Chip Van on tour!

28th July 2011

Below: The chip van was in attendance today for the opening of a new exhibition of Norman Cornish's paintings at the Northumbria University Gallery. Various press calls and a visit from Norman Cornish himself were part of the plan, the van being due to depart at 8pm tonight. It is seen here in position, note the poster on the wall behind and above...

SOS bus sign-writing completed...

26th July 2011

Here is a selection of views showing the nearly-completed Friends project to rebuild (completely reconstruct) the ex Northern SOS bus. It has been outshopped in c1930 condition and the exterior sign-writing completed by Phil Anderson. The internal advertising panels were painted by the Friends own sign-writing volunteer. The bus is very nearly ready for its public appearance at the PftP event, with some outstanding mechanical works being attended to. It may prove possible to operate it (non-passenger carrying at this stage) at the event, otherwise it will be on display in the Friends arena adjacent to the steam navvy. The team who have patiently carried out this work over nearly three decades are to be congratulated. The bus was sans body when rescued, which gives some idea of the extent of the work that has been required to produce the vehicle that our many visitors will be able to enjoy.

Thanks to Andy Martin who took the photos in the very confined space of the restoration shed.

Lewin latest - w/c 25th July 2011

26th July 2011

Latest from Dave Young's workshop...

Below: A shiny new numberplate! The pattern for this was produced by Graham Redfern and cast locally. Dave has machined this, the first of a pair, and it is seen awaiting painting and drilling for affixing to the bunker sides.

Below: A fascinating workshop view showing the worksplate, the handbrake handle, reverser quadrant and the superb brass windowframes that Dave has made for the cab.

Below:The overhauled handbrake column, Dave holding the bracket which attaches to the cab backsheet. Much time and effort has been expended on this particular component, one which is, after all, rather important!

Below: The finished sandboxes, complete with LNER apple green paintwork (all 12 coats of it!). A tantilising taste of what is to come when the locomotive is complete...

Colliery Trackwork Progress

26th July 2011

Below: A trio of pictures taken in the gloom last night showing work being undertaken on the sidings known as the 'Colliery Exchange Sidings'. The turnout (point) is to be removed (for re-use at the other end of the railway, at the eastern end towards the Pockerley tram stop) and plain line reinstated. The siding depicted will essentially be a service line, housing wagons supporting the adjacent ice rink attraction and also for ash disposal from the Pit cottages.

Power from the Past

26th July 2011

As with the Great North Steam Fair, a flickr page dedicated to exhibits expected to attend the September 1 - 4th Power from the Past event has been compiled and can be seen to the right of this post. It will be updated as more exhibits are confirmed and provides something to refer back to after the event.

Coffee Pot visits the Bowes Railway

25th July 2011

Coffee Pot and I spent the weekend at the Bowes Railway, the Saturday being a photo session with Coffee Pot plus resident Barclay 0-4-0ST pair and the Planet diesel shunter. Sunday was a public open day, which saw 15 trains operate to cope with demand, the site being as busy as I have ever seen it. The sun shone and the whole thing went very well operationally. Coffee Pot was used to shunt the chaldrons around the site, and with the newly set valves the exhaust sounds terrific - loud and crisp with the gearing (3:1) giving the impression of much greater speed than is actually attained!

Below: Here is a selection of photographs taken during the event...

101 Progress

22nd July 2011

Peter Barlow, from the Beamish Tramway Group, send through these photographs of preparations for fitting the trolleybase on 101's roof (due to be lifted into place on Monday).

Below: Before - as arrived with pantograph removed.

Below: The view after removal of the pantograph and whilst work was underway to investigate the waterproofing required...

Below: Test fitting the new planks which will relieve the sprung load of the trolleypole. Cross pieces not fitted at this stage.

Below: After application of fibreglass to seal the roof and painting. The planks can now be re-fitted in readiness for the base and associated components...

General News Roundup

22nd July 2011

Here is a quick update on transport news at Beamish, including more exhibits confirmed for the PftP event and a site roundup, featuring a number of the projects the Friends are working on...

Below: Dave Antell will be running about collecting locomotives etc. again, so will also be bringing his Robey Portable engine and sawbench to home farm for the event - this view shows it last time it visited, always a popular exhibit.

Below: I have to confess a great interest in the Manchester Ship Canal and its railways, so am delighted that the Middleton Railway in Leeds are able to send MSC No.67 to the event - here it is seen at Moor Road a number of years ago.

Site news now...

Below: The Friends have completed the street sweeper, which will shortly be signwritten. They are awaiting the contractor made brushes but hopefully this fantastic restoration will be seen out at the event. If not it will certainly feature next April, as well as being available for use at Beamish throughout the season.

