75F Photos http://75f.fotopic.net/ 22 rows en-gb 60 London Underground Upminster Depot Open Day http://75f.fotopic.net/c1752910.html London Underground Upminster Depot Open Day Wednesday 9 September 2009: London Underground Upminster Depot Open Day

Richard Stumpf sent me these images from the open weekend for all to enjoy Darren an Vicky interact with the public around out display stand which has information about the whole railway, future, current plans etc. Richard Stumpf sent me these images from the open weekend for all to enjoy Richard Stumpf sent me these images from the open weekend for all to enjoy Richard Stumpf sent me these images from the open weekend for all to enjoy Richard Stumpf sent me these images from the open weekend for all to enjoy

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]]> Wed Sep 9 2009 Type 27A Wickham Trolley Works Number 6944 http://75f.fotopic.net/c1731267.html I purchased this trolley in July 2009 and plan to strip it down and restore it, on the eighth day of the week!!, only thing thats missing is the engine, originally it was a Ford 100E side valve engine we are looking to replace this with a diesel alternative. Sunday 15 November 2009: I purchased this trolley in July 2009 and plan to strip it down and restore it, on the eighth day of the week!!, only thing thats missing is the engine, originally it was a Ford 100E side valve engine we are looking to replace this with a diesel alternative.

the trolley rests on some temporary track at Horsted Keynes the engine, gearbox,reverser and battery go here this is the complex suspension system guaranteed to give a lovely smooth ride!!! this is the gear/reveser box this is the gear/reveser box i removed the roof on sunday and a few other fixtures and fittings the ford 100e side valve engine ready to be serviced, a new distributor spark plugs and leads have been aquired the trolley itself has been totally stripped down and allthat remains now is to remove the wheels before sandblasting the chassis commences The pedal boards and sanding gear has also been removed now leaving just the sub frame and chassis the weels and sub frame are due to come off tomorrow!

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]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 Spring Steam Gala http://75f.fotopic.net/c1699495.html Spring Steam Gala Wednesday 20 May 2009: Spring Steam Gala

David Staines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me the crew are discussing what lays ahead of them on one of the most intensive steam galas we have ever run David Staines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me, the USA gets to grips with the mixed freight was this photo taken Saturday 17th May 2009 or 17th May 1969!! David Staines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me this is the USA and 7715 just after leaving High Rocks Jinty waits on shed to haul the next service David Staines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me, Jinty approaches High Rocks with the Demo engineers train USA Tank is about to leave witth the engineers train on saturday afternoon David StDavid Staines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me, Jinty approaches High Rocks with the Demo engineers trainaines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me David Staines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me this is the Engineers train headed by the Jinty passing the passenger service at Groombridge Jiny waits in the loop with the engineers train David Staines took a variety of pictures over the weekend and they were forwarded to me, the pannier is perfectly framed by the 'TARDIS' and bunting as it enters Groombridge Jinty catches the evening sun in the yard at TWW The panniers cabside catches the late sun at the end of the day the locos havedisposed and wit on shedfor their next turn of duty Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Daaren used the long expsure setting on his camera to get some evening shots of the locos in the yard at TWW Pannier waits to depart Groombridge with the freight USA Tank shunts the engineers train into the siding this picture was taken through the guards ducket of the Queen Mary Brakevan

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]]> Wed May 20 2009 Spa Valley Diesels http://75f.fotopic.net/c1679467.html This is a collection of photos of the Diesel Locomotives at the Spa Valley Railway consisting of BR Mainline, BR Shuntersand industrials Tuesday 14 April 2009: This is a collection of photos of the Diesel Locomotives at the Spa Valley Railway consisting of BR Mainline, BR Shuntersand industrials

37254 is being de-winterised and a few small jobs completed to prepare it for the season ahead The Auxillary Generator was refitted to the class 10 over the weekend after having its armature rewound, it is only supplying half voltage so requires further investigation before it is fully servicable

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]]> Tue Apr 14 2009 Oxted Unit 1317 http://75f.fotopic.net/c1629441.html 1317 arrived at the Spa Valley Railway in 2004 straight out of service from Southern, before arriving at Tunbridge wells it had its power unit swapped for a reconditioned one. The unit ran at a few diesel galas proving to be very popular with crews and passengers. In 2005 the centre coach from this unit which had been stored for over 15 years at various locations was re-united with the two halves we already had. it was kindly donated to us by the Hampshire and Sussex Unit Preservation Society. it was restored off site at Cranmore and arrived at the railway in 2008, work is progressing on the Motor Coach and the Driving Trailer is yet to be started, it is hoped to be completed in the next couple of years. Much help is always required as there is always plenty to do and the 1317 group would be grateful of any assistance you can offer Sunday 15 November 2009: 1317 arrived at the Spa Valley Railway in 2004 straight out of service from Southern, before arriving at Tunbridge wells it had its power unit swapped for a reconditioned one. The unit ran at a few diesel galas proving to be very popular with crews and passengers. In 2005 the centre coach from this unit which had been stored for over 15 years at various locations was re-united with the two halves we already had. it was kindly donated to us by the Hampshire and Sussex Unit Preservation Society. it was restored off site at Cranmore and arrived at the railway in 2008, work is progressing on the Motor Coach and the Driving Trailer is yet to be started, it is hoped to be completed in the next couple of years. Much help is always required as there is always plenty to do and the 1317 group would be grateful of any assistance you can offer

1317's centre coach being shunted at TWW so that it can have the final pieces applied the centre coach is shunted into the shed after the DT and DMBS had been turned using the lowloader that the centre coach arrived on 1317's centre coach in TWW platform The centre has arrived from its Bodywork restoration at CTMS 1317 waits at Birchden Bank to return to TWW on one of the diesel galas a couple of years ago 1317 waits in the platform at TWW after re-enacting the last service 20years on in July 2005 the brake gear is also recieving some attention this is the eridge end bogie that requires attention this view looks towards the TW end of the underframe, it has seen alot of attention already but the brake gear and bogies need attention it is planned to lift it off the bogies soon to enable the coach to be completed. Mark sent me these pictures to show progress made over the past couple of weeks new conduit is being made for the centre coach heater wiring the lower wasted crash pillars have now been replaced with new the roof of the DT continues to ne cleaned off in radiness for priming and painting the body sections have been sanded primed filled and await a undercoat the new starting batteries have arrived Mark sent me these pictures to show progress made over the past couple of weeksLuggage racks are being cleaned and painted rail grey Mark sent me these pictures to show progress made over the past couple of weeksBump stops & associated fixings on doors repaired & replaced Mark sent me these pictures to show progress made over the past couple of weeksJon Nye is sanding,filling & preping bodywork on saloon end of vehicle.At present in etch-primer green Mark sent me these pictures to show progress made over the past couple of weeksCrash pillars are complete and new pannelling has been fabricated and welded in place

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]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 SVR Permanent Way http://75f.fotopic.net/c1620890.html A collection illustrating the Permanent Way works and various Civil Engineering works being undertaken on the Spa Valley Railway. The department is made up of 3 groups, the A-Team which concentrate mainly on track/sleeper renewals, the B-Team who do anything that needs doing along the line, and the C-Team, (C stands for Clearance) is led by Don Foreman and undertakes all of the vegetation clearance from TWW to Birchden. From personal experience they are very hard working and their efforts are enjoyed and appreciated by all. Sunday 15 November 2009: A collection illustrating the Permanent Way works and various Civil Engineering works being undertaken on the Spa Valley Railway. The department is made up of 3 groups, the A-Team which concentrate mainly on track/sleeper renewals, the B-Team who do anything that needs doing along the line, and the C-Team, (C stands for Clearance) is led by Don Foreman and undertakes all of the vegetation clearance from TWW to Birchden. From personal experience they are very hard working and their efforts are enjoyed and appreciated by all.

