Weekend Running

Finally a weekend with some nice weather for a change, and some opportunities to run some trains!

On Saturday I was able to steam Cackler, following some tweaks as a result of an e-mail thread with the Loco's maker, David Hardy. The filler valve problem turned out to be resolved by cleaning out the non-return valve. I did some further fettling of the steam regulator to try to get it to close completely, I also tighted up one of the connecting rods between the slip eccentric and the piston valve which seemed to have worked loose. The resulting run was one of the best I've ever achieved with this loco; lovely slow scale speed pulling a couple of wagons, gas & steam regulators perfectly balanced. Certainly looking forward to more runs like that!

Today I was able to do some gardening, and clear the plants that had overgrown the line. Having done that, I ran Mortimer, once before the kids went to bed, and for an extended run after. I don't usually run once it's dark, even with the patio light on (primarily in case the track works loose), but Mortimer is very reliable, and with the single-fill system there's not a great deal that can go wrong. It was very atmospheric, and great to sit back with a glass of wine and watch her going round!

Hopefully we will get that Indian summer with more good running sessions into the Autumn...

Back to the BMR

We went to Brambridge yesterday, to go to the garden centre, but we squeezed a ride on the Bankside Miniature Railway in too. We were hauled by Carolyn, stalwart of the line - here's a picture of Carolyn plus train being turned on the turntable after the run.

They were also steaming a GWR pannier on a short test track. I'm not sure whether she is the same (unusual) gauge as the main line, and will be on passenger duties in future? (shame - we'll have to go back... ;-)

Big trains, little trains...

Despite the rubbish weather this weekend (again), we managed to see some big trains & little trains on Saturday afternoon.

First of all, up to Ropley again - we saw Wadebridge on a down train, before wandering around the loco shed and seeing several large locos, including a very smart looking A4 60019 Bittern. It's their steam gala this weekend, which looks like it should be very good...

After that it was down to Eastleigh, to the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway for a ride on a little train. It was one of their 'Days out with Underground Ernie', which the kids enjoyed, but sadly no steam haulage! They have quite an extensive track down there, and it was definitely worth a visit - doubtless we'll be back down their again...

I've ordered some parts for the MSS, so hopefully she will be back in steam before long!!!

Toby Rides Again!

Got hold of a new motor for Toby & fitted it Monday evening (with the new metal worm gear to replace the stripped out plastic one). He felt a bit 'gutless' testing on the kitchen table, but he's been out doing laps this evening, and seems to be running in OK. If anything I'd expected a power increase, as the new gears have a lower ratio. Hopefully performance will improve & settle down as he gets run-in...

Looks like the previously noted problem with the MSS refit is a blow through the dead-leg lubricator fitting, which I filed to accomodate the larger pivot bolts of the new cylinders; looks like I was too aggressive there (& I'll be after a new lubricator!). I was wondering where to get parts now that IP seem to have completely walked away from Jane & after-market Mamod parts; PPS carry some, but a bit of Googling revealed http://www.dream-steam.com/, who look like they have quite a good range :-)

Watercress Line

As I was looking after the kids yesterday afternoon, we went up to the Watercress Line at Ropley (our local preserved line) to see some steam engines! West Country 34007 "Wadebridge" & 5MT 73096 were both on passenger duties and made a fine sight in the afternoon sun!

Progress (or lack of!)

Well, August has been a quiet month on the W & L Lt Rly. Between holidays away, pretty rubbish weather, being very busy at work and only having 2 out of 5 locos in service, there hasn't been a great deal of running - just the odd hour here or there with the Baguley-Drewery. Any free time has been spent trying to get those locos back in service:

• A new metal worm gear has been fitted to Toby, but the electric motor has failed & I need to get a replacement - hopefully just a trip to the local model shop.
• The steam regulator & replacement cylinders for the MSS have been fitted, but on an initial firing steam pressure wasn't being raised, so there's a leak somewhere that needs to be sorted out.
• Cackler still needs a new filler valve, and in the longer term the steam regulator needs replacing.

Hopefully there'll be more activity in the Autumn!

End of the reverse-curve

Having got thoroughly fed up with Cackler leaving the track several times during a morning steam up, I decided to finally do what I'd been thinking about for a while, and re-lay the rear of the loop to get rid of the reverse curve. Originally layed to keep the line as close as possible to the fence, but still clear the fence post, it has though caused running problems, slowing trains excessively, and with the tracks joins coming apart after running steam locos in particular.

The relayed section uses fewer pieces of track at the rear (fewer joins to come loose or have to check) and gently curves to avoid the post, transitioning nicely to the set-track curves. The change in geometry means the right side of the front of the loop is brought forward slightly.
Extensive test running this afternoon with the Baguley-Drewery, then Cackler & Mortimer gave much improved running, with more consistent speed and power round the loop.

Unfortunately it looks like Cackler's filler valve failed at the end of her run, as she was blowing hot water back out of it - not a good sign.