Snibston Colliery

Well worth the visit, run the odd steam special

 

Do they have a Loco? or do they rely on visiting motive power?

The Melter

 

My old toy box! There's a working Hunslet 0-6-0DH, a Ruston 48DS, and static, Hunslet Austerity "Cadley Hill No.1" and RSH "Mars II", plus on the museum gallery a Brush saddle tank and Barclay fireless. Usually steam brought in once a year - the last two years have been Chasewater engines, surprised you've not taken Colin, Keith?

 

Last time I visited, at the Transport Weekend back in May, they had a Barclay in NCB colours from the Chasewater operating. The 1906 built Brush saddle tank was formerly owned by the GWR and has the familiar copper safety valve cover. They also have a very nice 1915 Marshall traction engine which was brought out for the day

 

If you're not careful you'll have Mr. Coulls in tears reminising over times with "Jingling Geordie".



...alas, time moves on, but perhaps one day we'll see it out again.

 

Fantastic site, a few of my efforts here.

If I'm not mistaken, that Brush 0-4-0 is remarkably similar to Robert Heath No.6 - what I'd give to hear a pair of them in steam! :lol:

 

George, you're right - the Heath design was heavily influenced by Hughes/Falcon/Brush locos - and back in 1999, we put the two side by side at Snibston and even did dummy double headers. If I can find the prints, I'll scan them.

As for Mr Cooper's post above - the laptop is now flooded...it's now over 10 years since I left there...

 

I well remember the charter at Snibston with the Heath and the conversation then Anthony regarding the Brush loco and restoring it to steam (or not!). The highlight was definitely putting everything to bed at the end of the day, shunting a colliery yard in the dark and a few spots of rain falling!

 

Yes it was wet...and the shunt was indeed the highlight. I have a framed photo of the Heath & Brush at night on my desk.

Checked the IRS North Staffs handbook last night and the Heaths were all copied off an 1885 Falcon 0-4-0 on the company's books at the time.

 

Thanks Anthony, i knew of the visits, but i never did know of the collection there i have never been, as for Colin i am waiting for a particular invite LOL.

The Melter