The R&ER Magazine Number 222 September 2016

The Journal of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society The R&ER Magazine No.222 Editorial September 2016 Keith Herbert

As the EU referendum result points to an exit from political and trade union Published quarterly by the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway with Europe, we debate on immigration, on lawmaking and on rescinding Preservation Society Limited our ‘net contributor’ status – but what will be the consequences for the R&ER? Member of the Heritage Railway Association Steam Railway magazine pontificated on the future of steam in a 2012 issue, in Editorial Team: Keith Herbert, Di Chase, Bill Seddon, Opinions expressed by contributors and which feature it was predicted that “the poorer railways, in terms of capability Mark Harrington, John Taylor in editorial comment do not necessarily and performance, will go to the wall in 20-30 years” (and that assertion, even Editorial Designer: Julie Hutchinson reflect the collective views of the Society. before the referendum!). The R&ER Magazine is always pleased to receive correspondence, photographs and articles for possible PRESS DEADLINE: Material for inclusion It doesn’t seem impossible that this could come to pass; the generation that inclusion. Most nowadays arrive via our e-mail address, in the next issue of the Magazine must knew steam in the days before preservation is growing smaller, laying down an but postal contributions remain welcome. Please reach the editors not later than increasing challenge to attract a [relatively] young volunteer who might scarcely include a name and contact address with any prints. Thursday 20th October at noon. Scanning facilities are available. Please send material earlier if possible. have seen a steam locomotive ‘in the flesh’. Additionally, steam railways occupy the small concentric zone between ‘heritage’ and ‘tourism’ – they are effectively Society website: http://www.rerps.co.uk working museums in many cases, but must deliver on modern expectations of a value-for-money day out. There is considerable expense on both fronts, and Council Chairman: Sam Dixon, 17 Woodlands, Great Corby, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 8LX. a quite rigorous demand on safety, which has further cost implications of its Email: [email protected] own. With such difficulties in marketing themselves both to prospective visitors Hon. Secretary: Mungo Stacy, 34 Mayfield Road, Manchester M16 8EU. and volunteers alike, as well as potential economic constraints influenced by Email: [email protected] ‘Brexit’ (consider imports of materials – metals and fuels), a lot of railways will Hon. Financial Secretary: David Lees, 31 Water Street, Ribchester, Preston, Lancashire PR3 3YJ. be hoping that a drop in the value of the pound at least makes the ‘staycation’ Email: [email protected] an attractive option for UK holidaymakers in the short-term… But then what? Hon. Membership Secretary: Sarah Bennett, 2 Stanley Villas, Drigg Road, Seascale, CA20 1NW. It makes one wonder Email: [email protected] (1-1299 and 2500-3999) how those railways Assistant Membership Secretary: Jim Wilcock, ‘Porthlow’, Neston Road, Ness, Neston CH64 4AZ. only operating with Email: [email protected] (1300-2499) small budgets, few Sales Officer: Terry Williams, 88 Bluestone Road, Moston, Manchester M40 9HY. volunteers and just Email: [email protected] on selected weekends Magazine Distributor: Cumbria Mailing Services Ltd. Penrith, CA11 9FQ. now, can hope to Heywood House Bookings: Mary Harding. Email: [email protected]. Tel: 01229 717080. flourish in the future. Conversely, it would Volunteers: Peter Mills. Email: [email protected] be foolhardy to assume General Manager: Trevor Stockton, R&ER Co. Ltd. Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW. Tel: 01229 717171. we will survive, but Editor: Keith Herbert, 7 Dalegarth Cottages, Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1TF they will not. Email: [email protected] Is our house in order? Are we cementing our Train From Spain Appeal website: train from spain.org future or sealing our fate? How can you Donations: Andy Cruickshank, 11 Townfield Close, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SL The ‘working museum’ – a train for the Heywood help? Email: [email protected] Society headed by Bassett-Lowkes Synolda and Front Cover: Typhoon tops Mill Wood on 1st August 2016 on her R&ER Although a post-Brexit Count Louis leaves Ravenglass on 7th May. passenger traffic debut while on hire from RH&DR. Photo: David Mart La’al Ratty won’t be Prime Photo: Christopher Glover 2 3 Minister Theresa May’s top priority, there are vacancies on Council (the Society’s early autumn this year, which will keep us on track for being ready next spring. management board) for willing volunteers who want to help to manage the You will read elsewhere of an update on operational matters; although we Society’s continuing survival and help to achieve its ultimate success. Factoring enjoyed a fairly trouble-free start to the season there have been some challenges in two recent resignations (which means up to two newcomers can be co-opted with the loco fleet as the season has worn on. I would like to think that this at any future Council meeting) some eight seats could be contested at next year’s will be our last season of having to push the locomotives to their limits. The AGM – why not get your name on the ballot paper? Sarah Bennett, newly elected reintroduction of River Esk for the first time since 2011, havingPerkins available, to the office of Membership Secretary, extols the virtues of volunteering on plus a certain, currently nameless, Pacific to call on, will set us up well for future Council on page 33. seasons. [NB these locomotives are not currently in traffic – Ed.] Away from the matter of democracy, high summer is upon us once more, and Already the railway is looking forward to what winter works can be achieved it is disheartening to report that the Railway begins the busy season, following through the forthcoming, albeit short, close season. It is anticipated that the untimely failure of River Irt, with only four locomotives (Mite, Rock, Douglas permanent way work will continue at levels seen in recent winters. The Ferreira and Lady Wakefield) in serviceable condition on the whole railway; workshop, hopefully free of River Esk, will concentrate on the current steam River Esk and the Train From Spain continue to make progress; Perkins, Shelagh fleet and their much needed overhauls and repairs. Little was done in the way of Eskdale and Cyril continue to elude us; and, in a surprise twist, Bonnie Dundee of joinery maintenance to the carriage fleet last winter, so there is catching up has left the Ratty for pastures new. Typhoon has been hired in from the Romney, to be done in that area as well, though the continued efforts of the painting Hythe & Dymchurch Railway in a last gasp effort to survive the season. department keeps the fleet looking tidy. One area currently under review is the Let’s mind out for that wall. engine shed; the yard and tracks within the shed need relaying and the building itself is long overdue a rebuild. We are mindful of course that the main shed is News from Ravenglass the original 1875 building – real heritage! Trevor Stockton On the staffing front, Anna Tilsley is now a passed diesel driver and is currently picking up a little steam knowledge along with learning the control side of life in the signal box. Typing up these words, it is early July, and the weather is awful; the continued, unsettled period is taking its toll on the business. Passenger numbers are down a We also welcome Steve Richardson to the railway. Steve’s role will be as few percent; however the secondary spend is further down, which suggests the Commercial Manager; visitors we are getting are not spending the same. We are not alone in this – most the railway has decided attractions are not having the best of seasons. It is to be hoped there is some to review the position sunshine round the corner and the high summer service will see an improvement. that was previously Visitor Services Officer Through no fault of its own, Statesman Rail has cancelled its half-dozen planned and to appoint someone tours to us this year. These visits, whilst stretching the railway almost to its with an overview of all operational limit, are very much the ‘icing on the cake’ and will be sadly missed. secondary spend income. Our sister attraction, Ulllswater ‘Steamers’, has lost similar business it picks up from The Fellsman tours, due to closure of the Settle to Carlisle line as a through Although we are route because of landslip works. probably bucking the trend, with an uplift in the Bonnie Dundee, for many years now a static exhibit, has, along with Flower number of volunteers we of the Forest, left the railway to go on long-term loan to the Cleethorpes Coast can draw on, please do Light Railway. The management team there has aspirations to overhaul Dundee not hesitate to put your to working order, it being more suitable to their lighter trains and shorter line. name forward should Flower will more than likely remain as a static exhibit. you wish to be involved As reported in the last issue we still await final confirmation with Network Rail in helping to keep the Bonnie Dundee and Flower of the Forest during on the land purchase to enable us to start on the second phase of the museum railway running. loading for Cleethorpes, outside the engineers’ (the train shed extension). We hope all the boxes are ticked for a start in the workshop on 13th June. Photo: David Rounce 4 5 Traffic News had an empty stock trial and two passenger trips on 2nd July, missed its last run on th th Peter van Zeller 6 July, followed on 8 July by a trial to Miteside double-headed with Northern Rock. The following day it worked two runs but suffered a broken spring on the third trip, causing the right rear truck wheel flange to ride up on to the rail. The The engine shed fielded four locos in steam for one special day in May, three train was recovered from the Kissing Gates near Long Yocking How by Douglas big steam locos in the lead up and through the spring bank holiday period, Ferreira and the loco was returned at walking pace by Lady Wakefield. but on only a handful of days since. For much of the quarter, two steam locos were available to cover all the advertised turns, but sadly on occasional days Count Louis returned to collect its tender (before revisiting old haunts at when maintenance or worse enforced, one steam loco had to face the public Fairbourne for the centenary of that line’s regauging to fifteen inches in 1916) disappointed with the use of two diesels. A repeated note in the individual loco and worked two solo specials to Dalegarth on 6th May. On the following day the repair books – ‘will repair when loco is available from traffic’ or ‘needs a day Bassett-Lowke Class 30 ran two double-headed runs with sister loco Synolda, out of service’ – supports the need for the return of River Esk and the potential interspersed with two shuttles to Miteside Loop for the Heywood Society. relief from the use of the Train From Spain to allow four locos in steam for peak Synolda was in steam shuttling on the engineers’ sidings for May Bank Family service and one in the works. Fun days, The Young Engineers’ ‘Behind the Scenes’ Weekend on 2nd and 3rd July, and then on Tuesdays during the peak season from 25th July (making use The first week of the peak ‘yellow’ service was quiet before the ‘end of term’ of that final spare coach). became country wide, however two steam and two diesels coped without a spare loco. ‘It’s not summer traffic!’ commented the daily report on 25th July as The two big diesel locos have continued to work indiscrimately this summer, with the carriage shed had only one spare coach to boost the two nine- and two eight- both locos in use from the start of the peak ‘yellow’ services. Lady Wakefield had car sets in service. There have been very hot days so the fire train water wagon time out for oil and filter changes, coupled with brake modifications, from 3rd May, was prepared on 8th May and a fire patrol was on duty on th5 June. However July followed by a trial on 26th May, shunting duties two days later, weedkilling on 6th holiday weather was back to normal for the north - ‘Fire state green – raining’! June and passenger work by 12th June. Work since has been very mixed traffic with frequent passenger work, flail duties clearing the lineside on 20th and 21st th River Mite has worked most of the time, after steam compressor problems on 9 June, and permanent way on 26th June. Douglas Ferreira had fuel problems on th th and 11 April. It had a test run on 28 April and currently has a train brake system 9th and 23rd April solved by a new scavenge pump before a test run on 26th April. so airtight the steam compressor often is only used once a day! It reached home It worked a 3 Peaks Challenge special on 24th June then saw its usual availability th on 10 May with its reverser stuck in fourth notch forwards and was ‘shunted to broken by a loose radiator fan case on 12th July, but was back with new mounting st shed by Les, the last available loco’! It hauled a wedding special train on 21 May. brackets by Minor matters like gland packing, sanders and a broken tender compressor belt high summer. were handled in a passing pitstop. Meanwhile st Northern Rock has also seen fair availability. It lost runs on 1 May with a there were defective steam compressor, then later from the safety valve adjustment cover evening th seal leaking. On 16 June oil contamination first in the driver’s brake valve, then specials for th th in the control valve of the loco brake system was sorted from 4 -8 July, when Fish and reintroduction back to service was deferred suddenly to deal with a leaking Chips on bottom washout plug. 22nd April River Irt carried a black ribbon a century after the death of her builder, Sir with Lady Arthur Heywood, on 19th April 1916. Its compressor batteries were found flat Wakefield, on 29th April. 