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Update - August 27th
August has been a busy month. As reported in the last update - we have now had the last steaming and are preparing for the boiler test - booked on the 30th August. This has meant that two blanking plugs have been needed - and so we've turned these in house. The manifold has been removed, with some majore problems - however - and we now need to re silver solder his back together prior to a steam test.
The photos below show the work so far:
Above: CHRISTINE MARY in the works. A large numer of components have been removed for the hyraulic - and all that is left on the backhead is the water gauge. The steam manifold - containing the blower, whistle, regulator and pressure gauge - has been removed, unfortunately causing it to crack. This means a silver solder-ing job is needed, and will be carried out prior to the boiler test on Wednesday.
Above: Another view of the works, taken on 26 August. The historic car which usually sits where the engine is is seen behind the trolley with Chirstine Mary on. The pony truck can be seen in front of the loco - this is removed to facilitate the removal of the ashpan; a requirement so that the inspector can see into the firebox
We have also been working today on a new workshop. This will hold a lathe, pillor drill and other machine tools once complete. We have, today, created an 8' x 11' concrete slab - ranging from 3" to 7" deep to keep it level (sloping garden!) which will form the foundations and floor for the shed.
Latest news - August 14th
Again, this site has been redundant for a while and I appologise for that!
It's all go here this week - and Christine Mary is off to VAMES on Wednesday. The boiler certificate - despite previous reports - runs out on the 17th - this Thursday - so Wednesday is the last steaming date. However - the loco will not be running on Wednesday - instead, we will perform the hydraulic test. Should it pass - we'll sort out the blanking plugs and steam it up ready to set the saftey valves. Once this is done - we will be (we hope!) running aound the circuit - with a fresh boiler certificate! However - should the worse happen we will have to remove the loco from service and take the boiler out. Due to other commitments we have a major lack of time - so it is likely that the boiler will be sent off, rather than the work being carried out here.
In other news - the line has been modified - it now goes right to the back of our garden - meaning that it now stops shorter at the other end. We are hoping to make some more track soon and lay it down so that the loco has a longr run - it will be about 100ft by the time we've extended.
And, basically - that's that! I may put up a reoprt on Wednesday - depending on how things go!
Latest news - June 1 2006
This site has been redundant for a long time now, so I'm giving it a freshen up!
Firstly, although not allot has happened in the winter months, a couple of steamups have been completed, and these have taken place in March, and, most recently, on May 13. The latter was run to see what grad we could work up, in order to do a future extension which, if it takes place, will triple the lines length.
Tomorrow will see a visit to VAMES for the first club member's tracknight of the year. Although a vacuum braking system is still to be fitted, it is just conceivable that we'll try and pull a trolley load of people around the track for the first time tomorrow. Also, we'll be taking along the boiler of our new E4 2-4-0. Ourchased by my late uncle about 20 years ago, the loco has had nothing done to it since. The frames are complete, with the cylinders and valve gear in situ, and the cabsides and smokebox on as well. The tender is similarly at an advance stage. Upon finding the boiler, whch my uncle always claimed was in bad condition, neither my father or I could find any obvious faults (my father being a qualified mechanical engineer), and the boiler will travel with us to VAMES tomorrow in order for on of the boilersmiths there to look at it. If it seems OK, then we may put it on a hydraulic test. If it proves to be allright then it may become a working loco shortly.
Finally the new boiler regs are now in place. This means a steam test is needed every year, and a hydraulic every 4 years. And, at the end of this year, we'll need a new one of both. In fact, the 31 August sees the boiler ticket run out. At the moment we're hoping that nothing terrible happens and that the boiler will pass both (the hydraulic to 1.5x working pressure - 135lb) with no troubles, and hopefully Christine Mary will be in use again October half term.
One last point is that a flatbed (heywood style) wagon should be built before the end of the summer, hopefully to be joined by a brakevan, giving a narrow gauge style freight train.
