28 August 2010
Another massive delay in updating stuff, but hey thats the summer for you!
Loads of stuff been happening both with engine and display. We roaded to the Kemble show, ran the Kemble Show then roaded home. We were booked to attend the Fairford Rally as well but unfortunately we had to pull out, due to lack of time (no surprise there). I think it may be prudent for us to look at the calendar more closely next year and work out a route in which we can all be happy with and that does not take over our lives so much.
Anyway thats a brief update for now. Galleries (Link) have been added, and you can read all about the Gloucestershire Steam Extravaganza on the other website I run (Link) in tandem with this one.
04 July 2010
Wow, its been a long while since I did any real update to this website! Unfortunately, as much fun as it is though it doesn't pay the bills, and various other commitments always seem to conspire against any time allocated to getting on here and stringing a few words together.
However just because no updates have appeared, doesn't mean that the engine has been couped up in the shed doing nothing. Far from it. We have already done two shows this year, both of which were enjoyable and relaxing. As you'll no doubt realise if you view this site on a regular basis, we do tend to follow the same route each year when it comes to events we attend. A shame really as we would like to do more, but once again its all about spare time, and of course recieving an invite in the first place!
So our 'event calendar' kicked off in May with a trip down to Cambridge, to the Little Vintage Show (Link) . A quiet little event, but enjoyable non the less. The journey down was pretty uneventful, as its a straight forward run. Did have a small issue with priming at times but this was probably down to the fact that a little to much boiler treatment was added before departure. But hey, we got there and back (Link) with no real concerns.
As a result of the over zealous amounts of treatment, we did have a boiler wash out before we embarked on our second jaunt to the Lister Tyndale Rally at Berkley Castle (Link), in mid June.
Its a well travelled route for us this so no major surprises to be found on the road, apart from the prick bus driver who tried to put us in a ditch as he went past us. Felt sorry for the school kids on the bus, as they probably learnt a new word or two! As a footnote, anyone reading this should be aware that Ebley Coaches employ idiots for drivers and folks should think twice before putting their kids on their buses!
This aside, the trip was enjoyable and done in good time where on arrival we pulled straight in and set up shop, only to enjoy a good three days in some nice sunshine (one or two showers as well). The display seemed to be appreciated by those who took a look and plenty of pictures seemed to be snapped, which of course is always pleasing to see (Link).
We had a cracking trip back, which was done in very good time. I think we were all hot and bothered to be honest and just wanted to get back home. The engine was shall we say 'driven' home. Not thrashed, but by the time we got back I am sure the old girl felt like she had done some work. I know we all did, but in saying that it was possibly one of the more enjoyable latter day runs we have had.
Away from our own engine and display, we have been helping out a local guy who has just purchased a Burrell Traction Engine. We took a day out of of hectic schedule to take the engine down to Berkley for him, which despite a few teething troubles was an enjoyable day. Images of the day can be seen via the usual gallery links (Link).
Over the coming months I am looking at changing a few things around on this website to keep things a little fresher and perhaps include a few other things that I think will be of interest. I am sure by now you'll be pretty fed up with reading all about the one engine, so perhaps its time to include a few more? We shall see.
21 April 2010
With the forthcoming rally season fast approaching, it is important to give some time to taking a good look at some of the vital parts of the engine. Obviously if you read through these pages you will know that we do a lot of road work, as oppossed to low loading to and from shows. The gears are one of the most important of all as they drive the engine forward, so we recently took the entire assembley apart to check for adverse wear and tear. I am pleased to report no major defects were found. Take a look at what we found for yourself via the usual Our Gallery link.
28 March 2010
With Spring finally Springing, we decided to take the engine for a shake down run around our usual test route. Nothing spectacular to report other than a bloody good day was had by all. Everyone had a go at driving and steering, which is what it is all about really.
We sat about, drank tea, put the world to rights, cracked jokes, took the piss and generally had a giggle at everyone elses expence. Plans were made, broken the planned again for the coming year.
