehensive display.

This final sentence still holds good in 2012.(And 2023!)

Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Van

Bob Duffill

As Tony Wheeler has been busy working on the L&Y (ex Cadbury) van recently, I have found some information on this unusual vehicle.  The original design goes back to the 1860s when an 8 ton version was introduced with a single roof door.  With the improvement in springs and wheels, this was later uprated to 10 ton in the mid 1870s.  The vans continued in production until 1916 when the last few were made, these having double roof doors.

I am unable to date ours yet, but it is between 1875-1913.  The LMS started scrapping them in earnest from the mid-1930s and ours was probably acquired by private industry shortly after.

The van should be painted in grey (Tony’s favourite colour) with white lettering, but as a change there was a variation which I feel we should adopt.  If they were shopped in Lancashire they had white roofs, but if they were shopped in Yorkshire they were painted red oxide, carrying old favours into newer times.

Some of our wooden-bodied vehicles are in fact quite interesting and well worth having restoration work carried out.  More paint to the C&W dept’s elbow! It won’t be long before we can have a decent goods train.

Barry Bull – Curator extraordinaire

Volunteer of the Year awarded to

Barry Bull, Curator, Chasewater

Railway Museum in individual

category, West Midlands Museum

Development Awards 2019

Museum Curator Barry Bull (centre)

holds his Volunteer of the Year Award,

with Chris Copp, Staffordshire

Museums Service (left) and David

Bathurst, Chair Chasewater Railway

Museum Committee (right).

If only he hadn’t dropped it!!

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158 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on July 29, 2023 by | Leave a comment

158 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

from Chasewater News Summer 1993 –Part 1

I had a ride on the train this morning, very smooth behind ‘Myfanwy’

The locals were out:

From the Editorial

The Editor observed that there was a lot of news to report about Chasewater Railway making it difficult to find space for non-news items.  This must be a good sign as it means a lot more progress is being made on our railway.

Locomotive News

No.4 Asbestos – This loco has remained in service and operated all of our passenger trains so far this season and even passed an intermediate boiler examination in May.  Efforts are still being made to cure a number of minor faults, the worst of which is a badly leaking left-hand boiler clack.  Various attempts at reseating it have failed so a replacement component is now being machined.

No.5 Sentinel – This loco passed its major five-yearly boiler examination in May with no serious repair work being necessary.  The boiler water spaces will now be shot-blasted and painted and some ninety odd ¼” whitworth studs and nuts renewed before the two halves can be re-assembled.  There is a lot of work to be done, but hopefully the loco should be completed in late autumn.

No.2 Lion – This loco also had a visit from the Boiler Inspector in May when it passed its steam test.   The only serious problem is a persistently leaking mud door on the right hand side of the firebox which will require rectification.  Completion of the vacuum brake system and a repaint is now all that is required for the loco to be ready to enter service.

S100 – Still plodding along!

Fowler diesel – This loco has remained in service, being used on works trains and for shunting.  A problem has arisen recently in that it will not start unless the batteries are re-charged immediately beforehand.  Visually it is improving week by week as it is gradually being repainted in black with red buffer beams.  Hopefully once the repaint is complete it will remain in that livery.

DL7 – Following recent work on the main engine and traction electrical system the loco is runable again.  It was used for the evening shunting on June 6th and performed well with the exception of the brake which requires adjustment.  Only minor superficial repairs and a repaint are now required to complete the job.  It is likely that we will soon have a genuine need for two diesels, as with the track being extended all the time, one will be required for the works train and the other for shunting the passenger stock.  This will be of benefit as it will ensure both locos are started and used regularly.

No.21 diesel – Work on this loco has continued with the filling, sanding and undercoating of its cast iron body members.  When painting is complete the recently repaired engine will be refitted.

Smith Rodley crane – untouched.

Carriage & Wagon News

Great Eastern six-wheel passenger brake – This coach has now, but for a few small areas of panelling and trim, been completed on the wooden superstructure.  The multi-coloured first coat of gloss has been repainted in BR blue to seal it, but unfortunately one or two of the original wooden panels have dried out and now have ¼” cracks appearing.  These will be filled again, and like the rest of the body will be monitored until stable when the top coat will be applied.  The interior of the coach remained warm and dry throughout the winter months to my disadvantage for now we have an unpaid member living-in – a mouse!  Work will soon begin on the frames so as to be ready for the coach’s 100th birthday celebration in June 1994.