13th May with River th On 6 May Irt took an evening special for The Heywood Society. It then ran Mite, 115 th thirty days in May but only seven in June It took a wedding special on 11 June, passengers then was stopped with its tender compressor not generating air. Steam leaking th on 17 June As River Irt departs with the 10.25 on 3rd June, River Mite takes through the regulator proved to be a cracked valve body, so the casting from and then Bonnie Dundee was quickly cannibalised and Irt steamed again, on 20th June. It up shunting detail in the absence of any diesel. Northern Rock again in July is prepared for service on shed. Photo: Will Sands 6 7 with Douglas Ferreira. Cyril was out of use awaiting the delivery and then fitting Permanent Way Notes rd of new gearbox castings, but returned to motion on 23 July and back to the David Moseley engineers’ workshop the following day. Meanwhile fellow Lister Les saw a rare foray out of Ravenglass station limits to Miteside and then Muncaster Mill on 17th and 19th May. Quarryman was started one day in June, but work is ongoing Daily trains started in mid-March. With another successful winter behind them, as volunteer labour permits. the track gang members returned to their operating roles, with a small group still getting out on the track when possible. The chassis of Krauss works No.8457 was given trials on 24th May with a camera mounted on the chassis to give data for its Technical File. These involved being Several small packing jobs have been attended to – these little jobs make all the towed by River Irt over pointwork at Miteside at line speed. Here the Miteside difference to the ride quality of our trains. Our coaches, generally speaking, are Point Indicator light was commissioned on 12th June at 13.28 precisely. The very sensitive to irregularities in the cross-level of the track – some coaches, No.8457 chassis returned to Old Hall Farm on 13th June. Lawson’s lorry then most notably some of the saloons (particularly if empty), tend to roll at the returned to Ravenglass to load Bonnie Dundee and Flower of the Forest for slightest opportunity. There are plans afoot for a new design of coach and delivery and restoration at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, and River Esk’s improvements to the ride quality are high on the list of requirements. original 1923 boiler for blast cleaning at Beckermet before exhibition in the Some settlement had occurred at the start of the relay just outside Ravenglass; th forthcoming museum extension. Its 1983 boiler returned to the fold on 24 this was corrected along with repacking a short, troublesome stretch at the half- June alongside a set of new cylinder castings. mile post (mp). This section, from signal 29R down on to the Marsh, will be Across the fence, the loco-hauled passenger trains have themselves ‘operated one of two long sections to relay in winter 2016/17 – we shall also improve reasonably reliably since April’ – evidently aided by the additional trainset the drainage whilst we are in the area and replace the somewhat tired fences. now available, although the new Northern franchisee has had problems with A stretch above Rock Point heading towards Walk Mill was also relevelled, and traincrew availability, where waiting passengers have the galling sight of a one sleeper replaced. We also repacked at the 1mp at the start of the section train simply running through the station at the right time but non-stop because relaid on plastic sleepers in January 2015. th there is no conductor. On 4 June R&ER rail replacement car services took a We are still investigating sources of sleepers for the future. Winter 2016/17 will passenger eventually to Oxenholme, a fellow fifteen-inch gauge driver from the see track relaid on new African hardwoods, but with the production of plastic Redwood Valley Railway who needed to catch his flight home from Heathrow sleepers now being done in the UK we are hoping the cost of plastic sleepers to San Francisco. will be closer to hardwood than is currently the case. We monitor the costs each Direct Rail Services Class 57s are now frequently seen with Class 66s in various year and spend quite a lot of time chasing quotes to ensure we get the most cost combinations on nuclear flask trains. 66434 and 66433 topped and tailed the effective option, taking into account not only the immediate cost but also the last stone train from Barrow Cavendish Dock to Drigg on 13th April after three projected lifespan of the various different types available. Exchange rates also runs that week and others in March. The new Class 68s 68018 Vigilant, 68005 have a bearing on costs of items brought in from abroad. and 68021 Tireless were top and tailing a Carlisle Kingmoor to Barrow Ramsden We were made aware earlier in the year of some rail of the section we use th Dock train on 13 May. DRS 57301 Goliath and 57310 Pride of Cumbria also (BS35M to be precise) coming on the market at what was, at face value, a very worked The 3 Peaks Challenge special charter from Bangor to Ravenglass and good price for virtually brand new rail. This was from the ex-MoD armaments th on to Fort William on 24 June. site on the north side of the Solway Firth, at Eastriggs near Annan, Dumfries On 16th April 46100 Royal Scot steamed on ‘The Scot Commemorative’ north and Galloway. In conjunction with several other interested parties we actively through Ravenglass. On the same day West Coast Railways had 45699 Galatea pursued options for acquiring the rail. Detailed proposals for lifting were working ‘The Spirit of the Lakes’ southbound from Sellafield, and Class 57315 and discussed and a site visit was made to look at the feasibility of removal. 57316 worked an Ely-Carlisle returning via the Cumbrian Coast for Statesman, The site covered a huge area, with a total route mileage of over twenty-five miles st followed on 21 May by Class 57601 and 57313 on a Carlisle-Aberyswyth. The of two-foot gauge railway, and including some 180 sets of points. The site had th Jubilee Class Galatea then worked the northbound Great Britain IX on 29 been totally relaid with new materials, including Pandrol-fitted steel sleepers, in th April and then ran southbound again on 14 June with The Peaks and Fells the mid 1990s, but with changes in MoD requirements the site was closed and Explorer from Sellafield. Sadly the planned Lakeland Coast Statesman Rail tours military use ceased. New uses for the site, with its easy access to the West Coast to Ravenglass from Cardiff, Lincoln and Derby were cancelled. Main Line and the M74 motorway, are being pursued, but the two-foot gauge 8 9 railway with its complex layout (including double-tracked sections, triangles, attention to the first stretch out of Ravenglass towards the Mill as it is very visible loops and flat crossings with the standard gauge line) needed to be removed as from the road and acts as an advertisement for us. Keeping the vegetation cut the first stage in the redevelopment. One complication was that whoever was back also reduces the fire risk as well as improving drainage. An unexpected going to lift the railway had to do it in a very short space of time but, because effect has also been to reduce the number of places sheep can hide to jump out the line had already been broken in several spots, using rail-mounted vehicles in front of trains! to carry materials to a central location for onward transhipment was not going Regular line walks and greasing of the points at loops has also taken place – any to be possible. In addition, the line went across a peat bog with little or no minor works have been attended to as we have discovered them. As is the norm road access to load directly. The enormity of the task of lifting and removal was we are constantly ‘tweaking’ the track to correct any minor misalignment and compounded by the fact that the system had very few straight sections of track putting additional fixings in to hold the rails securely to the sleepers. but a lot of very sharp curves. This was not an additional problem in lifting as such, but any future usage of the track would need a lot of work to unbend the The S&T department has completed the installation of detectors at Miteside – all rail. The sleepers were steel box section with welded on Pandrol lugs, but were the loops now have lights to confirm whether the points are set correctly. Like of no use to any other railway. The points were, as one member of the group those at Fisherground, the Miteside lights are solar-powered. described them, of the ‘value’ range and, whilst suitable for use at Eastriggs, Looking further ahead to the winter please remember that the track gang their sharp radius and light construction would limit their usefulness elsewhere. would be delighted to have your company during the time that the trains are Before any further discussion could take place on the practicalities of a temporarily back in their boxes. consortium of interested parties from the heritage sector clearing the site, it This year the trains finish on Sunday 30th October; we then have just over three transpired that the whole railway had been placed in the hands of a contractor weeks to weave our magic and relay some fifty lengths of track at Muncaster to remove. It may be that at some point in the future the rail comes on the Mill before Santa Trains start on Wednesday 23rd November. market, so we might investigate further at that time. Track Week ‘proper’ begins on Saturday 12th November through to Sunday 20th Although nothing was running when we went, it must have been a fascinating November, during which period a lunchtime meal will be available. There will railway to operate in its be evening entertainment on selected nights along with an end of Track Week heyday, and one which very dinner. There will be a second Track Week in January 2017 – full details in the few would have been able to next Magazine. experience. We make no apology for asking for your support again – whilst some tiny Several areas of our own aspects of it can be hard work it is also immensely rewarding and you have the railway have had minor added bonus of being able to come and ride over the track you helped to renew realignments and fishplates at a future date. slackened where over- If you would tightening had stopped the like to be rails from expanding as the involved please temperature rose. Bending don’t hesitate of the rails with our trusty Jim to contact any Crow in a couple of locations member of has also been necessary. staff or visit the Aside from work on the track permanent way itself we have been busy department’s cutting back the undergrowth very own and vegetation along the Facebook page seven miles of track. Some – just search for places have already received ‘Rat Track’. The dual-gauge crossing – part of an extensive two cuts – we pay particular Les on construction traffic at Miteside, installing the point railway – at Eastriggs. Photo: David Moseley indicator light infrastructure on 17th May. Photo: Phil Brown 10 11 River Esk A new set of brake gear Nigel Day has been made. This is in line with the system fitted toRock and Irt, Since the last report much has happened. The biggest item, the boiler, has now with air braking on the returned. Now comes the job of fitting it out with the boiler fittings we have loco itself. The brake produced from castings, and the smokebox and ash pan. The ash pan survived linkage contains over the workshop fire but has had new fittings (including gas producer aparatus) eighty components, installed. Although a full gas producer combustion system could be refitted, we only around eight of have simply made retro-fitting possible at a later date. The original design was which survive from done by Phil Girdlestone. It is with great sadness that I report he died recently. the fire (in other words He, like me, was an advocate of modern steam technology. It is planned to more than 90% of the steam test the boiler before fitting it to the frames. Items like the cylinders must brake gear has been be fitted and piped before the boiler can be lifted into place. replaced, similar to the The cylinders were condemned due to damage and subsequent corrosion. New rest of the loco). Much New cylinder patterns being made. Photo: Nigel Day patterns have been made for castings at huge cost, also incurring a time delay. remains to be done to The cylinders will not be ready for fitting for a while yet. Some improvements to the running gear. Some the exhaust piping have been made and will allow the new Lempor draughting new rods and other to work more effectively than the traditional blastpipe of old. Many parts of the valve gear components pistons and valves were made before the cylinder issues came about so are in have been sourced store for fitting later to the new cylinders. These items are being upgraded to but there are many improve steam tightness and efficiency. man-hours needed to complete this area of the locomotive. A new lubricator is now in stock along with many other small items. A full set of piping needs to be fabricated and fitted. The tender needs work but as yet this has not been undertaken. A completion date is still not known although we are now making visible progress with components coming out of their hiding places. The work on River Esk’s old blastpipe (left) alongside Nigel Day’s River Esk has been new, self-made four-nozzle blastpipe. aided by a number of Photo: Nigel Day volunteers. Their help The boiler of River Esk back in the Ravenglass workshop for fitting out. has greatly helped speed up the Esk’s rebuild and is much appreciated. Photo: Nigel Day 12 13 Carriage Development Museum Project Trevor Stockton David Rounce

