Steam Locomotives of a More Leisurely Era – 1922 – Gresley ‘Pacifics’ Great Northern Railway

Steam Locomotives of a More Leisurely Era

1922 – Gresley ‘Pacifics’

Great Northern Railway

No.1473 as first built

The final express design for the Great Northern, introduced by Mr. (later Sir) Nigel Gresley in 1922 just before the grouping.  Two engines were built initially, Nos.1470 and 1471.  They were a revolution in the size of power for express working on the GNR, which had hitherto been almost exclusively in the hands of the Ivatt ‘Atlantics’.  They were the only engines (apart from ‘Henry Oakley’) on that line ever to bear a name, No. 1470 being appropriately ‘Great Northern’, and 1471 ‘Sir Frederick Banbury’.  They may in some ways be regarded as a natural enlarged cross-development between the ‘Atlantics’, with their wide fireboxes, and the 3-cylinder K3 2-6-0s detailed in the previous post In this category.

Ten further engines quickly followed in 1923, Nos. 4472-81 (at first temporarily numbered 1472-81), whilst in 1924-5 there appeared Nos. 2543-82.

In 1925 No. 4474 underwent trials on the Great Western main line, being matched against the GWR engine No. 4079 ‘Pendennis Castle’, as a result of which No. 4480 was in 1927 rebuilt with a 220 lb. boiler, and four others were likewise treated a few months later.  Following the success of this conversion, further new engines were built with the higher pressure between 1928 and 1935, Nos. 2743-52, 2595-9, 2795-7 and 2500-8.  From 1925 onwards all the class were named, mostly after famous racehorses, but No. 4472, one of the best known of the whole lot had already become ‘Flying Scotsman’ after the train of that name, which it frequently worked.

All eventually received the higher boiler pressure, and in 1945 Thompson rebuilt the initial engine No. 4470, when it was considerably modified, and as such became the prototype of a new class of his own, comprising in all fifty engines.  This locomotive received the number 113 under the 1946 renumbering scheme, whilst the remainder became 35-112, and later ran as BR 60035-60112, the Thompson rebuild and subsequent additions being 60113-62.

As Built – Driving wheels – 6’ 8”,  Cylinders (3) – 20”x 26”,  Pressure 180 lb.,  Tractive effort – 29835 lb.,  Weight – ___ ,  GNR & LNER classification – A1 (later A10),  BR classification – N/A

As Rebuilt – Driving wheels – 6’ 8”,  Cylinders (3) – 19”x 26”,  Pressure 220 lb.,  Tractive effort – 32910 lb.,  Weight – 96 tons 5 cwt ,  GNR & LNER classification – A3,  BR classification – 7P6F

No. 4470, modified by Thompson – Driving wheels – 6’ 8”,  Cylinders (3) – 19”x 26”,  Pressure 250 lb.,  Tractive effort – 37400 lb.,  Weight – 101 tons,  GNR & LNER classification – A1,  BR classification – 7P6F

 

Chasewater Railway Museum Bits & Pieces 64

Taken from the Mercian Jan 1971

RPS Newsletters No. 7 & 8, March – June 1974.

Again two for the price of one!

From No.7

Spring is now with us and with the longer evenings, so the work at Chasewater increases.  In spite of the bitter cold snap just recently, it was blowing a strong easterly across the lake, it did not deter our usual band of stalwarts working on ‘Asbestos’ getting her ready for the Easter steaming.  The Society should be very grateful to this tough stalwart crew working in these conditions; we have no warm engine shed like some of the larger groups.  I am sure that absent members will join me in a warm ‘Thank You’ to these chaps.

Asbestos

Asbestos was trial steamed on Sunday March 17^th, two tubes blew during this trial, and work is now going ahead fitting new tubes and other minor repairs, prior to another trial steaming on Sunday, 31^st March.  As stated previously, Derek Luker and his team worked in bitter conditions to complete this essential work!

General Spring Clean

A general tidy up has now begun on the site, but further volunteers are required if we want the compound really tidy, ready to receive visitors at Easter.

MS & LR Carriage

John Elsley is still pressing on steadily with this vehicle, another compartment has been restored, and we should have a splendid vehicle ready for display this season.

LNWR Passenger Brake

A start has been made cleaning down the other half of the brake by Rob Duffill; the restored half has been repainted in gloss by Barry Bull and Rob Duffill, and looks very respectable.