Brian Halford has taken these pictures of the ground clearance and instalation of the trackbed Brian Halford has taken these pictures of the ground clearance and instalation of the trackbed this shows the former track layout at groombridge courtesy of Matt Dives, this illustrates the amount of work that was completed in so little time Class 12 and the HAP wagon collect surplus track materials from along the line This is Coldbath Bridge, A culvert passes under the line here it became constricted last winter, the closed season in November saw a concerted effort from the P-Way team to reinforce it after the works the opportunity was taken to support the embankment which has suffered from being water logged the bridge structureas also seen some attention with brickwork replaced and the girders stripped and repainted these concrete sections were lowered into the ground above the culvert to gain access to the blockage they were later removed and the hole backfilled with concrete it has not been possible to see this view for some time as this drain was under approx 4-5 ft of water. it has not stopped flowing since it was cleared the speed of the water is evident here A new deck has been laid on Coldbath Bridge by the P-Way team just the railings left to install. a larger digger has been hire in from a local firm to assist with the winter works at Groombridge it is seen on the well wagon at TWW awaiting transportation to site the new point has been pre assembled at TWW and transported as a kit of parts to Groombridge and is seen here opposite the platform the chains are set so that the lift is even A clay rich track bed is all that is left one the point is removed by the end of the day the area had been leveled and all point rodding supports removed to enable the renewal of the trackbed and re-alignment of the formation, this whole area will be scalped and new TERAM matting laid to prevent the clay from contaminating the new ballast that is going to be used with the new teram matting laid out fresh ballast is added to provide a trackbed for the new point approximately 200 tonnes of clay infested ballast has been removed and all that is left is a level area ready for installation of new drainage and a new trackbed the spoil is loaded into an Ex London Transport flat wagon for removal off site Chairman, Jon Nye, Jonathon Wesson and Pete Reed have chosen the arduous task of stripping priming and painting of station road bridge this was the progress today, the switches and crossoer have been lifted in after the lead out rails had been lifted in some of the P-Way are fettling to get the rail to sit correctly in the chairs the blue tool on the right is used to raise the sleeper to the bottom of the rail and the yellow tool on the left is used to pull the panrol clip fully home to secure the rails to the sleepers the left hand turnout has been connected and should be joined to the former down main this weekend the embankment has been dug back to allow better alignment for the right hand turnout to be connected to the former up main and also new drains have been dug to allow this area to dry out as before these works the trackbed was absolutely saturated the new drains are directed into the existing drainage the old ditch can be seen filled with ballast the ground here has been prepared for tram to be laid out and ballast in the adjacent hopper unloaded onto it to form the the track bed an overall view of the new point from near the Signal box Station Road bridge is coming on well with almost half the structure stripped back and painted well done chaps! has been the same 2-3 people undertaking the massive tedious task a member of the lineside clearance team took this picture on Lealands looking towards Groombridge all the scrub is burnt on site on monster bonfires like these this view is appreciated by loco crews very much as it provides a very clear view of the line ahead this picture is on lealands looking towards TWW new railings have been fitted to the bridge at Coldbath the two ends have been fabricated whilst the side piece was the original from the former down side a new concrete pad has been installed at tea garden lane constructed from over 150 redundant concrete sleepers individually laid upside down and then compacted into the ground this is due to used soon with the arrival of 250tonnes of ballast imminent folled by the arrival of the tamper to allign and pack the entire line from TWW to Birchden Jcn this was the pad last monday the retaing wall for the concrete pad reached over half way with a concerted effort by a few over the weekend a tamper is visiting the line for approx 3-4 months to completly tamp the whole line from TWW to Birchden Jcn this is the heart of the machine, in the foreground the array of wheels lift and align the tracks while the spade shaped tools in the background are hydraulically driven into the ballast and vibrated to pack ballast under the sleepers a much improved view around tea garden lane bridge with nearly all the 'clutter' tidied away Thenew lineside loading area has now been completed with the last two walls erected over the weekend it is now ready for the imminent arrival of 200tonnes of ballast which will be used to pack the mainline the new railings have been installed and painted in a nice shade of green the tamper has been busy at coldbath with ballast being dropped by the dogfish hoppers and the tamper run over to set the level of the track New whistle boards have been erected at Poke Hill Farm Crossing created and erected by Don Foreman and his team the re sleepering had reached poke hill farm crossing today the speedy method used involves digging out everyother sleeper removing it and replacing it with a concrete one then the remaining wooden is dug out and replaced with concrete, sounds slow but once a routine is built up they have changed up to 138 sleepers in one day richard sharpe sent these pictures of the cew fabricated catchpit covers richard sharpe sent these pictures showing the progress during the week long concrete sleeper replacement richard sharpe sent these pictures showing the progress during the week long concrete sleeper replacement richard sharpe sent these pictures showing the progress during the week long concrete sleeper replacement

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]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 Waverley Paddle Steamer Trip http://75f.fotopic.net/c1583222.html Waverley Paddle Steamer Trip Monday 22 September 2008: Waverley Paddle Steamer Trip

The shaft is seen running speed the Engineman operating the Regulator, Valve cut off and draincocks Breifly the Engine was stationary and managed to grab this picture

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]]> Mon Sep 22 2008 Groombridge Station http://75f.fotopic.net/c1569533.html A new group has been formed and have called themselves the F.R.O.G.S which stands for Friends Of Groombridge Station. They have taken it upon themselves the responsibility of maintaining and enhancing the services at this station. When we open to Eridge this will become our busiest station with all services passing here, facilities already include a Booking Office, Waiting Area, toilets and restored canopies from Gravesend West Station. These are being enhanced with the addition of a Signal Box controlling the passing of service trains, 'The Old Asparagus Hut' which will become a refreshment kiosk serving teas coffees and light snacks and the Platform Extension to enable 4-coach train operation. Tuesday 20 October 2009: A new group has been formed and have called themselves the F.R.O.G.S which stands for Friends Of Groombridge Station. They have taken it upon themselves the responsibility of maintaining and enhancing the services at this station. When we open to Eridge this will become our busiest station with all services passing here, facilities already include a Booking Office, Waiting Area, toilets and restored canopies from Gravesend West Station. These are being enhanced with the addition of a Signal Box controlling the passing of service trains, 'The Old Asparagus Hut' which will become a refreshment kiosk serving teas coffees and light snacks and the Platform Extension to enable 4-coach train operation.

