The Echills Wood Railway Observer
Reporting Every Monday
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
There will be no more reports for the rest of this year as I have decided to take a break from the computer until after the festive holidays. The next report will appear on Monday 4th January 2010. This will cover the members day to be held on Wednesday 30th December 2009 and any other news during the next two weeks. Sorry to have to dissapoint you all, but I'm sure you will all agree, that I deserve a short break during the Christmas/New Year period. I thank you all for your support of this web site and would just like to wish all its readers, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year.
Editor EWRO.
WEEKLY REPORT! 50
MONDAY 14th DEC 2009
2nd SANTA WEEKEND
Again, this report only contains photos of the last of our two Santa Specials and again, I would like to thank Jeff Cogan & Ken Bull for providing nearly all the photos. Other contributors were Dave Hillier & Matt Spencer, again, thank you to you also. Altogether I have nearly 100 photos and I have decided to just show a good selection from these, as I would not be able to get this report done, due to other commitments. A lot of time is taken by renaming sent in photos to, enable me to keep them in order for the web site file library, where they have to be uploaded to before they can be put on the web page and before that, they all have to be resized. This alone can take at least two to three hours before I can start to compile the report which again, can take two to three hours. Anyway, that is why sometimes the report doesn't appear until late Mon or early Tues. All photos may not appear in order of the day or time they were taken, but cover both Sat & Sun. Both Santa Weekends have been a success and we had the driest Christmas so far, except for a few very slight showers. I would like to say a big thank you to all the members who helped on both weekends, without your support, events like this count not happen. I would also like to welcome our new Santa Claus, who did a great job and it is hoped that he will become our resident Santa for many years to come. Okay, lets get on with the report and to open this, I thought this photo taken by Dave Hillier sets the scene quite well.
A peaceful Scene overlooking the lake towards Harvesters Station, all that is missing is a Robin and some snow. Photo by David Hillier
One of the Santa Specials about to depart
Peggy on a Santa Special, coming over Woodcock Bridge, with Brett in the cab.
Jason at the controls of the Chessie, on a service train.
Peggy coming round Kerby Bend with some of the visitors who have just seen Santa.
Again a nice selection of steam lorries and traction engines were giving rides to the public, in aid of Guide Dogs For The Blind.
One way of keeping your hands warm.
Not everyone was enjoying themselves. It look's like Mick won the sweep and did some clearing up with the Leaf Blower, up near Wren Tunnel. Er! Mick, there won't be any trains coming this way for a while.
On his way to Far Ley's I'll let you all know when he gets back.
Yes, even the wives get to drive the Traction Engines.
All the above photos were taken and sent in by Dave Hillier. Thank you Dave
Brett taking a few of the staff round the circuit before the Santa Specials started. Photo Matt Spencer
Jim with his Chessie on a service train, approching Kerby Bend. Photo by Matt Spencer
Peggy at the same spot on a Santa Special. Photo by Matt Spencer. Thank you Matt for your photos.
All the following photos are a selection from Jeff Cogan & Ken Bull, in no specific order. The captions have been added by the Editor, so if any are wrong, blame me and not the photographers.
A busy scene at Harvesters. Some of the Santa Visitors taking advantage of the all day free rides, which is included with all Santa Bookings.
Our Santa couldn't use his sleigh and reindeer this year, due to the lack of snow, so he came by train instead.
Making plenty of steam or fog, whatever you want to call it.
Santa arriving at his Grotto with Mother Christmas.
A nice shot of them both together. For those of you who don't know. Brian (Santa) is Ken Houltby's Son in Law, who has taken over as our Santa. It is hoped that Brian will follow in Ken's footsteps as our permenant Santa for many more years to come. Although Ken is very sadly missed, Brian is equally in the same leauge.
This special Headboard was made by Derek Burwell by request of Jeff Cogan (I think) for our Santa Special Trains.
Not exactly one of the Gnomes (Yet), but he was heading that way. Matt Gee making sure the trains dont slip near Sandy Curve, is sprinkling sand on the rails.
Never the Twain shall meet!!!! What a nice photo which could have been a scene from the past!
David has been out on a logging collection, by the look's of it.
Plenty of clag from David and lots of steam from the one in the distance.
Peggy approaching Harvesters with a train full of passengers, having just seen Santa.
Matt and Paul in the guards van of the Santa train.