CRC 4-plank coal wagon – Keith has progressed well with the re-planking of this vehicle, and during the best thunderstorm so far this year Tony Wheeler successfully freed off the seized brake rods using Calor gas heat.

Keith Poynter poses next to the CRC 4-plank wagon during a pause in restoration work.

Southern brake van – This van has become our colliery information centre, and judging by the comments overheard from visitors the prospect of brake van rides down the line would certainly be another interest which we could offer to the public.

16 ton Great Western Toad – This van has remained out of service but has now been moved to the C&W yard where restoration can begin.

Dave Borthwick

The Maryport & Carlisle coach, the Midland 4-wheel coach and the Manchester Sheffield & Lincoln coach have remained sheeted up to protect them from the weather.

Wickham DMU E56171&E50416 – a firm offer has now been received from a preservation group based at Llangollen who wish to purchase a two-car set for restoration as a working DMU.  In view of the fact that it would cost the CLR a great deal of money to strip the vehicles of their asbestos insulation, the offer has been accepted.  Exact details of the deal are yet to be finalised but the vehicles are likely to leave Chasewater later this year in return for cash or a replacement coach direct from BR.

44806 waits by Goods Junction signal box whilst the Wickham DMU set passes ...llangollen-railway.org.uk

Gloucester trailer E56301 – This vehicle has also remained out of use, and is also the subject of a purchase offer from another preservation society. The group interested in this vehicle are based at British Nuclear Fuels in Preston and need a coach to get them started in the passenger carrying business.  This coach also poses the problem of asbestos insulation.  Again, details are yet to be finalised but the coach is likely to leave Chasewater this year.

56301 at County School Station on the Mid-Norfolk Railway on 17th December … en.wikipedia.org

Derby centre car W59444 – This coach has remained in service and is quite popular with the public.  It does, however, cause the occasional headache for the station staff as with so many doors (10) the passengers sometimes manage to open them faster than the staff can shut them!  With three out of four of our revenue earning passenger vehicles set to leave Chasewater, members may be wondering how we intend to continue running a train service.  In fact replacement  (asbestos-free) DMUs are being sought, and staff at Tyseley Depot have been very helpful in this.  What will arrive and when?  Watch this space!!

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157 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on July 21, 2023 by | Leave a comment

157 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces from Chasewater News Spring 1993

– Part 3 The Very Special Day

This part of the post is written in 2023, Chasewater Railway has a regular group working on the P Way, but they could always do with more!  This post, as the introduction says, is a solute to the P Way gang back in 1993, including, in the bottom picture, a photo of Tony Wheeler, who recently passed away. Tony is on the extreme right of the pic.

A salute to our PW gang – By Dave Borthwick

It began with Keith Day phoning round mid-week to prepare everyone for the last track bash of phase 1, planned for Sunday.It was good to see all the regulars arrive, those same members who put themselves out most weekends to carry out hard, heavy work in both scorching sun and freezing drizzle.  The train left for the railhead leaving behind me – Dave Borthwick (part-timer), Keith Day and Arthur Edwards to select a pair of 30 foot match conditioned bull-head rails from the shed area.  Ian Buswell, JCB driver, with the help of Arthur slung the rail and transported it the long distance to the railhead.  Part time PW dept members like myself have constantly moaned when arriving at the railhead what a bloody long walk it has become following the recent track relaying.  Car transport is a must these days!

