The Society Magazine Spring 2015 Price £2.50 Issue 47 The countdown to our September Gala starts here! See page 11

Blue Peter meets HLF Project Launch & Meet the Team See pages 7 & 41 See pages 6 & 13

Plus more photos and stories inside... including MGR wagons arrival See page 24 OpeningOpening Shot...Shot...

Top: 47843 catches the early morning sun near the crossing gates at Barrow Hill in January 2015. Bottom: Barrow Hill’s signal box is silhouetted against the early morning sun rising over the Roundhouse. Photos: Phil Hodgkiss

A shot from the Morayshire photo charter on the evening of 14th March. Photo: Neil Cave CONTENTS Chairman’s Notes 4 Headline News & Newslines 6 - HLF Project Launch - Shunter Evening Event - Departure of Blue Peter - Arrival of LMS Stanier Tank 2500 - A Tale of Two Cromptons - Commercial Activities Events Update 9 - “Rarities” Diesel Gala - “Rail Ale 2015” - A September Bonanza - Social Evenings 2015 - A Special Addition Heritage Lottery Fund 13 Dave Darwin Remembers 16 The Archives 26 The Baby Deltic Project 28 Volunteers’ Report 29 Money Matters 31 A Project to Celebrate the Next 50 Years? 34 Membership Secretary’s Report 36 Historical Corner 37 And Finally 40 The BBC Blue Peter film crew and presenters with Mervyn front cover: 62712 Morayshire departs Allcock and Dave Darwin posing in front of Blue Peter Roundhouse Halt on 14th March, the 98th steam before the loco’s departure for Crewe on 18th March 2015. to visit Barrow Hill since re-opening. Photo: Dale Holford Photo: Neil Cave

Have you got a memory We now have the “Rarities” Diesel Gala to look the locomotive to attend the September event. I of barrow Hill in From the Manager forward to on the weekend of 18th and 19th cannot think of a more appropriate locomotive April. Our connections with the commercial to help us celebrate the occasion, particularly as steam or diesel days? Welcome to the first Barrow railway sector mean we have been able to attract it will also be the 100th to visit Do you have photographs of the Hill Newsletter of the year. a number of main line to the gala the Roundhouse since it re-opened. which will create added interest to the event. depot which we could use in future All these events on top of the ever increasing issues of the Newsletter? 2014 was a fantastic year and, looking forward to 2015, I am very pleased to say that it is The Diesel Gala will be followed by the commercial activities mean that everything is Please get in touch with Alexa Stott already looking like an eventful and interesting ever popular “Rail Ale” Festival in May, music looking good for Barrow Hill for the rest of 2015. by post: Barrow Hill Roundhouse, year ahead. concerts in September and, finally, the huge celebration of /LMS steam at I would like to repeat what I always say which is Campbell Drive, Barrow Hill, Our first event on 14th March with 62712 the end of September. a very big thank you to everyone who helps in Chesterfield, Derbyshire S43 2PR. Morayshire was a great success and has the continuing success of Barrow Hill. I am delighted to announce that we have Or email: [email protected] resulted in some fabulous photographs being Thank you very much and here’s to 2015! produced, one of which you will find on the reached agreement with the Princess Royal Class Locomotive trust, owners of LMS Princess Designed and printed by previous page, with more further on in this Mervyn Allcock Newsletter. Coronation Class 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, for design print web signs General Manager Tel: 01777 860579 www.burgessdesignandprint.com 2 3 chairman’s Notes With only the small-scale about the Roundhouse and the village of Health & Safety Annual General Meeting Morayshire event taking place Barrow Hill. He is currently researching the The Board has approved a new “Rule since the last edition of the history and would like to hear from anyone We have just had the AGM for 2015 Book” of safety procedures prepared by Newsletter it might seem that it who has a story to tell. which enables us to report generally to Simon Hartshorne. This will form a part of the membership on the activities and has been a quiet time. However, the volunteer briefings. it doesn’t feel like that for some We have also set up a Project Steering particularly the accounts for the year 2013. Board with representatives from various Once again under the careful stewardship of us. These are just some of the Commercial leases activities the Board has been organisations that we want to work of our Treasurer, Nigel Atkinson, these carrying out over the winter with. These include Derbyshire County We have successfully concluded revised show a very satisfactory state of affairs. months: Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, leases with Chesterfield Borough Council Chesterfield Canal Trust, Midland Railway for our occupation of the site and with So there is plenty to get on with and Centre Butterley, and Princess Royal Class Harry Needle for his occupation of the HLF Round 2 Bid events to enjoy, and we can hopefully look Locomotive Trust. We think there is scope running shed. forward to a successful outcome to our Following our successful Round 1 bid we for joint working with the latter two during HLF bid. now have to submit a much more detailed and after the project and a symbol of that Development of events co-operation is the first visit ofDuchess of programme. Work has started on this and programme for 2015 Mike Kennedy we have a tight timetable to submit our Sutherland to Barrow Hill in September. application by the end of this year and A lot of work goes on behind the scenes hopefully ensure a successful project with Working with Volunteers to put together a varied and interesting a total value of nearly £1.5 million. We have programme. More on this later on in the now appointed the team that will carry We have recently introduced a Volunteer Newsletter. Morayshire photographed from the cab out the work under the direction of Anita Policy which sets out what we expect from of Class 08 08834 on 14th March. Photo: Dave Darwin Hollinshead, who prepared the Round 1 volunteers and what they can expect from management. All volunteers that want to bid. The team consists of: work on site will need to attend a briefing session and many volunteers have already Carl Andrews - Project architect new attended. Paul Millington the Volunteer Co- build and repairs ordinator has written more on this process Carl Andrews and Liz Humble - elsewhere in the Newsletter. Conservation Plan Website Jim Grevatte - Interpretation and Learning Plans Our main website has been revamped and improved and now includes a section on the Anita Hollinshead - Activity Plan (all Society’s collection which has been prepared the non-capital works) by the archive team. Well worth a look. Alexa Stott - Fundraising and PR. This will be crucial because we need to Locomotive 41708 raise over £60,000 in addition to the Discussions continue to try to resolve the funding which Barrow Hill and the HLF ownership of this extremely important will put in. part of Barrow Hill’s history so that we can ensure it has a permanent home at Kevin Fegan - Writer in Residence. Barrow Hill; and ultimately its restoration Kevin will be writing a community play to working order. 4 5 2500 arrives at the Roundhouse on 25th February 2015. HEADLINE NEWS Photo: Mervyn Allcock