In recent weeks some big strides have been made on developing ideas for new As the museum begins to develop a higher profile ahead of the extension carriages. There has been a consultation with passengers (a box that needs to be project we have attracted a number of new donations recently. Without doubt ticked if we are to seek funding); members of staff and volunteers have put their the most unusual was a slide sent by a gentleman who has been sorting through ideas forward as well. All this information has been presented to Rob Chambers a relative’s estate. The slide is labelled ‘Eskdale Railway, July 1960, Lake District’ of Purcell’s. but what it depicts… isn’t. While the photo is obviously of a ‘Dub-dee’ [War Department] 2-10-0, some of which did work in Cumbria, this example seems Rob, as a designer, has had considerable input into designing the latest high to have gone native somewhere with Turkey or Greece being put forth as quality carriages on the Ffestiniog Railway. Rob has now made two visits to suggestions. Sadly the environment doesn’t give many clues… Ravenglass and taken many photographs of the existing fleet, also, of course, noting the stock’s limitations. He is currently coming up with some concepts. With the purchase of MODES (our digital collections management system), as well as museum-standard storage materials, we are now set up better than ever Although it is very much early days it remains our aim to build two high quality to catalogue and protect the museum’s collection. The ultimate goal is that the carriages, of either/or observation/Pullman style. As mentioned previously we collection will be digitised and accessible for research through the website, or know, through the use of the Eskdale Belle, that this type of rolling stock will give by appointment on-site, as we believe very strongly that the Ratty’s heritage us an immediate return on our investment. Such coaches can be hired out almost should be freely available to everyone. every day, and if we have two they can be part of a set of carriages made up for hire. As ever we would welcome volunteers to help catalogue and digitise the At the same time we will come up with a design for a prototype saloon carriage collection – as well as helping to ensure the preservation of the archive material, that will form the basis of the roll-out of the new fleet of covered stock for the it’s an excellent way of learning more about the railway’s history. Every object railway. Much remains to be done to ensure that what we do is good from the requires an individual number (for example, Synolda is RVNRC 247, while a off. As mentioned previously we have to consider the potential use of slam door postcard of the Furness Railway’s Furness Abbey Hotel is RVNRC 510.4e) as well stock, heating and lighting and of course new bogies and running gear. I hope as recording of details of its age, origin, condition and storage location, which by the next issue we are able to present some drawings. as one can imagine is not a quick process. With the invaluable assistance of Di Glover we’ve recorded over 700 objects from the ephemera collection in the last month, which is merely scratching the surface! We’d also now like to make an appeal for artefacts; we’re looking for all things Ratty from tickets to uniforms to photographs to merchandise – however insignificant an object may seem, they all contribute to preserving the heritage of our endlessly fascinating railway. So if any members have any material they’d be interested to donate we’d be very interested to hear The blue and white coaches leave Ravenglass as River Mite passes Douglas from you! Ferreira, which is stabled in the carriage sidings. 7th July 2016. Di Glover, volunteer archivist, at work. Photo: Jackie Pharaoh Photo: David Rounce 14 15 Train From Spain: Engineering the outline proposals for works to the locomotive. These discussions and the Mungo Stacy production of the technical file have been greatly assisted by acquiring the original 1920s drawings for the locomotive, comprising 165 drawings in total. In fact, two complete sets have been received from different sources: volunteer Engineering work has now commenced in earnest on the Train From Spain at Graham Worsnop located one set through contacts at Siemens, whilst the park Old Hall Engineering at Bouth. This follows on from hard work over the last railway at Stuttgart has kindly provided a copy of their drawings. three months to resolve many of the questions and uncertainties and establish a firm scope of works. All being well, the loco should be ready for steam trials at One of the uncertainties about the locomotive was the wheel profiles, which are the railway during the autumn. different from the ‘standard’ R&ER wheel profiles. The chassis was transported to Ravenglass on 25th February. An initial trial was carried out on 17th March with nd The boiler inspection was held on 22 March 2016. The inspection confirmed the loco towed to Dalegarth, to check basic clearances. the preliminary thoughts from the initial visit to Spain last October, namely that the boiler was in good condition. There was an annoying delay until the non- A further, more sophisticated, trial was held over 24th and 25th May, in the destructive testing firm was able to visit on 11th May, to take measurements and presence of Ron Whalley. This trial included filming the performance of the allow the scope of works to the boiler to be finalised. leading wheels over pointwork using a special miniature ‘GoPro’ camera. It included trials at speed over the pointwork at Miteside. A short video of this trial rd The project team visited Old Hall Engineering on 23 May to discuss and agree can be viewed on the project’s YouTube channel (search ‘Train From Spain’). the boiler works. The main aspects are fitting a fusible plug (the loco was not built with one); fitting four new washout bosses and plugs; and trimming the In the meantime, the provenance of the wheel tyre material was traced, thanks tube ends. The water feed will be modified to place the cold water feed further to the efforts of Geoff Holland. This has allowed for confidence in adjusting the into the boiler to reduce the risk of problems due to differential temperatures. wheel profiles by welding up the root of the flange, then turning to the standard There are also some localised repairs and build-up to minor areas of corrosion. profile. This work was carried out at Old Hall Engineering during July. In parallel, a new set of safety valves has been fabricated and supplied by the These trials and inspections allowed for the initial scope of works to the chassis engineers at New Romney. and boiler to be confirmed at a design decisions meeting held on 11th June. In Discussions were held with the Railway Company’s safety advisors, Green Dragon turn, this has allowed Old Hall Engineering to press ahead with the works. Rail, about the legislative requirements to accept the locomotive into service on the The chassis was returned to Bouth on 13th June and the wheelsets removed railway. Following their advice, Ron Whalley has been appointed as the Suitably from the frames. The wheelsets were sent for ultrasonic testing of the axles Qualified and Experienced Person to advise on the content of the technical file, and dye penetration testing of the spokes, at Responsive Testing of Lillyhall which documents all changes made to the locomotive, and on requirements (Workington). The testing was carried out on 29th June and raised no problems. for acceptance. Ron has a background with the Railway Inspectorate and has had a long A new brake cylinder has been fitted to the chassis to allow the loco brakes involvement to work from the train air brake system. A lubricator has been acquired. with the railway Modifications are being carried out to the front bufferbeam to provide access including the to the piston valves. Spare parts, including a casting for the main steam pipe commissioning T-piece, have been provided by the Killesbergbahn at Stuttgart. of Douglas Development work has continued on ideas for the tender. This work has been Ferreira. greatly assisted by the involvement of Stuart Marsh, who volunteers in the An initial railway’s S&T department. He visited the railway on 9th July to take measurements meeting with of current tenders and has drawn up CAD plans for a proposed new tender. Ron Whalley The tender design is a somewhat challenging problem; the basic requirements th was held on 5 are to have at least as much coal and water capacity as the other loco tenders; May to review to fit within the overall length currently occupied by the longest loco,Northern The Train From Spain’s chassis and tender on gauging the paperwork Rock; to include for ancillary equipment including air compressors, train braking trials with River Irt for motive power in May. requirements systems, batteries, chargers, radios; and also include space for the driver! On top Photo: Dick Smith and discuss 16 17 of that, it needs to be an aesthetic match both for the new loco and to suit the which is spurring on the team. If family of existing locos and tenders. you would like to get involved, opportunities still exist! We It is expected to be more straightforward to construct a new tender which have Train From Spain leaflets meets these requirements. It is thought that the option to modify the existing to distribute, events to organise tender would result