2019 sees the MVR's 15th anniversary but alas, the year has got off to a quiet start. I have been suffering from an injury for most of the spring, which has hampered my ability to run trains. This has been doubly frustrating during the recent spells of glorious weather!
However, I have managed to complete one small project in the workshop. As the photograph shows, I have made a small plinth which has allowed the Rutton signalbox to be moved to the other side of the points; both plinth and 'box can be stored indoors when not in use, so as not to obstruct the patio. This move will allow the siding at the Box End end of the loop - currently too short to be of much use - to be extended. Also just visible in the photo is a small piece of wooden packing which has been inserted under the running line. The wooden deck of Rutton station, installed five years ago, has warped and settled over time, meaning that the track no longer sits quite level. This simple packing piece has helped to smooth out the track and has significantly reduced the number of derailments.
However, I have managed to complete one small project in the workshop. As the photograph shows, I have made a small plinth which has allowed the Rutton signalbox to be moved to the other side of the points; both plinth and 'box can be stored indoors when not in use, so as not to obstruct the patio. This move will allow the siding at the Box End end of the loop - currently too short to be of much use - to be extended. Also just visible in the photo is a small piece of wooden packing which has been inserted under the running line. The wooden deck of Rutton station, installed five years ago, has warped and settled over time, meaning that the track no longer sits quite level. This simple packing piece has helped to smooth out the track and has significantly reduced the number of derailments.
I managed to get Auric out for a run on 29th March to test the repaired track, but to date this has been the only live steam session on the MVR this year. However, our latest acquisition also made a return visit to its former home, the Vale of White Horse Railway, on Easter Saturday. After some initial problems due to the lubricator drain screw falling off (entirely my fault - I should have checked before lighting up!), she performed very well. Several other visiting engines were also in steam, including Florence (Roundhouse 'Jack') which has become a regular visitor.
The Easter weekend also saw Blackbird make a welcome return to the MVR. Over the winter it was returned to its builders, the Woodrow Light Railway, for a major overhaul, including new gears and attention to the electrics. She came out for test runs on home metals on Easter Sunday, and performed faultlessly. Fortuitously, a patch of Forget-Me-Nots has sprung up near Rose Halt, which perfectly complement her Rail Blue livery!
Sadly, various commitments mean that the railway is likely to remain quiet for the rest of the spring, and it will not be possible to hold a steam-up on the actual 15th anniversary date in May. Nevertheless, I am determined to organise some sort of event to mark this milestone later in the year. Watch this space!