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Well, we've reached the end of a rather trying season during which we did
well in the face of a fall in visitor numbers, and our efforts have not been
forgotten. The following is a message from David Barlow, our Chairman.
"May I, through the Volunteers' Newsletter, offer my personal thanks to ALL the volunteers who staffed the railway during Summer 2001. I know that this year has been chal-lenging because of the foot & mouth epidemic but we have made great progress on many fronts, particularly the new shed, and we have much to be proud of on our Railway. Staff shortages have meant that foot-plate and signalling rosters have been something of a nightmare (even more than normally...) and therefore a particular thanks to those who draw up all our rosters - a very challenging role! Similarly, I should like to single out for thanks all those who made a special effort to fill gaps in the rosters - we wouldn't operate with that level of dedication from volunteers. In a similar vein, I should like to thank all volunteers who made the August Thomas Event such a success. Whether your role was: in operations, preparing for the Event, shop, buffet, car park, gate, present stall, publicity, booking office, platform, whatever - Thank you very much for your support." Bob Bonsall and Stuart Bell also wish to thank all volunteers who helped out in the Traffic Dept over the summer, particularly on midweek turns.
Vintage Weekend
On Saturday evening the L&Y Pug celebrated its 100th birthday by pulling Stephen Middleton's L&Y Di-rectors' Saloon on a special attended by members of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society. The only fly in the ointment was the derailment of the Pug on Saturday afternoon, on its first day of operations. This happened at the east crossover at Embsay, in full view of the station, so we shall see the incident in the railway press to be sure! It has yet to be established how the derailment happened, but would appear to be a group effort. Fortunately, no real damage was done (except to our reputation!) and the loco was rerailed in time for the evening event. On Sunday morning, several members of the S & T, P-Way and Loco Depts were involved in clamping and repairing the No 9 point and in replacing broken chairs, while others worked on minor repairs to the Pug - and all in the pouring rain! Ian Douglas wishes to thank all those involved, especially those who rerailed the Pug so quickly, although it would have been done quicker if a crane had been available. One further point, more was straightened on the Pug than could have been bent in the derailment. |
Wendy Anderson also wishes to thank all concerned with making the Vintage
Weekend work, and deserves thanks herself for her able organisation of the
event.
August 'Thomas' event
Wartime Weekend
Loco Department News
Monckton has a new smoke box and the boiler is to be lifted for a static steam test before the loco is assembled and run. Cranford and Mog are in good order. Cranford has had a very good season and proved to be a 'very useful engine'. Mog was a guest engine at the Barrow Hill open day, and is going on another charter at Ruddington, Notts, at the end of September, and will be at Immingham Docks for a 50's re-enactment in October or March. S112, Spitfire / Revenge will soon have a new bunker and the frames are being painted; the tank has been repaired and returned to site recently the horn blocks are being overhauled in readiness for the axle box reassembly and rewheeling. Boiler work will be tak-ing place in mid/late autumn, and the loco will, all being well, be running next year. Messrs Beesley and Hinton have been working on Beatrice; the Marrows are working on the axle box overhaul and there are plans to get the frames in the new shed. The stay work in the boiler will be done by Mark Tweedy, hopefully before Christmas. One or two engines will be brought into the shed for cosmetic attention - possibly Cranford or Wheldale. A decision is awaited from the committee about the Primrose overhaul. The boiler is to be sent away; a new fire box is to be made by Israel Newton & Sons, Bradford and fitted by Mark Tweedy at Foxfield. |
No 29 has returned to the Moors Railway. Unfortunately, the loco failed on
its last day of operation, and missed the last trip due to the loss of
firebars.
Carriage & Wagon News
Permanent Way News
A hand-held stone blower has been acquired and, the Robel to carry the equipment, will make joint repair much easier than the old method of measured shovel packing. Work will soon start on the track between the top yard and Embsay Station.
People
Bob Bonsall is now the roster clerk, and has worked hard to keep the signal boxes staffed, especially difficult during the seven-day working, and deserves credit for his work. I mentioned our new first-aiders last month, and was reminded that we already had qualified first-aiders - Anne Oughtibridge, Pete Barry and myself. Are there any others who would like to go on the list? I have had to leave my York lodgings and am currently staying with my parents while I sort out somewhere to live. Meanwhile, if anyone hears of decent accommodation, perhaps they could let me know.
Editor: Lesley J Bird
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