It'll soon be Christmas!

To anybody who is not fussed about the 'festive' period (like myself) I apologise for the title of the blog this time. However, there is no getting away from the fact that the hours of daylight are getting shorter - as I type this at 1925 on a Monday night, my garden lights are already coming on! - and our erratic weather is getting even more, erm....erratic! Winter, and the end of the running season is in sight. But that doesn't mean that we are packing up and settling down to winter maintenance just yet! In fact the next few months will be far from it. 

We aren't quite at this point just yet, thankfully! Although, with our weather, who knows! (Courtesy of Richard Drewitt)

Next weekend - 25th and 26th September - we have our low key, 2021 Post-Covid Diesel Gala. The five serviceable members of the fleet - 5081, 37215, 45149, 47105 and 47376 'Freightliner 1995' - will all be in service running to a modified PINK timetable. It isn't going to be the full-blooded affair we normally have but, the onus is on making sure the revenue we do make from the day is maximised to help the railway, owning groups and owners as we all move on from the pandemic. 

In addition to the locos running, Class 37 D6948, will be in the car park at Toddington so that visitors can get up close and personal with it whilst it continues to wait for the repairs to its air leak and traction motors. There will also be an opportunity to see both of our Class 20's paired up in the yard at Toddington MPD as well as our shunter fleet. 

You can book tickets, see the timetable and, loco rosters here: ==> https://www.gwsr.com/Autumn_Diesel_Gala_25th_26th_September_2021--post--70.html

The first train from Cheltenham is at 1000, from Broadway at 1030, from Toddington at 0910 (to Cheltenham RC) and 0945 (to Broadway). On Saturday only, the last train to Cheltenham is at 1800 from Toddington and will be top and tailed. 

After this, for all you Class 45, or 'Peak' fans, or those who just like to ride behind/support diesel groups around the country, 45149 will have a 'Diesel Day' on Friday 15th October. This is to help fundraise to support the Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group. The group have been hit, not only with the ongoing repairs to Class 26, D5343, but also the 'Peak' needs a costly repair - more on this later. As a small group, the CMDG are not as financially solvent to cover all the costs as The Growler Group or Brush Type 4 Fund, so need a bit of a helping hand. A small band of enthusiasts led by Andrew Piper, have organised this running day as a fundraising exercise. It will not be an open running day so you will need to purchase a ticket in advance for the day as this will allow you entry through the gates and your travel. No ticket - No travel. There will also be buckets on the train for donations. More details will follow, but if you are interested in attending then you can contact Andrew Piper via email (piper127@virginmedia.com) or via the CMDG via their website ==> http://www.cmdg.online/contact-us.html

The fun doesn't stop there, either! Our 40th Anniversary Mixed Traffic Gala has been moved to the weekend of 6th and 7th November. There will be an incredibly intensive timetable utilising pretty much everything we have that moves - including the DMU and a freight train! On top of this, you will be able to see behind the scenes at our Motive Power and C&W Departments. Final details are still being confirmed but, as always, you can get all the latest on our website: ==> https://www.gwsr.com/enthusiasts/40th_Anniversary_Celebration.html

And, finally, for the first time in a while, the mainline diesel fleet will be utilised on Santa Specials this year as well! Due to the long needed embankment works commencing at Winchcombe at the end of November, no services will be able to head south beyond Winchcombe as the track will need to be lifted. It also means that there will be no run round facility, therefore all services will need to be top and tailed. This will give you, or your kids, the rare opportunity to see 'Santa' by diesel as well as steam. The usual DMU Santa services will also be running. 

Right, sales pitch done, now lets get back to the diesels!

All operational members of the fleet have had running throughout September on both the PURPLE and PINK  timetable days, racking up the mileage. 37215 also got an extra day when it was pressed into service at the last minute to cover for a failed 7820 'Dinmore Manor'. 

37215 sits on P1 at Toddington with the 1000 to Cheltenham on 2nd September, covering for the failure of the rostered steam engine. (Courtesy of Kev Jarvis) 

The weekend just gone was all about 45149 as it was rostered on both the Saturday and Sunday. However, there was a little bit of work to do before it left the shed on the Saturday. A few weeks ago, 'Benson', as 45149 is colloquially known due to the amount of smoking it does, suffered a compressor failure. Luckily it has two of them so is able to remain operational on just the one, however this puts severe pressure on the remaining unit. No.2 end compressor was the one that failed and this had gained a reputation as it was incredibly noisy! So much so, you couldn't have a conversation in the cab when it kicked in! However, it had not long received attention so it was a surprise that it failed. The offending part was diagnosed as the motor so this meant it needed to be removed. Alex R and I set about removing it from the nose end, with a little help from Dave S. 