Groombridge Signal box lever frame suppports now fitted on 11/6/08 Good progress is being made at Groombridge with the signal box with the floor joists cut to size and awaiting fitting. the larger joist in the foreground supports the frame from the rear. The floor level can bee seen clearly here as can the main beam to which the former Birchden Jcn frame is secured to. Tommy is seen digging the foundations for the starter which is situated outside the signal box The signal box is now at an advanced stage with blockwork up to the top of the joists with the back of the box being built up, around the front of the box will be windows and framework which will be clad in the Southern Railway style these are the post supports for the small platform and steps which will be used to acces the box from platform level this view is toward TWW An overview of Groombridge Station which is turning into a very attractive country station, with small building with canopies and Refreshment facility. This station is being developed in conjuction with the Eridge extension as its traffic is soon to double with the two train operation that will be in place when we run to Eridge. The platform has been extended at the west end to now comfortably accomodate 4 coach trains Timber is cut into sections to form a kit of parts to produce new picnic tables for the station This is a half finished bench everyone needed bout 4 pairs of hands to hold all the pieces during assembly A new station sign has been erected opposite the station building detailing the distances to TWW and Eridge the down bracket signal post sits on birchden bank awaiting erection after the new point is installed in January the top section sits at TWW awaiting collection, it has been comlpetely rebuilt and has now had the lattice posts fitted. the main supports for the roof of the signal box have now been installed the back of the box will now be built up with blockwork to the level of the beams, then the ropf timers can be installed the supports for the levers have been added to the frame and since this picture was taken 4 levers have also been installed to enable the new point to be controlled from the signal box these are the new roof timbers are being prepared for the east canopy the area around TOAH has be scalped in order to lay a patio extension from the canopy to make this a more passenger friendly environment the first stages of the platform to the entrance of the signal box also the first of the window frames has been installed the levers that will control the new point have been attached to the lever frame this is the view over the station that the signaller will see when he is on duty at Groombridge the signal box team have been busy at work installing the front windows the western side is left to complete the back wall will then be built up to roof level and a start made on building the roof Jon managed to get the bridge a coat of paint before we start running trains the rest of the bridge will have to wait until the next closed season the paving around TOAH has now been completed and alond side it are the new picnic benches scratch built by the FROGS The walkway into the signal box and the steps up to it start to take shape the western window has now been installed the rear wall is rising up and will be eventually reach the top of the windows the roof sections can then be constructed this is a view from the signal box looking west towards Eridge a new wall has been built to support a ramp from the platform level down to the track the first roof section on the western canopy was lifted into place and secured the rear wall of the signal box has nearly reached ceiling height the new plate which all the cranks and pulleys are connected to has been installed the teporary groundframe has been connected until the signal box is completed the station building has had a new coat of floor paint Photos recieved from R.Sharpe Photos recieved from R.Sharpe recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge recieved from Richard Sharpe showing he progess on the signal box roof at Groombridge

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]]> Tue Oct 20 2009 LBSCR Terrier 'Sutton' 32650 http://75f.fotopic.net/c1569525.html The engine arrived on the Spa Valley Railway in April 2004, it was completely stripped down, and will be overhauled and returned to service on the railway. Sunday 15 November 2009: The engine arrived on the Spa Valley Railway in April 2004, it was completely stripped down, and will be overhauled and returned to service on the railway.

the frames of Sutton have been sandblasted, primed, undercoated, filled and many top coats applied to the high finish you can see, the new frame stretcher between the buffer beam and drag box has been fabricated and fitted at TWW. Dave was busy today fitting all new bushes to the spring hangers, all holes will be bushed so to standardise the pin size. Dave is seen fitting the last bush on the RHS of Sutton. The member in the rear of the picture is 'Pipe smoking Bob' who has macined all the bushes to fit the varying sized worn holes in the frames These are the axle box underkeeps that are in the process of being cleaned up and repaired where necesery the sand boxes have been repaired painted and refitted along with the refurbished operating valve burnished back to its original brass condition, these were covered in a thick layer of grime and were barely recognisable. these are new rear most running plates fabricated by dave they have had several coats of paint and ready to be fitted the axle box under keeps have now been prepared and painted and are now ready for storage until they are needed the angle that forms the bottom supports for the bunker have been fixed down to the new floor the rear RHS splasher/cab section recieves attention

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]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 UNIQUE Bulleid Class 12 http://75f.fotopic.net/c1555686.html UNIQUE Bulleid Class 12 Tuesday 14 April 2009: UNIQUE Bulleid Class 12

i decided to take off the straight air brake valve today as it has been playing up for some time and not releasing the brake when an emergency application was made this picture speaks for itself the amount of crud that has accumulated at the bottom of the valve this is the 'normal braking valve and as you can see it is well coated with a layer of 20r old rust this is the inside of the valve body which the valves was expected to move up and down freely in .... yeah right! after about an hour or so and some rubber sensitive cleaning solution the valve is gleaming like new this face bolts onto the under side of the brake controller mechanism in the cab of the locomotive, it was previously covered in thick brown !@?# and the old gasket which was very firmly attached about 20mins with a scraper and electric wire brush and it come up like new we had no spares of this valve nor did we the gasket so i sourced some cork material from the 73 Group and set about making one from scratch, this was number two as the first one didn't seem to fit.... i dont know why i think the ruler cant have been calibrated!! the finished product after a few hours TLC, i decided to burnish it up as the valve body was in quite good condition, and i am very proud to say that i refitted it and it WORKED!! the brake now in the normal position is a lot more refined and releases straight away without the former 20sec or so delay the chain driven cam shaft mechanism was found to be in very good condition it was estimated that the covers have not been off forr over 20yrs so it is very goog news that it is all in tip top condition This is No6 connecting rod seen through the cranckcase door on the fuel side of the engine, these have all ben removed to be able to replace the gaskets as they were leaking badly. it has also allowed inspection of the big ends and crankshaft bearings and also the condition of the camshaft all were found to be in very good condition This is No5 connecting rod seen through the cranckcase door on the fuel side of the engine, these have all ben removed to be able to replace the gaskets as they were leaking badly. it has also allowed inspection of the big ends and crankshaft bearings and also the condition of the camshaft all were found to be in very good condition This is No4 connecting rod seen through the cranckcase door on the fuel side of the engine, these have all ben removed to be able to replace the gaskets as they were leaking badly. it has also allowed inspection of the big ends and crankshaft bearings and also the condition of the camshaft all were found to be in very good condition This is No3 connecting rod seen through the cranckcase door on the fuel side of the engine, these have all ben removed to be able to replace the gaskets as they were leaking badly. it has also allowed inspection of the big ends and crankshaft bearings and also the condition of the camshaft all were found to be in very good condition This is No2 connecting rod seen through the cranckcase door on the fuel side of the engine, these have all ben removed to be able to replace the gaskets as they were leaking badly. it has also allowed inspection of the big ends and crankshaft bearings and also the condition of the camshaft all were found to be in very good condition This is No1 connecting rod seen through the cranckcase door on the fuel side of the engine, these have all ben removed to be able to replace the gaskets as they were leaking badly. it has also allowed inspection of the big ends and crankshaft bearings and also the condition of the camshaft all were found to be in very good condition the sump plate of the class 12 the original Bulleid marker lights have been obtained from a previous owner during tea breaks Vicky and I cleaned one up and assembled it the shroud on the left is to cover the light switch with the conduit passing through the bottom of the fitting a complete lamp ready to be rewired and fitted to the loco, they have been missing from it for the past 23 years and will make a welcome addition to its Uniqueness! just happened to be dark and some floodlights laying around so decided to stretch my camera to its limit have i had a tripod the camera would not have moved which has caused the slight blur will tr better next time not bad for first time!

