Another loco joins the fleet

[Lordraglan274]

Thanks for the compliment.
A few more repaints are in the workshops, including three trams.
Two are going into the fleet livery whilst the third is being transformed into a Works Car.
This photo was taken a few minutes ago when proceedings were halted for a well earned pot of tea.

 

[Lordraglan274]

The loco seen lurking above the trams isnt the same one that started this thread !
I recieved a PM from Steven Large offering me a second 20 Tonner as he liked what I had done with the original one. It was in a bit of a sorry state, broken railings, scratched paint, damaged steps etc but ideal for a make-over. It was duly aquired and is now halfway through repainting, it will differ from No54 by only having cream on the cab sides. I have never been able to decide which paint version I prefer so both styles are used !!!

 

[nicebutdim]

Looking good! Being honest, I think I prefer the cab sides in cream as above, but both styles really look great.

 

[mike]

just like the real railways then sid!!

 

[Lordraglan274]

Yes Mike, I really dont have a clue.
Today we had a general post-winter run to ensure everything runs OK.
The heavy muscle was out in force although the Big Boy has an electrical problem for us to puzzle over.
She runs fine for a while then just shuts down......but the MTH electronics are very complicated as they work on AC Digital in addition to DC anologue, and can get confused after a bit of storage.

The Diesel fleet was fine however, and tomorrow it is Live Steam day.

 

[Steve]

Nice Pics Sid , some big trains there

 

[Lordraglan274]

Getting back a bit more to the original thread, today the newly overhauled 20 Tonner entered service that was aquired from Steven large as a direct result of the original photo!

Now fully repainted and numbered 43 she is a great addition to the fleet.

As mentioned earlier the cream relief does not extend around the front cab windows like No54, and also a red bufferbeam has been added. To show the differences clearly the pair were posed together at the depot, and then seen later on in the day out on the line passing with their trains.

 

[Lordraglan274]

Monarch had her first run at Fundenhall at the end of April. The line had become dormant due to personal problems of the owner, but a big effort recovered the track from underneath eighteen months of undergrowth, no small task. It was the first chance since Monarch's arrival to test the stamina of the batteries on a proper run, and she performed superbly operating trains for nearly three hours.

 

[Lordraglan274]

We hadnt expected to be able to get the electrics working on the line at the start after such a long time out of use, so once the track was declared operational 'Seagull' became the first Live Steamer to run since 2009.

The first passenger train was in the hands of 'Lady Anne' with the IOM stock, soon to be handed over to our new 'Caledonia' when Trackshack have completed fitting Radio Control.