2 more steam ups and general news - October 27th 2005
Well, this week has been very entertaning for us! We were running on Monday for the WLR's gala (see www.freewebs.com/wlrailway) and, despite the weather, a succesful days steaming was had, with steaming cut short due to the rain.
And to top it off, yesterday we went to VAMES for the final time this year (there is a slim chanve we may run there on Sunday, though) as a 1200ft drain has to be laid for the new toilet club that the club is adding this winter. 4 trains were on the circuit this time, and there were 2 'private' and 2 public services in use. We were one of the private trains, and to give Christine Mary a bit of a load my father rode behind me - giving a 2 person load - the heaviest the loco has ever hauled. For this we used VAMES's guards only truck GV1. The rules now state that any train with more than 2 passenger vehicles must carry a guard, and currently GV1 and GV2 are ins ervice, with 2 more in various stages of painting. We also carried out our longest non-stop run, 1.5 laps of VAMES - over a mile in total. It was quite fun driving on the station avoiding line (also a first for us) at speed!
As you will have guessed the fusible plug has been replaced, and still carry our boiler certificate, expiring August 2006. We've also tweaked the valve timing, resealed the crosshead pump and refurbished a hydraulic platform - that makes lifting the loco alot easier! The loco will be stripped down again this winter for a major overhaul, which will include:
- Repacking the regulator
- Sending the steam manifold to Maxitrak for fitting of a new tapping, so we can fit an injector
- Taking the valves apart and resetting the valve timing, as well as repacking certain items
- Replacing all the pins on the valve gear with split pins
So, we have a busy winter! We also need to:
- Build a new riding truck. This will include a new water tank to feed the injector
- Fitting a vacuum injector
We plan to steam again by next March, but Christmas and the 'year in ownership' steamings have been cancelled.
There are also plans afoot to build a new workshop, and a ride-in tram, subject to time constraints of course!
Above - 'Christine Mary', the BigWLR's riding truck and VAMES guards van GV1, in Denham Green loop during a photo-call on the 26th October. This station is non-passenger (the passenger trains run past it) and there are 2 sidings used by the permenant way trains. [Photo - Jon Potter]
Fusible plug blown - but quick turn-around (August 11th 2005)
Well, the VAMES visit yesterday worked well, and the links to the pictures are below. The negine was steamed between 1030 - 1200 and again about 1330 - 1500. However, there is one slight problem - we blew the fusible plug meaning that boiler recertification will be necessary. Anyway, we did manage to get hold of Maxitrak today, and they will refill it or replace it for us, or we'll refill it ourselves in the workshop here if needs be. The plug is only filled with solder - we just need to know what mix! 'Christine Mary' was dismantled tonight, and we took out the fusible plug, involving removing the pony truck, ashpan and grate, and also repaired the brake linkage while we were at it. The loco was also polised. The next thing for us to do is to fix the plug and refit it, then take it to VAMES and hydraulically test it to 180psi (2x working pressure, which will give us a certificate until August 2007). Then we can steam it! It will be tested on the Big WLR in the next 2 weeks anyway to sort out the crosshead pump.
Anyway, the engine did run well though, and there were various other engines:
1) Maxitrack 'Christine Mary' - not hauling passengers
2) 5" DeWinton - not hauling passengers
ALL BELOW HAULING PASSENGERS:
1) Romulus 'St George' from the Harrow club
2) VAMES Club steamer 'John Pope'
3) VAMES Diesels - Hymek ad Baby Deltic
Here are the picture links All photos Copyright Jon Potter, 2005:
THe negine site on the steaming bay while steam is raised at VAMES: http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/142336/Quainton August 10th 001.jpg
A 5" guage DeWinton, from the Harrow club, sits on the steaming bay: http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/142336/Quainton August 10th 003.jpg
The 5" DeWinton again, with 'Christine Mary' raising steam in the background: http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/142336/Quainton August 10th 004.jpg
Romulus 'St. George' viewed from the shed roads with Bob the builder in the foreground: http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/142336/Quainton August 10th 005.jpg
'Christine Mary' in Golden Springs station, the only passenger-allowed station on the VAMES track: http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/142336/Quainton August 10th 006.jpg
VIDEOS SOON!
