Locomotives
No. 2
Despite her number, Albatross was actually the MVR's first locomotive, being delivered at Christmas 1999. Manufactured by LGB in Germany, No. 2 is an example of that firms trademark "Stainz" 0-4-0T. She was originally supplied as a two-rail electric locmotive, with smoke and sound generators, and working headlamps.
Overall we found two-rail electric operation rather cumbersome, partly because we have no permanent power supply into the garden, and also because of the tedious requirement for regular track-cleaning! Therefore, in 2020 we decided to convert No. 2 to battery power. This was achieved by mounting the batteries, charging socket etc. into an LGB van; the power supply is then connected via a socket at the back of the engine's cab, which was originally intended for powering carriage lighting.
Despite her number, Albatross was actually the MVR's first locomotive, being delivered at Christmas 1999. Manufactured by LGB in Germany, No. 2 is an example of that firms trademark "Stainz" 0-4-0T. She was originally supplied as a two-rail electric locmotive, with smoke and sound generators, and working headlamps.
Overall we found two-rail electric operation rather cumbersome, partly because we have no permanent power supply into the garden, and also because of the tedious requirement for regular track-cleaning! Therefore, in 2020 we decided to convert No. 2 to battery power. This was achieved by mounting the batteries, charging socket etc. into an LGB van; the power supply is then connected via a socket at the back of the engine's cab, which was originally intended for powering carriage lighting.
Before her battery conversion, No. 2 brings a short test train over the freshly-ballasted track at Rose Halt, August 2019.
No. 1 Russell
Russell is an internally gas fired, live steam, radio controlled 2-6-2T, based on the prototype from the Welsh Highland Railway. The pride of the MVR fleet, she was built by Roundhouse Engineering, Doncaster, and delivered in July 2001.
Russell has visited many garden railways over the years including the Little Corris Railway, the Woodrow Light Railway and the Vale of White Horse Railway; it has also appeared on the indoor Whiteleaf Garden Railway layout. It has also run in public at the Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineers and the Llechfan Garden Railway.
For ten years after its construction, Russell ran in essentially factory condition, apart from the addition of a safety valve bonnet and driver figure. However, in July 2011 its appearance was enhanced by painting the cylinder ends, tank tops and Westinghouse pump detail in black. In 2021, the original 40 Mhz radio control set was replaced by a modern 2.4 Ghz system.
No. 1 Russell
Russell is an internally gas fired, live steam, radio controlled 2-6-2T, based on the prototype from the Welsh Highland Railway. The pride of the MVR fleet, she was built by Roundhouse Engineering, Doncaster, and delivered in July 2001.
Russell has visited many garden railways over the years including the Little Corris Railway, the Woodrow Light Railway and the Vale of White Horse Railway; it has also appeared on the indoor Whiteleaf Garden Railway layout. It has also run in public at the Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineers and the Llechfan Garden Railway.
For ten years after its construction, Russell ran in essentially factory condition, apart from the addition of a safety valve bonnet and driver figure. However, in July 2011 its appearance was enhanced by painting the cylinder ends, tank tops and Westinghouse pump detail in black. In 2021, the original 40 Mhz radio control set was replaced by a modern 2.4 Ghz system.
Today, the Welsh Highland Railway is operated by the Ffestiniog Railway Co. However, the original Russell is owned by the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, and has now been fully restored to original condition. The WHHR are an incredibly friendly lot, always very warm and welcoming. For more information about Russell and the WHHR, check out their website at www.whr.co.uk.
No. 3 Blackbird
Our third locomotive was built for us by the Woodrow Light Railway. It is based on an IP Engineering "Jessie" chassis, but has a freelance plasticard body. It is battery-powered and manually controlled.
It entered service in August 2006, finished in British Rail blue livery. It proved a most reliable performer, apart from occasional problems with slipped cranks. However, by 2019 it was starting to show its age. It therefore returned to the WLR for an overhaul, which involved fitting a new gearbox made using readily-available 00 gauge components. It returned to service at Easter that year and has continued to give good service since.
Our third locomotive was built for us by the Woodrow Light Railway. It is based on an IP Engineering "Jessie" chassis, but has a freelance plasticard body. It is battery-powered and manually controlled.
It entered service in August 2006, finished in British Rail blue livery. It proved a most reliable performer, apart from occasional problems with slipped cranks. However, by 2019 it was starting to show its age. It therefore returned to the WLR for an overhaul, which involved fitting a new gearbox made using readily-available 00 gauge components. It returned to service at Easter that year and has continued to give good service since.
Blackbird departing Box End in March 2012. This was coach A1's final appearance in its original blue livery.
No. 4 Auric
Auric is an 0-4-0T built by Pearse Locomotives c. 1994/95 (works no. 170). In the 1990s, this Shropshire-based firm was the principal rival to Roundhouse in the construction of 16mm scale live-steam locomotives, but production had ceased by the end of 2011. The "Auric" class is a freelance model, originally designed by Ian Pearse for Merlin Locomotive Works in 1992. However, Merlin folded shortly afterwards, so Pearse eventually began producing the design under his own marque. There was also an 0-6-0 version, originally marketed by Merlin as the "Meteor", and subsequently re-released by Pearse as "Genesis". Despite the lack of any full-size prototype, our model has been fitted with Peckett worksplates by a previous owner.