HLF Project Launch hauled by Class 37 D6757 owned by Shaun Wright and James Williams. Our thanks to Friday 20th February saw the official Shaun and James for this treat – it was the launch of our HLF ‘Moving Forward’ very first operational move of their newly Project and the Round 2 bid. An invited restored locomotive. audience including our local MP Natascha Engel, the Mayor of Chesterfield Alexis Shunter Evening Event Diouf and his wife the Mayoress, Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Kev Adlam of PLEG contacted the Borough Council, Paul Kirkman, Director Roundhouse to arrange an evening with of the , Geoff newly arrived Class 08 08834 being used Nickolds of the HLF and representatives of to haul trains for a number of fare paying the railway industry, local councillors and passengers on Wednesday 11th March. community groups and business partners This was a very well attended event due of Barrow Hill gathered together for an to the rarity value of the locomotive, interesting few hours at the Roundhouse. which had never been used for passenger Departure of Blue Peter presenters Barney Harwood and Radzi train service before. Thanks go to Harry Chinyanganya were on hand to help the The end of one chapter, the beginning Needle for allowing the locomotive to be Barrow Hill and Allelys teams, with some Following a presentation of the ‘Moving of the next, for long term Roundhouse used on these trains and thanks to PLEG gentle guidance from Dave Darwin! Forward’ aims and objectives, our guests resident LNER Peppercorn Class A2 for organising the evening. were treated to tours of the Roundhouse Pacific 60532Blue Peter - which left and Deltic Preservation Society shed. This We wish Blue Peter well and hope to see The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield being the Roundhouse on 18th March on the her back here again one day soon - in was followed by possibly the most powerful first stage of her journey back to main brake van ride ever to take place at the shown around the Roundhouse by Dale Holford steam! in immaculate hi-vis! An equally immaculate line operations. Blue Peter came to the Roundhouse, with our two brake vans being D6757 waits in the background. Roundhouse in May 2007 from Darlington Photo: Dave Darwin Arrival of LMS Stanier when the museum there closed for Tank 2500 refurbishment. During her time with us, the locomotive has starred in some great The Roundhouse certainly doesn’t look events: “LNER 2007”, “Fab Four” and “East any emptier following the departure of Coast Giants” to name a few. In 2009 she Blue Peter! At the end of February another was repainted from Brunswick Green to participant in our September event Apple Green in celebration of her first arrived at the Roundhouse to join fellow appearance with the then brand new A1 LMS locomotive Midland Compound Tornado - two Apple Green Peppercorn 1000. Our thanks to the National Railway Pacifics together again. Museum for the loan of this locomotive.

This farewell was slightly different to A tale of two Cromptons many other locomotive departures from 33035 which belongs to Mike Jacob and the Roundhouse as it was all captured in 33108 from the Class 33/1 Group have great detail from shunting to pin pulling both recently had generator lifts: 33035 on to loading by the film crew of the TV 12th December 2014 and 33108 on 23rd programme of the same name. Blue Peter

6 7 newslines Events update

January 2015, with help from Mike Jacobs the Roundhouse to save the cost of “Rarities” Diesel Gala and his group. The generators are having an postage and put the savings to good use Featuring classes of diesel locomotives overhaul to get them ready for the diesel elsewhere. If you would like to opt to rarely seen at the Roundhouse and with receive the Newsletter by email rather be on display on the turntable and visitors gala season. Photos below: Dale Holford support from several of the UK’s largest than post, please email: will be able to see progress to date. For rail freight companies, the “Rarities” Diesel [email protected]. those of you unable to wait that long, we Gala is taking place on Saturday 18th and have a detailed update further on in this Sunday 19th April 2015. Contacting the Newsletter! Roundhouse Team Thanks to our commercial connections, Other highlights of the event will include: In order to ensure that enquiries and DRS, GBRF, DB Schenker and Colas have all confirmed that they will be providing correspondence reach the correct people, • Free diesel train rides. several new email addresses have been locomotives for this event and we anticipate the following classes will be here • Static locomotive displays and cab set up: [email protected] is for visits. all queries to the Roundhouse office and during the weekend and operating trains: events, [email protected] for • Turntable demonstrations. • DRS Class 68 new and existing members’ enquiries and • Trade stands. questions and [email protected]. • GBRF Class 66 • Excellent catering including a Real Ale uk for enquiries relating to volunteering. • DB Schenker Class 60 Bar. • Colas Class 60 (Saturday only) • Class 42 Warship D832 Onslaught For those coming to the Gala by train, from the . there will be a free shuttle bus service from Chesterfield Railway Station running • Class 35 Hymek D7076 from the East throughout both days. Commercial Activity Lancashire Railway. • Class 27 066, which arrived at the Advance tickets are already on sale from A recent addition to the expanding Roundhouse on 19th February. www.seetickets.com. The event is open commercial activity at Barrow Hill is from 1000 to 1700 on both days. Those the arrival of Vossloh and Hitachi in a The Baby Deltic D5910, currently being holding advance tickets will be able to joint project to fit European signalling recreated by the Baby Deltic Project, will enter the show at 0930 on both days. technology to a Class 37. This project is the beginning of a number of vehicles that Ticket prices are: will be fitted and Barrow Hill is proud to Advance* On The Door be associated with it. Adults £12.00 £14.50 Child aged 5-16** £6.00 £7.00 Newsletter in Electronic Format (under 5s free entry) Family £30.00 £36.00 The Roundhouse Newsletter is now available in electronic format and, unlike (2 adults + 2 children) the printed version, reproduced in Intertrain recently had a collaborative training Barrow Hill Members £11.00 £13.00 exercise to train commercial railway operatives FULL COLOUR throughout. Delivered *A booking fee applies. direct to your computer for you to look on the handling of a road rail access vehicle. Photo: Mervyn Allcock **All children must be accompanied by an adult. through at your leisure; it also helps

8 9 Events update continued...

