The Foxfield Steam Gala, 17/18th July 2010.

I certainly equate working industrial engines to dirt. All the ones I saw in colliery service were at best grubby. Most of the Foxfield wagons are post 1970 rebodies and the only engines I am aware of post 1970 that were as clean as 71515 is currently were those operated by the Army and Navy. These were more toys than working engines. Some other 'working' engines such as the Pecketts at BNFL and Inco-Europe were very clean but they did very little real work. Even collieries such as Cadley Hill and Backworth which had reputations for clean engines never managed to keep their locos spotless and there is plenty of evidence of filthy engines at both collieries. The paint finish on 71515 is also far superior to that which could ever be achieved in industry.

The engine looks superb but when on minerals a light covering of dirt will make her look just right. A cared for working engine - more steam roller than showman.

Along with the steaming of Sholto, the three austerities on the bank will be the event of the year for me, so just get her there! Looking forward to it.

 

Well Mr Whiston will need to work harder then !. The loco you forgot ( !) has the smokebox now sitting in the saddle and is almost ready for drilling. Main steam pipes test fitted last night - look ok. Not bad when you consider the barrel, tube plate & smoke box are new. The front tube plate was already out when we got her so its first time that I have seen these bits together in the 11 years we have been working on her.

Final steam test could be 5th July - then we clad her, fit the tanks & cab, slewing engine & crane. We will need another large road crane for this last bit - this is going to be close !!!!.

Coupling rods and bearings still off site.

 

A working crane tank is a new experience for me so perhaps that will be the highlight....

 

I did drive and lift with Roker many moons ago - indeed it has a new set of tubes fitted that have never seen steam. I dont think that many of todays guests have seen engines of this type in use.

 

Don't think that's quite right is it Glenalmond,didn't Roker fail on the steam test with the new tubes? If I recall it's the inner firebox that is thin to the point of bacofoil! Then again most of the rest of the engine is equally worn out.... tyres, motion, slewing engine, last crew to have it! :doh:

Here's a thought.... How about Dubs and Roker both at the Colliery posing? But bet you've already thought of that one!

 

No. The engine was retubed and failed the hydraulic with leaks on the corner of the box - but it is round !. The standards applied today were not in use 25 years ago, the tubes should never have been put in. She has not steamed on these tubes - if you look at the saftey valves the blanking plates are still in. Current condition is restorable - at a price.

This years display engines are Roker & Moss Bay at Caverswall Road. Roker & Dubs to get together at some point ( if we make it ). It is too cruel to contemplate towing Roker far without proper inspection and lubrication.

 

Was that how you described Dübs at the start? :lol:

 

No, its a good job that I had no idea how bad it was !.

 

has anymore sidings been put in down the colliery?

 

Yes - the pway boys have been working hard on the ex NSR three way point. This will restore the long siding to the right of the head gear to use and allow access construct two more sidings.

Good to see 2842 in one piece today, cab fitted and tank being filled for the first time.

 

nice one! looking forward to seeing it.
More room for dubs to shunt around =P

 

"Robert Heath No6" has posted a few shots of Dubs on the industrial section of steam loco's on this forum. Regular readers may want to take a peep - and it proves that we have not been making things up !.

If you can help on this or Whiston you will be made most welcome. If you would like to join any of Foxfields departments now is a great time.

 

If anyone wants to see how the colliery is shaping up have a look at the latest report at http://www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk/Latest/View 01.htm, hopefully by gala, the 3-way point will be finished and fencing completed. Don't worry mind as it won't be obtrusive to photos as the team are using "old" angle iron and wire, things are really starting to come together down their now ready for the 2011 opening!!!

Rich

 

looks ruddy good gents! looking forward to it!
litte Request if it is possible at all.

http://owen-edwards.fotopic.net/p52098199.html
http://owen-edwards.fotopic.net/p52098188.html

would it be possible to get that shot this year?
i know last year there was a load of waggons where those shots were taken.
i understand if it isnt possble, you's got plenty on your plate with the Gala build up.

 

Foxfield's GWR 175th tedious link...

As it's the 175th anniversary of the Great Western, the theme has had to be GWR with us having an engine that is currently based in GWR territory and not only that, industrial engines will be working in a colliery just like all those welsh ones...

Now all we need is a heavy freight tank like 5224 or a taffy tank to really create an evocative scene...

Rich

 

Evocative enough for me - a fiz J94 returned to original condition - Mech Navvies is one of this years notable restorations. It hails from the North East, will the Tanfield team hit 20 this year ?.

GWR 175 we are not, a classic gala beckons - enjoy.

 

Maybe a theme for the Autumn Gala in October Richard:thumb:

Do we need a new thread for that event??

 

7754 was close, any further may just push it too far :lol:

 

Looks like I am in Stoke on the Friday so wondering if the bar is open Friday night and will camping be available? Also do any engines need dirtying Friday night (looking to set up the opposite to the MNA...)

Don't know what all the frothing about the GWR is about? I live on it and it is still as pants as ever. Now the Midland and the North Staffs... That said Didcot have a fine selection of former industrials if you could get them painted out of GWR livery or you could always get a Sentinel.

 

TR hits 40 next year matey :becky:
and aye Mech Navvies is NE beast :madgrin:
looking forward to event gents.