VAMES visit gone - but more to come! (August 8th)
Well, the first run of 'Christine Mary' on the 1/2 mile Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineering Society's track at Quainton Road (the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre) took place to the VAMES members only on August 5th 2005, with a few laps on both circuits being run, with my dad not driving (more fun for me!). Anyway, it went well but we only hauled our riding truck as it was a track night and we were the second smallest loco there - there were engines about 1ton in weight!
Anyway, if you want to see the engine then we're running again on Wednesday 10th August (it's bee confirmed), and probably Wednesdays 17th & 24th as well. We don't think we're going to be hauling passengers this Wednesday but you never know! One of the club diesels or another steam loco will be hauling the passenger trips. The engine will be running for most of the day - if you have any questions then just come and ask!
The BRC is open from 10:30am until 4:30pm, with last admission at 3:30pm. There will be steam train rides on the standard gauge track hauled by Pannier No. 7715. The entry price is as below (from the BRC site). There are refreshments available in 2 locations on the site.
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Miniature Railway rides are 50p for a 1/2 mile trip. The highest speed limit is 8mph but it feels allot faster. The 50p is for one ride only. There is also an SM45/32 'garden railway' there as well as picnic benches and a refreshment stall.
The miniature railway includes loads of animals around the track, 2 stations (only allowed onto one though) and bridges and tunnels, as well as trips though a wooden bit.
RELATED LINKS:
www.vames.co.uk - the VAMES home page
http://www.bucksrailcentre.org/index.html - The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre's home page
http://gallery124434.fotopic.net - There are some photos of VAMES on this site (or click directly on this link --> http://gallery124434.fotopic.net/c382775.html )
See you there!
VAMES visit to come! (July 30)
The long awaited visit of Christine Mary to the VAMES track at Quainton Road is expected to happen in the next 2 weeks as we are now members. The anticipated date is Wednesday 3 August, although if this is missed then the visit will take place on Wednesday 10 August.
On both the days a full size Standard gauge engine will be in steam, hauling trains between opening at 1030 and closing at 1730 (5:30pm). The VAMES track is a short walk up the yard, and if you see us there please come and say hello - or why not take a ride on the half-mile circuit for just a 50p extra charge? Excellent value - and a few steam engines should be in use as it's the holidays! There is also a possibility of the WLR taking a couple of small (SM45) engines over, so come and see!
Sponsors
Latest steamings and the future... (June 5)
Today the engine was in steam again, with the nearly-completely overhauled wagon, just awaiting sign writing and painting of the strapping. The plan is to now build a luxury 3-seat carriage by the much delayed major WLR10 event, now expected in August. There were fears that we would blow the fusible plug during todays run as the water guage was up to no good, yet again... We ended up testing it on blocks!
I also plan to start work on the lineside, and build a new goods wagon (probably a guards van) later in the year.
In the meantimme, however, take a look at this new video!: Movie_0005.wmv (click on it to download, less than 1MB)
Workshop news, May 10th 2005
During yesterday evening repainting of the wagon started, with an all-over grey coat on the exterior. A second top coat will go on. Then, gloss black will be added to the strapping, seat 'box' and sole bars prior to the 'signwrighter' applying the WLR logos. Following this (hoped for completion during next week) I plan to start buying parts for a new wagon, to roughly the same design, which will hopefully be completed sometime during the year.
Also, the diesel project (anounced last time) will enter the design phase soon, ad we plan to start on it after the construction of the planned wagon ends. The diesel will give an engine to run at short notice.
We also hope to strip the motion on 'Christine Mary' soon for the overhaul which has been pushed back and back.