The JCB dropped the rail in the position it was needed and work continued as normal, selecting sleepers, chairs and keys.  At around dinner time Ian suggested hunting, catching and roasting a wild boar (because the line is really at the northernmost part of our railway world, in the wilderness), but his net had a hole in it and his mo-ped wouldn’t start, so Jonathan Clegg popped down to Tescos for 2 lb. of middle-cut bacon.  As we were unable to get enough heat from the mess van’s pot-bellied stove, a small fire was made from old sleepers and sacrificial bacon sandwiches were produced and consumed.Towards mid-afternoon our goal was reached, with sleepers laid, chairs secured, rails in keys in, jacked and packed.  The final moment had come.  Some 18 months ago, Little Tony, as we called him then, had scrubbed up and painted gold a rail key.  This was to be the ceremony, the fitting of the golden last key of the PW gang, track extension, phase 1.Amongst those present at this ceremony were Elizabeth, or Beth as she is called, surrounded by – Arthur Edwards, the oldest member of the PW gang, Tony Wheeler, who came to us three years ago and began watching from the other side of the fence and now is the hardest working member on the railway, strimming, weeding and hedging most days mid-week, especially Wednesday and Friday nights with Arthur.  Next, Keith Day who, despite family commitments and a rigorous working shift system at Bass Brewery, comes down and works on the railway’s greatest asset – the track.  Tom Mitchell, who, like Keith, comes down to the CLR to simply use the Sunday working hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm to the full on track laying and repair.  Ian Buswell, whose work with the JCB has put the PW dept schedule months ahead.  Junior members Dave Gardener, Jonathan Clegg and Paul.  Chris Chivers, whose help has been great, but recently limited due to other commitments.  Left until last purposely, is Les Emery, a man who is obviously successful in every way, chooses to come down to work in an open field and spend his day weeding, shovelling, lifting sleepers and poking life into a group of lazy ignorant peasants – author included!  Because of Les’s dogged determination he has forged a PW department  which began with a trolley loaded with shovels and tools which had to be pushed manually, making frequent trips loaded with ash ballast.  Nowadays a works train leaves Brownhills West at 9.00am consisting of a heated mess van, tool van and flat wagon, with JCB and dumper truck assistance following behind to work a full day, returning at 5.00pm.The thing that has come across from this exercise is that if you can form a group to carry out a task, results can be achieved more quickly than by individuals mooching around the railway doing odd jobs.  No-one other than Les and his lads organise their work schedules that is why work on projects take so long.  No-one envies these lads ’down the line’ because of the sheer hard, heavy, dirty work, but it is my belief that track across the lake supporting a variety of locomotives pulling coaches full of tourists is the answer to our future.  Please support our PW lads!So we salute Les, Arthur, Chris, Tony, Keith, Tom and many more.  Phase 2 is just around the

corner

corner!

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155 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces (1993)

Posted on July 13, 2023 by | Leave a comment

155 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

 From Chasewater News Spring 1993 – Part 1

I’m guessing that the Editor was still Nigel Canning, with contributions from Dave Borthwick and Steve Organ.

Editorial

On the back cover of this magazine (reproduced below) is a copy of the 1993 timetable, and for the first time in the history of the CLR it is actually a timetable rather than just a calendar.  It remains to be seen whether the trains will actually run on time, or whether we can stretch the journey time to suit, but at least it will give the operating staff something definite to work to, and hopefully create a more business-like impression for potential passengers.  In addition, all the usual special events are planned for this season and will keep us all stretched to the limit.  If anyone would like to help out at any of these events they would be most welcome. 

Locomotive News

No.4 Asbestos – This loco ran successfully at Christmas on the Santa Specials, and will continue in use this year.  In order to guarantee a water supply for the loco in the event of frost, the water tower had to be put back into use, a job which required the removal of a large amount of green slimy pond weed and the fitting of two new plastic floats to the supply valves, hopefully early this year the long-missing balance pipe will be fitted to Asbestos’ saddle tank thus helping to prolong the interval between top-ups.

No.5 Sentinel – The two halves of the boiler have now been cleaned and await a visit from the Boiler Inspector when a decision will be made as to whether a new set of tubes will be required.  Work has progressed with the moving of the injector to the fireman’s side of the cab and re-routing of all the water and steam pipes to make them more easily drainable in frosty weather.  Work is also being carried out to refurbish various steam fittings which had been leaking towards the end of last year.

Sentinel – Jan 2012 – Now heading for completion of the major inspection following the one written about.  It had a good ten years running in between.

No.2 Lion – This loco is still progressing towards its first steam test with the continued manufacture of replacement pipework.  Work has also been carried out to repair a turbo generator which is to be fitted to the loco to provide cab lighting and battery charging for the coaching stock.

Work is still progressing, albeit slowly, on S100. 

S100 – 2011  A lot of work has gone into this loco over the last few years but there is still a lot of boiler work to be done.

The Fowler diesel has again remained in use on works trains throughout the winter.

Contrary to the report in the last magazine, DL7’s engine has been re-assembled and the loco run on test.  Once one or two minor faults have been corrected the loco should be able to re-enter service.

No.21 diesel and the Smith Rodley crane have remained out of use.

Carriage & Wagon News

The good news to begin with is that Ken Dyde has agreed to fill the void and represent the C&W dept until the next board meeting.  Ken has past experience working in the C&W dept on the SVR, and one of his valuable talents is that he can organise a team to tackle most jobs.  Ken lives locally and spends most weekends at Chasewater.

Great Eastern 6-wheel passenger brake – All of the doors have now been fitted, although the missing door from the end compartment has been found, 75% destroyed, which highlights the problems of past abandoned projects.  A dummy door has been modified from one, which according to Chris Hatton, came off a DMU.

