Peacemarsh to Colesbrook on a sunny day

[PaulRhB]

I had the pleasure of a day at Steve's lovely garden railway to see coal fired live steam in action. With a friendly bunch of coal fired loco owners and four observers I spent nearly 6 hours watching continuous action and some impressive runs of around an hour.

Thanks to Steve for hosting a splendid day and to all the guys for the entertainment with their locos.
Here are a few short clips from the phone and I'll upload more pictures later. I never counted how many locos we had out but there were at least 8-9 running.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OULf6CgHleo&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pFa28sGZk0&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zABKy_1zO9w&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UWrF-ceq6w&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHzKkUW2pFw&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jreFwmTFkA&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=992frl_TU7M&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plqH9kj7xHg&feature=youtube_gdata_player < Link To http://www.youtube.com/wa...e=youtube_gdata_player

 

[trammayo]

Tantalising glimpses of what looks like an enjoyable, but busy time

 

[400Parker]

Well, many thanks for coming Paul and helping to make it a thoroughly enjoyable day. I'm glad you had a good time. I counted 8 locos in total - 4 Annettes (including 2 re-builds) and 4 locos of DJB origin.
Dan was a star turn proving that the 'dark art' of coal firing is a myth, because he was able to run a coal fired loco by himself (after some instruction) without ever having even seen one in action before.
Steve

 

[PaulRhB]

First of all to really appreciate the next few posts you're going to need some extra bits and pieces.
A small coal fire, steam oil and a kettle . . . . . place the pot of oil near the fire so it warms gently. . . .
That's the aroma sorted . . .

Ready?
The drivers assemble

Overall view of Peacemarsh with the shed on the right

Overview of the whole line.

Florence waits to leave the Peacemarsh

Another freight trundles past the Signalbox

more locos waiting for their turn of duty

 

[PaulRhB]

Taken water and ready for the off

Moving down to the shed at Peacemarsh we take a look at the days locos

and the trainee driver for the day, Dan steaming up

 

[PaulRhB]

Now heading for Fir Tree Jcn

Arriving at Fir Tree Jcn, pick up some more wagons and off we go

Tony stops to tend his fire and allow another train to pass

Florence approaches and clears the section

 

[JRinTawa]

Mmmm, I'm enjoying this. Am I correct in suspecting coal firing could be contagious?

 

[PaulRhB]

Arriving at Colesbrook, again fully signalled.

round the loop after dropping off some goods and heading back to Peacemarsh

On Colesbrook Loop

I've got some more short video clips but they'll have to wait until the home internet is sorted as they are on the camera rather than phone.

Thanks to Steve for hosting us on such a lovely day and to the crews, Paul, Tony, Tim, Richard and Tag for the entertainment and info as they ran. Also to Raif who displayed some superb scratchbuilt IoM stock and 7/8ths wagons.
I had a lovely day and special thanks to Steve's wife who provided sandwiches and a very nice chocolate cake.

 

[PaulRhB]

Am I correct in suspecting coal firing could be contagious?

Yes and I don't think there are tablets for it, you just have to endure
My only hesitation is that I'd rarely run it as I don't have a garden and I can't pop it on the floor to run in the house as domestic bliss might be put under stress if I smoke the house out!

Certainly smells like the real thing and while gas is more convenient for keeping the fire alight I don't think it really needs more effort as you have to play with the gas valve about the same as you do shovelling coal.
Paul ran his loco for an hour without looking flustered and Dan who had his first go on the day certainly coped well with several circuits under his belt with just a little advice from Steve to keep on top of things. Little and often just like bigger locos seems to work the best and they sound and smell lovely.

 

[a98087]

Indeed it was a lovely day out, and I can agree that coal firing is really easy when you have a good tutor

And I cant thank people enough for their hospitality and putting up with my constant questions,

And having seen/used live steam properly my order for a live steamer will be gong in very soon

Dan

 

[BRStandard]

One and all,
Not only does it look like a lot of fun was had by all, but what great weather!
Again my apologies for not making it, but I look forward to the next event, when my rebuilt Sabre should be running.
And what's even more annoying is that even though I was at home I never got to run anything. How bad's that? Priorities obviously all wrong.
Nick

 

[garrymartin]

Interesting photo's of some handsome loco's thanks for posting.

 

[stevedenver]

lovely you tube clips
lovely pics indeed , including one at a singal that looks real
conveys really a great feeling of coal and comraderie

i am however singularly impressed by the singal box and lever points-
THAT is just gorgeous

 

[Drummond]

Somewhat late, I know, but I had a great day. Mine were "Rachel", the Sabre/ John Shawe, and "Elizabeth", the DJB. The Sabre worked, as long as one kept an eye on it.

Black art? Ask Dan!

Tim

 

[jabsteam]

Thanks for posting! Great photos and video, nice to be able to see the variety of coal fired locos that are out running.
Cheers, Jim B.

 

[400Parker]

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I'm planning to hold another one this year (date to be announced). I'm just looking forward to the warmer weather arriving so the new season can start (though snow ploughing with coal fired locos is quite fun too!). It was good to have a variety of coal fired locos and drivers on the same railway, and maybe best of all it was good to have Dan, a complete novice when it comes to coal firing, running a loco on his own. Coal firing isn't the black art some people like to make out, but like riding a bike, it does take a bit of practice (except there's no falling off involved).
Steve