Tag Archives: Heath Hayes

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bits and Pieces

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Leave a comment

Posted in Bits and Pieces

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Image

Chasewater Railway Museum January 2024 Newsletter

Leave a comment

Posted on January 2, 2024 by in Newsletters

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Image

Chasewater Railway Museum December 2023 Newsletter Part two

Leave a comment

Posted on December 19, 2023 by in Newsletters

Tagged , , , , , ,

Chasewater Railway Museum December 2023 Newsletter

Posted on December 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Leave a comment

Posted in Bits and Pieces

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

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.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Bits and Pieces

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bits and Pieces

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bits and Pieces

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

163 Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on September 20, 2023 by | Leave a comment

163 – Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces

From Chasewater News Autumn 1993 – Part 2

More of “The Colliery Line” – Dave Borthwick

GER after external restoration in 1992

Some time ago Steve Organ, in conversation with us over a cup of tea in the Great Eastern tea room, intimated that a lot of railways were giving themselves pretty names, titles like ‘The Poppy Line’, or ‘The Watercress Line’.  What could we call ours?  Cynics shouted names like ‘Toe Rag Valley’, or ‘Rotten (Sleeper) Row’, ‘Fisherman’s Barrier Railway’, or even the ‘Beacon Walk Railway’ on the basis of the pedestrians and dogs who walk down the middle of the track daily.

Sometime later while talking to Adrian he told me of the local scene a hundred years ago, and that if you looked in the direction of the lake you would see a number of pits littering the hillsides.  Not knowing the area, I was surprised to learn of the rich history.  How many more visitors must come to us and just see spoil heaps, a little railway and a small lake, and not know the reason why we exist?

The map shows the extensive railway system and the local pits around Chasewater

During my time off work with my leg in plaster, I took the opportunity (with thanks to Rob Duffill and Tony Wheeler, who supplied the photographs and local history books) to build a low-cost exhibition showing the colliery history of the area incorporating the industrial railway scene.  This is housed temporarily in the Southern brake van.  Up to yet it seems to have been a success, the crowning glory being the installation of a pot-bellied wood burning stove designed and built by Paul Whittaker from a defective gas cylinder.  The stove was first put to use to dry out the soaking timbers to prevent damp on the exhibits, but with a safety fire-guard, and  ‘Do not touch – HOT’ signs this item has pleasantly provided visitors with a warm refuge away from the Chase breeze and seats on which to sit peacefully.

Recently a visitor’s book has been installed, in which the public can write their name and address and any comments about the railway in general against a box number.  At the end of the season the numbers will be put into a hat and the visitor whose number is picked will win a small prize.  This idea may encourage feedback from our passengers for future changes.

Recently our visitors have written:

·        ‘Excellent’ and he especially likes the smell of the stove as it brings back memories of the good old days.

·        ‘Very interesting’

·        ‘Mega good’

·        Whilst one gentleman has commented he ‘has seen better’

Personally I think that the last person is a railway enthusiast, and we should try to cater for his needs.  The rest of the comments I think can be judged as being from:

·        Visitors to the Park who stumble across us and are pleasantly surprised.

·        Mums and Dads who are happy to show junior how life used to be when we owned the world.

·        If they write a nice comment they stand a better chance of winning a bottle of wine.

A rough census of visitors revealed the following:

·        15% came from Birmingham

·        15% came from Lichfield

·        30% came from Walsall

·        30% are locals

·        10% are others

In conjunction with this annex to our main museum, Dave Whittle has publicised us in the railway press on a ‘Colliery Line’ theme and has successfully collected, delivered and exhibited two coal tubs complete with track and a colliery winding wheel for which Paul Whittaker is now building a support frame.

This truly has become ‘The Colliery Line’.

PS – Over £10 has been collected from donation boxes in the brake van over a single Bank Holiday!

Bass Community Awards – Keith Day

For the second year in succession the Chasewater Railway has won a Bass Community Award.  The presentation took place at 7.00pm on Wednesday 7th July when Bass representatives Janice Clark and Leslie Barrett arrived carrying a rather oversized cheque for £250.  The gift is to be used to purchase sleepers for use on the causeway.

Our two guests, and around thirty of our working members, family and friends were transported down to the end of the line in the GW brake van, where a photo session was called for, with no damage to the camera, although no pictures have yet been received.

After returning to Brownhills West, a small buffet and drinks had been arranged and was enthusiastically consumed.  A jolly good time was had by all.  Thanks Bass!

But not all had gone to plan – five minutes before Janice and Leslie arrived it had been discovered that the Fowler diesel would not start.  The problem was diagnosed as either flat batteries or a faulty starter motor and it looked as though the night was set to become a disaster.

Les, grasping the nettle, announced “We’ll have to use the Ruston”. Ruston DL7 – A. Dean

Now DL7 has been out of service for quite some time, although in recent weeks Ken, Chris and Andy have spent a lot of time working on it and, although the engine had been run up, the loco had not moved very far under its own power.

It was decided to run the train with the Fowler hooked on just in case.

DL7 performed impeccably, and at the railhead they also managed to start the Fowler.  What initially appeared to be a disaster turned out to be somewhat of an historical event – double-headed diesels to the causeway.  Well done Andy & Co. and yet again, thanks Les! (Emery)

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

162 Chasewater Railway Museum Bits and Pieces

Posted on September 15, 2023 by | 1 comment

The Museum will not be open this Sunday, September 17th

 

From Chasewater News Autumn 1993 – Part 1

Editorial

As you will read elsewhere in this magazine, we are now running trains to the top of the causeway bank.  Next year the run will be even longer, into the new station.  This is a great achievement, but we should not forget that the more track we have, the more it will require in money and manpower to maintain it.  As we still seem to be struggling a bit in both these respects, let us hope that our latest extension will at last encourage more members to come and help with the work, and a lot more passengers to buy tickets to pay for it!

