Monday 7 February 2011

A Good Old Shuntin'...

Hi all. Today was just another simple Sunday at Shackerstone, in the loco works. Arriving at around 10am, I was first into the loco shed. After feeding the shed cat and changing into my overalls, I took a quick look around. After an hour or two, we had a full shed crew and the main job today was to shunt the loco's around. Over Christmas, due to the use of 1306 and 5786, "Sir Gomer"; still under overhaul; has been at the back of the shed with "Blue Circle". Unfortunately, that end of the shed is rather dark, cold and is a long way from the stores and facilities. Therefore, the plan was to get "Sir Gomer" over the pit and put 5542 and the tender of 1306 behind in the 'storage area'. Now, this sounds simple to read BUT, due to both "Sir Gomer" and 1306's tender not having a rear draw-hook, the shunt was made very awkward. Therefore, it took us about 2 hours, using BR Class 02 diesel "Diane". First out were 5542 and the tender of 1306, which were put on the main line. Secondly, "Sir Gomer" was brought out into the chilly daylight before being shoved onto the outside pit road...
Next, 5542 and 1306's tender were put back inside. We then had to run back out and fetch "Sir Gomer" and get her in. Then, we had to return to the North End to collect a wagon full of sleepers and bring that back to the shed before uncoupling "Diane" and taking her inside. What alot of effort for such a simple job! Whilst they were outside, I managed to catch a few phone-pics of 5542 and "Sir G" together; the size difference is huge. Even 5542, which is a humble tank engine, towers above the Peckett! But, allas, she is a main liner whereas the Peckett is an industrial. Below, "Sir G"s lack of a tank and a chimney cannot be more graphically shown!...
After the shunt, we all set about continuing the building of the Ash Dump. This project is coming along quite nicely now and will keep the ash tidy and clear of the rails. Another simple day with a finish at 5pm. Thank you for reading folks. Good Evening...

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