in very little remaining; also much of the existing tender is and run, and other fundraising of recent reconstruction by the engineers in Spain, rather than being original. avenues to explore. Please get in Construction work is expected to occur over the winter. touch with Tom at fundraising@ Any such project to overhaul and refurbish an historic locomotive, particularly trainfromspain.org. one that has not run for over eighty years, will have uncertainties. In recent Council chairman Sam Dixon months, many of these have been narrowed down. However, other issues may hosted an auction of chiefly Ratty crop up during the steam trials which it is hoped to hold later this year. memorabilia after the Society Design work for a new tender. All being well, a second stage of works will be identified to carry out at Old AGM on 9th July. The proceeds Image: Stuart Marsh Hall Engineering over the winter, together with construction of the new tender. would be put towards the Train This could allow for trials of the completed locomotive in the spring and early From Spain Appeal, and many of the items listed came from the estate of the late summer of 2017. Graham Withers, a leading light in the fundraising effort behind the River Mite project in the 1960s. Some of the smaller items, such as card timetables from We are looking for more people to become involved in this exciting project. seasons past, fetched only a small number of pounds each. Some of the bigger This can be done remotely from Ravenglass – on our weekly conference calls items auctioned included a warning sign from the entrance to Gilbert’s Cutting we have had attendance from as far afield as Delhi, Italy and Dalegarth Cottages! (these have recently been replaced with new), which fetched £100, River Mite’s People with suitable skills are welcome to contribute to the engineering smokebox door (which is due for replacement following discovery of a hairline development, or the production of the ‘back-end’ paperwork. crack), which went for some £400, and the bespoke painting of River Mite Equally, those with enthusiasm for the project are welcome to get involved. offered by David French GRA, which sold for £500. Andy Cruickshank manned Could you put on an event or talk in your local area to promote interest in the a stall at the back of the room selling mugs and badges, the combined effort project? Or organise a fundraising activity in support? Or do a sponsored walk/ yielding circa £1,300 on the night. skydive/beard trim? We already have publicity events lined up for next year and In a novel move our next fundraising event will be a murder mystery evening would welcome support on the day. at the Railway. This will take place on the evening of Saturday 8th October Can you help? We would like to take this opportunity to raise the profile not just of (from around six o’clock), at a modest ticket price of £20, to include a train ride the Train From Spain project, but also the railway and of volunteering on the railway. (hopefully steam-hauled), buffet at Dalegarth café and the murder mystery itself, hosted by Gosforth The Train From Spain Appeal Amateur Dramatic Society. Our Keith Herbert thanks to Tosh McGregor for volunteering in the role of theatrical The fundraising arm of the project has faced some challenges in its second direction. Please arrange yourselves quarter, with fundraising coordinator Karl Bartlett exiting the group. We into teams of 2-8 people. were joined briefly by Sarah Bennett, who was a great help in getting things Our ‘Name the Train From Spain’ done; now Will Sands has joined the fray, setting up an Instagram account and and ‘Paint the Train From Spain’ looking to handle the Train From Spain website. The loss of our fundraising fundraisers – which can be done Following non-destructive testing, coordinator has caused setbacks and delays, and we offer profuse apologies if entirely online now – have raised No.8457’s wheels are posed alongside your donation has gone unrecognised for a long period of time. We promise we several hundred pounds so far, Lakeside & Haverthwaite loco Victor in are getting there! The most notable change in the line-up sees Tom Whitbread which certainly should help in Haverthwaite yard. take over the role of coordinator; he is bringing a new focus and determination respect of name plate castings Photo: Alex Sharphouse 18 19 and sufficient tins of paint. The deadline for suggestions will be at the end of Ian Leigh and I were passing through Stuttgart on our way to the annual October, following which will come shortlisting, by a panel representative of Fedecrail conference, which this year was being held in Austria. Ian suggested various aspects of the Ratty (volunteers, Council members, Train From Spain we ask Stuttgart if the engine would be running the weekend we would be project members) and then the big vote, by you, the members. Voting slips there. A reply immediately came back that not only would the locomotive be will be included with the December issue of the Magazine, which should make running, but it was the official launch day, and we were invited along as guests it possible to reveal the chosen name and livery by the March edition. Please for the occasion. keep the suggestions coming to give your choice the best chance of making the A word about the Killesbergbahn. Built in 1939, it runs for a distance of 2.1km shortlist! in a circuit round the park, but has some very steep gradients, steeper than All told our fundraising to date totals more than £22,000 – this in just half a year. anything encountered on the Ratty. There is a branch off to the loco shed and Sponsorship opportunities for certain components, such as safety valves and workshops. There are two Krauss steam locomotives, both built in 1950, plus fire bars, are available (see trainfromspain.org) and there is the not so small two diesel locomotives. matter of a new tender to build before the Train From Spain can enter service. The line is run by SSB, the Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG, which is the Stuttgart local transport authority, which runs trams, underground railways, and buses Rocking Horse in the city. This system is worth a look in its own right with such oddities as a narrow gauge rack tram and a funicular also run by SSB. A handmade Rocking Horse made by Gerald Bryson of Berwick on Tweed has been So Sunday 17th April saw us at the locomotive shed at 10.00. It was already busy donated to the Society in order to raise funds with guests arriving, entertainers setting up, and the registration desk open. for the Train From Spain. Mr Bryson has Among the guests were representatives from Leipzig, and old friends Angela made many Rocking Horses which cost in the and Ulf Neumann from the Dresden Parkeisenbahn. Following registration, region of £800 in materials to construct. we were able to look round the engine shed, take photographs, and see Santa María in all her glory. There was drizzle and light rain all morning, which made Approximate dimensions: for a damp rail. Light refreshments were then served, and this was followed by a length of stand: 5ft display of Spanish dancing by a local Spanish-German children’s dancing group. height (floor to ears): 3ft 10in There was also an adult group who played salsa music, along with flamenco height (floor to saddle): 2ft 10in dancing. This maintained the Spanish theme. horse chest to rear: 2ft 4in All three engines were then lined up, in steam, outside the shed, which made a The Society would like to invite offers from anyone who wishes to make fine sight. There then followed the official speeches, from amongst others the an offer to purchase the rocking horse or perhaps a member who would Mayor of Stuttgart, and Head of the SSB. Then it was down to driver Thomas like to include the rocking horse in a Christmas or other raffle which they Stegmüller to take Santa María down to the station for the inaugural round-trip. might be organising. Tapas and drinks continued to be served, completing the Spanish theme. Santa The rocking horse is available to view in Ulverston. Contact Stuart Harrison María made several round-trips for invited guests, double-heading with one of on 01229-716578 or email [email protected] the other engines. Naturally we participated in a trip, and despite damp rail Santa María put up a fine performance. Following the lunch break, the line was open to the public, and considerable interest was shown in Santa María. The The Launch of the Santa María Spanish dancers had transferred to the main station, giving it a very festive feel. Steve Wood and Ian Leigh In conclusion a very good, well-organised event to which we were honoured to be invited; definitely food for thought both regarding restoration, and an As you will know the Society has recently purchased the Train From Spain, which inaugural event. Thomas Stegmüller and Urs Polin, both drivers at Stuttgart, is really the locomotive from Germany in the shape of a Krauss Pacific, which are shortly to visit Ravenglass, and it is hoped we can return some of their had been operating in Spain. A sister locomotive, No.8455, was purchased by the hospitality. With sincere thanks to the management of SSB for the invitation, Killesbergbahn in Stuttgart. That locomotive has been restored to full running and their warm welcome. condition, so the Society should be able to learn from Stuttgart’s experience. 20 21 Summer Steam