As well as a visit from our good friends Chesterfield Railway Station and a full list of It’s been a while since we had a Diesel Two highlights worth a mention this year are: with the Wells & Young Bombardier ticket outlets and their contact details, can Gala at Barrow Hill and we are anticipating Routemaster Bus & Bar, steam be found at www.railalefestival.com. a lot of interest from diesel fans. We hope • A visit to the festival on Thursday 14th trains will run until 5pm on Friday and that Barrow Hill members will also take May by Roger Protz, the well known Saturday and there will, of course, be A September Bonanza - 1 advantage of the special Member’s rate to beer writer, who will be giving talks at plenty of great live music and good food. “Rocking The Roundhouse” – 11th come along and join in. both the trade and public sessions on and 12th September 2015 that day. This year’s musical treats include New “Rail Ale 2015” Orleans Heat Jazz Band, The Dale Storr • On the same afternoon, the arrival of Following on from the hugely successful Trio, Shaydes, Redwood and Amberjack It’s only a few weeks until the doors the East Midlands HST ‘Fuller’s Rail Ale’ sell out Jools Holland concert in (Friday) and Ashover Brass Band, Shaun open once again for the country’s most rail tour sponsored by Fuller’s Brewery September 2014, this year the Roundhouse Byrne Open Mic, Shaydes, Flint, Moore & atmospheric beer festival, back for its 14th from London St Pancras, which sold will have two nights of live music Byrne and The Kahunas (Saturday). year, on Thursday 14th, Friday 15th and out some time ago, bringing another with more famous artists rocking the Saturday 16th May 2015. 350 beer lovers to the Roundhouse. Roundhouse! The Festival trade session will take place on Following last year’s successful Thursday afternoon. As well as the treat With over 250 real ales, a dedicated craft We’re going to have to keep you waiting introduction of a three day event, there of the first of two talks by Roger Protz, keg bar, more than 80 ciders and perries a little longer for more details, including will once again be a Thursday evening the coveted “Beer of the Festival” will be as well as a wide selection of world beers artists and ticket prices, as the team here Connoisseurs’ Session from 6pm to chosen during the session. If you know any and fruit wines, this year’s Rail Ale Festival, at the Roundhouse are still in contract 11pm. The Friday and Saturday sessions brewers, publicans or suppliers to the trade supported by CAMRA, will be even bigger negotiations. will, as usual run from 12noon to 11pm. who might want to attend the trade session, and better than ever! Tickets are on sale now from a host of please ask them to email tradesession@ Morayshire gets up steam ready local outlets in and around Chesterfield, railalefestival.com for tickets. A September Bonanza - 2 for a busy day at the Round- , , Nottingham and Mansfield “Barrow Hill ‘65 - THE London house on 14th March. and of course the Roundhouse café. In a sign of just how well regarded Rail Ale Midland Region Steam Gala of Photo: Dave Darwin They are also available online from www. has become, this year’s Festival has even the Year” 25th, 26th and 27th seetickets.com (a booking fee applies). more sponsors representing the length September 2015 and breadth of the country. This year’s Ticket prices are: Main Sponsors are Fuller’s and Everard’s The Roundhouse will finish off 2015 with Project William and Supporting Sponsors a truly special celebration steam gala Advance On The are Batemans, Castle Rock, Marstons, dedicated to the history of the Midland Door Navigation (sponsoring the Craft Keg Bar), Railway/LMS and the Roundhouse. Thursday Oakham and Titanic. News hot off the 14th May £5.00 £5.00 presses is that Ossett Brewery What more appropriate time could this be Friday will also be a sponsor this year. to welcome the 100th steam locomotive 15th May £6.50 £8.50 Cornish Orchards will once again sponsor to visit the Roundhouse since it re-opened. the Cider Bar and Timothy Taylors the Rail Saturday We are delighted to announce that LMS Ale Steam Train. 16th May £6.50 £8.50 Princess Coronation Class 6233 Duchess of Sutherland will be the 100th steam *All children must be accompanied by an Further information on Rail Ale 2015, locomotive to visit by kind permission of adult and are only allowed on site until 5pm. including details of the free bus service from the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust. 10 11 Events update continued... The Heritage Lottery Fund Other locomotives already confirmed for of a pictorial journey from Thoresby this event include Roundhouse residents Colliery to West Burton Power Station. and Barrow Hill Roundhouse Half Cab 41708, Midland Compound 1000 and Stanier Tank 2500. Visiting locos will All proceeds from the evening will go meet some of the team include Jubilee Class 5690 Leander, Jinty towards the MGR project - an important Fowler 3F 47406, Stanier 8F 8274 and piece of our railway history. Carl Andrews – Project Architect Black 5 45305. More details of this event will appear in the next Newsletter. I have been fortunate enough to work in Social evenings are usually held on the third conservation for over 20 years and during Social Evenings 2015 – a Thursday of each month in the Roundhouse this time I have enjoyed working on some significant historic buildings. Seeking new special addition to the Lecture Theatre commencing at 7.30pm and finishing between 9.45pm and 10.00pm. challenges, in 2009 I set up Soul Architects. calendar Doors open at 7.00pm. Hot and cold The practice has grown remarkably as it Thursday 7th May 2015 drinks are available from the Café before enters its sixth year and has completed a Presenter: Chris Jones the presentation and during the interval. wide range of projects that demonstrate my Subject: “King Coal” ability. I am pleased to be able to say that a Historic buildings require skills and Admission prices are £2.00 per member considerable amount of our work is from expertise that go beyond normal This additional social evening has been and £3.00 per guest, payable on the door, recommendations and repeat clients, which architectural services and the AABC organised to raise funds for the restoration and everyone is welcome. I believe is vital to our success and gives an accreditation demonstrates that as of the MGR wagon now resident at Barrow indication of the service we provide. a professional I have the necessary Hill. Coal still forms a major part of the Don’t forget that detailed and expertise and experience in building freight traffic carried by rail, although no up-to-date information on all the conservation. I am a strong advocate longer in the once familiar MGR wagons Roundhouse events can also be found of taking a team approach to each which were such a common sight around on the Barrow Hill website and on project, where the client, architect and the network. The show will take the format our Facebook and Twitter pages. consultant can all work together for the mutual benefit of the building. We all benefit from a job well done! 68001 Evolution and 47815 Great Western departing Barrow Hill. My role will be to ‘keep everything on Photo: Dale Holford and keep the wheels moving’ on the project (sorry I couldn’t resist!). I will be the main point of contact and will guide the project team through the whole process from the initial design to practical completion. I will also guide them through the numerous statutory approvals, administer the contract and oversee the building project. Above: Carl Andrews

12 13 continued... We will be working with Kevin Fegan to use Round 2 Bid process. You may already have meet some of the team elements of his community play to bring seen our promotional stand in the entrance the building to life. Soul Architects have to the Roundhouse and we will be making undertaken the most comprehensive study use of this at events over the coming months, Liz Humble – Conservation Plan what they want from their visit. We have of the site to date and we will use this to both at the Roundhouse and elsewhere, to also spoken to many of the volunteers My company, Humble Heritage, provides draw attention to the most significant parts highlight the work being done here. and staff to understand just what makes specialist heritage advice on many aspects of this amazing place. Most of all though this site important and unique (although of the historic environment. I will be we want visitors to leave appreciating that In the next few months we will be coming everyone seems to have a favourite working alongside Soul Architects, the this is a unique community which has been up with many different ways in which feature!). These conversations are being project team, staff and volunteers at the committed to continuing the rail heritage of you can help us raise the money – from used to guide our plans and make sure we Roundhouse developing the Conservation the area for generations. regular donations by direct debit, to one- have something for everyone. Management Plan to support the site’s off donations and sponsorship of some HLF development. The Conservation We will share the plans for the site’s of the interpretation items. With the We previously developed the “Voices of Management Plan sets out why the interpretation in future editions of the addition of Gift Aid to any contributions and Barrow Hill” project which created the heritage is valued and by whom. It will Newsletter. If you have thoughts or ideas contributions from the railway industry and audio and video around the site enabling provide a comprehensive study into why and want to contact us, please get in touch: local businesses, we hope to reach our target visitors to appreciate the social history Barrow Hill Roundhouse was built, how [email protected] or look at our other by September 2015. For more information, of the site and its links to the village. This it developed over time and what survives work here www.grevatte.co.uk. you can fill out one of the forms available in project will go much further. today. The irreplaceable railway heritage the Roundhouse display cabinets and hand it at Barrow Hill is nationally important and Alexa Stott – PR & Fundraising to a member of staff or you can contact me the report will conclude with a framework Already responsible for much of the by writing to the Roundhouse or emailing of conservation policies that are intended marketing and promotion of the me at [email protected]. Please also to help make decisions about how to Roundhouse and its events, the expertise keep an eye on the Barrow Hill website for look after this cherished heritage, whilst I bring from my fundraising work with The a new fundraising page which will give you ensuring that the place continues to be A1 Steam Locomotive Trust (owners and more information on how you can help us used, enjoyed and made accessible to as operators of 60163 Tornado) will, I hope, raise the money. many people as possible. help the project team raise the more than £60,000 the HLF requires as part of the Thank you very much for your support! If you have any questions please get in touch via email at contact@ humbleheritage.co.uk. If you would like to some of our other projects please visit our website www.humbleheritage.co.uk.

Jim Grevatte – Interpretation and Learning Plans We are delighted to have been appointed to develop the interpretation and learning plans for the site’s HLF development. These plans will detail what stories are told, where and how so that after the project everyone will get even more from their Above: Jim Grevatte (right) and Gareth The new HLF display visit. We have carried out consultation with Moorton who is assisting Jim with the stand sponsored by existing and non-visitors to understand Interpretation Plan. Burgess Design and Print.