The whole compressor seen from outside. The compressor is sited on the floor of the nose, with the motor nearest the cab door. 

Bearing in mind, I am used to working in the spacious surroundings of a Class 37, having to work in the stumpy nose of a Class 45 was going to be interesting, as I am a big (wide, as I am often reminded 😉) chap, let alone that it was a two man job! On a Class 37, the access door for the nose opens into the cab....the Class 45, however, opens into the nose, thus reducing the room in there. Poor Alex, being the thinner and younger of the two of us, had to contort himself into the gap between the nose wall and the compressor. 

Alex has wedged himself into the gap between the nose end wall and the compressor.  

He did have a lovely view over the running line across to Stanway! (Courtesy of Alex Raybould)

Armed with sockets and wrenches we set about unbolting the motor from the compressor and from the mounting on the floor. Between the two of us this didn't take too long. A good thing really, as it was very warm in the nose end, even with the side vents opened up. 

The offending motor, in situ. Unscrewing everything was the easy bit. (Courtesy of Alex Raybould)

Once the bolts had all been removed it was then time to remove the motor from its stand and get it into the cab. On the Sunday, Simon and Dave S would then use a forklift to lift it out through the cab door. 

The motor and casing weighs a significant amount and manhandling it was compounded by the confined nature of the nose end. With a bit more dexterity needed than I could provide, Dave S came to give Alex a hand to get it into the cab. 

Alex and Dave try to figure out how to manoeuvre the motor through the door and into the cab. 
 

After much banging and cursing, standard requirements for working on any of the locos, the motor was on the floor in the cab. It was a relief all round as it was getting very close to Alex and Dave having to get ready to prep the loco for service along with Traction Inspector, Tony B. 

The motor is out and ready to be sent for repair. 

The void where the motor will usually sit. From this angle you get an appreciation for just how cramped it is in the nose end. (Courtesy of Alex Raybould)

With lunch done, it was time for Dave, Tony and Alex to go and get the loco prepped ready for service. One of the requirements of a loco only running on one compressor is that each time you change ends, you need to change the compressor changeover dial settings to reflect the need to keep the operational compressor running. This is easy to forget when busy with other operational duties, especially as it happens infrequently, but is reasonably easy to diagnose that you haven't done it....you won't get air!

With Alex now at the controls, under instruction from Tony B, 45149 is eased on to the back of the 1450 to Broadway.

Elsewhere, Dave S had been continuing with his work on Class 26, D5343 before giving Alex and I a hand with 45149. After coating the fibreglass roof section in a new coat of resin, Dave had replaced the missing roof spur and drilled new securing holes for the bolts when the roof section goes back on. This is vital as these are where a lot of the previous water ingress had occurred.

D5343's repaired roof panel. The new roof spur is at the top right.

The loco's time within the David Page shed is coming to an end and it is now a case of getting the '26' as water tight as possible before it is shunted back in to the yard. Dave had completed most of the welding on Saturday with a small amount left to do on Sunday, so it was time to get the grinder out on the welds to smooth the knots down. 

Primer has now been added to the areas that have been smoothed down. 

More needle gunning has also been done on the sole bar, bogies and buffer beams to take it back to the metal work. This will also be primed in due course and repainted. The loco itself will eventually be repainted using the paint left over from the repaint of 47105.

October sees the mainline fleet stood down, except for PURPLE timetable running on Saturdays. The BLUE off peak timetable is in operation throughout the month with DMU getting back in on the action. The DMU Group have been busy readying the Class 117 set for its return to service. A suspected failed alternator on one of the engines was traced to a loose wire whilst the lubricants and oils were topped up and the brakes tightened. 

The Class 117 is placed over the pits so that it can be checked over prior to starting back in service. (Courtesy of the GWSR DMU Group) 

Whilst this was being undertaken, Kevin and Bryan were continuing to fit more door backings on the Class 122. 

