The Earl's 'pimple'

Whenever I see a photo of the recently restored 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' I can't help focusing on the silver centre to its smokebox as I'm more used to seeing GWR engines as black (smokebox), red (bufferbeam) and green (er, everything else).

Not another livery moan I promise, but I am intrigued as to the origins of the 'pimple' - I've seen a photo of 'Rood Ashton Hall' with a similar silver nose, so I'm not sure if it's a Tyseley thing, the continuation of a tradition from another depot (Old Oak Common?) or a fashion of a particular era (though the latter is less probable as the Earl is is early BR livery and the Hall in GWR green).

Anyone care to enlighten me?

 

I think you're referring to the smoke box fingers. Those dangly bits on the smoke box door.
Having looked at some of my old GWR photo's I see what you mean. I've been at Tyseley for 4 years and we have always polished the fingers and center.
It's never entered my mind before to ask why. But I must admit it looks smart.
When I go into work on Wednesday I'll ask the question for you. Watch this space.
Just one request, please don't refer to it as a 'pimple'....such imperfections don't exist on engineering perfection.

 

I presume that what you are referring to are the smokebox door handles and the centre boss of the door itself. We polish the handles as with constant use they are easier to keep polished than to keep the black paint on them. The polished door boss is something that goes back to Churchward's days, when such things were the norm on the more important engines, and was usually accompanied by polished door hinge straps as well. We decided that they were probably a bit OTT for a Hall, but we happen to like the polished centre boss and handles and they have probably become a bit of a Tyseley trademark, as they have now spread to 5043. They are not to everyones liking, particularly those who have an aversion to keeping engines clean (usual excuse "we like them realistic" = " we can't be bothered to clean them"), and even Mr Shuttleworth has been heard to say that he has an aversion to them - but we like them so expect them to stay!

Regards
Bob

 

Thanks Kevin and Bob. Yes, it was the centre boss I was referring to (much better term than pimple) - it's certainly very striking and focuses the attention on the front of the smokebox. On reflection, I think 'Truro' and, possibly, Pendennis Castle have been similarly adorned at some stage. It's a nice way of continuing another tradition, if not quite on the 'Bristolian' scale!

You said it wasn't to everyone's taste - I didn't like it at first, but that's probably because I'm used to the all-black look and the difference makes it jump out at you, but I must admit that it's growing on me.

 

If you get the chance to get on to the footplate of either engine, you'll also notice that we also polish the steel work on there. Regulator handle, Reverser handle, Firebox door handle etc, for pretty much the same reason as Bob said about the smokebox handles.

 

I think it looks very ship shape and ... well very smart, anyway not at all out of place and applause to all those who spend that little bit of extra time doing these nice touches.
A bit of realism is great for the preserved railway atmosphere, demonstration freights etc, but when the duty is express passenger for paying punters then 'let it shine'...

 

Is it the done thing for drivers to handle the polished control surfaces with rags (or gloves) - ala the protocol in signalboxes?

 

I tend to use a rag when out on the loco as its good housekeeping to ( well thats what i was taught)

 

I've never seen a mainline driver wear gloves but most of them do use a rag.