Typhoon on 1st August, its first day in traffic. Photo: Peter van Zeller Northern Rock glides down Horsefalls, 13th July. Photo: Christopher Glover

River Irt rounds Spout House curve on 2nd June. Photo: Christine Turkington Regular driver Phil Brown lines up River Mite on Ravenglass turntable. Photo: Derek Walmsley 22 23 From the Secretary’s Desk The R&ERPS AGM Summary Mungo Stacy Di Chase

Annual General Meeting The Chairman, Sam Dixon, welcomed forty-one members to the 55th AGM, The Annual General Meeting was held at Dalegarth on Saturday held at Dalegarth. He apologised for the delay and unplanned transport (Sim’s 9th July 2016. Road transport had to be arranged at short notice bus, rather than a special train, following River Irt’s broken spring). Sam then owing to an earlier failure on the railway. However, this did introduced the Officers: Mungo Stacy (Hon Secretary) and David Lees (Hon not deter the forty-one Society members who enjoyed a hot Financial Secretary). Thanks were given to Kath Graham and her team for supper, provided by the staff of Fellbites Café, before getting providing the excellent food; especially after dealing with passengers who to the business of the AGM. needed transport to Ravenglass by car/coach that afternoon. Sarah Bennett was elected as membership secretary at the Report from Council AGM. Phil Taylor has stood down. Please note the new address Sam said that it had been another very successful year for the Society, for renewals; it is provided on the inside front cover of the Magazine. supporting the Company; the Directors and immediate management were very grateful for both the volunteer effort and the financial help. The concordat has Financial Secretary Dave Lees was present, and is recovering well from a recent been renewed for another ten years (to 2026) to firm the relationship with the operation. Company. Heywood House The centenary celebrations (held during the three days of the August bank holiday 2015) were very good; the weather was excellent, and the feedback was There were 150 bed-nights in the last quarter. The current rules with respect very positive. to Company employees were discussed at the AGM, and a vote was taken The Train From Spain (TFS) was probably the most exciting project in recent to rescind this portion of the rules. Council will consider this further at the history. The Society’s current locos continue to deliver sterling service; River September meeting and will update and reissue the rules. Mite visited the Kirklees Light Railway last September, and thanks are due to The long-standing cleaner, Emma, has retired. She is thanked for her efforts in Phil Brown, the regular driver, for keeping the loco in such good order. We keeping the property clean and tidy over the years. were looking at ways to mark the fiftieth anniversary ofRiver Mite – its arrival in 1966 or entering service in 1967 – and are in contact with Howard Stafford, The exterior suffers from the weather and will be repainted shortly. the current owner of Providence (the traction engine that delivered River Mite), with a view to a re-enactment in 2017. Douglas Ferreira continued to provide The Green great service and last year ran 8,000 miles – the lowest annual mileage since it The platform at The Green was completed with new tarmac in the spring, and was built in 2005. the whole station now looks very smart. To support the rebuilding of the new engineers’ workshop, built with a larger footprint, the Society has provided a loan of £100,000 which will be repaid over Colossus replica ten years. A group including members of the Preservation Society is aiming to build a The Magazine continues to be of high quality, thanks to Keith Herbert and his replica of Colussus, the Bassett-Lowke scale Pacific. The project is not intended editorial team, and also to Julie Hutchinson, Craven Design & Print and the to compete in any way with the Train From Spain project. The group has Cumbria Mailing Services. requested the support of the Preservation Society, which has been granted. Heywood House continues to be used by volunteers and staff; 737 bed-nights were recorded during the past year. Thanks were given to the Warden, Mary Train From Spain Harding. Considerable effort from Council members, among others, is being dedicated The ‘on-line’ sales coach is now is now repositioned beside the ‘cinema’ so is to the Train From Spain project, as reported elsewhere in the Magazine. officially ‘off-line’! Thanks were given to Terry Williams, the Sales Officer. The Society had received generous bequests in the past year. A new leaflet 24 25 about legacies has been created and will be circulated with the September issue Krauss, which has resulted in a major drop in the bank balance, but is offset by of the Magazine. a large increase in fixed assets. The Green project was completed recently, with the platform being re-tarmaced. Election of Officers and members of Council Sam invited questions and comments. Peter Mills thanked all the current Please note the Chairman is elected by the Council each September. volunteers for helping to train new volunteers. Sam added that Trevor Stockton Council members retiring by rotation (at the end of their three-year term) – would reinforce that if he had been here – all volunteers are greatly valued. Iain Aldred, Neal Glover, Dave Mosley, Tom Whitbread, Jim Wilcock, and Peter Mungo gave a summary of progress with the Train From Spain project (and joked van Zeller – were re-elected. Sam added that there were still two vacancies on that while the “Krauss from Catalonia” was technically more accurate, it didn’t Council and he would welcome new people, particularly younger members. have quite the same ring to it!). Many people had attended the EGM (December The current Hon Secretary (Mungo Stacy) and Hon Financial Secretary (Dave 2015), which voted to proceed with the purchase. The loco arrived in the UK in Lees) had offered to stand again and were re-elected unopposed. Phil Taylor early February, and went directly to Old Hall Engineering. It is hoped that the (Hon Membership Secretary) had offered his resignation from Council. Sam loco can be commissioned in the spring of 2017. The tender leaks badly, and it said that we are extremely grateful for all his help over many years – both as might be necessary to construct a new one. The Society had sufficient funds to a Council member and also as Hon Membership Secretary. Sarah Bennett had cover the purchase of the loco but, in January, fundraising was launched. The offered to stand in this role and was elected unopposed. target was £126,000, and the current total was £22,613.70 (not including gift-aid) Terry Taylor (Phil’s father) asked Sam to elaborate on the reasons behind which was a fantastic amount. The Steering Committee holds weekly telephone Phil’s resignation. Sam replied that, as was publicly known, Phil’s son Ben was conference calls on progress. A lot had been achieved from the standing start six convicted at Carlisle Crown Court of arson against the railway. As a result, Phil months ago, and we had already closed some of the initial unknowns. had offered his resignation. Council had discussed this and had felt that this Steve Wood suggested that thanks should also be recorded for staff at the should not affect Phil’s role on Council, because Ben was an adult (24 years), so Killesbergbahn Railway in Stuttgart, Germany; they took on the sister loco and we turned down his offer of resignation. Following sentencing, the Company have sent drawings and given us advice with the refurbishment. Mungo agreed said that it was not willing for Phil to remain as a volunteer on the railway [he completely. had been an active volunteer since childhood and, in recent years, had trained as a volunteer steam loco driver; his parents have also volunteered for many Society’s Finances years]. Phil felt that his position on Council was therefore untenable and again Dave Lees thanked Ian Leigh for the hand-over and said that there had been offered his resignation. Again this was discussed by Council and it was with relatively little activity in the accounts, apart from transactions relating to the deep regret that it was felt that we had to accept his offer at this time. There was a general feeling of disquiet. Ron Clarke asked if there was anything that we, as a Society, could do. Sam replied that he and Mungo had met with David Little (the Chief Executive) and senior management on the railway, and made it clear that the Society was unhappy with this, but the Company was unwilling to move from its position. Denis Wooley thanked the Taylor family for their support to him personally over the years. Relationship between the Railway Company and the Preservation Society David Little (the Chief Executive) and Iain Aldred (the Society’s representative on the Board of Directors) had sent their apologies. Trevor Stockton (General Manager) had planned to attend but was unable to do so following Irt’s derailment; the Rail Accident Investigation Branch was involved (routinely) but there were no problems on the railway as a whole. River Irt in working condition approaches Muncaster Mill with a morning train. Photo: Christopher Glover 26 27 AOB owned the bungalow and two coaches which could be made available to Steve Wood, speaking as a volunteer diesel driver and guard, thanked the seasonal workers. Peter Mills believed that the number of volunteers staying Company for providing lunch for volunteers, and the café staff for preparing in Heywood is reducing, and the Warden confirmed that it was never full those meals. Sam replied that Iain Aldred had worked hard to secure that, and except during Track Weeks. Sarah Bennett pointed out that the rules had been thanks were due to him. introduced because the Company had offered seasonal staff accommodation in Heywood without first consulting the Council or the (then) warden. John Larke Terry Williams (Sales Officer) announced that there was a new range of Society said that the purpose of the Society was to support the railway, and if there was clothing, and encouraged people to see it and buy! space available, then why not allow Company staff to stay there. Sam asked for Heywood House a vote, which was in favour of further discussions at the September Council meeting. Diane Glover was invited to initiate a discussion. She stated that, according to the rules: (i) Heywood House is open to all members and belongs to all Sam closed the meeting. The next AGM would be on Saturday 8th July 2017. members; (ii) members who are not volunteering will be accepted at the Warden’s discretion, whereas members who are Company staff have to apply to Council. Diane proposed that this discrimination be removed and replaced by a R&ERPS Trust simple statement that volunteers would be given priority over non-volunteers, Annual Public Meeting provided sufficient notice was given. She pointed out the problems of seasonal workers (employed by the Company) finding local temporary accommodation, It is hope that Katie, which is being restored to steam at Station Road Steam, will and that staff staying in Heywood provided additional income. Sam invited be back in Ravenglass next year. comments and questions from the floor. The museum is now open. The RERPS Trust had provided £10,000 for Phase Jackie Pharaoh stated that Heywood House is volunteer accommodation, not I, and has committed £90,000 for Phase II to allow funding from the Heritage intended for staff. Jeff Bennett pointed out that the additional income from Lottery Funding. Bob Tebb and Stuart Harrison are the two museum trustees Company staff had to be off-set against the additional utilities bills. Keith from the Society. David Rounce was welcomed to the role of project manager Herbert expressed sadness at the disproportionate amount of time spent by for the museum. Peter van Zeller, as a trustee of the railway museum, thanked Council on discussing Heywood House. Andrew Jackman said that it was a the Trust for its support. Hopefully work will start on the museum in the autumn. difficult balance between providing long-term accommodation for workers Thanks to all the members for their contributions. and encouraging volunteers; in addition to Dalegarth Cottages, the Company The Trust had received generous bequests in 2015-16, including £10,000 from the late Dave Edmunds. The Trust accepts gift aid on donations made to the Train From Spain Appeal. The next open public meeting would be held on 8th July 2017, after the AGM.