14 15 Dave Darwin Remembers... ONE Charge Hand Cleaner – ONE Mess Room Attendant – kept delegated work to the cleaning gang who as mess room and toilets clean, usually a green well as cleaning locos did labouring work. carded medically restricted man. He also He had to keep a good record of who did supplied clothing issues, and to new starters. 50 years since the end of what as cleaners got higher pay for labouring jobs. This was allocated on strict seniority. THREE Steam Raisers – looked He always carried a large note book around after locos in steam. Lit fires in locos after steam at Barrow Hill with him. He also distributed the pay checks washout or repairs. Cooled boilers down to employees for wages collection on pay before a washout: blew any steam out, then In the first in a series of articles THREE Telephone Attendants – day. coupled up a water pipe and ran water as we start the countdown to also based in the Running Foreman’s office, through, cooling the boiler down gradually September and a celebration of gave out time cards and job cards to the Approximately TWENTY Cleaners ready for the boiler washers. 50 years since the end of steam loco crews and answered the telephones – they cleaned locos sometimes but mostly at Barrow Hill, Dave takes us (both GPO and BR internal) and took did labouring jobs, working one shift 7.55am THREE Bar Setters – replaced fire behind the scenes to look at messages. to 4.25pm. bars in loco fire boxes when they had been the logistics of running the removed (usually about five) to facilitate fire Roundhouse in the heyday of FIVE Motor Drivers – for the shed Approximately SIXTY Passed cleaning. Used a long iron bar hook to place steam. minibus, used for ferrying train crews Cleaners – Cleaners passed out for firing them in position. Also helped the steam around. They could often be found in their duties worked three shifts starting at 6.00am, raiser, especially on Sunday afternoons when Let’s take the time machine back to cabin against the shed door where the gas 2.00pm and 10.00pm. Firing turns were most locos would be fired up ready for somewhere between 1955 and 1965. Just compound now is. covered in strict seniority. If not firing, they Monday morning. how many people were required to operate would be used on other duties – Coal Stage, Barrow Hill steam shed 41E, formerly 18D, THREE Callers Up/Advisers – Ash Pit, Telephone Attendant and any other THREE Ash Pit Men – kept the ash pit with around 75 locos allocated to it, not calling up or knocking up finished in the job that required doing. There were about where loco fires were cleaned clear of ash forgetting locos visiting from other depots? early 1950s but they were still used for 20 on each shift. In the winter in freezing and clinker. Operated the electric ash hoist Starting from the very top: taking advice notes out to train crews conditions they would look after frost fires which tipped the waste into wagons, making for a change of duty, eg Passed Fireman and fire devils at the water cranes. sure that it had been well watered. ONE Shed Master – his office with a for a driving turn, Passed Cleaner for a fireplace is now part of the archives. firing turn. They were supplied with a 120 Loco Drivers and 120 Firemen NINE Coal Stage Men – three on each company bicycle but would sometimes be – in Links of 12. There were four Main shift for the four wagons on the coal stage FIVE Office Staff – the Chief Clerk and taken in the minibus. When money was Line Links = 48 Drivers and 48 Firemen; which filled the ½ ton coal tubs for tipping his staff of four including a junior typist. They transported from the bank in the shed two Branch Links = 24 Drivers and 24 into loco tenders. There were about 30 tubs dealt with wages, time cards and all depot minibus, he would ride shotgun! Firemen; two Relief Links = 24 Drivers and in use. A loco would usually need six tubs records. The General Office is now the shop. 24 Firemen; one Shunting Link = 12 Drivers but a large could take seven or eight. THREE Store Keepers – looked after and 12 Firemen; one Shed and P&D Link = Passed Cleaners would be sent to help on THREE Running Foremen – allocated the issuing of stores and keeping records. 12 Drivers and 12 Firemen. (There was also the night shift, the busiest time on shed at locos and train crews to jobs, worked Provided loco oil, lamps and tools for another Link of 12 Drivers and 12 Firemen Barrow Hill. with the Control Office, sorted out most the locos, and the cleaners’ and fitters’ stationed at Sheepbridge.) The 12 Firemen problems, their office was known as the requirements. All were issued through the in Shed and P&D Link were Passed Firemen ONE Shed Sweeper – went all round Shant. stores window over the counter, still there and so could be used as Drivers with their the shed every day, starting in the signing today. job covered by a Passed Cleaner. The 24 on lobby, then going round the shed anti- THREE Foreman’s Assistants – Shunt Link Firemen were also usually Passed clockwise clearing up any sand and spillage. worked with the Running Foreman and saw ONE Sand Man – dried the sand in the Drivers. You knew the time by his position in the to the rostering of Drivers, Firemen and sand hole and riddled it; also stood in for shed! Passed Cleaners. the Charge Hand Cleaner if he was off. 16 17 colour page

ONE Water Treatment Plant ONE Machine Shop Man – looked Operator – saw to the water treatment after the Machine Shop and did turning jobs, at the two plants: one in the down sidings at etc. Also went to Derby Works to fetch any Barrow Hill and the other at Chesterfield. urgent parts required at the shed for a loco Cleaners would be sent to help him unload to get it back into traffic quickly. He would the chemicals which were used which came take a Cleaner with him to help with the in bags in a 12 ton covered van. carrying. Non-urgent parts came in the tariff van, a passenger train parcel van, which came ONE Pit and Sump Cleaning from Derby Works attached to a Derby to Operator – in the shed, pits were swept stopping train. Arriving at Chesterfield out and the sump emptied when there was Station at around 7.30pm, two Cleaners no loco on. would be sent by bus to meet it. When they found the van they would check if SIX General Labourers (Light there was anything for Barrow Hill. If it was Duties) – these were retired Drivers who a large object like a steam pipe or even an opted to stay on helping out at the shed, injector or ejector, the shed minibus would known as the “Easy Six”. They assisted in be summonsed to fetch it. In the meantime, cleaning up, helping with the clothing issue, the Cleaners would have a cup of tea OCS helping in the stores and generally keeping (On Company’s Service) in the refreshment the place tidy. They would gladly talk about room, now long gone. their days on the footplate and give advice. ONE Handyman Joiner – could be Top: Class 47 47843 stands on the exit road waiting a path from Sheffield Power Box. She will be working ONE Foreman Fitter – his small office found in what still is the joiner’s shop or as 0Z48, 11-11hrs to Doncaster. Photo: Phil Hodgkiss was where the volunteers’ locker room is pump house under the big water tank. He today. did many jobs around the shed and repaired Bottom: DRS Class 20s 20303 and 20302 in the snow at Barrow Hill. Photo: Dale Holford loco footboards. He also looked after the NINE Fitters – there were always two shed’s breakdown van train (packing vans), fitters and their mates on each shift, adjusting going out with it to incidents, keeping the brakes, making sanders work, seeing to any fitter volunteers who manned it on an on- running repairs. On-the-day turn X Day call basis supplied with hot drinks and food if Exams would be carried out. Lifting a loco it was a long job. using the sheerlegs for attention to a hot axle box was very common on Derby 4Fs, SIX Boiler Washers – washed out loco the largest the legs could lift. boilers, usually two per shift.