Track Maintenance

A start has been made clearing the track of heavy vegetation, the bushes at the north end of the line have been cut back to allow easy passage of trains.  We do require more volunteers to keep our track in good working condition.

Among ‘Dates for the Diary’ was a reminder to members who wished to attend an Open Day at Littleton Colliery on 18^th May, 1974.Taken from the Mercian Jan 1971

From No.8

We are now running a regular train service on Sunday afternoons, the first and third Sundays are steam hauled and the second and fourth Sundays diesel hauled – Bank Holidays will be steam working.

We had a record number of passengers over the Easter holiday, Easter Monday broke all records I’m pleased to report, our grateful thanks to the train operating staff and booking office staff for a really splendid effort.  We were very short of members over the Easter, this was probably due to members being on holiday themselves.

Collectors’ Fair

Held at the Forum Theatre, Cannock on April 13^th and was a huge success.  Our very grateful thanks to Andrew Louch and Barry Bull, organisers, and to the members and ladies who helped in no small measure, a special mention to Paul Mason, who provided the P.A. equipment.  A truly great effort all round.  Thank you to everybody concerned.

Sunday, April 7^th

A double deck bus load of enthusiasts from M & GN descended on the Light Railway, it was a case of stretching the manpower again, some members being involved with the stand at the Stafford Railway Circle exhibition, which was again well-attended.  I understand that the visit was enjoyed by all the visitors.

Neilson 0-4-0ST

Work is still progressing well on this loco.  The bearings have now been re-metalled and skimmed, the boiler has been re-clad.  Final work on repairing and painting the saddle tank is progressing well.  Thanks to our dedicated band of workers: Derek Luker, Brian Hames, Keith Sergeant, plus several of our junior members.

Asbestos

Continues to do sterling service, a few minor repairs have been affected, namely a spring hanger which broke during running, this has been welded and replaced.  Also leaking clack valves have been repacked.

Diesel Locomotives Nos. 20 & 21

No.20 is now looking quite resplendent after a complete clean-down and repaint.  The team responsible for this splendid effort is:  Nigel Canning, Steven Foster, Ian Patterson and Adrian Pearson.  No.21 is now receiving similar treatment, the start being made by Iain Smith on one of his weekends from Edinburgh.  It is a pity that a few more local members do not follow his example.

Coaching Stock

The MS & LR carriage is looking very resplendent, John Elsley informs me that he intends to install the original seats recovered in new maquette, this will cost in the region of £150, just a little idea of the inflationary spiral and the way it hits us all!  The Maryport & Carlisle carriage – Andrew Louch is replacing a few panels, the guttering has been refitted, and a complete repaint is envisaged this summer.  It is anticipated that this vehicle will go on show at the Stockton & Darlington Centenary and a Half celebrations in 1975, providing that the necessary funds are raised.

The Open day at Littleton Colliery has been postponed until 17^th August.

Congratulations  to Rob Duffill on his forthcoming marriage in July.  May we wish Rob and Margaret every happiness for the future.  Rob is one of our stalwart members, serving on the committee and in a truly practical way.  Also congratulations to our hard-working treasurer Laurence Hodgkinson on his promotion to the board of the Chasewater Light Railway Co. Ltd., with this goes the directors’ fee of £0.00, as a fellow director I forecast that we can easily double that next year!!

Compiled by Dave Ives and printed and published by Laurence Hodgkinson.

Taken from the Mercian Jan 1971

Chasewater Railway Museum 1963 Nov,Dec Bits & Pieces 21

The Mercian Nov – Dec 1963

From the Editorial

WE HAVE A BRANCH LINE AT LAST! And many of you will probably by now know that we have acquired the Chasewater Line from the NCB.  The legal details, lease, etc., are to go through the usual channels to be tied up, and we will keep you informed of progress made.

Every member (and non-members) who travelled on the Great Central Special agreed that it was a very enjoyable day all round, although the train ran at a very heavy loss.  The loss mainly being due to the lack of support by our own members.  We appeal to you all now to donate what you can to help clear this deficit on the Special.The Flying Scotsman uncoupled at Marylebone Station

This trip was organised by Mr. Eric Cowell on 15^th June 1963.  The Flying Scotsman hauling the train down the Great Central Line from Sheffield Victoria to Marylebone and back.  Only 27 out of a possible 160 members attended, resulting in a loss of £100.

Open Weekend at Hednesford Depot (June 29^th-30^th 1963)

In spite of the awful weather the attendance both on Saturday and Sunday exceeded all expectations, approx. 300 people attending for the two days.  People came from as far afield as Halifax, Manchester, Leicester, London and Somerset.  It is sad to report however that there was a noticeable absence of members, just the usual faithfuls plus a few of the not so active.