Midland Box Van – Tony has continued scraping and painting.  On one side he has exposed from beneath layers of paint a red triangle not too dissimilar to the Bass Charrington sign.  Black letters are also distinguishable which could read ‘Bass Railway’.

North Eastern box van – During his winter Saturdays when not carrying out his PW duties, Arthur Edwards has started replacing some of the rotten side planking prior to repainting.

CRC (CCCC) brake van An inspection has been carried out on the rotting timbers around the spring hangers.  Use of temporary steel plate cladding will strengthen the solebars enough for the vehicle to be shunted to where more substantial work can be carried out on the 6” x 12” timbers after jacking.

In the past a number of projects on wooden-bodied stock have been started with no plan of attack or materials in stock.  Consequently, main frame timbers, vital metal items and wagon parts left scattered around the yard have all been left to rot in the open with no work being carried out for months on end.  I think all members must agree that a restoration project started on a whim should not be accommodated by the C&W dept.  In the future, any members who would like to start restoration projects on wooden-bodied stock should please request permission in writing from the Carriage & Wagon Director, who will offer all possible assistance.

Dave Borthwick

 Maryport & Carlisle 5 compartment all 3rd coach – Thorough examination has revealed a need for urgent attention to panelling.  A survey was carried out on the vehicle in January revealing almost all waist and lower panelling rotten and with very active wet rot fungus, roof galvanising starting to fail, and several doors in need of removal, de-rotting and repair.  There was only minor rot to the main frame, but soft wood noggins are in need of replacement.  Many windows and droplights are also in need of replacement or repair.  All springs need to be replaced, all running boards need to be repaired and replaced and the complete vehicle needs to be treated against rot.

The first job was to erect a tent, then a platform alongside to work from.  These were in place in late January and restoration is now proceeding.

New panels of beech marine ply have been cut and fitted for most of the lower and waist panelling following removal of most of the old panelling.  The new panelling is being treated and painted at a member’s home workshop, to be fitted to the coach after the body frame has dried out and been rot treated.  Doors will be repaired off-site to enable a rapid restoration to take place.

Manchester Sheffield & Lincoln composite brake – This lovely vehicle has had a little luck lately.  During conversation with the Butterley C&W team, it was revealed that they had recently stripped a derelict MS&L coach body and had some doors from it.  Hasty retreat to the stores and hey presto! Four doors of exactly the right profile, window pattern and size to fit the opening left in the doorway of the guard’s compartment of our own fire-damaged vehicle!  Enthusiastic fitter now required!

CRC 4 plank coal wagon – Examination of this vehicle in January revealed a completely rotten floor, some completely rotten side planks and very corroded springs.  Other than that, the frame and most of the ironwork, apart from some straps, appear to be very good.  An immediate start was made on removing rotten timbers to reveal the frame properly so that it could be dried out and rot-treated.  New side and floor planking has been acquired, and this vehicle should be coupled to the Midland box van in a resurrected state by Easter.

LNWR West Coast Joint Stock 50’ Brake – The new roof has been fitted and ventilators replaced.  New toplights have been fitted to completely seal the roof.  Much attention has been given to interior panelling, and three-quarters of the interior repainted.  Following use of the vehicle as Santa’s Grotto at Christmas, the historic displays are now being mounted, and re-opening as a museum is on line for Easter!  Repairs to upright framing and solebars will commence after the Maryport repairs are complete, and will be followed by re-panelling, subject to raising a further £500.

Wickham DMU E56171 & E50416 – These vehicles are the subject of much discussion.  At present they have a liability value in that £14,000 is needed to strip them of asbestos.  On the other hand, as a unique, working DMU they could be very useful.  Ken Dyde and his gang (The Battery Boys!) continue to work on the mechanics and body of the power car, and replacements for the missing windows are now on site, thanks to a very generous price from Brownhills Glass.

Gloucester trailer E56301 – This coach has remained out of use and would require repairs to the bodywork to be carried out before it could be used in service again.  There have been rumours that an outside party is interested in purchasing the vehicle for preservation elsewhere, but so far nothing definite has been agreed and it remains stored on No.2 road

Derby Centre Car W59444 – This coach ran in service at Chasewater for the first time at Christmas on the Santa Specials coupled to the Wickham trailer.  This looks likely to be the train formation used for the foreseeable future, meaning that the loco will remain on the ‘north’ end of the train.  The ‘blood & custard’ livery still requires top coating but hopefully this will be finished by Easter.

Steve Organ

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