One of the shiny new door backings on the 'Bubble'. (Courtesy of the GWSR DMU Group)

September Summer Sun

The weekend just gone was unseasonably warm giving one last hurrah for those enjoying their 'staycations' before the kids go back to school. This meant that numbers at the railway were, again, pretty good and encouraging from a financial point of view. The preceding week was also pretty busy and even saw an impromptu diesel turn on Thursday, 2nd September when the rostered steam engine, 7820 'Dinmore Manor' failed on shed. Although 45149 was rostered to work the final trip, the booked crew were not present to get it prepped so 37215, along with Kev J, was pressed into service for the whole day and the 'Peak' missed out. However, the weekend was all 'Peak' action with the Saturday PURPLE and Sunday PINK timetables both rostered for 45149. 

On Saturday, I was rostered with our Traction Inspector, Tony B, to take on the last round trip. The 'Peak' is currently running on one compressor after the failure of its second one a couple of weekends ago and so prepping took a little longer than we thought as we waited for the air to build sufficiently. Despite this, and a little (non-loco related) issue leaving Broadway, the loco worked without problem...as it also did on the Sunday. 

On arrival at Broadway, 45149 awaits the return to Cheltenham. 

On arrival at Broadway there was a regular visitor sat next to the station building...

Former LT Routemaster, RL2478. Complete with bicycle 'friend'.

Former London Transport Routemaster bus, RL2478 was parked up with its owner enjoying a cuppa from Broadway buffet. This classic vehicle is a common visitor to the Bus Galas that are run at the railway and was also a regular as Bertie the Bus when we ran our 'Thomas and Friends' events. 

On getting home, I was met with a fantastic comparison of how the railway looked in 1967 and how it looked on Saturday. Whilst on duty with P'Way, Andrew Stratford had taken a photo of 45149 heading past the temporary speed restriction at Station Road bridge, Bishops Cleeve on its way to Cheltenham and posted it on social media. This was followed by a post from long time department member/supporter, Tom Cullimore, containing a photo from the collection of the late Bill Potter. This photo showed D86 (later fellow ETH fitted, 45105) passing the exact same spot with a Derby to Bristol TM working on the 28 May 1967....54 years earlier! Both pictures are posted below, courtesy of Andrew and Tom. Thanks chaps. 

45149 on 04/09/2021.

D86 on 28/05/1967

What a difference!!

The yard at Toddington was rather busy on Saturday with lots going on as usual around the Class 26 and on the Class 47's. Dave M and Ian R were busy with some minor maintenance tasks on 47105 in readiness for its upcoming use during the week and over the weekend. 

A hark back to any BR depot in the 1980s. 47105 and 37215, both with domino headcodes, sit at the front of the diesel shed.   

Work on the Class 26 was back in the hands of Dave S, Gareth J and Ian C. Dave had finished the repairs and restorations on the fibre glass roof section which was laid out between 47105 and 37215 (you can just see it in the photo above) to rest and harden. The roof section has had the corners repaired with new fibre glass whilst the whole section has been recovered in resin to stave off water ingress. Gareth was back to the sanding whilst Dave carried on with some of the outstanding welding. 

D5343 sits in the David Page Shed as work continues on the body work. 

The loco has also had a start made with priming the body sides as the metal work is smoothed down and filler added where necessary. The loco's tenure in the DP Shed is slowly coming to an end so the race is on to make it water tight for the winter.

Elsewhere in the yard, a couple of Mk.1 coaches had turned up. One, 25646 'Tina' the former Steam Department mess coach, has been sold and is due to leave the railway soon to become a Café at Lyme Regis. This was parked in the Parlour siding next to Toddington Station. This has been shunted out from its resting place next to the Goods Shed on siding 2. God only knows how long it had been there! We also had another in the yard. SK 25501, which is off to become an 'orangery/lounge....apparently!

SK 25501 waits for the off to its new home. 

The DMU's have also been seeing some significant work, particularly with efforts to get L425 ready for its first use since 2019. The Class 117 set has had some attention to its body work to ward off some of the corrosion that has appeared whilst it has languished in the yard. It will need an FTR exam and a spruce up before its first run out at the end of September to allow the Traction Inspectors to get back into competence for assessing the Drivers for the upcoming services in October. 

The Class 117 set basks in the glorious September sun. It returns to action in October on our BLUE off-peak timetable.

The Class 122, W55003, has also had work continuing on it. Kevin and Richard glued up a few more of the window frames before modifying the jig to suit the smaller half windows. These are the last ones to glue. Bryan worked on fitting nut inserts to the doors to secure the new door panels. Spare Class 117, DMBS, W51360, also received some anti corrosion work courtesy of Tom. Photos below are courtesy of the GWSR DMU Group Facebook site. 

