Surviving Kerr Stuart Wrens

She looks pretty similar to a photographed by Ivo Peters dated 24th September 1956, albeit the paint work has deteriorated somewhat.

 

Perhaps things might be different on a longer railway with heavier loads? Charming though the Kew Bridge railway is, I don't it really allows her to be utilised to her full potential!

 

I was not involved when "TW" visited Wicksteed Park at Kettering but I understand she hauled four bogies plus a compressor wagon with ease, again with the damper shut and absolute freedom of steaming! The gradients there are, I gather, substantial in places but no problem. Of course heavier working involves somewhat greater fuel consumption.

At Kempton the task is intermediate in severity. The train is only one bogie coach which is taken three times round a circular track. It is educational to stand by the lineside and watch the valves lift immediately the regulator is eased, shut when it is tapped open, lift again when it is shut and so on. The fire is kept quite thin and just a few handfuls go on at each stop. Amazing to experience.

PH

 

when 3128 is repaired will it be in use at an event at Statfold Barn

heres hoping

DSW

 

3114 at Devil's Bridge on the Vale of Rheidol, raising funds for VoR No 7 'Owain Glyndwr'. A rather nervous me at the controls!

 

Sorry to dissappoint but 3128 is now on its way back to Canada after overhaul here.

Heres how she came out!

Henry

SBR

Photo courtesy of Jeff Cogan

 

I heard tell that one of the Devon CC Wrens was sold off without wheels and was used as a boiler at a nursery. I have no evidence of this one way or another. Could just be a rumour but it was told to me by someone with lots of Wren experience. If true it might still be out there......

 

3128 Wren has been rebuilt with a tall chimney and cab at Statfold. While this means a little bit of history has been lost the loco now called 'Roger' is superb and on its way back across the Atlantic. The other Avonmouth Wren I purchased in the 1960's is missing.

 

It was built by Kerr Stuart with shortened chimney and no cab to run underneath the Zinc Retorts. This is where I saw her
when I went to purchase two.

 

Very interesting. I see from the photo she retains the arrangement whereby the blowoff pressure can be readily altered. Judging from "Thomas Wicksteed" this is the ideal design for light passenger usage.

Paul H