NINE Fitters’ Mates – worked with the ONE Firebox Man – rebuilt loco Fitters. firebox brick arches when the loco was cold after a washout. He could always be TWO Fitters’ Apprentices – did a recognised because he would be covered six-year apprenticeship; a combination of in white dust from the firebox. He was practical work with a fitter and going to one of the few people during this period of “Tec”. time to be supplied with and wear a face mask. He fetched his large firebricks from ONE Brake Block Man – changed the the store against the shed wall, where the brake blocks on locos. 18 19 Picture This. . . Taken at the photographic charter for the Morayshire steam event. Photo: Neil Cave Dave Darwin Remembers... continued... spare (PW) parts are today, like Hasland or Toton to help out if they were using a flat barrow. He never had any help, short staffed. It was all part of learning the probably because only he knew which bricks job and you did it. If you didn’t like it, you he wanted. The bricks had a pattern number, packed it in and went to another job. each loco using different types. Everything came by rail to the shed and had Other Maintenance Work – not to be unloaded and things for going away based at Barrow Hill, the Outdoor Machinery loaded up: loco springs, brick arch bricks, fire Department looked after the turntable, water bars, drums of oil and paraffin, firewood. All cranes, coal stage tips and anything else that had to be unloaded and put in its proper was their responsibility. Another department, place. The only time a delivery van came the Cottage Department, looked after building to the shed was to bring and take away the and joinery work. The PW Department fitters’ overalls. This was a scheme where looked after the points and track work in the the fitters and mates had a clean pair of shed yard, coming in once or twice a week to overalls delivered every week which were check and oil and grease the points. put in the small locker each man had.

The Cleaners and Passed Cleaners were a So, with a complement of 120 very versatile part of the workforce, being Drivers and 120 Firemen, 60 Passed utilised for almost any job in the shed: Cleaners, 20 Cleaners, shed and Top: Resident steam loco Vulcan has its first outing of 2015 at theMorayshire steam event on 14th March. telephone attendant, steam raising, bar setting, office staff, and artisans Barrow Hill Bottom: Newly arrived 2500 on the turntable with Midland Compound 1000 in the background. smoke box painting, coal stage, ash pit, going had approximately 390 staff looking Photos: Dave Darwin out advising, tube sweeping, assisting a Fitter. after the 70 locomotives allocated And always available for a firing turn and to it between 1955 and 1965 and the anything else that cropped up at Barrow Hill. visiting locos on shed because of a Sometimes, they were sent to other sheds failure or unbalanced workings.

How things have changed! A much smaller team is required to support day-to-day operation of a locomotive on today’s railway. Three DRS staff undertake an exam on one of their Class 37 locomotives at Barrow Hill. Photo: Mervyn Allcock 22 23 More detail of the MGR wagons including Dave Darwin Remembers... (inset) a close up of the automatic opening and A Merry-Go-Round for closing mechanism. Photos: Dave Darwin the Roundhouse! PART ONE

How fitting that in their 50th Over 1,100 of these wagons were built, year since introduction, the nearly all at Shildon Works, apart from two Roundhouse now has two HAA prototypes at Darlington and 160 at Ashford 32 ton hopper wagons, more Works. commonly known as MGRs or Merry-Go-Rounds, which will be The first trains with these wagons ran in used for display and hopefully September 1965 to West Burton Power a demonstration of how the Station, near Gainsborough, which had been automatic opening and closing specially built to accept this new type of of the wagon doors to discharge wagon. A trial had been conducted in 1963 the coal into undertrack hoppers at High Marnham Power Station but was not took place. entirely successful.

Ex-MOD shunter 01520 moves the MGR wagons into position at Barrow Hill. Barrow Hill Depot was soon involved in this , the crew would book off and Photo: Dave Darwin revolutionary method of moving coal from lodge before working back the next day. the collieries to the power stations. Indeed Renishaw Park Colliery was one of the first Sadly, progress has again overtaken the in our area to load them. railway and this system of coal transport, like the collieries it once served, is now In the early 1970s a rapid loading bunker consigned to the history books. The last was built at Markham Colliery and, right location to have coal delivered by MGR up to Barrow Hill Depot’s closure, it was wagons was at the Hope Cement Works in one of the major MGR loading points, with August 2010. Barrow Hill crews working MGR trains to West Burton, Cottam, Ratcliffe, Willington, Very few of these wagons remain; some were Drakelow and Didcot Power Stations. converted into MHAs for work, carrying spoil and ballast, but many Trains for Didcot were worked to Landor have been cut up. A few were also converted Street in Saltley near Birmingham into CDAs for China Clay traffic. where a Saltley crew worked the train forward. The Barrow Hill crew would work Read Part Two of Dave’s history a returning empty train back. A far cry of the MGR wagon in the next from steam days when, after working to Newsletter.

24 25 The Archives

The intrepid group of museum. Needless to say, there are times volunteers making up the when a difference of opinion can occur in Archive Team continues to determining what’s going to happen to an battle its way through the item! But we’re a happy team and after the various activities required in scrap has died down, the cuts and bruises maintaining and developing the soon disappear. Barrow Hill archives. Among the other activities since the last Since the last Newsletter, we have lost Newsletter, the team rolled their sleeves David Nightingale who retired from the up in the exhibition room and set up a team in mid December. David played a display of various objects relating to the key role in helping the team to meet the permanent way. This was carried out in deadline set by Arts Council for support of the open day held in mid March establishing a permanent record of our when No. 246 Morayshire was in steam. items, which subsequently contributed to The display received a very good response us gaining re-accreditation as a museum. from the visiting members and enthusiasts, which always makes it worthwhile. This We would take this opportunity to record quarter has also seen significant progress our appreciation for all the efforts made by in individually marking the hundreds David in support of the team. Thank you! of photographs within the permanent And thanks also go to Graham Holland collection. It is really interesting to see From the Barrow Hill archives - a rare photograph showing the winding mechanism of the sheerlegs, along for providing some splendid bacon sarnies the various classes of steam and diesel with a Thompson locomotive simmering underneath. on David’s farewell day. Those of you who represented in that collection, but the know David will still be able to bump into underwhelmingly exciting work of writing him at the monthly social evenings. a number on each image will continue. We are very grateful to Richard Senior for Watch this space for the next update on permission to publish this photo of 41708 in This quarter, the team has continued to this fascinating topic. operation at Barrow Hill. Date unknown. push along with recording and reviewing Photo: R J Senior Collection the various items donated or loaned to Finally, if any of you have, or know of, an us by society members and the general object or image that you believe would public. As part of this process, we have be of interest to the Barrow Hill museum, to determine whether an item should please contact us via our email address become part of our permanent collection [email protected]. Also, please (‘accessioned’ as it is called) or kept as part support us - and put a big smile on team of our handling and educational collection. member Mike Creagh’s face - by visiting When we accession an item, it visits the the developing Archives section of the Don Cambridge School of Photography new Barrow Hill website, which contains where the master himself takes a flattering a wealth of interesting articles and images, image for our records. If an item isn’t including photographs from the collection of accepted into one of our collections, it Barrow Hill’s very own legend, Dave Darwin. can either be offered back to the donor or retained, perhaps for offer to another Paul Millington 26 27 the Baby Deltic Projects progress report Volunteers’ report