W51360 receives some of the anti-corrosion treatment. 

On Sunday and Monday, Class 20, D8137 was prepped and the Traction Motor install was completed using the A-Frame in the David Page shed. The bogie was shunted into the shed before the traction motor was manoeuvred in to position. Loco owner Steve M, ably assisted by Kev J and Mark E, had the motor in by the end of the day. It is now hoped that, with successful proving, the loco can be reunited with its bogies and a full test can be done before the end of the year. Below are some pictures, courtesy of Kev Jarvis, of the lift. 

Steve M prepares the axle and motor gearing ready to receive the traction motor.

The motor is carefully lifted and moved into position. 

The motor in situ. Plenty is still to be done before testing can take place. 

Finally, a reminder the the weekend of 25/26 September sees our Diesel Gala featuring all of our serviceable home fleet. We will also have cab visits with D6948 in Toddington Car Park, as well as having D8137 and 20228 posed in the yard for photographs. Details are on the GWSR website including ticket booking, the timetables and loco rosters. 

 

Our '40th Anniversary' event has also been pushed back to the weekend of the 6/7 November, due to a conflict with a racing event at Cheltenham Race Course. Again, full details can be found on the GWSR website. 

August Update

August has been a busy one with all serviceable locos getting a run out throughout the month on the PURPLE and PINK timetables, including Class 47, 47105 making its public debut. This has enabled most of the footplate crew to now have their refresher turns, get back in ticket and, in some cases, have their biennials - myself included. It has also facilitated a number of Trainees to restart their march towards competence as footplate crew. 

One of our Trainee Secondmen, John G, gets to grips with 37215's coupling.

Firstly, though, a plea. On it's last turn, 'Peak' 45149 suffered a Compressor failure. This was initially thought to not be too major an issue however, after inspection, it appears to be a lot worse and requires significant attention as it will only get worse which could lead to complete failure of both Compressors. In order to raise some capital for this to be rectified the owning group are planning a running day on Friday, 15th October. In order for this to happen the Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group need to guarantee a minimum of 50 attendees. If you are interested you will need to head over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/322920307766027 or https://www.facebook.com/groups/1591532131106576) and find the posts by Andy Piper posted on the 24th August where there will be all the details to contact Andy to reserve a spot or, if you are unable to make it, donate to the repair fund. It is hoped that 45149 will still be able to complete its rostered duties in 2021, especially as it is the 60th birthday of the loco. 

Despite its compressor issues, 45149 still managed to complete its turn on the PURPLE timetable on August 19th. The 'Peak' getting some admiring glances at Broadway from young and old alike!

Awaiting time at Broadway.

Next up, Events! We have a number of events coming up at the GWSR and elsewhere involving the diesel fleet. We have our 'main' Diesel Gala coming up on the 25th and 26th September 2021 that will involve our home fleet. As usual, those locos that are currently being overhauled or repaired will be on static display in and around the Toddington MPD site. You can book your tickets here ==> https://www.gwsr.com/Autumn_Diesel_Gala_25th_26th_September_2021--post--70.html

The GWSR 40th Anniversary event is also still continuing at Winchcombe until the 5th September. We have a photo exhibition that showcases the railway and its different departments, including the Diesel Department, since the railway was resurrected in 1981. It is well worth jumping off the train at Winchcombe and heading to the Tim Mitchell building for a gander. It is all included in the ticket price. 

There is also going to be a mixed traffic event on the 23rd and 24th October where all available locomotives will be in use to celebrate the 40th Anniversary with a very intensive operation. Details and ticket booking can be found here =>  https://www.gwsr.com/enthusiasts/40th_Anniversary_Celebration.html

Finally, one of our number will be heading off for a week away at the end of September (30th to October 3rd). Class 24, 5081 will be heading to our friends up at the Severn Valley Railway to take part in their 2021 Autumn Diesel Gala alongside their home fleet and Class 31, 31466, which is on loan from our neighbours at the Dean Forest Railway. Tickets are on sale on the SVR website ==>  https://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=177

5081 sits in the rain on the unloading road at Toddington car park during our 2018 Autumn Diesel Gala. 

On the overhaul/maintenance side, the bodywork on Class 26, D5343 is still going at full tilt. Dave S has continued with the cutting out and welding of metalwork whilst the body sides continue to be rubbed down by a variety of volunteers ready for eventual smoothing down and painting. 

