Achilles Report No6: Hard Work at GEC...

Hello everybody. Following a successful return to service at Ryton about 3 weeks ago, my 5" gauge loco "Achilles" was invited up to the GEC Railway today to do a little more work. Though not a public day, the railway had been booked for one of its regular 'Birthday Parties'. In this case, the customer had chosen the 5" gauge raised track and so, locomotives would be required to haul the trains. We arrived at Midday, in good time for the 1pm - 3pm run. After unloading the loco and selecting a steaming bay, we filled the boiler and oiled round. Soon enough, we had a good water level and so the fire could be lit. Within 20 minutes of the match being struck, "Achilles" was simmering away on the bay, feathering at the valves after a pretty gradual warm-up. After a quick dust off (the engine was still pretty clean after her display at the MMEE last week) I moved the engine under her own steam. As the drain cocks on this engine have a mind of their own, I am always careful when moving off shed. I open the regulator and then shut it, before throwing the reverser into the opposite direction. Water begins to come out. I repeat this process until the engine actually moves, forcing the last dregs of water out and, just then, the cocks shut themselves. You do need to be careful with auto drains. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. I myself am considering one day putting manual's on! Anyhow, we moved off the bay and onto the turntable before backing down towards the station area with "Achilles" blue paint (old but not too bad!) shining...
The first trip was with 2 coaches but, soon enough, we were asked to swap with the day's other steamer; the LMS 4-4-0 Midland Compound 'Maid of Kent' (a GEC regular). I did think 1 truck would be a little easy but, we swapped. Just then, the Party arrived. I reckon there must have been around 15 children and then their parents and some of their siblings too. So, there was plenty of work to do. The GEC's Class 08 also put in an appearance on another 2-car set. At 1pm, the work began and we began circling the track. The 08 led the way, and then the Compound, followed by "Achilles" at the back. A trip on the 5" gauge line here means two circuits. The track is only around 1/3 of the length of Ryton but it does have a 1 in 49 gradient, tight curves and woodland scenary. So, for a short ride, there is quite a bit of interest. Anyway, leaving the station I had 3 children behind me on our 1 truck. Climbing the 1 in 49, I was halted at a red signal. We waited and just then, up ahead, you could hear the Compound slipping for all it was worth! The Guard got off to restart the train with a reassuring push and the traffic got moving again. But, when the Compound slipped on its next trip, she snapped a Crosshead pin and left the track for repair. The controller came back to me and asked "Can you take the two trucks?"..."No worries" came the reply. After swapping "Achilles" onto the front of the bigger train and loading up, we departed for our first 'heavy' run. Up the 1 in 49 we went. The loco was working very hard but didn't slip or moan (but, I will admit, you could not notch up...she sounded great!). Later in the day, my brother drives the engine on a 'play' trip (sorry for poor quality)...

We continued to work the 2-car train with ease, though the bark from the chimney was very audible up the bank and around the top bend. I did have to pop off after around 90 minutes so that I could reposition a Washer in the water pump system but, that done, we came straight back on. We managed the last few trips with relative ease and soon enough it was 3pm. After that, we swapped back to 1 car so that we could have a play with the engine. The Maid of Kent also remained on the track for a play following earlier repair. We eventually finished running at 4pm, with the sun still shining. It was a very nice afternoon and I am very pleased with the performance from the engine today. Her next run will be at the RPMR in 2 weeks time and, due to the fast approaching deep winter, will probably be her last in 2011. Thanks very much to the GEC for having us today, though I do hope we helped a bit! Next weekend? I'm at the GEC again on Saturday night, for the annual (and very busy, no doubt!) Night Run! I'll be sharing the driving on my friends 7.25" Romulus "James" and, to be honest, I can't wait! Evening all... Update 28/10/10: Why not check out the new online advert for the blog?...
Thank you...