The last update published in aligning large pieces of body. With time Most of the volunteers’ work All the receivers (tanks) on the air systems, Newsletter No. 45 described under the hoist in the Roundhouse at an seems to have been centred that is both air and vacuum systems, were the shortening of the loco absolute premium it was essential that the on the Class 03 shunter, but in taken off as they needed re-certifying for underframe; this update brings process was planned and executed well other news our joiner Frank insurance purposes. All 13 were sent away the story right up to date. and this is how it turned out. made a superb Midland-style but only 7 were returned as faults were electrical cabinet that is situated found. New ones are being sourced or the A close study of the drawings of the A pair of templates had been made so between the buffers at the end faulty ones repaired depending on which is bodyside layout of a Baby Deltic compared that the cuts on the underframes could of the preparation pit. cheapest. to the layout of a Class 37 quickly shows be made accurately thus reducing the virtually no similarity. Some features are amount of time spent making adjustments This will house an electrical supply where broadly similar - there are windows, grilles to a minimum. In the end the whole we can plug in the catering vans on open As I write this I am informed that all the and doors on both types - but none of thing well very well, the total time was days which will save us draping cables heads have been torqued down and all them are either in the same location, over-estimated (perhaps a first in railway above our visitors’ heads! This is waiting tappets set, so now the water system is or are of the same shape. It was fairly preservation) and by halfway through the at the moment for the electrician to be on being reassembled. The buffer beams have obvious early on in the feasibility study afternoon on day two the nose had been site again to lay the cables into the already been repainted although there is some that significant superstructure changes removed, shortened, offered up, adjusted, prepared trench. The “Barrow Hill” wagon pipework to sort and the fuel injector would have to be made and this exercise prepared for welding and welded on. An is still to have its chassis finished but it system needs putting back together. Then confirmed it. exercise in good planning and efficient already looks good. we will see if it runs!! working by those involved. The advantage of having to remove so Class 03 Shunter Whilst this was all going on other much bodyside material is that all the Visitors to the Diesel Gala in April will be The fuel pump and injectors were taken volunteers have repaired the roof to stop steelwork that goes back in is new and this able to see the loco in an advanced state off to go for overhaul and testing where it pretty much guarantees a rust-free future of conversion – both noses shortened, it leaking, the cab has been painted from was found that quite a few had been over- for the re-created loco. underframe modifications complete, one the top down to the ‘dado rail’ and the side superstructure finished. fuelling. These have come back but remain battery box has been refurbished. I’m sure side-lined as it was decided to look at the At the time of writing we have completely lots of other bits and bobs have been done heads due to carbon build-up that was removed all of the superstructure (the The loco will be displayed on the turntable as well, as everyone has been busy. evident after the exhaust was taken off (as framework) including the associated and it will be a unique opportunity to I reported in the last Newsletter). bodyside and renewed the entire see modified and unmodified sides of the Don Cambridge superstructure (to the new arrangement) loco at (almost) the same time. We will So we set about the task of taking off the on one side of the loco. The only piece of have a sales stand in the Roundhouse and heads. They’re quite a lump of cast iron to As Mike Kennedy mentioned in the original structure remaining is an 800mm look forward to talking to you about the lift on and off the block, but eventually they previous Newsletter, for my sins I long upright about half-way along the side, Project. made it to the work bench, were decoked have taken on the role of Volunteer ALL other parts have been altered or (carbon removed) and the valves lapped Coordinator in addition to being a member replaced – a huge task and one that took If you would like to keep up to date with in (ground to make a good seal). All eight the best part of two calendar months. progress on this project please visit our of the Archive Team. I’m not sure at this website at www.thebabydelticproject.co.uk. were then reassembled and placed back early stage which is the lesser of the two on the block, one after the other, ready for Next on the ‘to do’ list was the shortening evils – the amount of time required getting torqueing. I found it quite amazing that the of the second nose end (the first having into the Coordinator role or listening Gardner engine doesn’t have head gaskets been done a couple of years previously, to Don Cambridge’s “singing” during the but relies on two good mating faces and a much as an experiment in moving and archive work each Wednesday! heavy torque setting. 28 29 Volunteers’ report continued... money matters

The first thing to report is that we’ve replying – many thanks again. If you haven’t The first quarter of the year At our smaller events we have an had a tremendous attendance by the yet responded, please take the time to has been quiet by Barrow opportunity to talk to the visitors and volunteers at the Health & Safety and do so. The more replies we receive, the Hill standards but the public most seemed to enjoy the event, with Safeguarding briefings required to meet more we understand the skills held by the highlights have been a successful several recounting tales of when some of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts volunteers, as well as the aspirations you and amicable AGM plus the the D49 class were allocated to Starbeck, Council England (ACE) requirements. By have at the Roundhouse. thoroughly enjoyable steam day near Harrogate, and were seen in the the time you read this, over 90% of the with Morayshire. Sheffield area. volunteer force will have completed the Newsletter No. 45 provided an analysis briefing, which is an excellent response. of the survey responses at that time. We Morayshire Event One visitor selected at random (Howard Thanks to everyone for their continued now have twice as many replies and I Turner again) commented: “It’s a bit nippy support – and to our Chairman Mike hope to be in a position to expand on the This was a low key event to start our but the atmosphere is fantastic!” And Kennedy, Simon Hartshorne (Compliance analysis in the next Newsletter, as well 2015 season on quite a cold day. 62712 where else but Barrow Hill would anyone Manager) and Mike Creagh (Safeguarding as provide information on the action the Morayshire, an ex LNER Class D49 put on free cab rides in a Class 08 diesel Officer) for helping to make the briefings Society proposes to take in response. In (Hunt/Shire class) designed by Sir Nigel shunter simply to allow photographers possible. the meantime, I’m also working on drafting Gresley and built in 1928, called in for a to take better shots of the passing steam a Volunteer Policy and role descriptions one-day only public steaming and private train? All the volunteers who have attended a for team leaders and volunteers – all photographic charter on 14th March en briefing should be in possession of a signed needed and which will meet further ACE route to its base at Scotland’s Boness This event was “affordable steam” at Volunteer Agreement and many also have requirements. & Kinneil Railway after visiting several its finest – only £6 per adult and free a separate document entitled ‘General preserved railways in England. Safety Requirements and Instructions’. Only one final point springs to mind – If any attendees did not receive the does anyone have some ear defenders I Another atmospheric shot Agreement, please let me know. Should can borrow on a Wednesday please? from the photographic there be any volunteers who have not charter at the Morayshire received an invitation to complete the Paul Millington steam event. survey or attend the briefing, please accept Photo: Neil Cave my apologies and let me know; it can only mean that your name was missed off the list of volunteers provided to me and I need to put that right.