Running session and stock page updates - April 25th
Yesterday (April 24th) we ran the engine to test the rebuilt driving truck for height (see stock page). Also, a few videos were taken, as well as pictures, and these will be able to be viewed on our new page. Also, we are now planning the Big WLR's part in the June 18th gala on the WLR. We plan to do:
- Two talks on the engine, line and stock - while firing up (1100) and disposing (1600)
- Between these times visitors will be able to ride behind (free) or drive for 5 return trips on the line (£1) except while watering and fire maintenence is going on.
All money raised will go towards the cost of the new diesel project - more details soon!
For this, we will need to either hire or build a wagon. If anyone has any offers for wagons or wheels for sale then e-mail me at jon_potter@tesco.net please!
This will be the first chance to see the engine in use on our track, as the loco may visit VAMES (www.vames.co.uk) in May.
In the meantime check out the other updates!
Running session - 2nd April 2005
Well, on the 2nd April a brief running session took place to demonstrate our engine to Richard MacGilvary, our guest for that weekend. The loco chuffed up and down the track a couple of times, as my dad got cramp in his legs (I do about 80% of our driving on the line, and I wasn't there), and due to general Big WLR policy the guest did not drive.
Anyway, as said at the last update the repairs to the wagon have been done, and the wagon will be shown off during the gala on 11th April. The idea to run Christine Mary at the event has been cancelled due to the weather forecast, but the loco will be on display. The big WLR will also hae the wagon on show, and hopefully details of the future diesel project. The construction of the diesel is hoped to be far enough forward by June to display the loco at the WLR's gala (rescheduled to June 18 from May 28), and the loco should be running by next year.
'Christine Mary' was displayed at the WLR's annual filmshow for a group of friends, with 2 new faces (RG and MT), and the loco was well recieved all round. There are plans to take the loco to VAMES in the near future, and the loco should be in steam on the line here before too long.
Lastly, plans to purchase the components of a diesel from Lidorail have fallen through, due to the current owner wanting to finish it himself. There is still a possibility of a visiting steam loco in June, and we hope to run top 'n' tailed trips up the line. The event plan will be published here once the WLR knows what's happening.
Update - March 23rd 2005
Just a quick note to say that we've updated the 'The fleet' page. We have also finished the overhaul on the wagon, including fitting of dummy Hundson axleguards. Once the weather has got better I'll try to get some pictures.
- Also May 28th - we hope to have the new diesel project on show, as well as a visiting engine (any offers (please!).
Sponsors
New loco to come?
Following the collapse of a very good idea, the Lidorail (www.lidorail.tripod.com) project, there is a need to sell of their stock. They are in negotiations to try and reignite the project, but if not it is expected that 12 wheelsets and the loco, Diesel 'Park Herne' will come here. It needs a fair bit of work (actually allot), but we are hopeful that this will become a good and solid project. The other 8 wheelsets will probably be used in a bogie veichle. Another blow is that for the opening of this line it was planned that 'Christine Mary' would go to run there.
There is also allot of track, which we do not require.
Steam up and future events - Febrary 20th 2005
Well, half term is nearly gone, but the Big WLR's main season has just kicked off! Yesterday we had the first run up our newly extended line, and pictures are both below and on the fleet page. We are, however, not stopping there. As the Woodrow Light Railway is holding a gala on May 28th, we are planning on hosting a gala too, with an intensive shuttle service up the line, operated by a top and tailed formation. 'Christine Mary' will obviously be in use, but we are planning on having a visiting loco - possibly a Maxitrak 'Pearl' or even a 'Romulus' coming to operate as well. Visitors will be allowed to ride, but not drive, over the route. Obviously as we get more details we'll post them here!
Now the pictures from the running session (February 19th 2005)
Christine Mary on the new section
Hunslets for Sale (19th February 2005)
I have found two very interesting Hunslets for sale, and was thinking about making an offer on one of them. However, due to lack of funds I didn't, but they are being advertised here.