Fog making competition! 
Peggy leads with the Santa train, with the small Prairie on Service train duties, coming over Woods Crossing.
Adam and his younger brother Ian, helping Santa with the childrens toys.
Mother Christmas (Connie) & Auntie Holly (Andria, my better half) posing by Santas Grotto.
Mother Christmas waves to passengers on the passing service train, as she waits to greet the Santa Special, as it approaches Northgate Platform.
Ready to enter Santas Grotto having just arrived from Harvesters.
Mr Chucklebutty, waving goodbye to the train, which is departing from Santas Grotto.
One way of frying your bacon!
Bill on the Prairie, coming past Crocodile Creek.
Jason on the Chessie, coming through Echills Wood.
Brown Bros Hauliers of Logs & People, stands near Harvesters Station approach
Peggy, just leaving Northgate with a Santa Special
It's Mick again on his way back from Far Ley's. I hope he realises it gone dinner time.
A nice side on shot of Peggy taken whilst sitting on a croc, in Crocodile Creek.
Jason again coming over Woodcock Bridge.
It's about time the missus let me have a drive, I was fed up with walking.
Am I seeing things or is this a double exposure, I could have sworn those houses wern't there yesterday.
Is Brian waiting for some more passengers. They have all gone home Brian, it's nearly 5pm!
Where have you been, do you realise it's nearly 5pm. We were just about to send out a search party! I hope you havent blown all the leaves inside the tunnel!
As a Round up to the Weekend, the Entertainment Repertoir, put on a special show for all the members, before going home on Sunday. We put on the same performance as we did for every show (14 performances each day), here are a few highlights from the show.
Introducing Mel, one of our Accordian players.
And Simon our other accordian player.
Introducing Uncle Albert, our Master of Ceremonies et al the Jester.
Introducing (myself) as Mr Chucklebutty & Squawk, complete with a genuine Ken Dodd Tickling Stick, from Blackpool Grand Theatre, after seeing a Ken Dodd Show in October.
A mad moment during the singing of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"
This was followed by one of our party pieces. "We Three Kings." All volunteers of course, whose crowns bear the names Tom, Dick & Harry. Yes youv'e guessed it, Ken was wearing the Dick Head.
Then it was the Ladies turn. Olive very hesitantly volunteered, much to the relief of Rozanne, who was about to do a runner.
This was Albert's Party Piece " I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus" and he didn't half get a few juicy kisses over the two days performances.
After the show, the Members Raffle was drawn. The lucky winner I think, was Terry Jenkins.
A few members of the Grotto Staff, Mel, Brian's sister Jill, Connie our very own Mother Christmas & my wife Adrea, posing as Auntie Holly.
Santas Grotto Catering Department, Nattalie, Heather & Anne.
And of course Brian (Santa) Alice & Ellie.
We would like to thank all our visitors who have supported us throughout the year and we wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope that those of you who came to see Santa, have enjoyed yourselves and we hope to see you all again next year. Please Book Early, once tickets go on sale, to avoid dissapointment. There are only a limited number of places for each train.
WEEKLY REPORT! 49
MONDAY 7th DECEMBER 2009
1st SANTA SPECIAL WEEKEND
This report only contains photos taken over the 1st Santa Special weekend and covers no work done during the past week, which mainly concentrated on preparing Santa's Grotto and the Christmas Entertainment Centre. As one of the entertainers over the two days, I was unable to take any photos, so the majority of these were taken by our official photographers, Jeff Cogan & Ken Bull. There will be a similar report next weekend, before the normal working reports start again during the New Year.
FRIDAY
This Fairburn Tank, believed to be the only seven & a quarter example, was brought on site during Friday by Any Walton, who is doing some work on her for a customer. Photo by Jeff Cogan
A closer view of the Fairburn Tank. Photo by Jeff Cogan
Finally, this rear three quarter view. Photo by Jeff Cogan
SATURDAY
The following Photos by Jeff Cogan
Peggy, entering Harvesters for the first Santa Special Train.
Peggy about to cross Woods Crossing.
Santa, in his Grotto.
Mr Chucklebutty, waves away one of the Santa trains, after they leave the Entertainment Centre.
Peggy all dressed up with Christmas decorations.
The Fat Controller Brian, waits, as James brings Gillian forward.
Ken Bull took the next lot of photos.