New recruit, Gareth, gets busy with the sanding discs. 

Meanwhile, Tony R clears the remaining paint from the roof grilles.

Dave has also spent time repairing the fibreglass roof section in the area beneath the 'Goods Shed' mess room - an area that will, in time, become part of an extended machine shop. The roof section has suffered from the weather but has also had significant damage from other sources. Armed with a fibreglass repair kit, Dave has managed to patch the holes and will soon tackle the areas of more significant damage before coating in resin to protect from the weather. 

One of the damaged corners has now had a nice, new piece of fibreglass added.

The whole fibreglass section. You can see the holes that have become widened with time and now cause water ingress. The section nearest the camera has been partially severed and now droops if not supported. This will be rectified in due course. 

The solebar, bogies and buffer beams are also being stripped back to the metal work and will also get a new coat of paint when the time comes. 

Someone has been busy with the needle gun!

The engine is not being left out and the preparation for the refitting of the new cylinder liners continues in between the body work tasks.

The other locos, where progress continues, are our pair of Class 20s. D8137 moves ever closer to being reunited with its traction motor. The bogies have been jet washed and are now awaiting sufficient time so that the motor can be lifted back in to the bogie. The loco will then be waiting for the lifting jacks to become free (currently GWR 2-8-0, 2807 is utilising them) so that the 'Chopper' can be reunited with its bogies. 20228 continues to have work done to its cabs and the electrical cubicle. It is hoped that D8137 will return to service this side of Christmas, although it is unlikely to operate any services, and 20228 is hoped to be back in service in 2022,

Sadly, the work that was scheduled for Class 37, D6948, has stalled. The owners are mulling over the options available for obtaining a set of lifting brackets so that the loco can be lifted and the planned work on the wheelsets, and on the historic Main Res air leak, completed. Sadly, the set that were used with 37215 belong to our friends at the SRPS Diesel Group at Bo'ness and they are unavailable. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before work can restart. 

The DMU Group have been making further progress with the Class 117 set and the Class 122 'Bubble'. With the backing frames of the doors done on the 'Bubble', attention was turned to the window frames. The majority have now been glued in place and are ready for sanding back and staining. The 3-car Class 117 set has had some of the anti-corrosion work completed, with the patches having been primed in bright green primer. The top coat will be applied in due course and then blending in with the current paintwork. The DMU will get a chance to finally stretch its legs in 2021 with the BLUE timetable starting in October. 

Loco roster:

We are still in the midst of the high season and, as a nice bonus given the last 18 months, numbers have been very good on all services. Events going on at both Broadway and Cheltenham Race Course have helped to swell the numbers. We still have the PURPLE and PINK timetables throughout September so plenty of diesel running. The current roster looks like this for September, with the usual caveats...

Weds 01 Sept        PURPLE            Class 37, 37215

Thurs 02 Sept       PURPLE            Class 45, 45149

Sat 04 Sept            PURPLE            Class 45, 45149

Sun 05 Sept           PINK                  Class 45, 45149

Tues 07 Sept          PURPLE           Class 47, 47105 or 47376

Weds 08 Sept        PURPLE            Class 47, 47105 or 47376

Thurs 09 Sept       PURPLE            Class 24, 5081

Sat 11 Sept            PURPLE            Class 24, 5081

Sun 12 Sept           PINK                  Class 47, 47105 or 47376

Tues 14 Sept          PURPLE            Class 47, 47105 or 47376

Weds 15 Sept        PURPLE            Class 24, 5081

Thurs 16 Sept       PURPLE            Class 37, 37215

Sat 18 Sept            PURPLE            Class 45, 45149

Sun 19 Sept           PINK                  Class 24, 5081

Tues 21 Sept          PURPLE            Class 47, 47105 or 47376

Weds 22 Sept        PURPLE            Class 24, 5081

Thurs 23 Sept       PURPLE            Class 45, 45149

Sat 25 Sept            GALA                 5081, 37215, 45149, 47105, 47376

Sun 26 Sept           GALA                 5081, 37215, 45149, 47105, 47376

Tues 28 Sept          PURPLE            Class 47, 47105 or 47376

Weds 29 Sept        PURPLE            Class 37, 37215

Thurs 30 Sept       PURPLE            Class 47, 47105 or 47376

37215 waits time at Broadway on Sunday 15 August, 2021.

Above, beyond and Lemon Meringue.