ELIDIR: This is a substanial kit of parts for the Reeves model, which contains an assemled frames and many other parts, including smokebox, cylindersm drawings, wheels etc (see picture below). Asking price is a very reasonable £1300
HUNSLET: This is a 1/3 replica of a Hunslet, which is to a Milner design - parts still available from Reeves. It contains many laser cut parts, including frames cab parts, tender parts, valve gear etc. A real bargain at £350
If you are interested in these, or require further information, then please contact the owner:
Graham Bone
Guildford
Surrey
01483 225587
If the link to the e-mail does not work, then contact me at jon_potter@tesco.net and I'll send you another one.
General update - February 13th 2005
Well, waht can I say? We've completed the entire track now (bar and 8ft panel which we don't have the rail for yet), and the latest lengths are being creosoted. We are also planning on taking the loco to VAMES sooner or later, in anticipation for visiting their May Day gala (if we can get there!).
On a different note the 3.5" wagon has now gone, and is now the only item of rolling stock (with 4F and 3F locos) on another private railway. We are also doing our best to purchase another wagon, and we are talking with the owners of two at the moment. The wagon will be paid for with the money made from the sale of the 3.5" wagon.
However, this has meant that the idea to recreate a Hunslet by buying parts and slowly working our way up to completing the loco may have to be abandoned. The money is simply not coming in.
Anyway, I hope to spend a bit more time updating this site over 1/2 term. Expect some interesting photos!
Latest news and FOR SALE - January 22nd 2005
Today Chris attended the Alexandra Palace show, and there we purchased another 64ft of rail; for a further 32ft (10m) of track. Also, after browsing through many catalogues, Jon has formed the signalling project - see the new page. We also got three new spanners for doing up fishplates (the old spanners were getting warn), and we also got two bags of split pins, which will enable us to replace all the clip pins on the valve gear of the loco. This will help dramatically as the clip pins are able to move at any point, which would cause severe embarrasment if it happened when we were running in public - I'ld hat to see the faces if our valve gear collapsed!
Speculation of a new trolley didn't turn into reality as there was nothing to catch our attention at Alexandra Palace.
However, we do have something for sale:
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For Sale (please be patient and wait for the pictures to load - they're worth it!)
A beautifally made 3½" gauge 8-plank wagon. It has sprung buffers, sprung axleguards, 3-link partially sprung couplings, spoked wheels, hinging doors, full strapping and working brake gear. It is finished in an attractive plain grey, with undergear and strapping in Matt black. It has been varnished and is suitable for outdoor use. It comes with some fully chaired display track, which it is standing on in the picture. The wagon has never had a working career, and was split from a set of display wagons, and for 18 months has been at the WLR for display at our filmshow evenings - it is always a conversation piece. It has also been posed at my uncles filmshow, next to a 4-4-0 part-bult steam loco of the gauge. The wagon had the axleboxes lubriacted and frred up during the summer of 2004, and is now ready for use. The wagon is expected to sell fast, and will be advertised elsewhere. The cost of the wagon would, if you were buying from a trader, be higher than £200, as the parts alone cost iver £150. However, we are asking £125 o.n.o. (no offers lower than £100 please). If you need further details or pictures, or would like to discuss an offer, please e-mail us at jon_potter@tesco.net . Thank you.
SORRY, THIS ITEM HAS NOW BEEN SOLD, SUBJECT TO CONTRACT (!)
40ft of track down, and steaming! - 18h January 2005
Its a crisp, peaceful afternoon on Sunday 16th January 2005, a little windy, but nevermind. Suddenly, a steam whistle breaks the peace and the poundin of the loco up the 1-in-96 bank disturbs all the wildlife in sight...
This all came true on 16th January, as, following lunch, my father and I ventured out into the freezing garden to fix down the next 16ft of track. The creosote had dried enough for us to use it, and so 'Christine Mary' was to be found on the track. Alot of video was taken with my camcorder, but, however, this will not appear on the site due to sheer size. But pictures were taken, which will appear here, and the video will be available on a DVD or a computer CD-RW within the next few weeks.
