Tag Archives: Staffordshire

Chasewater Railway Museum – List of Chasewater Railway Events – 2020

Posted on February 24, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum –

List of Chasewater Railway Events – 2020

A real diary filler for you – all the events happening at Chasewater Railway during 2020.

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Chasewater Railway Museum Jan-Feb 1967 Bits & Pieces 39

Posted on February 15, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Yard 1966 Photo: Laurence Hodgkinson

From the ‘Mercian’ Jan-Feb 1967 Vol.6 No.1

 

The production of the magazine was under review, the cover was not really satisfactory around this time.  Bearing in mind that the magazine was typed and duplicated – no computer technology freely available in the 1960s – it’s a wonder that so many editions were published.  The next step they were trying for was an illustrated cover, and they were successful from the next edition.

From the Editorial

From time to time I receive news from our secretary of the activities of some of our younger members.  In this case it is Steve Gunn who has been regularly telling us of interesting rolling stock together with the condition it is in and also where it is located.  Some of these vehicles could well be incorporated in our collection and we sincerely thank Steve for his extremely useful contribution to our store of information.

Hon Secretary

More rolling stock

Monday 23rd January saw the delivery of the 16t Brake van and the NCB 10t Brake van to Chasewater.  The GWR brake is in particularly good condition and is complete with stove and lockers, an ideal cabin and shelter for the workers at Chasewater.

The Midland Railway passenger brake c1880 was delivered to Chasewater on Saturday January 28th.  It was unloaded during the morning, six members helped out with this tricky job.  Will all members please note that painting, etc., has to be carried out on these vehicles as soon as possible.  Report to the platelayers’ cabin either Saturday or Sunday afternoons.

Progress Report

Good progress is being made on the Andrew Barclay loco (now known as Colin McAndrew).  Alan Civil and his band of helpers have now repainted and relagged the boiler, and refitted the tank.

Any member interested in seeing steam at Chasewater this summer should report to the Hixon site any Sunday morning or afternoon.

The Hon. Treasurer’s Report was short and to the point – we need more money and members!

 

The date for the next Open Day was announced – Easter Weekend Saturday March 26th and Sunday March 27th at Hednesford from 2.00pm onwards.

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Chasewater Railway’s 2020 leaflet, including the timetable.

Posted on February 13, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway’s 2020 leaflet

including the timetable.

 

CR-2020-leaflet

Click link to open

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Chasewater Railway Museum Nov-Dec 1966 Bits & Pieces 38

Posted on February 6, 2020 by | Leave a comment

From the ‘Mercian’ Nov-Dec 1966 Vol.5 No.6

This photo is quite a bit ahead of time, I think.  Not from this Mercian, but it shows the conditions being worked in.

From the Editorial

The AGM has come and gone together with the light summer nights which have speeded up the work at Chasewater.  Naturally more effort has to be concentrated where most needed during the few precious hours of daylight now left.

You will read elsewhere of the progress made to date both at Chasewater and Hednesford, so that when 1967 dawns we shall be taking our next big step forward, that of running a steam train at Chasewater.

There was a report about the ARPS meeting at Portmadoc, including a request for help with funds for theJ36 and ’C’ Class 0-6-0 when required so that the purchases might be concluded.

Under the heading of affiliations the following were accepted into the Association – M & G N R P S, and the Hull Preservation Syndicate as an observer only.  The following were deferred until the meeting in London on January 21st 1967 – Severn Valley, LCGB, GWR Trust, Westerham Railway Museum, Southern Railway Club and the Loco Preservation (Sussex) Co. Ltd.

There was a short report about the ‘Forum’ magazine, which was still struggling with finances.

 

Hon. Secretary

Progress Report

Work has continued at Chasewater, the main task being the reinforcing of the embankment with fly ash, this material has been tipped into the cavities caused by the embankment fire (slow combustion), and effectively snuffed it out.

An ex Midland Railway flat wagon has now joined the fleet at Chasewater for use on maintenance work.  This vehicle together with the NSR wagon has been finished in battleship grey and appropriately lettered.  The MR wagon was kindly donated by Messrs. Thomas Boultons Ltd., of Froghall, Staffs.., of

Delivery has also been taken of the Peckett 0-4-0ST ‘Lance’ donated by Messrs. Whitecross Ltd., Warrington.  This has also delivered to Chasewater where it has been given a quick coat of green oxide paint to repel the rust which was starting to get a hold on the superstructure.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST. Colin McAndrew – Considerable work has been done on this locomotive by Allan Civil and his team of ex Bagnall fitters.

We are extremely grateful to this team for all the hard work they have put in to get it ready for the hydraulic test which it successfully passed.  The loco was steamed successfully on November 13th, albeit stationary.  We look forward to seeing her at Chasewater in the not too distant future.