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]]> Tue Apr 14 2009 GWR Pannier Tank Visit July 08 - Sept 09 http://75f.fotopic.net/c1546898.html This loco arrived at the railway for a 14 month loan it has recently had extensive boilerwork at South Coast Steam and the SVR was asked and gratefully recieved the use of the loco and has been hard at work since it arrived covering most of the late summer turns. Sunday 26 October 2008: This loco arrived at the railway for a 14 month loan it has recently had extensive boilerwork at South Coast Steam and the SVR was asked and gratefully recieved the use of the loco and has been hard at work since it arrived covering most of the late summer turns.

The GWR comes to Kent in the form of Pannier Tank 7715 fresh from Boiler Overhaul at South Coast Steam it is to remain at the Spa Valley Railway until Sept 2009 7715 taken from the pit on 2 road at TWW 7715 prior to inspection and cleaning it waits outside the shed at TWW Another view from across the yard The firebox of 7715 The very dirty cab of 7715 which should soon be gleaming The now polished numberplate of 7715 after Tim had used some elbow grease! 7715 pulls into the loop at Groombridge 7715 has run round and is now awaiting coupling up and a brake test before it pulls back into the station at Groombridge 7715 waits for a few minutes before it departs to TWW Firemans side Injector detail this is brand new made and fitted by South Coast Steam A quick dash up to High Rocks and i caught the same train just after departure from that station Jonathon Bolland sent these pictures of the Pannier Tank 7715 recieving a washout at TWW Jonathon Bolland sent these pictures of the Pannier Tank 7715 recieving a washout at TWW Jonathon Bolland sent these pictures of the Pannier Tank 7715 recieving a washout at TWW Jonathon Bolland sent these pictures of the Pannier Tank 7715 recieving a washout at TWW A night shot caught whilst the crew were disposing of 7715 A night shot caught whilst the crew were disposing of 7715 A night shot caught whilst the crew were disposing of 7715

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]]> Sun Oct 26 2008 SVR Buses http://75f.fotopic.net/c1546673.html SVR Buses Friday 18 July 2008: SVR Buses

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]]> Fri Jul 18 2008 SVR 115/101 DMUs http://75f.fotopic.net/c1541479.html A collection of pictures taken over a few years featuring Class 115 DMBSO 51669 AND Class 101 DTSL 54408 it is hoped to pair these up and run them at the SVR next year Monday 18 May 2009: A collection of pictures taken over a few years featuring Class 115 DMBSO 51669 AND Class 101 DTSL 54408 it is hoped to pair these up and run them at the SVR next year

On a previous test run the 115 is seen in the yard with the 101 attached The 115 and 101 Trailer are seen waiting at Birchden Junction to return to TWW on a test run The same train is seen at Groombridge Both power cars of the 115 unit were coupled up for the first time in nearly 10 years in order to test the control systems the engines have yet to be started to test the gear boxes, final drives and all other assosiated components Both of the 115 power cars are seen together at Groombridge this has been the only time that these two have run together at the SVR The 101 DMU has come up to the West for some much needed attention it will emerge in about 3 weeks in BR Malachite Green it is planned to then run it with the service stock as extra capacity when required The 101 has had its first topcoat and is now looking 100 times better The 101 has recieved its first topcoat and is shunted out the shed to be used for the Thomas Weekends the 101 has gone back into theshed for another 2 coats of paint to be applied as well as the various tranfers 2 new members tackled the 101 today, the wiper motors needed to be removed as the holes through which they pass thrugh had become rotten. once the motor was off it was evident that the window was not being held in by much so Jon made the executive decision to remove it which has revealed some bodywork that needs replacing The two outer screens on the front of the 101 have been removed and metal surround replaced the windows have now been refitted with new sealent which will hopefully cure the leaks The two outer screens on the front of the 101 have been removed and metal surround replaced the windows have now been refitted with new sealent which will hopefully cure the leaks

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]]> Mon May 18 2009 C+W Works on the SVR http://75f.fotopic.net/c1541477.html The SVR C+W Department meet up every Wendesday from about 9am onwards, they undertake various maintenance/repair requirements to the service train. They have rently outshopped the Maroon SK 25845. Their current project is the Southern Railway CCT that has been at the railway since 1995 and wa in need of a complete rebuild, plans are to use this vehicle as a store but it can also be used in service trains to add a southern touch to our service. Friday 19 June 2009: The SVR C+W Department meet up every Wendesday from about 9am onwards, they undertake various maintenance/repair requirements to the service train. They have rently outshopped the Maroon SK 25845. Their current project is the Southern Railway CCT that has been at the railway since 1995 and wa in need of a complete rebuild, plans are to use this vehicle as a store but it can also be used in service trains to add a southern touch to our service.

The SK in the shed at TWW nearing the end of it 'fastrack' overhaul which turned into a quite major overhaul, all seats have been recovered, wood trim revarnished, crash pillar work carried out, complete repaint, new set of batteries, a new dynamo and the toilets removed to allow a more spacious vestibule at one end. The high quality workmanship can be seen in this photo of the end of the SK, it has had 2 undercoats and 3 topcoats and now looks absolutely superb, you can see your face in the black ends, the bodysides are painted by our chairman Jon Nye The LT Brakevan has recently been outshopped and is now available to use for our brakevan specials when a suitable locomotive is available as it is air braked only the CCT during a shuntathon During the shunt the BR made a rare appearance outside A rare view of an empty shed road, with space such at such a premium at TWW it is only possible to see this view for a short while during a shuntathon SK 25845 has emerged from the C+W shed road looking very good indeed, just lining and bogie painting is now required, it is planned to use it this weekend for the diesel gala, this coach has had the dynamo replaced which was missing befor it went into the works a new set of batteries have also been fitted BR Coach Roundel on the newly painted SK The SK was attached to the service stock and run in service The static buffet at TWW The CCT has had some new doors fitted these are being trial fitted they will be removed now so they can be painted New plywood side panels have been fitted Now sealed and painted the doors have been refitted and just awaiting final top coats some corrosion aroung the heater air intake has been treated to some new platework the window in this picture has also been re-seated with new rubbers The 101 Driving trailer has gone back into the shed to be finished new platework has been welded around the rear of the coach The CCT is really coming on new sides are being made this vehicle is really going to be a gem when it is finished. the 101 has had new ceiling panels installed just in time to appear at the thomas event next weekend the outside has had 1 topcoat all round, after the thomas event it will return to the shed for another coat of green with vinyls also applied the flatrol has had a concerte effort to retimber the floorand treat/repaint the steelwork the 101 has breifly come out the shed for two weekends to act as daisy for the Railway's Thomas event the CCT is coming on well with a release to traffic hoped for this summer the t stock was brought up to tunbridge wells on sunday to have a good clean so it can be displayed over the 40's weekend we took the opportunity for a photostop at poke hill farm on the return to groombridge the t stock was brought up to tunbridge wells on sunday to have a good clean so it can be displayed over the 40's weekend we took the opportunity for a photostop at poke hill farm on the return to groombridge the t stock was brought up to tunbridge wells on sunday to have a good clean so it can be displayed over the 40's weekend we took the opportunity for a photostop at poke hill farm on the return to groombridge the t stock was brought up to tunbridge wells on sunday to have a good clean so it can be displayed over the 40's weekend we took the opportunity for a photostop at poke hill farm on the return to groombridge