We don't normally run services on a Friday as it is one of the opportunities (along with a Monday) for the 'Friends of.....' station teams to have the railway to themselves to tend the gardens and do some small maintenance tasks (and a damn fine job they all do, too!) as well as the C & W teams to do running repairs to the two main coach rakes at Toddington without being interrupted. However, Friday 6th August was one of those days where that wasn't going to be the case. There are occasional dates in the year where a Monday or a Friday can be used for extra-curricular activities. These might be a special day for one of the owning groups, particularly if a loco has returned to traffic after overhaul or for a Shareholders Special. On this day, though, it was for something we don't normally do often....a birthday special. And, a surprise t'boot!

Some time ago, The Growler Group and the GWSR were approached with a request to assist in arranging and facilitating a surprise birthday party for a well known member of The Growler Group, Steven Worthington, to include the hiring and operation of a loco and rake of stock. This required the rostering of a crew (myself, Neil C and Andy D) with the day running, loosely, to the timetable we use for the Diesel Days. 

Steven's partner had organised his friends, liaised closely with Kevin J (as Growler Group Treasurer and GWSR rep) and organised the catering with our RTC colleagues so that the day would be the most memorable it could be. This included getting a mock nameplate made, to be unveiled on the loco, as well as a headboard and the opportunity to take control of Class 37, 37215. And, all without Steven finding out! No easy feat with so many people involved. 

37215 couples up to the stock for the day. The early arrivals take the opportunity to get some quick pictures.

With the loco attached to the stock and the invited guests slowly turning up, time was taken to prepare everything for arrival at Cheltenham Race Course. This was where the festivities would begin with the arrival of the unsuspecting Steven, an unveiling of the loco nameplate and photo opportunities aplenty. Despite being barely 10am beer had already started to flow - the organisation had included the instilling of three barrels of beer on the train!

The 'nameplate' is attached ready for the unveiling.

The headboard is also fitted as Kev relaxes on a bench awaiting the arrival of the guest of honour. 

On arrival, Steven was originally under the impression that it was just a day out behind 37215, the invited guests were all ensconced within the coaching stock and we stayed in the cab so as not to give up the surprise. However, all was revealed when everyone jumped from the train to get the festivities started. The look of shock on Steven's face demonstrated that his partner had played a blinder and that he had no idea!

The grand unveiling.

Total disbelief and photos!

For the day, 37215 received its new name. It never carried a name in BR service. 

After a brief speech for the assembled throng, the new nameplate was unveiled. The loco would wear this all day (as long as the magnets held...which they did! Despite a couple of scares!) before the plate and the headboard was to be given to the guest of honour as mementos of the day. 

As part of the ongoing surprise, and before he was able to tuck into the beer, Steven was led to the cab where he was ushered into the Driver's seat and, under instruction from yours truly and Andy D, he was given the opportunity to drive 'his' loco to Broadway, with his partner joining us in the cab to take pictures and video. 

In the 'fun zone'! One incredibly pleased, if slightly overwhelmed, chap!

Having had experience of driving 37s in his day job at Wigan Springs Branch, although this was some time ago, Steven took to it pretty quickly and only needed the odd bit of advice from his 'instructors'. It was also the first time he had been to Broadway, so the red pen was out for that bit of line!

After running round at Broadway, Steven joined his mates in the train and the day continued with the consumption of the birthday food and the beer. As crew, all we managed to get was a piece of Lemon Meringue pie each....not that I was complaining, it was lovely!! Although we were able to take some of the remaining beer home at the end of the day. There had to be some perks of the job!

At the end of the day it was great to see a very happy, if slightly inebriated, bunch of party goers heading to their various taxis after one final seminar photo in front of the loco. The weather also played ball, unlike the previous Friday for our Summer Diesel Day. We also received a number of other enquiries off the back of this with people sounding out about having their own birthdays, or those of their significant others, on the railway. Usually, it is our incredibly popular Driver Experience events that are used as birthday gifts, but, if you have a larger budget, then why not look at hiring your own train! You can contact the railway direct or, if you are a member of one of the owning groups, then have a word with one of the group reps who can then liaise with the railway on your behalf. 

Many thanks to Steven for giving permission for me to use this in the blog. 

In other news, the dates for our second, special event, have been advertised. We will be putting on an Autumn Diesel Weekend on the 25th and 26th September and will be utilising our serviceable home fleet which will included the Gala, post-overhaul, debut of 47105. We will also have our unserviceable locos on static display, as we did with the Summer Gala day, but we hope to be making use of the Diesel Shed for undercover displays. 