An auction of Ratty memorabilia in aid of the Train From Spain Appeal Sam, as auctioneer, sold a total of twenty items; most had been kindly donated by Margaret Withers, from the collection of her late husband Graham (long-time Controller, and primary fundraiser for the River Mite appeal). Items included R&ER handbooks, timetables, postcards, posters, a jigsaw puzzle, boxes of matches, and an RERPS metal car badge, plus t-shirts (in a design no longer available), a ‘warning’ sign from Gilbert’s Cutting, River Mite’s smokebox door (which is cracked and needs to be replaced), and an original painting of River Mite on Dalegarth turntable. River Mite clears Miteside loop with a down train on 13th July. A total of £1,254 was raised. Photo: Christopher Glover 28 29 Volunteering Statistics and there are 33 new volunteers – a very pleasing increase! The 10 people who Di Chase stopped volunteering had contributed (in 2014-15) a total of 160 days; 110 by new volunteersthe twonew [now]– a volunteersvery staff.pleasing –This a increase! very contrasts pleasing The 10withincrease! people the The whonew 10 stopped volunteerspeople volunteering who stoppedfor the volunteeringpast year VolunteeringVolunteering Statistics Statistics had contributed(2015-16)newhad (in whovolunteers contributed 2014-15) have –contributeda a(intotal very 2014-15) ofpleasing 160 overadays; totalincrease! 470110 of days.160 byThe the days; 10Unfortunately two people 110 [now] by who thestaff. stoppedtwo a This total [now] volunteering of staff. 50 days This Volunteering Statistics had contributed (in 2014-15) a total of 160 days; 110 by the two [now] staff. This Once again, the daily signing-in bookDi hasChase been usedDi Chase to estimate the number of contrastswere with recorded contraststhe new byvolunteerswith people the new for whose volunteersthe past names year for (2015-16) Ithe could past not yearwho decipher(!), (2015-16)have contributed who so have I don’t contributed know days effort provided by volunteers. As in previousDi years,Chase I have removed anyone over 470if this days. effortcontrastsover Unfortunately should470 with days. thebe Unfortunatelya attributednew total volunteers of 50 to daysa new totalfor werethe orof pastcontinuing50recorded daysyear (2015-16) wereby volunteers.people recorded who whose haveby It people iscontributed pleasing whose over 470 days. Unfortunately a total of 50 days were recorded by people whose knownOnce again, to be the Onceunder daily again, signing-in 16 years the daily book of agesigning-in has and been temporarybook used hasto estimate been paid used thestaff to number estimate(e.g. Santa),of thedays number effortand I of days effortnames to I couldknow namesnot that decipher(!), twoI could of thenot so volunteerdecipher(!),I don’t know sosteam ifI thisdon’t drivers effort know should areif this ex-staff. beeffort attributed should to be attributed to names I could not decipher(!), so I don’t know if this effort should be attributed to haveprovided also by divided volunteers.Onceprovided again, the Asby effortthe volunteers.in previousdaily into signing-in half-daysAsyears, in previous Ibook have and hasremoved years, full-days.been I usedanyonehave Theretoremoved knownestimate are anyoneto thelikely be numberunder known to 16be of to daysbe under effortnew 16 or continuingnew volunteers.or continuing It isvolunteers. pleasing to It know is pleasing that two to knowof the that volunteer two of steam the volunteer steam new or continuing volunteers. It is pleasing to know that two of the volunteer steam additionalyears of age volunteers andprovidedyears temporary of byage whovolunteers. and paid have temporary staff Asnot (e.g. in been previouspaidSanta), staffincluded, andyears, (e.g. I haveISanta), havethus also removed andthe divided Ifigures have anyone the also effortbelow knowndivided into areto the be effortunderdrivers into16 Many are ex-staff. peopledrivers are contributed ex-staff. drivers are ex-staff. probably anyears under-estimatehalf-days of age and and full-days. temporary although There paid it arestillstaff likely shows (e.g. toSanta), anbe additionalimpressive and I have volunteers contributionalso divided who thehave effort not intobeen to the successful gala at half-days and full-days. There are likely to be additional volunteers who have not been Many Manypeople people half-daysincluded, and thus full-days. the figures There below are arelikely probably to be anadditional under-estimate volunteers although who haveit still not shows been an the end of August 2015; toincluded, the work-load thus the figuresof the belowrailway. are Onceprobably again, an under-estimate if calculated althoughat the minimum it still shows wage an contributed Manycontributedto the topeople the included,impressive thus contribution the figures tobelow the arework-load probably of anthe under-estimate railway. Once althoughagain, if itcalculated still shows at anthe this effort, together with (whichimpressive would contribution not be toappropriate the work-load for of the the drivers), railway. Onceit represents again, if acalculated considerable at the successful galacontributedsuccessful at the galato at thethe impressiveminimum contributionwage (which to wouldthe work-load not be ofappropriate the railway. for Once the again,drivers), if calculated it represents at the a help on the Halloween financialminimum wagebenefit (which to the would Company. not be appropriate for the drivers), it represents a end of Augustsuccessfulend 2015;of Augustgala at 2015;the minimumconsiderable wage financial (which benefit would to thenot Company. be appropriate for the drivers), it represents a trains, has been included considerable financial benefit to the Company. this effort, endthistogether of effort,August together2015; I am indebtedconsiderable to David financial Moseley, benefit the to theRailway’s Company. Foreman, for providing the in thethis category effort, ‘various’,together I am indebtedI toam David indebted Moseley, to David the Railway’sMoseley, theForeman, Railway’s for Foreman,providing forthe providingvolunteer the volunteerwith help withon thehelp on the volunteer numbers for permanent way (PWay). as has withwork helpon theon Society the numbers for permanentI numbersam indebted forway permanent (PWay).to David way Moseley, (PWay). the Railway’s Foreman, for providing the volunteerHalloween trains,Halloween has trains, has numbers for permanent way (PWay). been salesincluded Halloweencoach,been in the includedPR/publicity, trains, in hasthe (year = 1st March to 28/29th February) 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (year = 1st March to 28/29th February) 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 categorywork ‘various’, onbeencategory the asincluded has museum ‘various’, work inon as theand has Society work onsales the coach, Society PR/publicity, sales coach, workPR/publicity, on the work on the Task (yearTask = 1st March to 28/29th February) Days Days2012-13Days Days2013-14Days Days2014-15Days 2015-16Days category ‘various’, as has work on the Society sales coach, PR/publicity, work on the TaskGuard Days 964 Days 856 Days 837 Days820.5museumgeneral and museumgeneralhelp. Thehelp. and category Thegeneral category help.‘stations’ The‘stations’ includescategory includes ‘stations’ manning, manning, includes as aswell wellmanning, as asmaintenance as well as Guard 964 856 837 820.5 museum and general help. The category ‘stations’ includes manning, as well as Diesel driver* GuardDiesel driver* 290.5 964 217 290.5856 183 837217 820.5maintenance183 / refurbishment / maintenancerefurbishment work/ refurbishmentwork (particularly(particularly work to (particularlyMurthwaiteto Murthwaite toHalt Murthwaite and Halt The Green).andHalt andThe The Green). Green). Diesel driver* 196 196 290.5 217 183 maintenance / refurbishment work (particularly to Murthwaite Halt and The Green). Steam driver* Steam driver* 17 196 51 17 80 51 This80 yearThis there yearThis has there yearbeen hasthere a large been has increase been a large a inlarge ‘training’increase increase – inmainlyin ‘training’ for the – – mainlyrole mainly of forguard forthe therole roleof guard of Shunter SteamShunter driver* 34 12.5 34 20.5 12.517 11 20.551 80(although11 guard it includes This(although(although year some there it it includesshunter/diesel includeshas been some asome large shunter/dieseldriver increaseshunter/diesel training); in driver ‘training’this reflectstraining); driver – mainly the training);this significant forreflects the rolethisthe significantofreflects guard Trainee (guard / Shunterdriver)Trainee (guard / driver) 168 66.5 34168 5312.566.5 177.520.553 177.511 (although it includes some shunter/diesel driver training); this reflects the significant increasethe in significant the increasenumber inof increase thenew number volunteers in ofthe new (manynumber volunteers young), of (manywhonew hopefully volunteersyoung), whowill (manycontinuehopefully young), will continue who Permanent Way TraineePermanent (guard Way / driver) 396 351.5 168396 36266.5351.5 422 53362 177.5422 increase in the number of new volunteers (many young), who hopefully will continue PermanentEngineer Way 396 351.574 124.5362 239.5422to contributehopefully forto many contributewill continueyears forto come!many to contribute years to come! for many years to come! Engineer 74 124.5 239.5 to contribute for many years to come! Stations (manningEngineer Stationsand maintenance) (manning and maintenance) 69 86 69 55 7486 48.5124.555 239.548.5 Lineside StationsLineside (manning and maintenance) 45 48 6945 37 8648 26.5 5537 48.526.5 Litter-picking LinesideLitter-picking 25 11.5 4525 8 11.548 9.5 37 8 26.59.5 Communications,Litter-picking signalsCommunications, / telephones signals (S&T) / telephones (S&T) 50 35.5 2550 6611.535.5 65.5 866 9.565.5 BR box Communications,BR box signals / telephones (S&T) 10 12 5010 035.512 4.5 66 0 65.54.5 Painter BRPainter box 10 2.5 1010 0 122.5 4.5 0 0 4.54.5 Parks and gardensPainterParks and gardens 6 11 10 6 2.5 2.511 8 2.50 4.5 8 Various (gala, halloween,ParksVarious and gardens(gala,publicity/PR, halloween, museum, publicity/PR, Society museum, Society 6 11 2.5 8 Various (gala, halloween, publicity/PR, museum, 111Society 42 111 33.5 42 117.5 33.5 117.5 coach, sales, generalcoach, helper, sales, etc.) general helper, etc.) 111 42 33.5 117.5 “As Required” coach,“As Required” sales, general helper, etc.) 73 59 73 26 59 41.5 26 41.5 TOTAL “AsTOTAL Required” 2,157 1,975.52,157731,893 1,975.5592,259.51,89326 2,259.541.5 TOTAL 2,157 1,975.5 1,893 2,259.5 * this was not differentiated* this was not between differentiated diesel and between steam, diesel initially and steam, initially * this* wasthis was not not differentiated differentiated between diesel diesel and and steam, steam, initially initially The total numberThe of total volunteer number days of volunteerduring past days 12 duringmonths past has 12 seen months a reverse has seenof the a trendreverse of the trend Thetowards total a decreasenumberThetowards total in of volunteer anumbervolunteer decrease ofnumbers involunteer daysvolunteer overduring days thenumbers duringprecedingpast over12 past months two the12 precedingmonthsyears has – wehas seen two are seen yearsnowa reversea reverse above– we are of nowthe trendabove ofthe the 2012/13 trend total towardstowardsthe –2012/13 so a it decreasea appears decrease total –inthat so volunteer initthe appears volunteer effort numbers (bythat the thenumbers overCompany effort the (by overpreceding andthe thetheCompany Society)precedingtwo years and to –therecruit wetwo Society) are now to above recruitThe graph of theThe number graph ofof thevolunteers number / of month volunteers (for guards, / month drivers (for guards,and PWay drivers only) and PWay only) The graph of the number of volunteers / month (for guards, drivers and PWay only) yearsnew volunteers – we arethenew isnow 2012/13 being volunteers above successful. total the is – beingso 2012/13 Thereit appearssuccessful. is, total however that – Therethe so aeffortit decline appearsis, however (by in the thethat Companya numberdecline the effort inandof thevolunteer (bythe number Society) the of to volunteer recruitshows (i) the twoshows peaks (i) theof PWaytwo peaks volunteering, of PWay correspondingvolunteering, correspondingto the Track Weeks; to the Track Weeks; The graphshows of (i) the the numbertwo peaks of of volunteers PWay volunteering, / month corresponding (for guards, to drivers the Track and Weeks; PWay Companyguards, although andnewguards, thehopefully volunteers Society) although this is to willbeinghopefully recruit be successful. overcome thisnew will volunteers through Therebe overcome is, the however isincreased beingthrough a decline successful.numbers the increased in theof trainees. numberThere numbers of ofvolunteer trainees.(ii) the clear main(ii) seasonthe clear (from main mid-July season (from to the mid-July end of August), to the end the of ‘shoulder August), season’, the ‘shoulder season’, only) (ii)shows the clear (i) mainthe twoseason peaks (from ofmid-July PWay to volunteering, the end of August), corresponding the ‘shoulder season’, to the is,Compared however to guards,a Compared lastdecline year, although inandto the lasthopefullyexcluding numberyear, thisandthe of will excludingPWay volunteer be overcome (because the guards, PWay throughthe volunteer (becausealthough the increased thenumbers hopefully volunteer numbers are numbers of trainees.and are the minor andpeak the in Decemberminor peak due in Decemberto the Santa due trains; to the (iii) Santa the relativelytrains; (iii) consistent the relatively consistent Track Weeks;and the minor (ii) the peak clear in December main season due to(from the Santa mid-July trains; to (iii) the the end relatively of August), consistent the thisrecorded will beusing overcomeComparedrecorded a separate using throughto system): last a separateyear, the83 people andincreased system): excluding have 83 numberscontinued people the PWay have toof volunteer, trainees.continued(because Compared10 theto people volunteer,volunteer have to 10 numbers people contribution haveare tocontribution driving (steam to drivingand diesel (steam combined) and diesel reflecting combined) that reflectingthese volunteers that these volunteers ‘shouldercontribution season’, to and driving the minor(steam andpeak diesel in December combined) reflectingdue to the that Santa these trains;volunteers (iii) laststopped year, volunteering andrecorded stoppedexcluding (although usingvolunteering the a separatePWay two (althoughof (because thesesystem): have two 83 the been ofpeople volunteer these taken-on have have continued numbersbeenas staff) taken-on andto are volunteer,there recordedas staff) are 3310and people there arehavepredominantly 33 predominantlylive locally. live locally. stopped volunteering (although two of these have been taken-on as staff) and there are 33 the relativelypredominantly consistent live locally. contribution to driving (steam and diesel combined) using a separate system): 83 people have continued to volunteer, 10 people reflecting that these volunteers predominantly live locally. have stopped volunteering (although two of these have been taken-on as staff)

