HOME ABOUT US PROGRAMME THE DONKEY GALLERY LOCAL RAILWAYS LINKS

MDRS logo
2010

>
Other years available:  2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Old Oak Common - Private Steam Railway- Statfold Barn


Statfold Barn

Bronllwyd, Statfold Barn, 18 September

The society was lucky enough to receive an invitation to the Statfold Barn enthusiasts open day on 18 September which was attended by twenty members. Since our last visit several more locomotives have been restored or obtained from elsewhere. Former Bressingham resident Hudswell Clark 0-6-0ST No. 1643 "Bronllwyd" reverses from Statfold Station.

(Tim Edmonds)

Saccharine heads for the fields, Statfold Barn, 18 September

Recently restored 0-2-2T "Saccharine" built in 1914 by Fowler for use in a South African Sugar Plantation was in steam and heads for the fields with a passenger train.

(Tim Edmonds)

Jack Lane passing LaMeuse 0-4-0T 6 approaching Oak Tree Halt, Statfold Barn, 18 september

0-4-0ST "Jack Lane," built on site in 2005 passes LaMeuse 0-4-0T No. 6 with a freight on the approach to Oak Tree Halt.

(Tim Edmonds)

Hunslet Diesels Double Heading, Statfold Barn, 18 September

As well as the several steam locomotives, a pair of ex Shotton Steel Works Hunslet Badger 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic locomotives were used on some of the passenger trains.

(Tim Edmonds)

Sragi 14 "Max" Outside the Locomotive Shed, Statfold Barn, 18 September

Built by Orenstein & Koppel of Berlin in 1923, Sragi 14 "Max" worked in an Indonesian Sugar Mill until the early 21st century before being acquired for preservation. She is seen just outside the locomotive shed.

(Mike Hyde)

Compressed Air Loco "Sid" on Mixed Gauge Turntable, Statfold Barn, 18 September

An oddity which was in action was this replica of a compressed air mine loco known as "Hissing Sid" seen on the mixed gauge turntable.

(Tim Edmonds)

Rail Mounted Land Rover, Statfold Barn, 18 September

Another unusual vehicle was this rail mounted Land Rover which made several trips behind the normal trains.

(Tim Edmonds)

1966 and Max Double Heading, Statfold Barn, 18 September

A Visiting engine was this recently restored Polish LAS type 0-6-0T No. 1966 which is seen approaching the balloon loop double heading with Max.

(Murray Tremellen)

Traction Engine, Statfold Barn, 18 September

As well as the action on the railway, several traction engines were on display in an adjacent field. Marshall General Purpose Engine No. 84679 "Mary," built in 1929, is seen next to the Hunslet Engine Company's workshops.

(Mike Hyde)

Pakis Baru 5 at balloon loop with derailed wagon, Statfold Barn, 18 September

As was the case on our previous visit, the day was not without mishaps, 0-4-4-0T "Pakis Baru No. 5" is seen on the balloon loop at the far end of the railway with a oil seed hopper wagon derailed. For pictures of more locomotives based at Statfold Barn please see our 2008 gallery.

(Tim Edmonds)

Return to visit list at top

Private Steam Railway

Hornpipe, Private Steam Railway, 12 August

Following our visit to a private steam railway in the Windsor area two years ago, we were given the opportunity to revisit on the evening of 12 August to see improvements which included the completion of a circuit of standard gauge track round the owner's field. Fortunately this time both the steam locomotives were in working order. Here 0-4-0ST Peckett"Hornpipe" is seen with a few MDRS members in a open wagon being driven by MDRS Vice Chairman Julian Heard.

(Mike Walker)

Sir Vincent, Private Steam Railway, 12 August

The other standard gauge steam locomotive was the Aveling & Porter 0-4-0WT "Sir Vincent" which is seen with a former Great Western "Toad" brakevan. This outfit was unable to make a full circuit as the wheelbase of the brake prevents it passing the sharp curves.

(Mike Walker)

Lady Patricia, Private Steam Railway, 12 August

The restoration of the Finnish 5ft gauge Pacific locomotive, now named "Lady Patricia," is taking longer than anticipated due to the death of the engineer in charge of the project. However the loco was available for inspection and the owner says that it won't be long before she is able to be steamed.

(Mike Walker)

Andrew Barclay Diesel, Private Steam Railway, 12 August

The owner's most recent purchase is this Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 diesel No. 352 of 1942 vintage, formerly of Carlton Ironworks, which gave a few MDRS members footplate rides up and down part of the track.

(Mike Walker)

Return to visit list at top

Old Oak Common

MDRS Members with Dermot Fahy in Heavy Maintenance Facility, Old Oak Common, 20 March

Courtesy of First Great Western Managing Director and MDRS member Mark Hopwood, a visit to Old Oak Common Depot was arranged for the society on Saturday 20 March. Here members talk with Depot Manager Dermot Fahy alongside a Power Car coolant unit.

(Tim Edmonds)
43179 in Heavy Maintenance Facility

MDRS Members view HST Power Car 43179 in Heavy Maintenance Facility, Old Oak Common, 20 March

Some of the group have a vertical view of HST Power Car 43179 in the Heavy Maintenance Facility.

(Tim Edmonds)
Bogie Drop

Bogie Drop in Heavy Maintenace Facility, Old Oak Common, 20 March

A HST trailer was over the bogie drop awaiting attention. Although only a single vehicle was receiving attention on this occasion complete train sets can be worked on if required without uncoupling. Dermot explained that this piece of kit could also be used to remove and replace underfloor DMU engines and other large units and extolled its advantages over the “simultaneous lift” practised elsewhere – it can’t fall off the jacks!

(Mike Walker)
Wheel Lathe

Wheel Lathe, Old Oak Common, 20 March

A HST is seen having its bogies turned on the wheel lathe. This process is completely automatic, with the train being propelled by remote controlled battery locomotive.

(Mike Walker)
08836 & 08483

08836 and 08483 "Dusty" stand outside Carriage Shed, Old Oak Common, 20 March

Several 08 diesel shunters are used as depot pilots. 08836 and 08483 "Dusty" stand outside the carriage shed.

(Mike Walker)
57603 in HST Shed

57603 "Tintagel Castle" in HST Shed, Old Oak Common, 20 March

Although most FGW services are provided by HSTs or multiple units, some locomotives are used for certain duties such as the overnight sleepers. Class 57 57603 "Tintagel Castle" is seen in the HST shed.

(Tim Edmonds)
43035 and 50902 in carriage Shed

43035 and 180102 in Carriage Shed, Old Oak Common, 20 March

HST Power Car 43035 and 180102 (one of the last Class 180 "Adelnate" units on FGW) are seen in the Carriage Shed.

(Mike Walker)
43034 and 43169 outside in carriage shed

43034 and 43169 Outside in Carriage Shed, Old Oak Common, 20 March

43034 and 43169 stand outside the Carriage Shed. As well as servicing First Great Western stock, Old Oak Common also maintains trains for Heathrow Express, although part of the depot site is due to be demolished as part of Crossrail.

(Tim Edmonds)

Return to visit list at top

HOME ABOUT US PROGRAMME THE DONKEY GALLERY LOCAL RAILWAYS LINKS