Sadly, we know little of Auric's early history. If any reader recognises it and can supply more information, I would be very interested to hear from them. The engine was acquired from our friends the Vale of White Horse Railway in 2018.
Though a smaller engine than Russell, Auric is in some ways a more sophisticated machine, with features including a blow-down valve and a steam whistle. The VWHR kindly arranged to have the loco fitted with a new poker burner from Barley Pit Works before delivering the engine to us; this has increased its power and running times. It retains its original 27 Mhz single-channel radio control system.
Auric is an 0-4-0T built by Pearse Locomotives c. 1994/95 (works no. 170). In the 1990s, this Shropshire-based firm was the principal rival to Roundhouse in the construction of 16mm scale live-steam locomotives, but production had ceased by the end of 2011. The "Auric" class is a freelance model, originally designed by Ian Pearse for Merlin Locomotive Works in 1992. However, Merlin folded shortly afterwards, so Pearse eventually began producing the design under his own marque. There was also an 0-6-0 version, originally marketed by Merlin as the "Meteor", and subsequently re-released by Pearse as "Genesis". Despite the lack of any full-size prototype, our model has been fitted with Peckett worksplates by a previous owner.
Sadly, we know little of Auric's early history. If any reader recognises it and can supply more information, I would be very interested to hear from them. The engine was acquired from our friends the Vale of White Horse Railway in 2018.
Though a smaller engine than Russell, Auric is in some ways a more sophisticated machine, with features including a blow-down valve and a steam whistle. The VWHR kindly arranged to have the loco fitted with a new poker burner from Barley Pit Works before delivering the engine to us; this has increased its power and running times. It retains its original 27 Mhz single-channel radio control system.
Auric departs Rose Halt in 2019. The station's new platform has just been completed but the shelter and nameboard have not yet been reinstated.
No. 6 Lord Percy
This Accucraft "Mortimer" 0-4-0ST was built in 2007, and acquired for the MVR in 2020.
Another freelance design, the "Mortimer" is similar to Auric in several respects. This is not surprising, since Accucraft UK was founded by Ian and Sandy Pearse after they sold the Pearse Locomotives business; hence, a number of Pearse design features, such as the water level check valve and blowdown valve, have been carried over into Accucraft designs. However, there are some new refinements, notably the chopper couplings and opening smokebox door. Visually, the engine is quite distinct from both Russell and Auric, thanks to its saddletank and inside valve gear. Unlike its older stablemates, Lord Percy is manually controlled.
The name and number were applied by the engine's previous owner. He also made some minor cosmetic enhancements, such as adding real coal in the bunker and repainting the smokebox, running boards and cab roof in satin black. Finally, he added a Summerlands Chuff Pipe; No. 6 is currently the only MVR loco to have one.
This Accucraft "Mortimer" 0-4-0ST was built in 2007, and acquired for the MVR in 2020.
Another freelance design, the "Mortimer" is similar to Auric in several respects. This is not surprising, since Accucraft UK was founded by Ian and Sandy Pearse after they sold the Pearse Locomotives business; hence, a number of Pearse design features, such as the water level check valve and blowdown valve, have been carried over into Accucraft designs. However, there are some new refinements, notably the chopper couplings and opening smokebox door. Visually, the engine is quite distinct from both Russell and Auric, thanks to its saddletank and inside valve gear. Unlike its older stablemates, Lord Percy is manually controlled.
The name and number were applied by the engine's previous owner. He also made some minor cosmetic enhancements, such as adding real coal in the bunker and repainting the smokebox, running boards and cab roof in satin black. Finally, he added a Summerlands Chuff Pipe; No. 6 is currently the only MVR loco to have one.
Lord Percy poses with Auric at Brambleton on the day of her first run in MVR ownership.
No. 5 Mountaineer
This locomotive is a battery-powered model of the Ffestiniog Railway's George England-built 0-4-0T No. 3. It was scratchbuilt by a gentleman in Hampshire and acquired by us in 2021. It is 32mm gauge, and non-reguageable; it therefore cannot run on the MVR, but was acquired so that we would have a battery loco for our visits to 32mm-gage lines.
We replaced the original radio-control system with Deltang equipment, allowing the locomotive to be operated from the same transmitter as No. 2.
We replaced the original radio-control system with Deltang equipment, allowing the locomotive to be operated from the same transmitter as No. 2.
Mountaineer, Russell and Auric line up at Brambleton in July 2021.
Past Locomotives
No. E762 Lyn
This Bachmann G-scale model of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 2-4-2T was acquired in 2008. A two-rail electric model, it was painted in full Southern Railway livery as per the original, complete with its prototypical number E762. It was sold in 2020.
This Bachmann G-scale model of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 2-4-2T was acquired in 2008. A two-rail electric model, it was painted in full Southern Railway livery as per the original, complete with its prototypical number E762. It was sold in 2020.