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]]> Fri Jun 19 2009 JINTY 47493 http://75f.fotopic.net/c1536677.html Earlier this year on a routine inspection we realised that some of the crown stays were getting close to the failure margin, at first we were going to spot replace the defective ones and push the loco back into service, Darren and Sam then made the wise decision to replace all of them as this would speed up its next overhaul considerably and provide us with piece of mind that they are all new. This is the first time the railway have undertaken boiler work on this scale and I extend my congratulations to Darren on completing this job almost single handedly. Vicky, Sam and myself helped on several occasions, I can recall being inside the fire box with Darren, he was heating up the nuts using an Oxy-Acetylene gun and i was using a Pnematic impact driver to remove them, you can imagine the working environment on that day I think we managed around 45 stay nuts! Tuesday 21 July 2009: Earlier this year on a routine inspection we realised that some of the crown stays were getting close to the failure margin, at first we were going to spot replace the defective ones and push the loco back into service, Darren and Sam then made the wise decision to replace all of them as this would speed up its next overhaul considerably and provide us with piece of mind that they are all new. This is the first time the railway have undertaken boiler work on this scale and I extend my congratulations to Darren on completing this job almost single handedly. Vicky, Sam and myself helped on several occasions, I can recall being inside the fire box with Darren, he was heating up the nuts using an Oxy-Acetylene gun and i was using a Pnematic impact driver to remove them, you can imagine the working environment on that day I think we managed around 45 stay nuts!

An immaculate Jinty waits to haul the next passenger train on one of our thomas weekends note the reflection of the headlamp onto the bunker During winter works on the Jinty the opportunity was taken to re metal a few components that were shwing signs of their age This is a view through the mudhole door on the firemans side clearly showing the new crown stays in the boiler The last few crown stays having the bottoms burnt off, an impact driver is then used to withdraw the stay from the crown This photo was taken through one of the top mud hole doors and clearly shows the all the stays in the boiler The crown stay removal starts with working out a method of removal Once all but 8 stays had been removed (left in to provide support to the top of the firebox) all the holes need to be reamed to a larger size to accomodate the new crown stays, the tool is an air powered driver which we have set at a very low speed, this saves hours of work with a T-Bar or Ratchet The new stays ordered from Gamble's arrived on Friday Another view of the stays in the waterspace between the friebox and the crown. photo by Darren Skinner After 5 days hard work by Darren assisted by Vicky on Sat & Sun all stays have been inserted and caulked into position and the boiler has been filled above the crown with no leaks evident after 24 hours WELL DONE DARREN photo by Darren Skinner A close up of the caulked stay a rope packing material is now wrapped around the stud a washer added and a nut torqued onto the stud to act as an extra seal photo by Darren Skinner This is the top of the firebox with all the stays caulked into place Darren spent 3 hours non-stop and caulked every stay WELL DONE AGAIN! photo by Darren Skinner With all the stays now removed Vicky took the opportunity to clean, prep and paint the crown in Protective silver paint The crown has been fitted with 10 of the new stays by the end of today Darren managed to finish 14 holes and insert the stays This is the stay tap which is on loan from the Llangollen Railway we are using to open out and re-thread the holes to recieve the new stays Many thanks go to the Llangollen Railway for the use of this tap which has saved considerable time and money with this repair. The stay tap in use reaming and re-threading both the crown and firebox, the air tool being used was donated to the Railway by Casey Engineering Many thanks are extended to those too this definately speeds up the job. Towards the end of the day darren had tapped a further 34 holes and Vicky had inserted the stays, th total at the end of day 2 stands at 48 This picture shows the crown stay tap doing its job on the last hole on day 2 I accidently caught this picture when putting my hand through the mud hole door on the drivers side, it turned out to be a fairly decent view of the side stays between the firebox and outer wrapper The end of day 2 sees 48 stays inserted into the boiler a job well done by Darren and Vicky On 7th July all the stays had been replaced Darren had gone to get the caulking gun that afternoon to make a start on Tuesday. WELL DONE FOR ACHIEVING SO MUCH IN SO LITTLE TIME A close up of the safety valve base stays that have been 'munipulated' into the plate with alot of heat and a hammer finished off with a large grinder wheel A general view of the crown with the safety valve base stays flattend and ground flat The whistles base hasnow been fitted with new studs and nuts as the original ones were life expired In order to get a decent picture of the crown i decided to enter the firebox doing so you lose all dignity and the odd pocket off of your overalls This picture shows the stays nutted with the boiler holding a 1/4 of a glass for nearly 3 days with no signs of leakage The awkward task of entering the firebox when the grate and ash pan are in situ I only just fit (wide hips, not a weight issue)!! Jinty sits outside TWW shed in light steam in preperation for setting the safety valves and taking the boiler up to full working pressure, the first time since all the crown stays have been replaced With the valves set the loco has to wait for the service train to arive before a test run can take place A chap called Doug Barrow who is primarily involved with the 37 at the SVR was at a loose end today during his second man duties so he offered to give the jinty a wash down and much better it looks too, thanks, perhaps 3rd man next time eh Doug!! spend a whole day on the engine Pannier Tank 7715 and Jinty 47493 brush shoulders for the first time whilst in steam this is the new fabricated brickarch which arrived at the railway as a kit of parts and vicky had the job of piecing together the brickarch with both engines secured at the end of a successful day it was time to light the BBQ and enjoy the surroundings very fine the Jinty is looking with its cladding appiled to the crown it passed its Full Steam Test yesterday (saturday) with a few niggly jobs left to do and the loco will be fit for another stint in service. boiler crown cladding has now been applied with new insulation underneath it is almost complete with just a few bands to replace and secure and a touch of paint 47493 emerges from Tea Garden Lane bridge shortly after leaving High Rocks The Jinty is very much now back in traffic after its crown stay renewal it is seen earlier on today just after leaving High Rocks 47493 is manouvered onto the unloading ramp at the Bluebell Railway 47493 waits to be shunted into the yard at Sheffield Park The Diesel (out of sight) shunts the U-Boat to pick up the Jinty and to shunt in the yard 47493 rubs shoulders with 80151 on shed at the Bluebell Railway 47493 and Stowe in the yard at Sheffield Park 47493 and 80151 at the Bluebell Railway Darren got these photos of the Jinty being loaded at TWW Jinty has been loaded and is being secured Jinty stars its journey to Sheffield Park Backing down the ramp at TWW Turning to avoid the low bridge over the road The Jinty is unloaded and waits on the Tramway at Sheffield Park