Restoration Work – A small amount of work has been done at Hednesford on the E1 and coaching stock.  A start has been made on refelting the coach roofs, but has now been held up due to the weather and lack of manpower.  The small relics grow apace and receive the usual loving care from Nigel Hadlow.

Mention must be made of the wonderful job of restoration done to our Wolverhampton trolley bus No.616 by John Hughes and Robin Oliver.  These two members must be congratulated on their steadfast painstaking work in putting the interior back to its original layout.

Other than a couple of mentions for the Tote and the Annual Dinner that’s pretty much the lot for this edition.

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Chasewater Railway Museum – February 2020 Newsletter.

Posted on February 1, 2020 by | 2 comments

Chasewater Railway Museum 

February 2020 Newsletter.

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Chasewater Railway Museum Nov-Dec 1966 Bits & Pieces 38

Posted on January 27, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum Nov-Dec 1966 Bits & Pieces 38

From the ‘Mercian’ Nov-Dec 1966 Vol.5 No.6

From the Editorial

 

The AGM has come and gone together with the light summer nights which have speeded up the work at Chasewater.  Naturally more effort has to be concentrated where most needed during the few precious hours of daylight now left.

You will read elsewhere of the progress made to date both at Chasewater and Hednesford, so that when 1967 dawns we shall be taking our next big step forward, that of running a steam train at Chasewater.

There was a report about the ARPS meeting at Portmadoc, including a request for help with funds for theJ36 and ’C’ Class 0-6-0 when required so that the purchases might be concluded.

Under the heading of affiliations the following were accepted into the Association – M & G N R P S, and the Hull Preservation Syndicate as an observer only.  The following were deferred until the meeting in London on January 21st 1967 – Severn Valley, LCGB, GWR Trust, Westerham Railway Museum, Southern Railway Club and the Loco Preservation (Sussex) Co. Ltd.

There was a short report about the ‘Forum’ magazine, which was still struggling with finances.

 

Hon. Secretary

Progress Report

Work has continued at Chasewater, the main task being the reinforcing of the embankment with fly ash, this material has been tipped into the cavities caused by the embankment fire (slow combustion), and effectively snuffed it out.

An ex Midland Railway flat wagon has now joined the fleet at Chasewater for use on maintenance work.  This vehicle together with the NSR wagon has been finished in battleship grey and appropriately lettered.  The MR wagon was kindly donated by Messrs. Thomas Boultons Ltd., of Froghall, Staffs.., of

Delivery has also been taken of the Peckett 0-4-0ST ‘Lance’ donated by Messrs. Whitecross Ltd., Warrington.  This has also delivered to Chasewater where it has been given a quick coat of green oxide paint to repel the rust which was starting to get a hold on the superstructure.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST. Colin McAndrew – Considerable work has been done on this locomotive by Allan Civil and his team of ex Bagnall fitters.

We are extremely grateful to this team for all the hard work they have put in to get it ready for the hydraulic test which it successfully passed.  The loco was steamed successfully on November 13th, albeit stationary.  We look forward to seeing her at Chasewater in the not too distant future.

Restoration Work – A small amount of work has been done at Hednesford on the E1 and coaching stock.  A start has been made on refelting the coach roofs, but has now been held up due to the weather and lack of manpower.  The small relics grow apace and receive the usual loving care from Nigel Hadlow.

Mention must be made of the wonderful job of restoration done to our Wolverhampton trolley bus No.616 by John Hughes and Robin Oliver.  These two members must be congratulated on their steadfast painstaking work in putting the interior back to its original layout.

Other than a couple of mentions for the Tote and the Annual Dinner that’s pretty much the lot for this edition.

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Chasewater Railway Museum – Taken from the Mercian July – August 1966 Vol.5 No.4

Posted on January 14, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Taken from the Mercian July – August 1966 Vol.5 No.4

 

From the Secretary’s Report.

Members will be pleased to hear that we have moved the Barclay saddletank to the Hixon yard of our friend Jake Bacon.  (I’ve not read anything about this loco in the magazines until now.  It’s now known as Colin McAndrew!  There’s a photo of it at Hixon.)

Barclay Loco Colin McAndrew at Hixon – Rob Duffill’s Collection.

Renovation work is in progress until such time as she can be moved to the safety of the Chasewater building.  It is hoped that the two Pecketts will join her in the very near future, and I would like to express thanks to all those who have responded to the call for cash to cover the removal expenses.

Progress at Chasewater has been maintained steadily by the faithful few and the line is now in up to the site of the building.  The other track here has been left for the time being to enable the contractors to work in the confines of the trackbed.  A start has been made at the causeway end of the line in re0laying a length taken out by the demolition people and then work will centre on track tidying, moving a considerable amount of shale and spoil to strengthen the embankment near the small overbridge and other remedial works.  We shall still need plenty of help so please come.

From the Treasurer’s Report

Finance is reasonable at the moment but Chasewater is a big drain on resources and we must try to stem the flow as much as possible without jeopardising the project. (Given the state of Chasewater water level at the moment, the wording seems very prophetic!)