This was taken early Sat morning, before public running started Santa at the back, is having a ride before going on duty.
Peggy on a run before service running began.
Jason on guard duty of one of the Santa trains.
Pete on his Midland 2P & Brian on his B1 Dibatag, take one of the service trains for a run round the circuit before the passenger service started.
Richard on Peggy, coming through Echills Wood, with one of the Santa trains.
Peggy making lots of staem as it pulls away with a train to Northgate (Santa's Grotto)
The Editor, aka Mr Chucklebutty, taking a break from the entertainment.
Barry on his Foden steam lorry, with a pile of logs.
Traction Engine, with the Foden Steam Lorry.
Brian & Peter having a cuppa.
Santa train Peggy on the left, as service train Gillian passes Northgate Station
One of the visiting Traction Engines pulling a log trailer.
Jeff Cogan with his Bah Humbug hat on & Vic in the Woods Crossing box.
SUNDAY
The next lot of photos taken by Jeff Cogan
Jeff Stevens on Kevin Brown's Traction Engine
Chris preparing his Royal Scot ready for the days running.
The Barron (foreground) prepares to go into service, as well as Peggy (background).
The Barron leaves platform 3 at Harvesters on a Santa Special, whilst Peggy waits in platform 2.
This time, Peggy on a Santa Special on its way to Northgate Staition.
The Scott on one of the Santa Specials.
The Barron, passes the steaming bays, on its way to Northgate Station with a Santa Special.
Mother Christmas greets the arriving train at Northgate Station.
Everyone eager to see Santa
Passengers alighting at Northgate Station, ready to enter Santas Grotto.
The Barron on the Santa Special, as the Scott passes with a service train at Northgate.
Inside the Reception Tent at Harvesters Station.
I can make more steam than you! Both engines pulling away for Harvesters. Photo by Jeff Cogan
The Barron coming along Lakeside Embankment photo by jeff Cogan
The Scot coming through Echills Wood. Photo by Jeff Coagan
The Barron coming through Echills Wood. Photo by Jeff Cogan
He's either had too much to drink, or is suffering from Mince Pie Syndrone. I found him in the car park. Photo by Jeff Coagan
Hitching a ride. Photo by Jeff Cogan
John Savage with Peggy at Lakeside. Photo by Jeff Cogan
ENTERTAINMENT
Mel warming up before the first visitors arrive. Photo by the Editor
The rest of the photos were taken on my camera by Rose Foote
Mr Chucklebutty with his macaw Squawk and his Tickling Stick
.
Of course Squawk can sing!
How tickled I am!
What shall we sing next?
When Santa got stuck up the chimney
That wasn't loud enough, we will have to sing it again.
Albert Master, of Ceromonies in his Jester outfit Simon on the accordian and Mr Chucklebutty.
The end of the day and the first Santa weekend. Photo by Jeff Cogan
Next Report Monday 14th Dec 2009
WEEKLY REPORT! 48
MONDAY 30th NOV 2009
PICNIC JUNCTION
DIVERSION COMPLETED!
Due to me being involved in getting Santa's Grotto ready for next weekend, I havent had the chance to take any photos, except a few last Friday. Wed I was not on site, So The EWRO roving reporters, Jeff Cogan & Ken Bull, managed to capture 95% of this week's photos. which I thank very much. The diversion at at Picnic Junction has been completed and a new point has replaced the old point. All track has now been joined up through Picnic Junction Halt, eabling trains to run to Far Leys. The first Wednesday after Christmas, will be a members day and the track to Far Ley's will be open to all loco owners, who wish to run their trans on the new extended circuit. However, their will be no public running on this section. The only passengers, will be members of the EWR and/or invited guests. Ok let's see what photos were taken last week.
WEDNESDAY
Members busy at Picnic Junction, replacing the point and reconnecting moved track.
Network EWR getting stuck in with the diverted trackwork.
Although this photo and the previous one look the same. Can you spot the differences?
Everyone has moved except Dennis with the barrow & Alan Rushton (foreground). Perhaps time has stood still for them. 
We have had movement from Alan, in this shot. 
The old route, where the tree is lying, alongside the signal control box.
Checking track for level. Dennis loves pushing the barrow. 
Adding ballast to the new laid track.
Many hands make light work.
Work being done on the new point.
Preparing the trackbed for the link up into Picnic Junction Halt.