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]]> Tue Jul 21 2009 THE REAL J94 68077 http://75f.fotopic.net/c1536672.html 68077 arrived at the Spa Valley Railway from the Keighly and Worth Valley Railway in late December 2005. It has not steamed since approximately 1971 when it was tested at their railway, they aquired it straight from service with N.C.B. The loco was in need of a complete strip down and major overhaul which we started in early 2006. As it was previously working for the N.C.B the condition of every moving part was considerably worn out. Sam and I have largley undertook the strip down ourselves with help from darren with the crane when all the major components were dismantled Sunday 15 November 2009: 68077 arrived at the Spa Valley Railway from the Keighly and Worth Valley Railway in late December 2005. It has not steamed since approximately 1971 when it was tested at their railway, they aquired it straight from service with N.C.B. The loco was in need of a complete strip down and major overhaul which we started in early 2006. As it was previously working for the N.C.B the condition of every moving part was considerably worn out. Sam and I have largley undertook the strip down ourselves with help from darren with the crane when all the major components were dismantled

During a shuntathon 2 years ago i managed to grab these pictures of a complete 68077 During a shuntathon 2 years ago i managed to grab these pictures of a complete 68077 During a shuntathon 2 years ago i managed to grab these pictures of a complete 68077 During a shuntathon 2 years ago i managed to grab these pictures of a complete 68077 Sam is cutting the stay nut off of the longitudinal stay, these are being removed to gain access to the boiler for descaling and stay work. work commences at the start of the day on the J94 Boiler The backhead showing the stays being removed from this end. with the stays now removed we were able to get inside the boiler by late afternoon The three medium sized holes in a 'V' shape below the regulator are those which hold the stays that have now been removed This view is through the stay hole and shows all the scale on the crown and crown stays this all needs removing which will probably reveal some wasted stays that will need replacing One of our younger members chris got inside the the boiler barrel today (6/7/08) and shoveled out nearly half a ton bag of scale that has been in there for nearly 40 years On Sunday 6th July the crosshead finally parted from the piston rod with the aid of the oxy-acetalene, oxy-propane and a propane torch all at the same time a satisfying 'clunk' followed by an attack with an impact driver it was off. A few weeks ago 2 thirds of the cab floor had been lifted to allow replacement of the floor supports, the rear frame stretcher on which the white box is on also requires replacement due to corrosion Now cleared of loose scale the inside of the barrel can be needle gunned Sam is removing the angle iron that holds the cab and bunker floor down as it has severly corroded I carried on removing the running plate today, we have decided to remove all of them in order to descale beneath them and replace the angle all the way along the side as it as been poorly repaired which has resulted in it becoming weak in several places Walking down the siding towards High Rocks i spotted 68077's, cab, boiler cladding and saddle tank stored there some time ago now hidden from view by the Class 37 this was at about lunchtime when i was half way alon as the angle was starting to 'fall' off the angle for the back can be seen ontop of the buffers and 2 shorter sections have been removed from the frames in the middle of the picture, there is a small amount of wastage on the frames but nothing a welder and grinder will not rectify at the rear of the loco sam has been removing all the angle which resided under the bunker due to its position it is inevitable that is is prone to severe corrosion so all this will be rplaced to Sam is cutting the old sections of angle off these will be repaced with new at a later date these are the stes that wil need removing before the running plate is lowered to the floor All the rivets are now drilled out and will wait till next sunday to remove the running plate as some steps and hand rails need removing first The new A frame in position for its first lift which is to remove the running plate from the loco the frames are now nearly bare all by the running plates on the drivers side which should be off in the next two weeks The buffer beam is gently seperated from the frames with a large hammer and the chain hoist mounted on the new 'A' frame takes the weight. with the buffer beam now stored safely in the pit under the loco it was possible to get a good picture of the valves and cylinders at the moment still complete with pistons which should be out by the end of next weekend These are the valve faces which upon first inspection do not seem to be in to bad condition Using the new A frame me and Sam removed the pistons, this is the bore ater spending about half an hour cleaning with some degreaser, the initial measurements are quite promising and should only require a small amount of machining, which will hopefully be done with the block in situ. this is the LHS cylinder which i did not have time to clean the the general condition is pretty good with just a small amount of machining required Sam has made a measuring jig for grinding the hornguides, the holes are used to transfer reference points onto the face so measurements can be taken and the hornguide ground parallel to each other This is the LHS front hornguide that is quite badly worn it is hoped these can be ground in situ. This is my first EVER attempt at welding i hade to weld the countersunk bolts into the running plate in order to remove the nuts underneath so that the steps can be taken off, its not too bad for a first attempt!! This is the new frame stretcher to replace the missing one that is situated under the ashpan the frame stretcher at the back of the loco has also been removed as it was severely wasted it will be replaced with new a start has been made on preparing tha frames for painting it was first needle gunned then a angle grinder with a wire cup used to finish the process, the sufaces will now be treated and painted a start can then be made on re-attaching the angle floor supports and the new cab floor this is the rear right hand side the steam brake cylinder is normally situated here, it has been removed to recieve attention preperation for painting can clearly be seen here this is the new fabricated frame stretcher temporarily trial fitted before it is riveted together Sam has started to grind back the horn guides this is one of the LHS rear horn guide, a piece of flat metal is blued and placed across the hornguide which highlights the high points which are then removed the process is repeated unitl atleast 90% of the hornguide is blue when the flat metal is placed upon it sam and darren done some trial riveting today using a spare piece of angle and fonmons old motion bracket the results were very good..... not bad for beginners!! Some fire bricks were aranged so that the rivets could be heated until red hot the hot rivet is inserted into the platework it is then hammered over using pnuematic rivet guns which have been in the workshop for years, i stripped them down, cleaned them, we identified a couple of missing parts and they were then re-assembled and to much surprise they worked saving the railway a small fortune yours truely heating the rivets the finished job! the finished job! Shaun started the arduous task of needlegunning the frames today he is a dab hand at this and managed to get three quarters of one side completed in one day... well done mate! this is a view down the exhaust port which is yet to be cleaned

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]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 Tkh Spartan Boiler Test and Overhaul http://75f.fotopic.net/c1535853.html Tkh Spartan Boiler Test and Overhaul Thursday 12 November 2009: Tkh Spartan Boiler Test and Overhaul

At the start of day 2 the fire is cleaned and re lit and the second stage of testing can begin The safety valves blow at 100psi Some water is released via the blowdown valve to bring the level down before the final push towards 150psi with just over 100psi the boiler is left to rest for a while before the next push up to 150psi is attempted the safety valves are adjusted to gradually take the pressure up in stages The end of day 2 saw the pressure raised to 150psi with still no leaks evident. The backhead of the boiler with all it fittings attached for the steam test this view is tidied up dramatically when all the cladding is applied With the fire lit in the morning Spartan is monitored closely as pressure begins to build up, the first time in nearly 4 years. A few hours later we see the pressure has risen to 20psi all is still OK The pressure climbs to 50psi all appears to be ok so the push up to 100 psi is started With the pressure sitting just under 100psi the safety valves which have been adjusted down are lifting The only leak found was from a conicle ring between the Boiler and the Manifold The whistle is blown for the first time in 4 years Sam pours the whitemetal into the mould, the propane burners are used to heat the bearing to approx 190 degrees celcius so it can receive the whitemetal as the metal cools it contracts so small amounts are added to bring the level up. A specially made mould holds the bearing onto an undersized pin so that it can be machined back to the size of the journal The whitemetal is melted and maintained at a temperature of 450 degrees The bearing has the excess whitemetal trimmed off using an angle grinder The bearings are now ready to be machined the boiler inspector was at the railway today to examine Spartans boiler in readiness for its 10yr certificate all that is left to do is set the safety valves the boiler pressure sits at 195lbs/sq in while the boiler inspector gives the boiler a thorough inspection. the boiler has been wrapped in tin foil and a start was made on fitting the insulation and cladding another cladding sheet was applied today due the the nature of them they are not the most easiest parts to fit they are not like normal boiler cladding where its screwed to the crinolins on the boiler the sheets are in two pieces which overlap and then screwed together top and bottom tim was busy making new crinolin for the boiler cladding he uses small G-clamps to secure the two parts before he welds them together the boiler barrel cladding was rubbed down today and the bare metal patches painted with an anti corrosive primer it is planned to undercoat it next weekend the boiler dome cover has now been sanded filled and painted up to th first gloss layer final gloss will be applied once it is put on the locomotive the mechanical lubricatoras recieve a thorough clean and fittings replaced and conected up to the associated pipe work this is the new silencer for the Steam Powered Air Pump these are the the new steam feeds for the injectors the reverser, vacuum brake, loco brake and westinghouse brake have been re-assembled