A great deal of interest was aroused by our modest collection of relics, the Maryport & Carlisle coach was pushed out on the Sunday for photographic purposed, cameras were clicking all over the place.Maryport & Carlisle Coach in 1905 Livery

All in all it was a most successful weekend.  A very special thanks to our lady members Mrs. F. Watson, Miss Mary Watson, Mrs. J. Harvey, Mrs. D. Ives and Mrs. Townsend for manning the buffet car (Great Eastern Brake) and to Mrs. F. Lewis and Mrs. Wormington for providing refreshments.  What would we do without the ladies?  Bless ‘em!

Thanks must also be expressed to the Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham Model Engineering Society (Affiliated Member) for displaying the lovely Live Steam Models. A big thank you to all members who worked hard and long to make the show the success that it was.

RPS on the air

Mr. C. Ives and Mr. D. Ives were interviewed when BBC’s ‘Down Your Way’ team visited Hednesford on Sunday October 6^th.

News in Brief

The ex London, Brighton and South Coast Railway E1 Stroudley loco should soon be stabled in the depot at Hednesford, the NCB has very kindly consented to us having it on free loan for 12 months.

Three new items for Hednesford

We are expecting delivery of the Midland Royal Saloon, L. & Y. Van and Midland Crane all within the next two or three weeks.

The Stroudley E1 is expected about the same time as the above rolling stock.

Through the very kind auspices of Mr. K. Vincent (member) Secretary of the Dowty RPS we are taking delivery of the L & Y van.  Two vans were donated to the Dowty RPS and Ken Vincent has very kindly offered one to us at Hednesford.

Lancs & Yorks Railway Box Van

This goods van was constructed at Newtonheath in 1895, eventually passing from the L & Y to the London, Midland & Scottish Railway at the 1923 grouping.  At an unknown date the vehicle was sold to the Rolling Stock Company, Darlington and, after renovation, sold on to the well-known chocolate manufacturers, Cadbury’s of Bournville and numbered 144 in Cadbury’s wagon fleet.

During 1963, with the arrival of new all-steel box vans at Cadbury’s, the majority of the old internal user vans were withdrawn, with 144 being donated to the Railway Preservation Society and transported to the Hednesford depot before later being transferred to Chasewater.

The van carried the ‘Cadbury’ logo in white at the top of one end, with its stock number at the opposite, lower end.  Overall livery was reddish brown.

Of particular note is the canvas roof flap, a once-common feature enabling goods vans to be loaded from overhead hoists.

Rail traffic at the Bournville factory ceased in 1976.

Chasewater Railway Museum 1963 2.1 Bits & Pieces 20

Taken from the Mercian 2.1 June –July 1963

GC Special Issue

Part Editorial

The Flying Scotsman, 4472, certainly gets an airing in its ‘preserved state’, as many Societies now take advantage of hiring out this fine loco for their Specials.  Mr. Pegler has done a fine job in purchasing it for preservation. The RPS is most proud to have’4472’ to head its Great Central Special on June 15^th which we are hoping will bring the Society much publicity and many more members.

D. B.

Hednesford Progress Report

As there has not been a ‘Mercian’ for some time now my report covers quite a few months of work at the depot.

Despite the Wintry conditions that prevailed in the early part of this year, small parties continued to press on with restoration work on the Maryport & Carlisle coach.  This consisted in the main of burning off the paint in two of the compartments and sanding down in preparation for priming paint.

The next job consisted of reglazing the windows in the same compartments already mentioned.  Some good work has also been done by two members renovating old books and documents that we have in our possession.  This is vital work!  As we all know, these items are completely irreplaceable.

The Webb Coal Tank continues to get regular attention and maintenance.  An excellent job has been made of the cab fittings by Mr. and Mrs. Roger Bell (Princess Elizabeth Fund) and all members join me in expressing their appreciation and thanks for their much devoted labour and wish them luck with their Princess Fund.

D. A. Ives Hon. Sec.

Great Central Rail Tour

Although the Railway and Model Press are carrying details of the GC trip, we would like here to give members a brief reminder.

The train will now depart Sheffield Victoria 8.50am and not 9.00am as previously advertised. There will be refreshment car facilities on the train, and also a short souvenir history of the Great Central Railway.