Plans are a foot for several members of the team to take their respective Group G tests in the coming months, including Rachel who although it bloody hurts me to say is becoming quite skilled in the old driving position. Something to do with listening I think its called.
Our next trip out, possibly won't involve the roller but another engine. More news on that as and when it happens, but for now you can see images from todays jolly as ever in Our Gallery
13 March 2010
With all things medical moving in the correct direction, a return to the engine shed was in order and although no heavy work was done, the task of putting the engine back together for the second time this year began in earnest.
Although the engine was obviously drained down after the recent short noticed boiler test, all the doors and mudlids etc were left in place as it is quite expensive to replace the various joints. The fire bars and ash pan had been removed as had the fusible plug, as we needed to get a couple of spares anyway (not that we ever hope to use them), so all this had to be refitted again, along with the gauge frame.
Nothing really of any major interest to report about the days activities, as all seemed to go pretty smoothly with only a few cuts and grazes to show for our efforts. Plans are now afoot for a reshuffle of the shed, which will be a perfect excuse to fill the old girl with water and light a fire!
As ever the days activities can be seen via Our Galleries page.
07 March 2010
Bit of a long gap between this post and the last I am affraid. Couldn't be helped I am sorry to say as I hve been pretty ill of late, resulting in a stay in hospital. I have totally lost track of what been going on down at the engine shed, but intend to find out in the next week or so and offer some kind of update. Apologies to those whose pop back on a regular basis for news and such like, but in all honesty there has been no way I could have offered any kind of insight in whats been going on.
05 February 2010
It was all spur of the moment stuff, but we are pleased to say that 15813 passed its annual boiler inspection today, with no problems what so ever.
It was planned to get this done in April, but as the inspector was in the area and father had a day off, they got their heads together and decided to go for it. Unfortunately I was at work, so was not involved and as a result we have no photos to post. All we need do now is strip the bloody thing down again and clean it !!!
31 January 2010
As ever the case it was lets see what else we can do while we are here and the sun is shining. Despite the list of 'proper jobs' we should be doing we decided to liberate a cherry picker and take some pictures of what the engine looks like from a birds eye view. Good fun all round, but hardly productive.....still never mind its a hobby not a job after all.
24 January 2010
With recent weather conditions being as they have been, it goes without saying that the engine was drained down and made ready for winter after the New Years Day jolly. Unfortunately the temperature in this part of the world has prevented us from getting into the engine and giving it that total clean, which will ensure the firebox and boiler is preserved for that little bit longer.
Finally, time, weather and enthusiasm for the job allowed us to get this much needed work done this weekend. Its not the most pleasent of jobs to do as it is messy, claustophobic and bloody cold, but it has to be done. So tubes have been cleaned, ash pan removed, fire bars taken out firebox scrapped and wire brushed out, door knocked in etc (see gallery). To be honest the list of jobs are endless. All thats left now is the actual boiler washout, which should happen in the next week or so. We then progress to those routine jobs and basically make the engine ready for next years event season.
10 January 2010
First of all a belated Happy New Year to all our visitors. Secondly sorry for lack of updates of late. Things have been extremely busy here of late, with work and my music project taking off big time! With the weather in the UK being best described as shit of late, not a lot of work has been done on the engine or associated clutter either.
We did manage our traditional New Years Day Run, which was enjoyed by everyone that turned up. There seemed to be plenty of people out and about, all of who got the opportunity to have a go on the footplate, not to mention have a warm by the fire in the living van. Images can be seen here.
We were joined by the Brown family of Woodchester who brought along their Latil Timber Tractor and a vintage car. It was suggested that the event may be enhanced a little for 2011. But we shall have to wait and see for that to come round.
In the coming weeks nothing is actually planned as the engine has now been stripped for Winter. As and when the freezing temperatures rise a little and I am brave enough to venture down to the shed and do some work, I will add pictures and details.
12 December 2009
As the weather was fine and we had a bit of spare time on our hands, we decided to light a fire in the belly of the beast today and see if a few of the odds and ends that have needed repair in recent weeks hold firm when under a little bit of pressure.