More work on the new point.
"Mr Cogan, have you taken over the website?"
The new point having been ballasted.
Gauge checking.
Mick McKay, wrestling with the undergrowth, behind the tree on the right.
That signal has got to be moved! You can judge from this, how far the track has been moved from the original route.
Have Alan & Pete spotted a rabbit!
The track has been moved at least fifteen feet from the original route, which has taken out the sharpe curve before the junction.
Clear the line! Pat & Chris are taking the new leaf blower for a walk, after the nozzel has been fitted properly.
This nozzel has now been adjusted for the best effect.
Wizards, Mick & Brian have discovered levitaton! saves having to carry it up to Picnic Junction. Yes, it really is floating above the track underneath!
FRIDAY
The next three photos were taken by the Editor.
The latest addition to the new leaf blower. This framwork will allocated the rail cleaning pad.
Doing a bit more ballasting at Picnic Junction.
You can see from this shot, that the main line to Far Leys, has now been made much straighter, that it was when it was in its original position.
SUNDAY
The rest of the photos are by Jeff Cogan & Ken Bull
James, driving his loco Gillian, which provided the regular Sunday service.
Approching Harvesters with only a few passengers on board the train.
A closer view of Gillian.
Due to the weather, not many passengers were about. Probably Christmas shopping instead.
Is this pair Ken Dodd & Dicky Mint, in the foggy weather?
Willam Grimett, reversing Thirlaiston Hall and its set of coaches, on the shed sidings. Note the half finished Brake Coach in the distance.
Thirlaiston Hall, just prior to having the fire dropped.
"If you havent booked for the Santa Specials, then Tough! Cos the bookings are closed!"
Next Report Mon 7th Dec 2009
WEEKLY REPORT! 47
TUESDAY 24th NOV 2009
FAR LEYS LOOP COMPLETED!
Finally, after many months of hard work, the loop at Far Leys has now been joined up and all the pointwork and some of the sidings have also been put in place. Trains will now be able to run the whole circuit to Far Leys, once the connection at Picnic Junction has been linked up. This will be done tommorow (Wed) and a new point will replace the one that was laid a few weeks ago at the diversion near Picnic Junction.
Work on the extension got off to a good start on Friday, with the weather being quite pleasant. By the end of the day, the loop was in place, except for some final fish plate coupling. Saturday, was a bit of a damp start, but apart from the odd shower, remained dry until late afternoon, when work ceased about 3.30pm. Sunday wasn't much better weather wise, but quite a lot of work got done, mostly adjusting the track, adding sidings and generally putting in track edging and ballasting. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there on Monday, but Jeff Cogan & Ken Bull were, and they managed to send me a few photos. I did a flying visit to the Park this morning and took about a dozen photos of the work completed so far. I would just like to thank everyone who managed to attend over the long weekend in order to get the track work completed befor Christmas, WELL DONE EVERYONE! There is still a lot of work to be done yet on the extension, before it will be opened to the public, so between now and Easter, the final touches such as fencing, signalling, station canopies, board crossings and general sprucing up of the area wiil be carried out. Our next task is getting Santa's Grotto finished off over the next two weeks.
WEDNESDAY
Opps! This tree blew down over the track in Walter's Meadow, but was soon removed with the aid of a saw.
Up at Northgate, the usual track making team, were putting the finishing touches to some of the pointwork, for the Far Leys Extension.
Curved track panels in the making.
Dennis, putting the clips and screws down, ready for rail fixing to the sleepers.
.The track panel team, loving what they are doing
One of the points, being made up.
Another curved panel almost completed.
Pete doing a bit of welding on one of the points.
Ken this time, with the welding rod.
THE WORK COMPLETED LAST SUNDAY AT FAR LEYS
Note the orange pipes for signalling cables and other supply.
More ballast needed
The end of the line so far
Can you see the lake behind the trees! All the dead wood and bottom branches will be cleared out from this area, over the next few months, which will open out the view over the lake, for approaching trains into Far Leys Station.
Work completed so far, last weekend.
Ballast in place, ready for track laying.
Mel on the dumper, bringing another couple of platform slab for Picnic Green Station.
This rather odd looking square plate, will be fitted to the Leaf Blowing Wagon, with a pad for cleaning of the top of the rails.
Attaching the brackets for the track cleaning pad.