Both of our Class 20s will, hopefully, be on static display in September. Here, D8137, sits in the sun-drenched yard at Toddington during April 2021.

Final details are still being constructed but you can keep up to date with information on our social media platforms as well as on the GWSR website.  

How is it August already!?

As the title suggests.....how? I suspect the combination of Covid restrictions/lockdown and the late start to the running calendar has put a lot of others out as well but, here we are two weeks out from normal service being resumed. And, it's August already! Madness!

Anyway, moving on and the last two weeks have been very busy in the Department with a loco being out on every running day since the restart of normal operation. This has allowed a large number of us that are footplate crew to regain certification or get a refresher turn, but it has also allowed the fleet to get a good level of exposure as we start the railway's 40 Year celebrations. All of our serviceable mainline fleet have had a run out with 37215 and 45149 being used on the PURPLE timetable services in July as well as 37215 being used on stock moves - described in the last blog. 

Friday 30th July saw the first 'Special Event' of 2021 and the first 'Gala' since 2019 when we ran our 'Summer Diesel Day'. The weather definitely didn't get the memo regarding it being summer! By about 0930, those of us rostered on the first service of the day, with 37215, were drenched, and that was the theme for pretty much most of the day. The previous day, as access to the shed was not allowed, the locos that weren't running had been shunted into a variety of positions so that visitors could see all the locos and photograph them. The rain didn't make it easy, though!

D6948 sits in the car park at Toddington. The rain was really hammering down, almost causing distortion on the photo.

Also in the car park was 'our' 40th Anniversary bus courtesy of Marchants. As with D6948 all the windows and doors were closed to keep out the driving rain.

Marchant's bus with the 'GWSR 40th Anniversary' wrap showing 'Foremarke Hall' crossing Stanway Viaduct.

The steed for the day, 37215.

I was on Secondman duty with John G completing his second Trainee turn  and Kev J as rostered Driver. With it raining stair-rods we prepped the loco and made our way across to the maroon rake to form the 0900 to Cheltenham. This is usually an ECS move, although there are discussions to try and get it accepted as a full passenger carrying service, and the rostering of this service really did add weight to that argument as, despite the rain, there were a good number of early risers on it. The provision of an earlier train from Cheltenham Race Course is also proving to be a masterstroke as, when we approached, the platform was very busy. This has also been noticed on normal timetable days with lots of people using the service to head to Broadway for the day. 

As we headed away from Toddington, W51360 sits in the headshunt. You can see the repair that has been affected by C & W to repair historic accident damage. 
 

The Gala was also the first outing of the year for Class 24, 5081. It was rostered to work the second down service from Toddington in tandem along with 47376 'Freightliner 1995'. Certainly an interesting pair on a day where rail adhesion was a bit iffy in places. 

With the rain and low cloud obscuring the Cotswold Edge, 5081 and 47376 cross with 37215 at Winchcombe. (Courtesy of A. Raybould)

Still, it was good to see the small Sulzer back out and about as it is always a very popular loco amongst the fare paying enthusiasts. When it arrived at Cheltenham it then worked back up solo with 47376 on the back swapping around during the day with 37215 swapping with 45149. 

Some other pics of the day as the weather started to become brighter and warmer...

As the weather starts to brighten 5081 runs round ready to head back towards Broadway. (Courtesy of A. Raybould)

A little earlier to the photo above, 47376 arrives at Toddington from Cheltenham. The Class 24 waits in the distance to re-attach to the rear of the train after a little break. (Courtesy of A. Raybould)

Whilst Cheltenham was starting to dry out Broadway was still wet, although the rain had moved off towards Evesham. John keeps an eye on proceedings further up the platform as we await the off with the final service of the day back to Toddington. 

Despite the best attempts of the weather, and it being a weekday, takings were very encouraging with ticket sales exceeding expectation and RCS also seeming to do quite well. With circumstances the way they are 'every little helps' and the money will come in very handy to the railway coffers. 

The weekend of 31th July/1st August would see a Brush Type 4 weekend with 47376 operating on the PURPLE timetable on the Saturday, with a real treat on Sunday for the PINK timetable with the pair of 47105 and 47376 being utilised together - the first revenue earning service for 105 in nearly a decade. The locos were suitably decked out with one of the 'GWSR 40th Anniversary' headboards. The following photos are courtesy of Alex Raybould. Cheers Alex!

