Winter is traditionally a quiet period for garden railways, but in fact we have packed a surprising amount of activity into the last two months of 2018. At the end of November, we hosted our second steam-up of the year. Once again, JP of the Vale of White Horse Railway brought three visiting engines: Arlette (a Roundhouse/16mm Association 'Victory' 0-4-2T, which has since been sold), Kangchenjunga (Roundhouse DHR 'B' class) and Jean-Ann (DJB 'Emma'). The latter gained the distinction of being the first coal-fired locomotive to run on the MVR. Two all-steel Cheddar coaches also visited for the day. Fortunately, the threatened rain held off and a very successful day's running was had.
The evening of 10th December saw the annual Christmas party and indoor steam-up at Guildford. Several interesting engines were in operation, including a Roundhouse 'Victoria' which has recently changed hands. This 0-4-0VBT was the first production Roundhouse design; sadly, it did not prove popular so these engines are now rare beasts. Other unusual designs included Sir Harold, an indirect-drive 0-4-2T which bore a passing resemblance to the Snowdon Mountain Railway locos; Old Faithful, a DHR 'A' class 0-4-0ST; and Bayfields Estates No. 4, a 7/8" scale Hudswell, Clarke 0-4-0T.
Finally, on Boxing Day we made a welcome return to the Woodrow Light Railway. Our last visit was almost two years ago; shortly afterwards, much of the line's former equipment moved to the Vale of White Horse Railway. To make up for this, owner CP has recently invested in a new rake of British-outline freight wagons, and a very smart new set of station buildings has also appeared at Woodrow.
JP brought two visiting engines from the VWHR: No. 85 (Accucraft SLR 2-6-2T) and Highland Chief (Roundhouse DHR 'D' class). I brought both Russell and Auric, this being the first time that both our steam locos have visited another line together. However, No. 1 blotted her copybook by refusing to light! Fortunately, CP was able to strip down the gas tank and jet in the WLR workshop; he concluded that repeated over-tightening of the gas valve had damaged the seal and forced small pieces of debris into the jet. Russell was running again by the end of the day but I will have to remember to be more careful in future! Happily, Auric stepped into the breach with three successful running sessons; proof, if any were needed, that a second live steam loco has been a wise investment for the MVR!
JP brought two visiting engines from the VWHR: No. 85 (Accucraft SLR 2-6-2T) and Highland Chief (Roundhouse DHR 'D' class). I brought both Russell and Auric, this being the first time that both our steam locos have visited another line together. However, No. 1 blotted her copybook by refusing to light! Fortunately, CP was able to strip down the gas tank and jet in the WLR workshop; he concluded that repeated over-tightening of the gas valve had damaged the seal and forced small pieces of debris into the jet. Russell was running again by the end of the day but I will have to remember to be more careful in future! Happily, Auric stepped into the breach with three successful running sessons; proof, if any were needed, that a second live steam loco has been a wise investment for the MVR!
Russell was not the only MVR loco in the WLR workshop that day, as Blackbird has now been returned to her builders for attention to her electrics. Alas, progress on our workshop projects continues to be slow, but one success is that Russell's carrying box has at last received its coat of paint.