30 31 Volunteering Update of the downsides to this year has been the constant demand for trainers to be Peter Mills available to show potential new volunteers about the site and the line. In one sense, it’s a good problem to have, but on occasion, it has been difficult to ensure that new volunteers have seen everything. With this in mind, I am planning to I am pleased to report once again that we are continuing to see a steady flow trial a different way of hosting potential new volunteers. I plan to put ‘Volunteer of new volunteers attracted to volunteering on the railway. It is encouraging Days’ into our events guide next season – dedicated dates throughout the year that this trend is continuing and I must pass on my thanks to all the guards where we can have the most resources on site to help. There will be a planned who have spent time training our new volunteers. I realise that volunteers come and timetabled day of activity for new volunteers and a tour around the whole expecting to guard alone and then often have a trainee to oversee. I can only railway. They will be introduced to representatives of each area of volunteering say that it is because of the training, knowledge and care that you as guards are on the railway, such a guards, permanent way, station masters, museum and passing on to our trainees that we are continuing to enjoy this new support. engineering before seeing other parts of the railway. They will get a ‘volunteers’ The feedback that I get from our new volunteers is that everyone is welcoming, pack’ with all the information on everything they have seen to take home with friendly and encouraging in sharing their knowledge. So a big thank you to all them and all the ways that they can get in touch when they are interested in who have played their part in the training of new guards, you have made a big starting to volunteer. Then at the end of next season, we will sit down and difference to the railway! evaluate how well these ‘Volunteer Days’ have worked. More details will be in As we speak, we have just entered the high summer season, and the demand for the next Magazine and, to those who have offered to help, thank you, I’ll be in guards is at its highest. I am pleased to see our new guards enjoying the busy touch. If you haven’t been in touch and you are interested in helping with new trains and interacting with our passengers. As guards, you are often the first point volunteers, then please email me. of contact with our passengers and you are ensuring that everyone is having a Finally, as always, if you’ve never volunteered and you fancy joining a friendly good time. All your extra effort is helping to create a friendly atmosphere for all volunteer team, then please email me at the volunteering email address at the to enjoy their day out. Also having more guards available is helping to ensure front of the Magazine. the smooth running of the railway on a daily basis. You will be making a massive difference by becoming a volunteer! Even though we are only halfway through this season, I am already planning the next stage of the volunteer recruitment programme. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels; we need to continue to attract new volunteers to our railway. One Volunteering on Council Sarah Bennett

I have volunteered on the Railway since 1989. It has been, and remains, a big part of my life; I met Flash, my husband, on the trackside and we had a wedding train on our wedding day. I have made many life-long friends too. Expecting a baby didn’t even stop me volunteering and I was often found at The Green station, first with bump, then with pram and flag-waving baby. Stephen is now a qualified guard in his own right. In 1999 I was persuaded to stand for Council and was successful in the ballot. And so my Council career began. At first it was a little daunting sitting around a table with people who were older and far more knowledgeable about the Railway than I was, but I soon found that my opinion, ideas and contributions were valued on a level playing field. I was, after all, a regular volunteer and getting to really understand the working and the history of the Railway. And so, in my time as a Council member, many decisions, both large and small, have been made: commissioning the new diesel Douglas Ferreira, refurbishing What volunteering can achieve: David Gray, one of the volunteers on the new Heywood House (and becoming Warden for several years), supporting the cycle coach, stands by the near-complete vehicle. Photo: Nigel Day 32 33 Company in improving the engineering workshop and latterly buying a ‘new’ Heywood House steam engine from Spain. Council also makes many, many small decisions too, Mary Harding which may not be as glamorous but need an equal amount of attention. As a Council we meet four times a year, usually in Ravenglass, but occasionally Just a gentle reminder to members. Please remember to book your outwith the county. We visited the Northern Rail loco servicing depot at Newton accommodation with the Warden in advance as soon as possible. Similarly Heath in Manchester and had a meeting and a tour of the depot, which was whilst I appreciate plans may change, if you have booked previously, and find really interesting. My favourite visit with the Council was when we were invited you no longer require the accommodation, again please advise the Warden so to Kendal [by the Company Directors] to the house on Maude Street for supper. that the room(s) can be re-let to other members if required. As I was travelling between Yorkshire and Ravenglass I stopped off on the way, and Dai Pickup had arranged for Stephen to come too (Flash was away at sea). Many thanks for your co-operation. We were made to feel so welcome – Mrs Hensman talking to me about being a ‘Navy Wife’ – and Stephen was fascinated by the house and the history of the contents. We still talk about it now, many years later. Correspondence So I now find myself taking on a new role: Membership Secretary. Again it’s a little daunting, but [predecessor] Phil Taylor has set up such an organised From Stan Buck, by e-mail: system (which I thank him for) that works so well that I’m confident that, with a little help and guidance from others involved in running the Society, it will all May I be permitted to add my two-pennyworth to the discussion about the run smoothly in the transition period. Train From Spain? We are a Preservation Society and this loco deserves equal treatment with our others (Society and Company) – after all it has a pretty long The Council members are your representatives of the Society as a whole, history! This means any restoration should be to original appearance and using therefore if you want anything bringing to the meetings, please let us know. original components wherever these objectives are compatible with R&ER Currently there are some vacancies on Council and if you feel you’d like to put conditions. yourself forward, please get in touch with Mungo Stacy, Honorary Secretary. We look forward to welcoming you. The R&ER pre-1960 had an appalling record of destroying its own history; the Preservation Society shouldn’t restart this policy just because the engine wasn’t originally ours! Any attempt to treat the loco as merely a kit of parts will have me regretting the donation I have already made. On the name: the loco already has a name! The four engines were built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, and were named after the city where it was held, Sevilla, and in celebration of Christopher Columbus’ three ships of 1492, Santa María, Niña and Pinta. Works No.8455 Santa María has gone to Stuttgart, who have sensibly retained the name. Works No.8473 Sevilla has also come to the UK, and I believe is to retain this name on eventual restoration. No.8457 and No.8456 were Pinta and Niña. 8457 is therefore one or other of these (I assume we know which) and should continue to carry the appropriate name with a small plaque added which explains both the name and the loco’s origin. Incidentally Columbus came home in Niña – Santa María was wrecked on Cuba. On colour: really it should be what it was originally, but this is less important than the name. It isn’t, incidentally, true to say German locos were traditionally black with red wheels – that became universal only after WWII. In fact prior to Northern Rock shunts River Esk’s tender to the engine shed, during which nationalisation (1924 I think) the state railways of, for example, Bavaria, Prussia move “all four locos” are, sort of, together again. Photo: Will Sands 34 35 and Saxony painted their passenger locos in varying shades of green, with to exert any extra influence. But I am distressed that some of the ideas floated plenty of preserved examples to prove the point. in Magazine Number 221 suggest a lack of awareness of geography and history; it is important that the choice of name should not tarnish the Society’s repute. On the tender: this must be rebuilt if necessary, but retaining the appearance and as much original material as possible – we had exactly the same problem First, Spain. 8457 came to us after spending a mere fifteen of its eighty-seven with Siân and built a new body to the original shape on the old chassis. The only years in Catalonia (at Mataró), where it never ran. Its initial home was in Seville change to that was the well-hidden belt-driven compressor. where it remained for long after the Ibero-American Exhibition for which it was built; thereafter it was in Madrid for the rest of the twentieth century. Seville is On the superheater: I’m not qualified to comment on the value of a superheater in Andalucía, Madrid in Castile. In Spain, like in the UK, the constituent parts of in R&E conditions, versus the extra maintenance costs. However if it is to be the kingdom are proud of their identities! removed then the thickness of the front tubeplate is surely irrelevant as both tubeplates will have to be replaced to fit small tubes instead of flues. Great Even more wrong is mention of Prussia. Until German unification under Northern Railway No.251 was briefly restored without her superheater and Bismarck in 1871, two of the states which then came together – Prussia in would scarcely boil water until dummy elements were fitted. This can’t be a the north and Bavaria in the south, which are hundreds of miles apart – had permanent solution however as they would have a very short life without the been independent for centuries, and proudly so. One of their differences was cooling passage of steam through them, apart from the loss of heating surface. religion. Bavaria was deeply involved on the Catholic side in the vicious 17th century Thirty Years’ War with the Protestant north (which included Prussia). So 8457, having been built in Munich, Bavaria’s capital, would not take kindly From Oliver Whawell, by e-mail: to being considered Prussian. Nor would he or she appreciate being described The Train From Spain ran mainly on the plain... a reference to My Fair Lady that as “Teutonic” – the knights of that name were north Germans, living around the almost everyone over the age of thirty should get. I’m in complete agreement Baltic Sea – far from Bavarian lands. that the name of the new loco should tie into Eskdale history, but just recently So, please let’s banish all talk of Catalonia, Prussia and Teutons. Those who want found out that the loco did run under the name Santa María. So which Fair the name to reflect its origins could stick to the Ratty tradition of naming steam lady from Eskdale carried the English form of María... and what massive debt locos after rivers and think about River Isar (on whose Bavarian banks 8457 do we all owe her for the outstanding archive of photos she took? What better way to acknowledge Mary Fair’s importance to the history of the railway than by naming a loco after her. And I would also vote for Prussian blue for the loco (with red wheels) to acknowledge the loco’s German heritage. [Contacts from the Prater Liliputbahn in Vienna, Austria have helped the project team to clarify that No.8457 was in fact Pinta when it ran in Seville at the end of the 1920s, and I have seen the delivery note which I dare suggest gives adequate proof – Ed.]