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]]> Thu Nov 12 2009 Eridge Extension Update http://75f.fotopic.net/c1535012.html Eridge Extension Update Thursday 12 November 2009: Eridge Extension Update

Photo from Brian Halford yesterday showing trackwork that is replacing the half crossover which once connected the up and down lines at the north end of the station Work has progressed right up to the boundry gate now with the new sleepers and track connected up to the limit of our track at Birchden Photo by Brian Halford Work at Birchden Jcn is progressing with all the new sleepers laid out to the new alignment. 40 tonnes of ballast have arrived at the railway and will be moved to the site by SVR members on monday Photo by Brian Halford The finished trackwork on the 23rd July all thr track between birchden and Eridge is now up to passenger carrying standards with just the buffer stops to fit at Eridge Station brian halford took these to show the recent progress which was made at forge farm crossing brian halford took these to show the recent progress which was made at forge farm crossing brian halford took these to show the recent progress which was made at forge farm crossing another view taken from the end of the SVR platform of clearance completed in the first day after Gramm had finished the first day of clearance at Eridge significant progress can be seen, compare this to shots taken later in the week a fine picture of Eridge station, all you need now is 1317 in the loop waiting to depart and the Jinty arriving in the Down Platform with it ands smart green coaches and all will be complete This clearance was done sometime ago on the NR side loop which revealed a set of bufferstops that had sat in a line of trees for years Eridge clearance by Gramm Interlink Rail continuing a pace you can almost see the old home signal bracket now remains of the long siding point and shunt signal at the north end of the SVR Platform Progress at Eridge on 19th June 2008 in the background you can just about make out the Bracket home signal for the two SVR platforms This view shows how the half crossover has been removed and is now plain lined The gents toilet is undergoing refurbishment it is hoped to have this finished for when we re open to Eridge. They remain largly complete and require a few fittings and redecoration. The Spa Valley Railway station buildings at Eridge have been repainted and ready to accept the first passengers to Tunbridge Wells West all thats required now is the interior repaint. Eridge signal box is slowly returning to nature it may be possible to clear this area and cosmetically restore it once we have reopened the line to TWW Eric and Frank are drilling the holes in rails which will become signal posts, this particular post will form half that which is to hold up the bracket signal at Groombridge station At this point the allignment has been slewed slightly to give a better curve onto the Former Down line from London Photo by Brian Halford Track is lifted onto the new sleepers and clipped up Photo by Brian Halford Eric and Frank are using the chop saw to cut spacers and studding for the Groombridge Platform Down Starter bracket signal Frank is installing the spacers and studding which is secures with a nut, spring washer and plain washer on either end of a stud which passes through a piece of metal tube All the spacers trial fitted all appears to be ok Eric and Frank are now tightening all the nuts after which it all recieved a coat of paint point sleepers have been replaced to allow the point to be used which now gives us access to the bay platform close up view taken from the platform of the dummy signal for the long siding this has recently been uncovered by Gramm at their recent week long works last week Clearance in the bay platform has progressed rapidly and the whole road has been scalped and rotten sleepers replaced Additional planking has been added to the gents toilet and wood primer applied work inside is also progressing Taken through one of the windows of the station you can see the original fireplaces which will welcome our passengers on cold days. With the ceiling painted attention can now be turned to the walls, windows and doors taken from the Southern access path across the SVR bay platform road This view is from Station Road bridge outside the station buildings showing the clearance by Gramm in readiness to the friction bufferstops requested by Southern. This hut will be the base for the SVR crossing keeper where he will actuate the plunger to change the aspect of the crossing indicator new sleepers fitted in the bay platform the Gents toilet is progressing The first part of the friction buffer stops has been fitted to the SVR headshunt Friction Buffer Stops installed over a possesion last night at the current end of the Spa Valley Line The Waiting Room lights have been 'electrified' and installed, they are originally from TWW station The buffer stop seen from the bridge outside the station the area between the platform and the signal box has been cleared and opens up a much missed view of the signal box The Eridge gang have decided to rplace all the cladding on the west side of the gents toilet they continue with this as and when weather permits a view of the signal box not seen for many years Network Rail have undertaken a huge amount of lineside clearance between birchden and eridge and this steam age view can once be witnessed all thats missing now is the Jinty and its 5 coaches bound for TWW! this picture is taken from the bridge just up the road from Birchden Jcn and it shows how commited NR are to maintaing the lineside you can just about see the former Junction in the distance a much more open view taken from the SVR boundry at the former birchden junction The waiting room at Eridge has nearly been finished the lights are from TWW station originally gas powered they have been converted to electric but still give the ambient glow that the gas lights once produced the fire place has been ressurected and awaits the fitting of a grate and the first fire for many years can be lit.

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]]> Thu Nov 12 2009 RSH UGLY No62 Restoration http://75f.fotopic.net/c1534661.html This loco was purchased by a member in March 2008 as a fastrack overhaul to cover a projected Steam locomotive shortage next year when we open to Eridge. The loco was quickly stripped down to enable the boiler to be lifted and replaced with an overhauled spare from sister engine Samson. The opportunity has been taken to smarten the appearance of the engine by giving the cab and frames a new coat of paint. It is hoped to have this locomotive ready for service over the winter 2008 so it can start the season alongside the Pannier Tank and the Jinty Sunday 15 November 2009: This loco was purchased by a member in March 2008 as a fastrack overhaul to cover a projected Steam locomotive shortage next year when we open to Eridge. The loco was quickly stripped down to enable the boiler to be lifted and replaced with an overhauled spare from sister engine Samson. The opportunity has been taken to smarten the appearance of the engine by giving the cab and frames a new coat of paint. It is hoped to have this locomotive ready for service over the winter 2008 so it can start the season alongside the Pannier Tank and the Jinty