Another load of ballast being delivered, ready for the long weekend's work party.
FRIDAY (1st Day of the four day Weekend)
This was the best day of the four, weather wise and quite a lot got done today.
Bob Whitfield, doing a bit of shovelling at Far Ley's Station.
The Dumper was used to bring in ballast, located on the car park.
One load of ballast having just been tipped.
Track in place through the main platform, Ballasting work being done on the left, for the bay platform 1 and siding.
The main line through platform 2 at the station, with the passing loop running through platform 3
Three curved panels laid from the point.
Adrian, lining up one of the curves.
Track in place from the point, towards the station.
Mel taking another load of ballast to the station.
Tipping whilst moving backwards, to spread out the load.
Albert, scrapes out the dregs, whils Bob is busy with the rake.
Another load, this time on the main line track, alongside platform 2.
A couple of ballast wagons, for ballasting these curved track panels.
Matt stops the rail moving, as Kevin drills the holes for the fish plates, in one of the rails.
The loop now in place. But not ready yet, as lots of joints have yet to be connected.
The first steam train to run round the loop. Well, you might have known it had to be Thirlaiston Hall, which has done many firsts on the EWR. River Avon was the first loco to run round the loop.
Thirlaiston Hall at platform 2 Far Leys.
Thirlaiston Hall again at Far Leys.
The works train at platform 2.
Some fish plate work and ballasting being done.
Ballasting the top end of the loop.
Packing the track edging logs, which holds the ballast in place.
William greasing the fishplates, before coupling up, with Adrian looking on.
A works loco on the Bay Platform with Thirlaiston Hall on the main line.
Ballasting still going on at the top of the loop.
Last photo of the day, as River Avon pulls the track bogie wagon up the yard.
SUNDAY
The busiest day so far, with more than thirty members up at Far Leys. Some come to work, others having a chat and some just come up for a look. Oh and myself who has been recording all this work for the web site.
River Avon on the passing loop.
Adrian's works, loco coming back through the woods at far leys.
Some people will just park there loco anywhere!
Andy Gunn, checking the track gauge, through the wooded section of the loop.
Concrete slabs have been put in place at the inlet to the under track culvert pipe.
The outlet side of the culvert, yet to have slabs put in place.
Steve on the left, with Alain and Paul, posing for the photo.
Some sort of debate going on about the position of the track.
Ballasting completed on this section.
It was decided during the debate, that more room was needed for the siding, so Minnie was brought in to move some of the banking on the right.
Moving this, will allow more clearance for the reverse point.
Adrian doing the donkey work, some donkey! That's all for Sunday.
MONDAY Unfortunately, I was unable to be on site today, so Jeff Cogan & Ken Bull, sent in the next eight photos.
With the loop now completed, work done today, was genaral trackside work, levelling and balasting.
Making the crossing, to allow park vehicles to enter the green, for mowing purposes.
Meeting? - Or - I think it's time for a tea break lads?
Not exactly lightweight, these concrete sleepers. "You two bar it and I'll spade it."
River Avon with the ballast train at platform 3
The ballast train ready to return back to the yard.
A bit of snow and it would make a good Christmas card.
HEY!!! Wait for me! Photo's for Monday, By Jeef Cogan & Ken Bull
TUESDAY MORNING! Hot of the press this morning, I managed to pop up to the Park to get these photos of the finished work to date.
A bit of a muddy mess. This is where the unloading ramp will finally be situated.
The Tractor crossing for grass mowing on the green.
The Loop on the left and points for the sidings to the right. The line on the right will lead to the unloading ramp.
The loop coming out of the woods, with the siding yard on the right.
Photo taken from the siding yard.
Looking towards the loading ramp area.
The Tractor Crossing.
The loop, at the road side.
The point for the passing loop through the station.
The same point from the station end.
Looking towards the Bay and siding.
All nice and neat looking at the station throat.
Far Leys Station, after ballasting.
Looking over Bridge4 and the line through the woods. The area inside the concrete sleepers will become a garden.
The BayPlatform 1 and Main Platform 2
A shot taken from Platform 3.
Far Leys Green on the left.
Far Leys Green, which will have picnic benches, ready for next Easter.
Far Leys Green & Station. Once the fence is in place and the grass has regrown, this will become quite a pleasant area to watch the trains, whilst having a picnic.
Next Report Monday 30th Nov 2009