From Lawrence Horritt, by e-mail: Referring to my Bradshaw’s Guide to the Furness Railway (apologies to Michael Portillo), Ravenglass is described as lying at the junction of the rivers Irt, Nile & Esk. In keeping with the tradition of river names for our locos perhaps the train from Spain should be called the River Nile.

From David Dixon, by e-mail: It was perhaps inevitable that, once the serious matter of deciding to buy the Train From Spain was resolved, and the loco itself reached our shores, debate would rage over what colour it should be, and what it should be called. Now, I Typhoon waits at Fisherground while River Mite passes in the up loop. have my own views, and having entered the competition, I am not seeking now Photo: Keith Herbert 36 37 first saw the light of day), orRiver (or Rio) Guadalquivir which ran close to the inappropriate, as the locomotive was built in Munich, Bavaria – and Bavaria and site of the exhibition for which she was built. Such a choice would no doubt Prussia weren’t always on the best of terms. Prussia also carries overtones of please our German or Spanish visitors. German militarism which many Germans today would be uncomfortable with. The Eskdale connection of the name is esoteric and would have to be explained As for colour, I merely observe how smart No.8455 looks in Stuttgart from its to passengers repeatedly. Bavaria/Bayern would be fine for a German name – picture on page 25 of the last magazine. particularly if the engine is painted in a German-style livery. From Stuart Jenkins, by e-mail: My personal preference, though, would be to continue the Shelagh of Eskdale/ Lady Wakefieldnaming tradition on to a steam locomotive, and name it after Dear Sir, a woman connected with Eskdale. Therefore, I’ve entered the following two I note that the purchase of the Krauss loco from Barcelona has again brought suggestions into the competition; forth the suggestion that we should have a loco named Sir Arthur Heywood, • Beatrix Potter – She owned a farm in Eskdale, is a name familiar with whose work in the late Victorian era paved the way for the success of the Ratty as every visitor to the Lakes, would be very popular with passengers, and a year-round working railway carrying both granite and passengers; especially may well provide opportunities for useful publicity and marketing once the limitations of the Bassett-Lowke and Greenly miniature trains became tie-ins. apparent. I believe that Northern Rock was originally intended to be called Sir Arthur Heywood before sponsorship by the building society, and whilst I agree • Mary C Fair – Anyone interested in the history of the railway owes an that we should have a loco named after this gentleman, I don’t think this name incredible debt to Miss Fair for her diligence in documenting the railway, should be applied to the Krauss loco – partly because it is a miniature loco not and the valley, photographically. She deserves recognition by the a narrow gauge one like Northern Rock, but also because research suggests that railway, but sadly her name has no recognition value whatsoever for the Heywood actually went by his middle name of Percival or Percy. general public. In recent years Heywood has always been referred to as Sir Arthur Heywood Mary C Fair would be my personal preference, but from a commercial point of which is probably due to his book, Minimum Gauge Railways, being credited to view Beatrix Potter could well be an astute choice. ‘Sir Arthur Percival Heywood, Bart., M.A.’. However, Heywood’s own letters to the various engineering journals of the time are signed ‘Sir A. Percival Heywood’ and I have also seen a private letter, from a third person, recommending “a Percy Heywood light railway” for transport on a Herefordshire estate. So perhaps, when we next aquire or build a true minimum gauge loco (not miniature), it should actually be called Sir A. Percival Heywood instead? Incidentally, Heywood’s book Minimum Gauge Railways is now available online for a new generation here:- http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44341/44341-h/44341-h.htm

From Donald Brooks, by e-mail: I like most of the geographical names suggested in the recent R&ER Magazine – particularly Whillan Beck, Harter Fell and Scafell, though I’m less keen on Hardknott, which sounds a bit, well, hard for a miniature steam locomotive. I would very much like to see a locomotive named Sir Arthur Heywood, but that’s hardly appropriate for one designed by Roland Martens – and Martens’ name wouldn’t really mean much in Eskdale.

If a foreign geographical name were desired, I think a German one would be Northern Rock approaches Ravenglass during the centenary weekend in 2015. much more appropriate than a Spanish one. King of Prussia, though, would be Photo: David Mart 38 39 Forty Years Ago Rock brought up the rear, the engines in between being arranged in order of John Taylor date of building. News from Ravenglass Edited highlights of previous editions of the Society’s Newsletters/Magazines: Ravenglass has shared the glorious summer weather with the rest of the country Issue No. 63: dated Autumn 1976 and the Railway has certainly carried more passengers than ever before. The power-car of the railcar has been out on trials and even led the cavalcade “Rander Base” goes on the air: suitably flag-bedecked. It has shown itself quite capable of an astonishingly After long negotiations with the Railway Inspectorate of the Department of the smooth 30mph in suitable places. Work is continuing on the power-car and two Environment and tests by Pye, discussions with Telefunken and further tests trailer coaches are on order from Edmund Crow. rd th by Redifon, our radio system was finally installed between 23 and 26 August. River Mite is to receive major attention this winter including re-tyring of the From the latter date, the three steam locomotives in use, the Tractor and Shelagh driving wheels. of Eskdale have been fitted with radio transmitters/receivers. Train orders from the controller in Ravenglass signal box are now passed on by radio. The BICC cable to connect the new German telephone exchange at Eskdale Green to that already in use at Ravenglass is now being installed. The new The R&ER is thus the first passenger-carrying railway in Britain to be controlled exchange will cover the upper reaches of the line, and when completed the with the aid of radio. The Inspecting Officer of Railways has emphasised Railway will have its own automatic system throughout. however that the system is on trial and will not receive his complete blessing until the Railway has been operated safely by radio for several years. The derailment of Northern Rock at Fisherground during her trials was caused by a minor mechanical fault in the leading pony truck. This was soon The Locomotive Gathering remedied and it was fortunate that it happened when it did and not during the commissioning run. The events of 18th-26th September will be the most memorable in our centenary year. Never before had there been such a cross-section of fifteen-inch gauge PS: locos together in one place, and it could be many years before there is such a gathering again. Most of our drivers had the opportunity of driving, or at least “R H & D R” does not stand for “Ravenglass Hollowstones and Dalegarth riding on, the visiting engines; and once the visiting drivers who were new to Railway” even though Canadian PacificDoctor Syn looked very much at home the line had learnt the road there were some very interesting runs made. in the shadow of Lakeland’s miniature Rockies! The scale wheels of Little Giant and Blacolvesley prevented their running up the line; Count Louis and Siân both behaved magnificently in their own ways. Flying Scotsman impressed everyone with the quality of workmanship but needed attention to her valves at Ravenglass. Siân was in many ways the favourite of our drivers. Although comparatively lightly built she handled five loaded coaches without any fuss and ran like a sewing machine. Doctor Syn was magnificent; it was wonderful to have her on the line and she behaved like the thoroughbred she is. Rosenkavalier was also a magnificent beast and we are regretting not having been able to acquire one of these Krupp engines for the R&ER. A cavalcade was arranged for the Saturday to a timetable that gave the maximum number of people a good chance to see and photograph the procession. Passengers on the 14.00 from Ravenglass saw the cavalcade leave Dalegarth, those on the 14.20 saw it at Fisherground, those on the 14.35 at Irton Road, and Nearly forty years on: River Mite and Doctor Syn at the Kirklees Light Railway those on the 15.00 passed at Miteside. The railcar led the parade and Northern in 2015. Photo: Ian Pilkington 40 41 The Ratty’s Fires Ratty Diary 2016 The R&ER Company E&OE. Please check details before travelling

th The Crown versus Ben Taylor: sentence passed on 7 June 2016, for ten years. DATE EVENT CONTACT The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a major visitor attraction in the Western SEPTEMBER Lake District, suffered a disastrous fire when its engineering workshop Saturday 11th Council Meeting, Ravenglass Secretary burnt down on 28th March 2013. The Railway notes the guilty verdict and the sentence issued in the case of The Crown v Ben Taylor, which arose from OCTOBER the incident. This finally brings closure to the incident which saw employees Saturday 8th † Murder Mystery team event Andy Cruickshank (see page 2) and ten crews from Cumbria’s Fire and Rescue service battling to try to save Thursday 20th Press deadline for December issue Editor Railway property. Friday 28th - † Hallowe’en Ghost Trains Ravenglass The Railway community is saddened by the fact that the person convicted of Saturday 29th the arson attack, and other arson attacks prior to this, at other locations, was a Railway employee. This came as a shock to Railway management, his colleagues NOVEMBER and the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s many volunteers. Saturday 12th - Track Week Ravenglass th The fire caused extensive damage, destroying the workshop and some heritage Sunday 20 locomotives within it, at a cost of over £550,000. Rebuilding and restoration work Saturday 26th- † Santa Express Ravenglass is now almost complete although the most badly damaged of the locomotives, Sunday 27th River Esk, has had to be re-engineered almost from scratch and has still to return DECEMBER to service. 3rd, 4th, 10th † Santa Express Ravenglass The Railway was fortunate that other fifteen-inch gauge locomotives were 11th, 17th - 22nd visiting Ravenglass at the time of the fire and, thanks to the generosity of their th owners, the Bure Valley Railway and the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Saturday 10 Council Meeting, Ravenglass Secretary Railway, these were able to remain at Ravenglass to maintain services. Had this not been possible, services would have been seriously affected, with financial Full details of all Railway events can be seen on the website: implications for both the Railway and the local visitor economy. http://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/events/ † Please book in advance The fire did not, however, affect the spirit of the team at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, who ensured that the La’al Ratty kept running and bringing joy to many people, from all over the world. Indeed, the Railway was the winner of the Cumbria Tourism Large Visitor Attraction Award in 2015 and also of a National Coach Tourism Award. Our thanks go to our committed and enthusiastic employees and volunteers who made this possible. This statement is the official Company view and has been included for your information. Thank you all for your continued help and support.

The most usual line-up in the mornings: Mite, Rock and Irt on shed. Photo: Dick Smith Back Cover: Douglas Ferreira passes Northern Rock at Miteside in fine June weather. Photo: Christine Turkington

The R&ER Magazine is published by the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society Ltd. 2016. Registered office: The Station, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SW. Incorporated in England. Registered No. 697768. 42 Printed by Craven Design and Print, Shropshire. www.cravendesignandprint.co.uk 43