Please to report all went well, with everything staying put thus solving a few of the niggles that sit in the back of your mind when out and about!
With pressure raised and spirits high we decided to do a bit of rolling around the yard, just to tidy things up a little so the landlord can see the benefit of having such a machine in the middle of his factory. Did the job pretty neatly but with a roaring fire in the engine and a similar heat sorce eminating from the Living Van it was decided a trip around the local industrial eastae was to be had.
Proving the repairs even further, we had a whale of a time. No hassles, just us trundling along enjoying the engine for what it is.....Happy Days!
Some pictures of the day appear here.
01 December 2009
The engine recently appeared at the Stonehouse Goodwill Evening here in Gloucestershire, where a good time was had by all. Unfortunately, or should that read fortunately I was in Gran Canaria on holiday during this time so avoided getting very wet from the rain and freezing cold from the low temperatures. I also avoided the hundreds of Chavs that blight our town on a Saturday evening.
Various pictures appeared in the local press, but I am yet to recieve a piture to post here.
31 October 2009
Today we did just this, lit up on a whim and went for a jolly around town dor no other reason than we wanted to check a few routine adjustments out and because we had nothing better to do!
A good day was had by all, even if I did have to send Rachel to get some coal in the boot of her car! Five blokes and noe of us remembered to put a bag on the water bowser! Oh well it gave us a laugh.
Went round in a few circles once we got underway with everyone having a turn on the regulator. Nothing to bad came of it all apart from an easily fixed loose mechanical lubricator and a few other minor things to look at before our next trip out.
A gallery of the day is viewable by clicking here.
13 October 2009
Over the course of the weekend of October 10th & 11th, we took our display to the Cheltenham Steam Fair held at Cheltenham Racecourse. Although all the 'big' stuff remained in the yard and engine shed, we did manage to fill a van load of 'clutter' which was used to dress the Road Making display. Full details of all the engines and equipment that were part of the display will be added soon, but for the meantime I have added a gallery so you can see the results for yourselves.
02 October 2009
Spent a pleasant day , with our 9 year old nephew on the engine . He finally got back on a steam engine at Kemble back in August after 3 years of being put off by them following him being showered with the contents of a different engines fire box while we were watching it pull a tractor pulling sledge several years ago.
He seemed to enjoy it though and soon mastered the art of steering in a straight line, then round corners with only a little guidance. Although obviously the fire box and regulator were both out of bounds, he did also get to use the reverser and high pressure button, all of course under very close supervision. As I said he seemed to enjoy the day, although I suspect if the engine was painted green, spat out slimmy gunk, fired a massive gun and came from planet 'Letseducateourkidsallsortsofstupidshit', he would have enjoyed it further. Or is that me getting old?
It did become apparent that a few jobs need to be sorted on the engine in the coming weeks. The guage frame needs stripping right down and looking at as it appears to be leaking a little worse everytime we light a fire in it. We also noticed that there is some movement in the flywheel, although most of it is possibly in our heads, we will take a closer look at it before we embark on any journeys .
Last weekend I also did a bit more work on the Mixer, which is now void of the engine (gallery). I hatched a plan to run it off of some line shafting at shows, but think that manybe this may be a little ambitious so the old Lister may still get some TLC, either way 'The Judge' will be up and running by next Spring.
One other item of news is that I think we have aquirred a nother new addition to the collection, but am not actually 100% sure yet. I am sure we will get it all confirmed in the next few weeks at which time all will be revealed.
16 September 2009
As I celebrated my 40th Birthday this weekend, which fell on Sunday 13th September we took the engine out for a little run around the local trading estate. It was a very enjoyable day, with some nice weather and plenty of time to take the engine around the block on our own without the usual crowds found at events. Paris also came out and was ridden around as much as the engine was driven. Oh and for some reason Father decided he wanted to fly some flags !
There are a few pictures of the day posted here.
12 September 2009
As the sun was shining today I did a couple of hours of work on the Mixer. Nothing major just cleaning things up a little in preparation for stripping the Lister D out and getting it running again. I have to say it was pretty skanky in places and quite difficult to get the crap off, but I persisted and it looks better already (Gallery).