'Christine Mary' is now wrapped up, so running is on hold - but the next thing will be a visit to VAMES, prior to a planned appearance at the VAMES mayday gala in May. We'll post the date when we know it, but it may not be a pblic open day.
Well, here is one shot of 'Christine Mary' out and about on the 1 in 96 (although some of it is around 1 in 50) climb, with drain cocks open.
At the Alexandra Palace Model Engineering show on January 22nd we are planning to buy another 40ft of track to double the length.
See you next update,
Jon
More track done, but steaming held off
Well, last night we managed to get both of the new track panels made up, meaning 40ft of track is now with us! The track has not yet been creosoted. though, and as it is rainging we've had to put the new 16ft away. It was also decided to cancel the days steaming.
More next time,
Jon
Track laid - 8th January 2004
Well, its getting cold, but today, with both Chris and myself out working, we've got the 2ft of track down following creosoting. It has also been ballasted and then tested with the truck - we hope to have the loco in steam tomorrow. News of a new railcar is still on hold, awaiting funds, but we are sorry to have to announce that only invited guests over the age of 16 will be allowed to drive 'Christine Mary'. Photos of the track, trackbed and ballasted track will be up on the site soon; we are currently making a further 2 track panels - 16ft - to take the total length to 40ft. After that we run out of rail - but sleeper manufacter will continue.
In the meantime, here is a lovely shot courtesy by Murray Tremellen, of the Misbourne Valley Railway , of Christine Mary resting after purchase by the WLR. Please contact him at the MVR (click on his name) prior to using it. It has also been added to the loco page.
News - December 30th
Well, with the new year just around the corner I think I'll give you the news. The earthworks is now well underway, with the wall knocked down, and rebuilt further over, log roll has been put in place, and the trackbed is now complete. The three track panels were broken apart today (easier said than done), and we are now creosoting them (not with creosote, that would be illegal!) ready for laying. They each need three soakings of an hour, so that's 9 hours in total, although it is cut to just 3 by us both working on them. Hopefully by February we'll have some track down, although with my Grandparents coming to stay, and then with my dad going back to work it'll be just me - and then I have to return to school. I hate GCSE work.......Earthworks start - December 8th
Well, last Sunday (5th December) earthworks finally started, with the demolishing of a flowerbed. We also managed to get the track past the greenhouse ready for the levelling. The next job is getting through a substansial concrete path!
There are also some small plans for a 4-wheel diesel or railcar of somekind. More details soon, as we don't have any as of yet.
Lastly, if you're into 16mm, check out our 'other part' at www.freewebs.com/wlrailway - all the pages are worth a look!
News- November 28th 2004
Well, after making three track panels last night we finally steamed 'Christine Mary' here today, all be it only on a 24' stretch. It was great to finally work it, but the 1-in-15 grade up our drive was too steep, and we therefore aim to take it to VAMES soon. I didn't take any pics today as the weather was drizzly, but on the next attempt I will.
The track panels are formed of 2 5/8" alluminnium rails nailed (using plasterboard nails) to 15 wooden sleepers. 4 nails will eventually be used per rail, per sleeper, but only 2 have been used on some sleepers to speed it up for steaming today. The loco is now in a more permenant home, and, following draining and cleaning out the ash pan, is ready for the next run, or a visit to VAMES!
More soon!
News - 20th November 2004
Well, today the loco and wagon arrived from Kent, and are now safely tucked away following alot of huffing and puffing (by us, not the loco!). We also got:
- Blower, a total necessary (for taking the pressure to 30psi. After this it is the steam locos own blower that does the work)
- Firing tools
- 80ft of alluminium rail (to make 40ft of track - enough for the time being)
- Couplings (2 bar, 1 3-link)
- Coal, lots and lost of it
- Charcoal and meths, for starting the fire
- The instructions and boiler details
We hope to steam the loco soon, as it hasn't been steamed yet in our ownership. I can tell you this - it looks a hell of alot bigger once out of the car!