Locomotive News

No.4 Asbestos – This loco has continued to run our passenger services single-handed and has held up very well despite the hectic summer steaming schedule.  A backlog of repairs is now building up which will have to be dealt with over the winter.  The motion is knocking very badly and if sufficient funds are available it is intended to cast new bearing brasses.  Other faults include the injector water valves leaking badly, which will have to be re-machined, and a number of warped firebars which will have to be renewed.Asbestos & L & Y No.1

No.5 Sentinel – Little progress has been made on this loco over the summer due to the need to keep the trains running and Asbestos operational.  All of the old studs have, however, been removed, and the boiler water spaces shot-blasted and painted ready for re-assembly.  The latest target for completion of the work is Easter next year.

No.2 Lion – The sad news about this loco is that its owner has decided to take it to Foxfield, and its transport has been arranged for Saturday October 9th.  Other than that, progress has continued with the completion of the vacuum, brake system, a re-paint and the fitting of a turbo generator for cab lighting.  We wish the loco well at its new home, and will no doubt keep in touch with it.

S100 – The re-machined hornguides of the centre driving axle have now been fitted, and the work is now being repeated for the rear axle.

Fowler Diesel – Following the fitting of a replacement set of batteries, the loco is back to normal, starting almost instantaneously.  It has again done the majority of the shunting and works train jobs.

No.21 Diesel – This loco still awaits its long lost engine, whilst work has been carried out on sanding and painting the body.

L&Y No.1 – A surprise move this summer has been the commencement of restoration on this very rare ‘petrol pudding’.  In the space of only a few hectic weekends the vehicle has been stripped of upper bodywork, engine, gearbox and axle boxes.  The engine itself has been un-seized, stripped and cleaned, and Dorman Engines contacted to help with replacements for the badly worn camshaft drive gears.  If the re-assembly of the loco proceeds at the same pace as the dismantling it should be runnable next year.

Smith Rodley Crane – This vehicle has again remained out of use.

Carriage & Wagon News

Great Eastern six-wheel passenger brake No.44 – Work has continued on the restoration of this vehicle with the chipping, priming and painting of the solebars and running gear.  Even the wheels now have white-wall tyres!  The bodywork is also improving with a coat of Great Eastern blue gloss.

CRC 4-plank wagon – This wagon now has one side and both ends rebuilt and awaits a shunt round the yard so that access can be gained to the other side.

20 ton Great Western Toad No.35251 – The bodywork of this vehicle has been undercoated and is awaiting a top coat.

Great Western Fruit ‘D’ No.2336 – Work has started on stripping paint and undercoating one side, but due to its being kept in the loco shed compound of late where no mains power is available, work on this van has been suspended.

21 ton mineral wagon No.B316711 – This wagon has now had its load of scrap metal removed but still needs the remaining coal dust and slack cleaning out before any restoration can begin.

16 ton Great Western Toad No.35831 – This vehicle is awaiting a space in the yard where work on the springs and running boards can be carried out.

Covered Carriage Truck S770 – This is a new arrival at Chasewater and belongs to one of our members.  It appears to be in excellent condition, requiring only a repaint to cover up the ‘condemned’ symbols painted on the sides by BR.  Even the vacuum brake worked first time as proved during a shunting session coupled to Asbestos.

LNWR West Coast Joint Stock 50’ Brake No.20 – The first section of this vehicle to be renovated internally has remained in use as our museum throughout the year.  Following this success, work has started on clearing and renovating the other end to initially become Santa’s Grotto at Christmas and then the second half of the museum for next year.

Little or no work has been carried out on the other items of vintage rolling stock, mainly due to the lack of manpower.  This is a great shame as there are now a number of half-stripped vehicles stood around under tarpaulins, and winter is approaching.

Wickham DMU E56171 & E50416 – Again, the trailer car ‘Wickham Bar’ has been used as part of our steam hauled passenger train, and in view of its impending departure from Chasewater, little or no work has been carried out on it.  The power car has remained out of use for the same reason, with the engines run up occasionally.  No date has yet been fixed for the departure of these two vehicles to Llangollen.

Derby Centre Car W59444 – This coach has run all this year coupled to the Wickham trailer to form our passenger train.  During the summer the repaint has been completed and it now looks superb in its early BR carmine and cream livery.  As a result of this it is rumoured that our Wickham and Gloucester replacements, whatever they may prove to be, will be painted in the same livery, and hopefully to the same excellent standard.

Gloucester trailer E56301 – Having remained at Chasewater throughout the summer, this vehicle finally left for Preston on Monday 4th October.  It was tidied up at short notice recently so that it could be used for a special train in August for a visit to Chasewater by the Forestry Commission and local Councillors in connection with the work being carried out to restore the causeway.

Replacement Coaching Stock – The search for replacements for the Gloucester and Wickhams is still on, but as yet nothing suitable has been found at the right price.  On one occasion, vehicles from BR which had appeared ideal were found at the last minute to have doubtful ‘asbestos free’ certification and so were not pursued further.  Confidence is, however, high that replacements will be found.

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,