08 September 2009
Not so much a new item as it doesn't relate directly to the activities of the engine or display, but as things have slowed down a little in the past week I took to chance to spend a week down at the Great Dorset Steam Fair at Blanford.
What a show! I could go on for ages about all the great things I saw, but won't just yet as I fully intend to put a full report on the show up in due course, along with of course copious amounts of pictures. Just to wet the appitite though I have put together a few pictures taken in and around the Road Making section which can be found here in the form of a gallery.
26 August 2009
Finally managed to get the mixer home today, and even found a bit of time to get the last wheel freed up. Plenty of work to do on it, and plenty more to write but for now images can be found in the gallery..
16 August 2009
With the Swine Flu, 99.9% gone from the system it was nice to be able to get out and about again on the engine yesterday. Having missed the trip back from Kemble to base the previous weekend I was really looking forward to the trip down to Draycott for a small function in a Showman's Field (gallery). I have been on the ground before and it is a treasure trove of things hiding in hedgerows etc. In fact it is this very location that has provided one or two bits and bobs for the collection we take around with us.
When I arrived at the shed I was half expecting a lot of cleaning to have to be done, but Father had obviously been enjoying his 4 day week and the engine looked clean and tidy and was awaiting a fire to be lit in her belly.
This was duly done and with Father stating he was having a day off it was left to myself and Martin to raise steam oil up and prepare for the 2 hour run to the venue. Of course Father had to do his bit, but its only expected. I do wonder if he ever actually relaxes though!
I raised steam on wood, as the price of coal in these parts is pretty high and then added coal as we were ready for the off. Attached Living Van, no need for Bowser today and set off for the gate collecting water on the way.
Nice trip down with no major problems, although I wonder how a lot of drivers actually ever pass their driving tests with some of the things they do when they see a steam roller. Very strange. At one point I thought I should stop and check that no one had attached a ' Please Drive like a Prick' sign to the back of the Living Van.
The show was a bit quiet, with not a lot of people about but that doesn't really matter as those that did attend did have plenty to do and see. There was also some good bargains to be had. The bloke on the PA kept shouting that he had some cheap plant pots for sale, so I went and had a look and promptly bought the lot! So if anyone wants some terracotta plant pots, we have about 200 for sale.
Once again the hedgerows of the venue proved interesting with a number of 'unkept' items (re) discovered (gallery). We have an invite for a return visit in the next few weeks to look around the yard proper, and who knows what will be unearthed.
The trip hope was as enjoyable as the trip down. One snap was I tried to be clever and conserve coal, and as a consequence nearly (and I mean very nearly) ran out of steam. Duh, not one of my finest moments but the thought was there. Like I always say you learn something new every day on an engine, if you don't there ain't no point in going out!
08 August 2009
Pleased to report engine is now safe and sound back in the shed after her holidays in the Cotswolds. Can't actually take any credit for bringing the old girl home as I was somewhat exiled from proceedings as I didn't want to give the rest of the crew this bloody Mexican bug that has struck me down of late. I went out to pick up the support vehicle, and basically took a few pictures (visit gallery) as they passed me before returning home to bed. Lightweight or what !
Nothing of any consequence really to report from what I hear, although young Rivit did ride Paris from Kemble to the top of Cowcombe Hill, which is a pretty long way (9 miles perhaps)when all things are considered! Not sure if he should be congratulated or locked up really.
Did discover that some bastard had stolen some of our coal last weekend though, which is something that really pisses me off ! I have a pretty good idea who it was and the funny thing is they are possibly reading this right now. Still last laugh with me because they ain't been paid yet!
Anyway that aside, it looked like a good day was had by all except me, who although is feeling better is still suffering a bit. I did on my way home find a nice roller at work on a cricket pitch. The bloke didn't seem impressed when I asked him if he wanted to sell it or not. 'Sod Off' I believe he said, but again I will have the last laugh as by the middle of next week he should be shivering one minute and sweating like a pig the next. Bless me indeed.