 

Late Round Up – Hon. Editor

I must apologise most profusely for the lateness of this edition due to personal circumstances beyond my control.   The next edition will reach you on time, and will contain news of the AGM.  I hope you will bear with me this time as I do like to have the mag. out on time.  (Considering the fact that this was the fourth magazine of the year members nowadays would certainly bear with him!)

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Chasewater Railway Museum – 1966 May-June Vol.5 No.3 Bits & Pieces 35

Posted on January 8, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum

1966 May-June Vol.5 No.3 Bits & Pieces 35

From the ‘Mercian’ May – June 1966 Vo.5 No.3

From the Editorial

 

The past few weeks have seen a number of developments both at Hednesford and at Chasewater.  Much effort by Melvyn Balance, Brian Hames, Frank Craddock and Ken Martin has transformed a large number of our collection of iron and brass into gleaming exhibits for open days, and I thank the lads for this useful contribution. 

Further items to arrive have been some LNWR destination clocks and finger boards from Walsall Station, some roof vents and other parts for the GER Brake from our good friend Mr. Plyer and his colleagues of the GE Society, and a load of wooden rail keys for Chasewater from the Severn Valley Society for which we sent our grateful thanks.  Other work at Hednesford has involved a general tidying up of the site for Open Day at Easter which attracted a fair number of visitors, among them two or three new members.  Particular thanks to our attractive salesgirls, Penny, Pat, Pauline, Dorothy and Jean for their help in raising just over £20 for the funds.

The work on tracklaying at Chasewater has progressed slowly but surely and has now reached the point where it becomes double track up to the museum building.  Work has been speeded up considerably no doubt because of the acquisition of our first loco – albeit a diesel – which is working up at Chasewater and is proving a boon in moving the NSR wagon and heavily laden platelayers’ trucks.

The loco has cost £50 – all subscribed for by about a dozen members – to save the general funds, and it is being recorded here for all to see that we are deeply grateful for this fine gesture.  This is only the start; we have more offers to consider.  The next one is a small saddle-tank in full working order at about £75.  How about a few advance donations??  Offers to me in the first instance, please.  More details will be given when these are to hand.  Continuing the money matters section, we have three steam locos to move from Warrington to Chasewater at an approximate cost of £250.  The Treasurer has already received a few donations as a result of the appeal made in the January edition.  However this is far from enough and we MUST move the locos within two months or we shall have to forfeit them completely.  Please, PLEASE help us to raise the ‘lolly’ before the end of May.  Contact either the Treasurer or myself as soon as possible, donations (or interest-free loans) desperately wanted.

The weekly Tote has now been launched and is going very well thanks to the faithful few who are selling tickets each week.  To date over £20 has been raised for the funds; this could be trebled if we can sell more tickets.  I do appeal to all members within range of the Depot to call and collect books of tickets for sale among their workmates and other contacts, please contact Albert Holden at your earliest convenience for tickets and full details of the Tote.

A.A.Chatfield – Hon. Editor

The Tote was run successfully for a number of years, bringing in much needed funds for the Society.

Hon. Treasurer’s Report

Planet Diesel Loco.  Members will be interested to hear that we have now acquired a Planet four wheel diesel locomotive. It was built by F. C. Hibberd around 1930, the exact date and history of the loco is, as yet, unknown.  It is powered by a Paxman 50 hp 3 cyl. Engine, and is capable of pulling several wagons.Laurence Hodgkinson

The loco has been delivered to Chasewater where it is in regular use on P. Way trains.  Members are now at work on repainting and repairing the body where necessary.  This has to be done on weekday evenings as the loco is on duty every weekend.  Any members willing to assist should contact me so that definite working times can be arranged.

It is important to complete restoration work as soon as possible as the loco is on show to the general public to a greater extent than any other item of rolling stock at the present time.

We would like to express our thanks to members Roger Hateley of Lichfield who has done all the negotiating for this valuable item of equipment.

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Chasewater Railway Museum – From loan to own

Posted on January 4, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum

From loan to own

After a fair few years with the Museum on loan, our friend, known as ‘Meccano Joe’ has very kindly given these 3 large and some smaller items from his large collection to Chasewater Railway Museum.

They have always created great interest from kids young and not-so-young, and evoked many memories, as I’m sure they will for years to come.

These items, along with many more, were on show some years ago at Christmas in the Heritage Centre, where Santa used to reside.  (Picture below).

Many, many thanks Joe.

The models can be seen on this photo, with the never-to-be-forgotten talking robot, wired for sound, who talked to the children with no apparent human aid!  He got some amazing looks!

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Chasewater Railway Museum – January 2020 Newsletter

Posted on January 1, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Chasewater Railway Museum 

January 2020 Newsletter

A busy December for the collection, 2 pages to read!

Contact: j.tisdale45@yahoo.com

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year

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