Below: The siding lifted in the Colliery is being reinstated to enable a number of railway wagons to play a role in supporting/storing the ice rink. Here are two views of progress on this front.

Below: Phil's completed handiwork...

Below: The Friends joinery team are erecting the chassis frame for the Hodbarrow side tipper, which is a reminder to me to make some headway with restoring the top and wheels! This is a really important waggon and one which will be of use and hopefully great interest when completed.

Power from the Past 2011 - The countdown begins here!

18th July 2011

Well, in no time at all we have reached the countdown weeks for the September transport event 'Power from the Past', and so, as in the spring, we will have a flickr page dedicated to the confirmed entrants for our event. However, until this is up and running (next week), here is a taster of what to expect...

Below: Road Steam (in the 'Vintage & Veteran' category) will, as ever, be well covered, and this year includes Jeremy Craske's wonderful Fowler steam roller complete with associated living van and other equipment. Working demonstrations will be given in the Colliery area.

Below: This is 'Teddy', a Yorktown Peckett o-4-0ST and a make of engine that I don't think has yet operated at Beamish. Built to an incredibly light axle loading, this engine will be performing in the Colliery area.

Below: The narrow gauge railway will this time feature internal combustion locomotives, with this Baguley 0-4-0PM dating from the First World War visiting from the Abbey Light Railway in Leeds. Again, operation will be in the Colliery area, hopefully the last time we use the temporary railway in this particular location - for next April something different is in the pipeline to develop this popular feature...

Below: And one that is sure to please the tramway enthusiasts (myself included!) - Blackpool 11, otherwise known as a 'Marton Vambac' and to attend courtesy of its owners, the East Anglian Transport Museum. September will be a busy time for our partnership with this organisation - as ever, watch this space for more... Photos courtesy of Jason Cross.

It is hoped the appearance of 11 here will make up for it unfortunately being unable to attend the Blackpool 125 celebrations, and will enable our crews to sample something rather different on the circuit here! It also ties nicely with the 'Circular Tour' theme of the event, and 11 will meet our own Blackpool ex 'Marton Box' No.31 in passenger guise for the first time.

Lots more has been invited, and will be confirmed in coming weeks (via this blog or the flickr page which you can access to the right of this posting). The Friends are working hard to deliver an impressive display of vintage and veteran cars, motorcycles and bicycles, I am hoping we will have a number of classic buses to choose from for rides and a diverse range of other transport of varied propulsion, as well as a fair dose of steam plus all of the site attractions (including the chippy!) in full flight. It is likely, subject to sufficient interest, that on the Saturday evening we will hold another public photo session, perhaps also featuring a parade of all available tramcars. I think we might even try an inland beach somewhere - we are currently looking at the location and logistics for this! These events have become a big part of the calendar, and your attendance ensures we can keep putting these shows on so please do help us make it a success!

Forcett Coach Restoration Progress - 1

18th July 2011

Earlier today I was in Haltwhistle to see Ian at Stanegate Restoration & Replicas regarding next steps in the restoration of the Forcett Coach (see earlier posting on this for details).

Below: Scumbled finish and lettering applied during the 1975 restoration of No.179. At this stage we are trying to determine what was carried out then, what is original and what has/may have been done subsequently.

Below: The removal of the floorboards makes clear one particular problem - the flange of this wheelset has, when the coach has been laden, worn into the cross member and cut right through a chassis tie-rod. It is possible the wheels, not being original, are too large to original specification. Likewise, the collapsing springs at this end have contributed to this problem.

Below: Evidence of work required - the buffer pad and beam in this area requires extensive restoration as it has rotten/crumbled to a large degree.

Below: One bodyside panel and two doors have been removed, revealing the 'flat-pack' nature of construction and also revealing a view not previously possible of the interior!

Below: The interior looking towards what became the guard's end at Forcett. Notice the brake handle.

Restoration will continue to be charted on this blog, under the same title but increasing 'chapter' numbers for those following progress.

General News Roundup

18th July 2011

Below: Blackpool 31 has been ill! This is a view of the No.1 end motor, with work taking place to repair an overheated bearing. 31 has been in regular use this summer, and this problem seemed to arise when the tram 'ate' the woolen wick that lubricates this particular component.

Below: Phil Anderson is completing the lettering on the SOS bus, which will hopefully play a part in the forthcoming Power from the Past event (1 - 4th September), about which more will be announced later this week.

Chip Shop Opens!

18th July 2011

Last week the chip shop was formally opened, and can now be enjoyed by visitors, open every day... There is a lot of coverage of this elsewhere on the Beamish webpages so I will confine this post to a mention, and include the following photos:

Below: The gas engine at work!

Below: One of the two coal fired ranges in action...