Lyn between Rutton and Rose Halt, 2019.
Like the Welsh Highland, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway has also been revived in recent years, with the section from Woody Bay to Killington Lane now reopened and further extensions planned. A replica of Lyn was completed in 2017. For more information on these exciting projects, visit the L&BR website at http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/, and the 762 Club Website at http://www.762club.com/.
Like the Welsh Highland, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway has also been revived in recent years, with the section from Woody Bay to Killington Lane now reopened and further extensions planned. A replica of Lyn was completed in 2017. For more information on these exciting projects, visit the L&BR website at http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/, and the 762 Club Website at http://www.762club.com/.
Visiting Locomotives
Woodrow Light Railway No. 4 Earl of Radnor
This battery locomotive was scratch-built by the Woodrow Light Railway around an IP Engineering chassis, which was powered only on the rear axle. It spent two brief loan spells on the MVR in 2004-05, to cover the lack of a battery locomotive until Blackbird was completed
.WLR No. 8 Coity Castle
WLR No. 8 was a standard IP Engineering "Jessie" class battery locomotive. It was kit-built by the WLR and completed in 2004. It spent a brief loan spell on the MVR in the late summer of 2004 to cover WLR No. 4 (above) after the latter suffered a temporary failure.
In 2017 this engie moved to the Vale of White Horse Railway, where it has been repainted yellow and renamed Ginny.
WLR No. 3 Jonathan
No.3 is a Roundhouse "Millie" class 0-4-0T, purchased new by the Woodrow Light Railway in 2001. The engine spent two brief loan spells on the MVR in 2007 and 2008-09. In 2017, it moved to the Vale of White Horse Railway, where it continues to operate.
This battery locomotive was scratch-built by the Woodrow Light Railway around an IP Engineering chassis, which was powered only on the rear axle. It spent two brief loan spells on the MVR in 2004-05, to cover the lack of a battery locomotive until Blackbird was completed
.WLR No. 8 Coity Castle
WLR No. 8 was a standard IP Engineering "Jessie" class battery locomotive. It was kit-built by the WLR and completed in 2004. It spent a brief loan spell on the MVR in the late summer of 2004 to cover WLR No. 4 (above) after the latter suffered a temporary failure.
In 2017 this engie moved to the Vale of White Horse Railway, where it has been repainted yellow and renamed Ginny.
WLR No. 3 Jonathan
No.3 is a Roundhouse "Millie" class 0-4-0T, purchased new by the Woodrow Light Railway in 2001. The engine spent two brief loan spells on the MVR in 2007 and 2008-09. In 2017, it moved to the Vale of White Horse Railway, where it continues to operate.
Other Visitors
Several other locomotives have paid brief visits to the MVR for gala days:
Woodrow Light Railway:
No. 5 Judith (Merlin "Major Mk. 1")
No. 6 William (Roundhouse "Fowler")
No. 9 Cleeve Abbey (Roundhouse "Lady Anne")
No. 12 Rhys (IP Engineering "Jane")
No. 14 (Accucraft "Edrig")
No. 15 The Earl (Accucraft "Countess")
Parrot (Roundhouse "Stanley")
Prince of Wales (Roundhouse VoR 2-6-2T)
Vale of White Horse Railway:
No. 2 Jean-Ann (DJB "Emma"
No. 3 Alfred (Finelines "Alfie" 0-4-0T)
No. 9 Arlette (Roundhouse/16mm NGM "Victory")
No. 11 Kangchenjunga (Roundhouse DHR "B" Class)
No. 85 (Accucraft SLR 2-6-2T)
Beddgelert (Roundhouse "Beddgelert" 0-6-4ST)
Brockhurst (Roundhouse/Riverdale "Elke" 0-4-0T)
Chota (Roundhouse "Clarence" 0-4-0T)
Karen (Roundhouse "Karen" 0-4-2T)
Sooty (Locomotion railcar)
Several other locomotives have paid brief visits to the MVR for gala days:
Woodrow Light Railway:
No. 5 Judith (Merlin "Major Mk. 1")
No. 6 William (Roundhouse "Fowler")
No. 9 Cleeve Abbey (Roundhouse "Lady Anne")
No. 12 Rhys (IP Engineering "Jane")
No. 14 (Accucraft "Edrig")
No. 15 The Earl (Accucraft "Countess")
Parrot (Roundhouse "Stanley")
Prince of Wales (Roundhouse VoR 2-6-2T)
Vale of White Horse Railway:
No. 2 Jean-Ann (DJB "Emma"
No. 3 Alfred (Finelines "Alfie" 0-4-0T)
No. 9 Arlette (Roundhouse/16mm NGM "Victory")
No. 11 Kangchenjunga (Roundhouse DHR "B" Class)
No. 85 (Accucraft SLR 2-6-2T)
Beddgelert (Roundhouse "Beddgelert" 0-6-4ST)
Brockhurst (Roundhouse/Riverdale "Elke" 0-4-0T)
Chota (Roundhouse "Clarence" 0-4-0T)
Karen (Roundhouse "Karen" 0-4-2T)
Sooty (Locomotion railcar)