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!).
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.
Poppies on Bredon Hill
Poppies on Bredon Hill near Lalu Farm.
Posted in Newsletters
Tagged Brownhills, Burntwood, Chasewater Railway Museum, Models, Norton Canes, Pit Check, Staffordshire, Steam Trains, Wagon plate
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.
From the Editorial
The latest news is that ‘Asbestos’ is to spend the first weekend in March running on the internal railway system at Bromford Tube Works in Birmingham. The ‘Open Day’ comes just before the closure of the works and will involve running demonstration trains with the 20 ton GW Toad.
If you would like to put forward your views on a name for the new causeway station please complete and return the form later in the magazine.
Locomotive News
No.4 Asbestos – This loco ran passenger trains to the top of the causeway bank for the first time in October, and again in December for the Santa Specials. On both occasions the saddle tank was replenished at around mid-afternoon by a preserved fire engine, courtesy of Trevor Sharples of the Fire Service Preservation Society. This alleviated the need for us to fill the station water tower in potentially frosty weather, as the longer run to the causeway means that it is no longer feasible to rely on the station hose-pipe between runs. Following recent problems with firebars warping, a pattern has been made and a couple of samples cast from it. These were fitted for the Christmas running, and as they seem to have stood up to the last of our Columbian coal quite well, a further batch of replacements will be cast and fitted ready for Easter. The loco has now been partially stripped ready for a wash-out, cleaning and an intermediate boiler inspection. Work has also commenced on a number of minor repairs to cure amongst other things, a very tight regulator, a leaking steam manifold joint in the cab, and leaking injector water valves. If all goes well the loco should be ready to run again at Easter.
No.5 Sentinel – Some progress is now being made with the repair of this loco. A complete set of 96 new ¾” whitworth studs have been specially made to order in a special heat-resistant steel and fitted to the boiler. The two halves of the boiler shell are now being re-assembled ready for hydraulic testing, hopefully in February. The superheater coil will also be tested at the same time. Other work being carried out is the refurbishment of all steam fittings and the boiler water feed pump. All the fireman’s controls are being moved to the left-hand side of the cab to make life easier, as the loco was originally designed for one-man operation with all controls on the driver’s side.
New Peckett – Following the departure of ‘Lion’, another Peckett has arrived to take its place. The loco, purchased recently by Mike Wood, appears to have been supplied in kit form, complete with smokebox tubeplate, rods, fittings and various machined and un-machined castings as loose items. The loco is believed to be No.1903 ‘Little Lady’. No doubt we will be able to persuade Mike to write an article giving full details in due course.
Fowler diesel – This loco has remained in service without any mechanical problems, being used mainly for the regular Sunday works trains.
Ruston DL7 – Whilst nominally operational, this loco has remained out of use in favour of the Fowler.
L&Y No.1 petrol loco – Dorman Diesels of Stafford have very kindly had specially made for us a new set of camshaft drive gears to fit the petrol engine which is currently dismantled in the shed awaiting re-assembly. Work on the loco itself has continued with the refurbishment of its springs and axle boxes.
Carriage & Wagon News
Great Eastern six-wheel passenger brake – Work has continued on this coach during the winter, mainly on the interior for obvious reasons. There can now be little doubt that this will be the first of our vintage coaches to be fully restored, it is well on the way already.
CRC 4-plank wagon – Rebuilding of the new wooden planking of the body is now well advanced, and various items of steelwork are being prepared ready for fitting.
GW Fruit ‘D’ – Following a great deal of hard work to sand down and prepare the wooden body, this van has been painted in chocolate and even has the GWR emblems hand-painted on making it a very smart looking vehicle indeed. The only obvious outstanding work needed now is the re-covering of the roof to make it water-tight. Assuming that the vacuum works satisfactorily when new bags are fitted, it would be nice to see it added to the occasional passenger train just for show.
20 ton GW Toad – This vehicle has remained in regular use on Saturday and Sunday works trains throughout the winter. It is rumoured that it may go to Bromford Tube Works with ‘Asbestos’ in early March as part of a CLR arranged ‘closing down spectacular’ on that Company’s railway system.
Wickham DMU E56171 & E50416 – These two vehicles are now definitely destined for Llangollen at a time yet to be agreed, and dependant on our obtaining suitable asbestos-free replacements. Meanwhile, the trailer ran again on the Santa Specials in December but is looking exceedingly tatty, especially when coupled to the centre car. The power car has remained out of use.
Derby centre car W59444 – This coach is the only one of our four original DMUs destined to stay at Chasewater, and is therefore likely to be in constant use for the foreseeable future. It ran in December when, after quite a bit of preparation, even the heaters worked.
Replacement DMU stock – There is still nothing definite to report, although ‘The Management’ are still working on the acquisition of replacements, and are submitting tenders for suitable vehicles as and when opportunities arise.
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)
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Brownhills, Burntwood, Chasewater Railway Museum, DL7, Festive Teas, GER, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Norton Canes, Road and Rail, Ruston, Staffordshire
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.
Chasewater Railway Museum 