On the outward journey it will call at Chesterfield Central (if the loop is still open), Nottingham Victoria, Loughborough Central, Leicester central, Rugby Central, Woodford Halse, Quainton Road, Aylesbury Town, Harrow-on-the-Hill and Marylebone, with four hours stay in London, during which time a visit will be made to the BTC Museum at Clapham as both large and small relics are now on display.  On the return journey call at Rugby, Leicester and Nottingham only to set down passengers.Picture: Sharman-Corbis

The motive power will be 4472, Flying Scotsman, (by courtesy of Mr. Pegler) and coaching stock ex-LNER. Members who have not yet booked and would like to travel on this train may be lucky to get a ticket at this late date.  But it should be noted that seating accommodation is strictly limited.  For further information and details please contact Mr. E. Cowell, Sheffield, using the form which was enclosed with ‘Forum’ immediately. Our thanks and appreciation go to Mr. Cowell for the wonderful effort he has made to organise this trip in spite of a recent injury to his back.  We hope it is a great success and that many more trips of this nature spring from his idea.  The proceeds after expenses are to go to the Carriage & Wagon Preservation Fund.

Open Weekend at Hednesford

Members will probably have already read in the Railway Press that the Society is holding an open weekend at the depot.  It is hoped that members will give this function their utmost support, a lot of hard work has been put in by the ‘faithful few’ and we do appeal to the less active people to give a hand to act as stewards, etc.

Remember that these events are designed to give people an idea of the aims of the Society, and of course as money raising schemes without which, the aims cannot possibly be put into effect!

Therefore the depot will be open from 2.00pm Saturday, June 29^th until 7.30pm, and again on Sunday, June 30^th from 2.00pm until 5.30pm.

Working model layouts and a good photographic display, as well as all our vintage stock can be seen.  Please bring your friends, neighbours, etc.  A small admission fee will be charged, which we hope to help boost our funds with (as preservation is a costly business).

Refreshments will also be available.  Members who could, or wish to volunteer their services on either day should contact the Hon. Sec. — Please help!

Visit to Swithland Hall. Pic – Wikipedia

A small party of Midland Area members paid a visit to Lord Lanesborough’s ancestral home on Saturday, April 27th.  His Lordship entertained members by operating his extensive model layout.  This was followed by a trip to Swithland sidings, where his Lordship answered questions on the Great Central line; he also outlined the Great Central association’s scheme for the takeover from British Railways.

The Hon. Sec. proposed a vote of thanks to his Lordship in allowing members to visit the hall and sidings, the party then continued to Mountsorrel Granite Quarry to inspect the workings and railway installations.

David A. Ives

Carriage and Wagon Fund

BR are continually pressing for the final payment on the Midland Royal Saloon, some £240 is still owing on this vehicle and we would remind members to make a special effort and donate to the fund in order to clear the account.

Other items awaiting purchase include a LNWR lower quadrant home signal and a Midland dumb buffer crane, which the Society hopes to put to good use. The cost of the crane being £8.  A small fund for this crane has now been launched, and £2 has already been donated, we should like to cover the cost of transport for this very interesting relic.  All donations to the Hon. Treasurer please.

News in Brief

Council for British Archaeology

Thanks were expressed in this important National Report for the work that the Midlands Area of the RPS and the Stafford Railway Circle had done jointly in the survey of Railways for the Industrial Revolution section.

The Warwickshire and Worcestershire (May) Magazine have included an article on Lord Lanesborough and also mentions the Society.  There will be a follow up article in the June Edition with pictures of the RPS in action at Hednesford.

Late News

Chasewater Line

This line has been offered to the Society by the NCB for the very low rental of £10 per annum, other extras such as maintenance, fencing, etc. are not included.  A resolution was passed at the last committee meeting that the Society accept this very reasonable offer, a further meeting with the NCB to discuss the legal and other aspects is to be conducted very shortly.Pic – L. Hodgkinson

There are still seats left for the GC Tour on June 15^th — book yours now if you have not already done so!

Flying Scotsman Excursion

The Flying Scotsman Excursion

This is one of the Museum’s prize possessions.

One of the LNER stainless steel ‘Master Cutler’ headboards.  It was donated to the Railway Preservation Society after the organisation undertook probably the first hire of the Flying Scotsman by a preservation group.

This comprised a return Sheffield Victoria – Marylebone excursion on 15th June 1963.  This venture resulted in a loss of £100 – a large sum in those days!This photograph shows the Flying Scotsman uncoupled from the train on arrival at Marylebone Station, London.