With Chris W looking on from the cab door, 47376 'Freightliner 1995' departs Toddington with the 1535 to Cheltenham on Saturday 31st July.

On the Sunday, the immaculate 47105 was paired up with sister 47376 for its first public running day. Observed at Winchcombe on the 0945 ex Cheltenham.  

From a different angle at Winchcombe. The reflections in the gleaming paintwork testament to the job done by the BT4F and Heritage Painting. 

Running around at Broadway. 47376 leads its sister back through Platform 2 under the gaze of the watching cameras. 

In the midst of his pursuit of haulage and taking of photos, Alex was also part of a work group on the Class 26 on the Saturday. Again, he has given permission to use his photos and passed on a report on what went on. Alongside Alex was Harrison, Tom C, Dave S and Gareth J working on a variety of tasks. Dave was busy doing more cutting and welding of the bodyside steelwork, removing more of the corroded and damaged metalwork. Alex, Tom, Harrison and Gareth were employed on a variety of tasks that included the continuation of taking the bogies and cab steps back to the metal work before priming them. They also worked on replacing pieces of down piping that had corroded due to water ingress over 60 years of service. As part of our commitment to re-using resources pieces of flow tube that had been discarded in the skip were given a new lease of life. 

    

After tidying up the pipes and removing the corrosion you can see that the pipe doesn't meet up with the sluice hole. This was one of the causes of the corrosion around the solebar as the water wasn't draining away and was pooling in the channels under the pipe. 

After the fitting of the hosing, a new piece of steel was added so that the water from the guttering will flow directly through the hole and not pool behind the loco bodywork. 

A new, tidy escape route for the water. 

Also going on over the weekend, the DMU group were back at the Class 122 'Bubble Car', W55003. The group have completed the door backings and work has now moved on to the window frames with the first going in on the Sunday. Work can then proceed onto the cabs before looking at completing the interior. 

Steve M was also present over the weekend continuing work on his Class 20's - D8137 and 20228. D8137 has progressed to a point where Steve is looking at reacquainting the bogie with its errant traction motor. Having cleaned the original motor and one of the spare motors, a decision was made on which one is likely to be replaced on the bogie. Before the motor is refitted Steve would like to pressure wash the bogie to remove the general detritus that has built up since its last overhaul. 20228 continues to have work on its wiring and cab décor completed when Steve isn't working on its sister. Steve hopes to have at least one of the 'Choppers' running before the end of the year. 

As an advanced notice, and building on the success of our 'Summer Diesel Day', we have a two day 'Autumn Gala' scheduled to take place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September utilising the locos that are available in the home fleet. Star of the show will be the immaculate 47105. The railway is also planning a 'run everything' weekend on the 23rd/24th October to formerly celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the GWSR. More details for both are yet to be announced. Just be sure to put the dates in your diary so that you can come and join in the fun!

The loco roster for August is as follows...

03 Aug - Class 24, 5081 (Purple)

04 Aug - Class 37, 37215 (Purple)

05 Aug - Class 45, 45149 (Purple)

07 Aug - Class 45, 45149 (Purple)

08 Aug - Class 24, 5081 (Pink)

10 Aug - Class 24, 5081 (Purple)

11 Aug - Class 37, 37215 (Purple)

12 Aug - Class 47, 47105 (Purple)

14 Aug - Class 37, 37215 (Purple)

15 Aug - Class 37, 37215 (Pink)

17 Aug - Class 24, 5081 (Purple)

18 Aug - Class 37, 37215 (Purple)

19 Aug - Class 45, 45149 (Purple)

21 Aug - Class 47, 47105 (Purple)

22 Aug - Class 47, 47105 (Pink) - was originally scheduled to be 45149 but changed due to no crew. 

24 Aug - Class 24, 5081 (Purple)

25 Aug - Class 37, 37215 (Purple)

26 Aug - Class 47, 47105 (Purple)

28 Aug - Class 45, 45149 (Purple)

29 Aug - Class 47, 47105 (Purple)

30 Aug - Class 47, 47105 (Purple)

31 Aug - Class 37, 37215 (Purple)

Purple Timetable - Loco works 1510 Broadway - Cheltenham RC and 1625 Cheltenham RC - Toddington.

Pink Timetable - Loco works two and a half round trips starting with the 0945 Cheltenham RC - Broadway. 

Usual caveats apply - locos may be replaced at short notice in instances of failures or crew changes. Keep an eye on our social media channels for up to date information.