At the time of writing, proposals are in hand for issuing personal ID cards to those volunteers who have completed the briefing, which will qualify them to steward or undertake operational roles at our future events. I’ll be contacting each volunteer when the cards are available. The volunteers have also provided a A school party on a visit to Barrow Hill, seen great response to the survey issued last from the cab of ex-MOD shunter 01520. year and earlier this year, with over 70% Photo: Dave Darwin

30 31 money matters continued... to children under 16. Pleasingly, visitor Vast sums are being spent out of the grandchildren, and gentlemen in their 50s nowadays and well worth a look - at numbers exceeded our expectations, as £48,200 first instalment of the Round One who come to take photographs of the www.barrowhill.org. It provides useful did spending in our café and shop, and (Develoment Phase) funding received from engines at Barrow Hill. David continued visitor information, advertises our events the evening photographic event was sold the Heritage Lottery Fund for the “Moving “it is also surprising how far people and shop, and outlines our history and out, which all added to our bank balance. Forward” project, to enable us to prepare have come, today a couple of guys came archive activities. There is also a link to the The rarity value of this locomotive surely and meet the conditions for a successful from Swindon. A lot of local people are Barrow Hill Limited commercial website, boosted visitor numbers; two of us were bid for Round Two, the Delivery Phase, attracted to visit because of the café – www.barrowhillcommercial.com, which discussing when we had last seen this which is worth over £1 million grant aid to great value, good food, super environment promotes the facilities we are able to offer engine and concluded it was at the Shildon fund our programme of improvements to with the coal fire.” I couldn’t agree more, to the railway industry and others. Cavalcade in 1975! the building and facilities we can offer. well done and thank you to all involved in keeping both these facilities open to the We are cultivating more business with Talking of “Rarities” leads me into a As part of Barrow Hill’s contribution to public. Direct Rail Services, one of our tenants, mention of our next event, the “Rarities” this project, we have to raise £60,400, so which is already proving mutually beneficial Diesel Gala on 18th and 19th April, if anyone has any spare cash we would I am currently restocking the shop for and they have also taken occupation of an featuring diesel classes rarely or never seen be grateful for any donations, large or the public events and summer time, office on site. at Barrow Hill before to celebrate this small. Cheques should be made payable which surely must be just around the year being the fiftieth since diesels wholly to “Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society” and corner. Here is just a sample of recent or Our diesel fuelling point will soon be replaced steam at the shed. can be posted to the Roundhouse office. forthcoming additions: commissioned to extend further the range The value of your donation would be of facilities we are able to offer commercial This should be a great event, so don’t miss increased further and at no extra cost to • More of the hugely popular Rothbury rail operators and preserved locomotive it, followed swiftly by the most atmospheric yourself, if it were to be made under Gift cards featuring outstanding railway owners. beer festival of the year here in May! Aid arrangements. Details are available on art have arrived, including some new Following the success of the Jools Holland request. designs for 2015, but still for sale at Our commercial activities continue to be concert last year, music fans will not be 2014 prices. an important source of income for Barrow disappointed with our plans for more Shop! and Café • The 2015 Combined volume from Hill, enabling us to meet our running costs concerts this September and steam fans and fund improvements to the site. I am delighted that the system of having a Platform 5 is in stock, priced at £19.95 will not be overlooked, with an outstanding pool of trained volunteers upon whom we (does anyone else remember when the Midland-themed gala being organised for I hope you will be able to visit Barrow Hill can call to staff the shop is working so well Ian Allan ones were £1 or less?). the last weekend in September to mark this year for one or more of our exciting that we will have been able to open the • With an eye on the diesel gala, some fifty years since British Railways ousted events, or for a quieter time on any non- shop on every Saturday and Sunday that more “BH Barrow Hill” shed sticker steam from our depot. event weekend. Remember members and the site has been open in the first quarter type mugs have been ordered, as the the general public are able to visit the site of the year. previous batch sold out. Expenditure and Appeals on virtually every Saturday and Sunday. On • For those previously mentioned non-event days we are open from 10am for Donations The shop and café staff are the public face grandparents, we have restocked with to 4pm and all we ask for is a donation to of Barrow Hill every ordinary weekend, Recent expenditure has been the second various children’s toys. help with our costs. Don’t forget to visit and the fact that both are open attracts and final instalment on the closed circuit the café and shop! television system to protect the site and visitors from near and far. One of our shop The Business volunteers, David Williams, commented buildings, sad but necessary spending. Nigel Atkinson, ACMA, CGMA recently that his best customers We have invested in a new Barrow This system is now fully operational and Treasurer working as intended. were grandparents visiting with their Hill website, an essential investment

32 33 A Project to Celebrate the Next Fifty Years?

An evocative photograph taken by the The buildings themselves had nine bays official Midland Railway photographer, on the coaling stage side, which was large at Grimethorpe Engine Shed in Sheffield enough to accommodate two of the on 14th July 1920. It shows the standard largest tender locomotives simultaneously. Midland Railway type of coaling stage, the basic design of which varied only slightly Major depots such as Derby, had two such according to the practices of the chosen coaling stages back-to-back and could coal building contractor and the availability of locomotives on both sides. local construction materials. The locomotive number 3147 is one of the Johnson 1698 class, of which 60 examples were built at Derby around 1885 (the exact date appears not to have been recorded), under works order 544. The engine was withdrawn on 31st May 1929.

This is broadly how the proposed Barrow Hill coaling stage might look one day, if sufficient funds can be found for the work. It might be feasible to construct the building in several phases, using largely volunteer labour.

The result could give us not only a coaling facility operating in safe conditions, but also a building which can double up as a viewing gallery and a grandstand for photographers on open days. Other uses are only limited by our imagination.

For example with slight adaptations, it would give us a “theatre in the round” for or musicians to perform, a cinema, an exhibition hall or a meeting room.

Photo: National Railway Museum/Science & Society Picture Library

34 35 Membership Secretary’s Report Historical Corner No. 38

For those of you who were at the AGM, this report will seem very familiar… Avenue Coking Plant The membership at the time of writing is down by 20 from last year’s AGM at 380 The original Avenue Colliery 18 million tons of smokeless coal, which members which is made up as follows: near Wingerworth had its was marketed under the trade name of origins in 1868 and took its title “Sunbrite”. Adult 101 (down 20 on last from a public footpath of the year’s AGM) There were no increases in membership same name, which once crossed The earliest two shunting locomotives Concession 124 (up 1) rates proposed for 2016. the site. in use at the new coking plant came second-hand by transfer from the nearby Junior 3 (up 1) May I take this opportunity to also thank It incorporated the extended coal seams Holmewood Colliery, both arriving early in Family 17 (down 5) all members who attended the AGM, and worked by adjoining collieries which were 1955. These were steam engines, the first Life 135 (up 3) saw fit to re-elect me to the Committee. Williamthorpe, Holmewood and Lings, being a Peckett 0-6-0ST named Hardwick with a total of no less than 15 mineshafts. No.3 (works number 940 of 1902) and a During the year we had 48 new members Martyn Brailsford Mainly due to underground flooding 0-4-0ST which was works number and therefore lost 68 members, however problems, the Avenue colliery became 3529 of 1923. In a previous life, it had been there are currently 24 outstanding disused in 1950 and for a short time the built for the brewers Ind Coope and had renewals from 31st December 2014. land partly reverted to farming use. worked on their private railway at Burton- on-Trent. The Avenue Coking (or Carbonisation) “Evolution” or old meets new - Class 33 Plant was developed on the same site All the subsequent locos at Avenue were 33035 and Class 70 70008 standing side by side in the yard at Barrow Hill. in anticipation of the “Clean Air Act” of diesel powered and the first to arrive in 1956, which created a national demand for 1955 were a batch of five new-build 204hp Photo: Dale Holford domestic heating using smokeless fuel. This 0-6-0 diesel mechanical locomotives, process consisted of baking coking coal in supplied by the batteries of huge ovens for up to 17 hours, of Leeds. These carried the Hunslet works to produce pure carbon in the form of numbers 4511/2/4974/4514/5, in order. coke; it took 15 tons of coal to produce 11 tons of coke. Construction of the new The design was essentially the plant commenced in 1952 and eventually industrialised version of the same type that covered about 250 acres on the west side Hunslet had supplied to BR, which became of the Midland Main Line. the Class 05 shunters. Each of these locos were named and numbered sequentially as When operating at full capacity, the Plant Avenue 1 onwards, with brass nameplates typically processed more than 2,000 tons being carried on the cab sides. In 1970, of coke daily. The by-products of the the original Avenue 4 and Avenue 5 were coking process included coal gas, sulphuric scrapped and replaced by two Hudswell acid, ammonium sulphate, benzole and coal Clarke 0-4-0 diesel mechanical locos of tar. In its 37 years of existence, the Avenue 255hp (works numbers 1388 and 1345 Plant became the largest coking plant of respectively), which inherited the names its type in Europe, producing a total of from their predecessors.