Ugly's back head after stay removal and inner firebox work Inside the firebox the rear 8 inches has been cut out due to wastage and cracking on the inner corners This is the left hand side rear corner This is the right hand rear coner Some of the stays in the top of the firebox need attention those marked with the chalk circle are those suspected for replacement This is the section cut out of the back left hand corner wastage can be seen above the level of the foundation ring This section from the back right hand corner clearly shows the large cracks that formed near the foundation ring This was the back section that was removed as it was damaged in similar ways to the rear corners Timmy has recently started to learn to weld so we gave him the job of fabicating some new coal rails for UGLY as the old ones had seen much better days This os the bearing from the right trailing axle which on inspection seems to be in very good condition the axle boxes and thrust faces are also being inspected, between the wheel and axle box on the outer side is a brass plate that has been screwed onto the axle box. A few of these screws were found to have worked loose so Darren has been taking them out cleaning the holes, applying thread lock to prevent the screws vibating loose again. Andy has been doing a sterling job on repainting the frames this whole area was covered in a thick layer of steam oil, ash, brake dust and all sorts of other nasties. Well done Andy, just the tricky bit now around the big ends, eccentrics and slide bars. the cab is also getting repainted and is seen here in a black undercoat, the cab doors (open) have remained in green primer until the undercoat is brought for the surprise livery this is the RHS cylinder cover which has sustained damage from the suspected ball bearing Aview of Ugly's LHS steam port The damage to the piston head we think has been caused by one of the ball bearings in the many non-return valves on the lubrication system has found its way into the cylinder this damage is also apparent on the cylinder cover. the right hand side piston head has been exposed and no damage found as a result of the ball bearing entering the cylineder it will be cleaned up and the cover replaced the springs were removed when the axle boxes were inspected, they were cleaned, examined, given a coat of paint and replaced onto the engine, the frames are now off the jacks and is once again a rolling chassis the big end bearings were also removed for inspection, they require some white metalling a first coat of primer has also been added to the RHS of the frames in readiness for painting. Tim was needlegunning the frames today in readiness for painting. we learnt to day that the boiler work has been finished and is now ready to be collected it should be at the West in the next two weeks vicky has applied the first layer of green primer to the frames darren has tapped all the washout plug holes and new plugs have been fitted also the two long bolts which hold the regulator gland box have been replaced the new regulator rod is fitted into the end of the main steam pipe and the link from the rod to the regulator head fitted the reulator has been fitted to the boiler and a rubber seal placed between the regulator and steam pipeto enable the boiler to be hydraulic teseted this shows the rod connected to the regulator head the wheels and frames have had their first coat of primer this is the firebox crown which has had some of the stay nuts welded into the firebox and the area built up around the stay a combination of Samsons and Uglies firehole door mechanism/assembly is trial fitted, it will now be removed and refurbished before fitting prior to steam testing the LHS of the frames have received their first coat of black undercoat the gauge columns have been fitted to the boiler darren took them to work and sandblasted them, replaced the packings and installed the gauge glass only a few jobs remain before the boiler is hydraulic tested the RHS of the frames have been prepared and painted with etch primer Samsons axle boxes have been assembled prior to fitting to the wheelsets so that the frames can be made mobile and moved out the shed to create more space Quite a productive 4 days on the loco this weekend vicky and andy have given the frames their second coat of gloss black, and the wheels their first undercoat shaun set to on the back head cleaning it off and painting it with heat proof paint it requires a second coat this will be done when the boiler is lifted out of the frames next weekend Darren has ground the surface that the dome cover sits on as it was badly pitted, shaun made new gaskets while darren was fitting the brand new studs the whole lot was assembled and the loco has moved a step closer to its hydraulic test a concerted effort this weekend got Ugly's wheels into undercoat saturday evening a top coat was added Sunday to the wheels steps and sole barit has transformed the appearance of this loco and ives everyone an idea of ho bright it will be!

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]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 SVR Eridge Extension pictures from Brian Halford & Paul Carpenter http://75f.fotopic.net/c1533801.html This is a selection of photos taken fom the other side of the fence from members working for Network Rail. Tuesday 25 November 2008: This is a selection of photos taken fom the other side of the fence from members working for Network Rail.

Part way between Eridge and Birchden the Southern Mainline is on the right hand side another view further down Futher down the line still approaching Forge Farm crossing a close up view of the track work carried out, new rubber pads under the rails, new 'orange peel' and greasing of the fishplates a view taken from the long siding on the approach to eridge a similar view but with the clearance completed attention now turns towards the trackwork a view taken looking towards Birchden Jcn from the SVR boundry gate Newly aquired sleepers for upgrading the track await collection by gramm on the sturgeon wagon at Birchden this picture shows Gramm removing the half set crossover (former trailing crossover) outside Eridge station. this picture shows Gramm removing the half set crossover (former trailing crossover) outside Eridge station. this picture shows Gramm removing the half set crossover (former trailing crossover) outside Eridge station. All trackwork around the station has had the neccesery work completed by Gramm this will now enable the bay platform to be used upon opening for the stabling of a tanker or any other vehicle. Afew sleepers have been replaced on the point which connects the bay platform to the long siding. this view is Gramm moving the half crossover from Eridge to Birchden using rail horses

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]]> Tue Nov 25 2008 Bridges on the Cuckoo Line http://75f.fotopic.net/c1532815.html Bridges on the Cuckoo Line Sunday 22 June 2008: Bridges on the Cuckoo Line

This bridge is located about 300yds south of the former Redgate Mill Junction it was at this point the Cuckoo Line branches off from the Uckfield Line A close view of the same bridge of the girders which once carried the track across Redgate Mill Road This bridge is between Rotherfield and Heathfield and shows how complete these structures have remained for over 40 years

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]]> Sun Jun 22 2008 75F http://75f.fotopic.net/c1525301.html 75F Sunday 15 November 2009: 75F

Class 10 sits in TWW yard in 2006 with the newly aquired Queen Mary Brakevan which has now been fully reestored photo taken from TWW signal box during one of Martellos visits the Jinty is on its first passenger run after the remetaled components had been 'run in' Visiting loco 20118 waits in the run round during the 2006 diesel Gala for its next turn The loco in use today (29/6/08) is Fonmon, it is seen running round its train in the afternoon The loco in use today (5/6/08) was Lady Ingrid and is seen running round its train in the afternoon Fonmons smokebox door has a new baffle plate fitted as the other one had failedthe smokebox door also needed straightening Work in the TWW Signal box is progressing well with the new Facing Point Lock fitted and connected to the frame, this allows more safer operation of No1 point as it can now be locked in either direction, although the road has to be reset to normal for the token to be released from the frame Sam is welding some studs to the smokebox door which will hold the smokebox baffle plate Southerham sits in the run round loop during on of the diesel galas Tommy has now rebuilt the buffet steps that lead up to the end of the Buffet carriage. Known at the railway as the 'Weatherall' this is the tractor we use to load all the engines with coal New resident at the SVR since march for the next 5 yearsis Class 37 No 37254, it has undergone an extensive mechanical overhaul over the past 5 years and is yet to receive body work repairs and the Excellent attention from Jon Nye and his paintbrush! I was about 10 mins late getting this picture as the shadow from the ED has just started to emerge onto the front of the Crompton but I included it anyway 37254 recieves some front end repairs by a member to help tidy the appearance of this locomotive caught nice picture if WITHDRAWN 33065 sitting in the yard awaiting its turn for overhaul the LT Brake Van is situated behind the locomotive Lady Ingrid has been prepared for a boiler lift with all the fittings removed and placed into safe storage this project will probably recommence in the summer Mmmmmm!! Nice and warm!

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