36 37 Historical Corner No. 38 continued...

Two further arrivals occurred in 1978, Marston. In the final days at Avenue, only with the closure of many local collieries Coking Plant, which covers the internal which were transferred from the the two coke oven locos remained on the the Avenue plant received imported coal user wagon fleet. Included in this are a few Glasshoughton coking plant in West site and they were the last to go with the by rail from Hull docks for a time. photos of the coke oven locos and the Yorkshire. These locos were built by winding down of production. Happily they quenching cars. Go to http://paulbartlett. Thomas Hill of Rotherham and were are both now preserved on the Tanfield At the south end of the Avenue site zenfolio.com/chesterfieldavenue/ 210hp four-wheeled “Vanguard” diesels Railway. near Tupton, on the “up” side, were the h5dae2b5e#h11f58c43. with hydraulic drive, numbered 199v of exchange sidings reached from the plant by 1968 and 219v of 1970, becoming Avenue 6 On the opposite side of the Midland Main a double track skew bridge, spanning over Coincidently, the coking plant at Monckton and Avenue 7. Line was Hasland Motive Power Depot, the four-track main lines. near Barnsley in South Yorkshire closed which provided many of the locomotives earlier this year. This brought to an end Similarly, Hunslet 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic for the daily main line trains being worked These sidings comprised seven loops and the process of large scale smokeless fuel loco 6973 came from Nantgarw coking to and from the coking plant. Due to in turn these were connected to the main production in the UK. Seeing a coking plant and by coincidence it was already the effects of mining subsidence on the up and down freight lines by crossovers. oven being discharged was not unlike number 7 by its previous owners, so it roundhouse, one half of the shed roof had In the days of semaphore signalling, three witnessing the red-hot lava flow from an took the place of the withdrawn Thomas to be removed for safety reasons and the mechanical signal boxes were required to erupting volcano, including the red-hot Hill-built Avenue 7. other half was eventually removed after control all the train movements, which embers, intense heat, billowing smoke and being further damaged in a severe gale. gives an indication of the intensity of the sulphurous fumes. The coke oven operations at Avenue traffic. The falling demand for domestic required their own dedicated pair of Hasland shed (code 16H and previously coke and the advent of North Sea oil Once the baking process had been specialised locomotives and these were 18C) finally closed on 7th September 1964. caused the plant to finally close in 1992. completed, the coke was ejected sideways supplied by Greenwood & Batley of Leeds Following closure, a new diesel loco fuelling by hydraulic rams out of the ovens, to in 1955, being works numbers 2508/9. point and holding sidings were established Demolition of the two landmark tall brick be directly dumped into special bogie The lowly status of these locos meant at the north end of Avenue sidings, near to chimneys, together with all the various wagons called quenching cars, which were that they were not named in the “Avenue” the site of the old Avenue colliery. buildings and associated plant took four positioned alongside. series. The locomotive fleet was gradually years to complete. This was followed by depleted from 1982, starting with the Some of the displaced men from Hasland cleaning up all the areas of heavy ground The cars were then immediately hauled original Hunslet 0-6-0DM locos, the last of were transferred over to the new facility contamination which is now in the final under a water spraying plant to extinguish which were scrapped in 1985. and a few redundant drivers came to stages, with landscaping and tree planting the embers and this created huge clouds Barrow Hill. In 1983, the track layout at scheduled to start soon. of steam in the process. This vision is The remaining two locos the Avenue plant was adapted to take now consigned forever to the history of were sold off concurrently with the plant the traffic as an MGR (Merry-Go-Round) Eventually, it is intended that 1,100 industrial Britain. closure; both now survive in preservation train operation. Class 45 locos new homes will be built in the area, at the Cambrian Railway and worked the loaded trains directly into the together with the planting of new trees, Grateful thanks are due to Dave Darwin respectively. The two Thomas Hill Vanguard plant, before uncoupling and bringing out development of wetland reed beds for for adding some information to the locos were withdrawn and 199v was empty MGR hopper wagons. wildlife habitats, a fishing pond and sports story relating to the final working days at initially preserved but later scrapped in pitches. It is also hoped that the industrial Avenue. 2004. Works number 219v was scrapped The full wagons were moved over to the heritage of the site can be acknowledged on site in 1994. The Hunslet 0-6-0DH unloading hopper by a static rubber-tyred with a suitable monument. Vignoles number 6973 was sold off, but still exists wagon positioning machine, which left a in preservation and is now based at the distinctive tyre mark along the side of the Paul Bartlett’s website of railway wagon former Ministry of Defence railway at Long individual MGR wagons. In the final years, photographs has a section on the Avenue

38 39 And Finally . . .

From a Life Member From the Editor We were delighted to hear from one of Those of you who take an interest in our Life Members Gordon Corby last year. such things will note that not only is this With apologies for the time it has taken Newsletter the “Spring 2015” edition, it for his letter to appear in the Newsletter, is also No. 47. It doesn’t take much brain here is an extract: power to work out that Newsletter No. As I live in South Lakeland and more 50 will be published in approximately 12 particularly at 85 age is taking its toll, months’ time. I can no longer visit the Roundhouse so I am very pleased to receive your We would like to mark this achievement Newsletter and to learn what has with a ‘bumper’ celebration edition of happened and what is projected for the the Newsletter, looking back through the future. previous 49 editions and inviting Members, supporters and friends of the Roundhouse I found the Summer 2014 issue to contribute their memories and thoughts. particularly good. I was particularly pleased to see the photographs of the I would be delighted to hear from you, immaculate Midland Compound. From 1942 to 1946 I travelled daily on the train either in writing to the Roundhouse or by from Chester to school at Bebington and email to [email protected]. So please Top: Blue Peter presenters Barney Harwood and Radzi Chinyanganya pose for the camera on the buffer beam occasionally saw a Compound. These get your thinking caps on – you have 12 of Class A2 Pacific 60532 Blue Peter during filming of the loco’s departure. months – which is not actually that long! engines regularly worked the - Bottom: The Blue Peter film crew prepare for action on the platform.Photos: Dave Darwin Llandudno trains. I am particularly fond of them with their distinctive ring/clang of the con rods as the wheels turn. Sulzer Super Power. Photo: Phil Hodgkiss With many thanks for an excellent publication.

40 “Barrow Hill Cathedral” Photo: Dale Holford