Spring 2020 Price £2.50

Issue 62

EMR Half Cab Returns to Project Update pages 13-14 Barrow Hill pages 10-12 Birthday Greetings page 35 A Lockdown Tribute to Rail Ale page 40 Class 40 40145 and class 45s 45118 and 45060, shown stabled at the bottom of the new sidings, recreate a “BR Blue” scene reminiscent of the 1980s. Photo: Mervyn Allcock New Technology on Test Opening On 31st March, shortly after the Roundhouse - like the rest of the Shot... country - had gone into lockdown, Railview (a railway research company which uses Barrow Hill for testing) undertook filming of its latest prototype technology, mounted on a Mercedes Unimog road rail vehicle. This filming was obviously subject to social distancing requirements and risk assessments were undertaken prior to it taking place. The video that was created from this activity then formed the basis of an online webinar and Q&A session on 23rd April with representatives of the railway industry including Network Rail, a potential user of this technology.

This shot was captured just before the class 08 was loaded for onward transit to a HNRC contract; it is pictured here with class 45 45060 and class 47 47769. Photo: Mervyn Allcock

Above: The infrastructure monitoring INFRAMONIT TEST VEHICLE with 360 degree ground penetrating radar able to present data in 3D. Left: The second part of the INFRAMONIT TEST VEHICLE infrastructure monitoring device with radar antennae, which collects data at a different frequency to the device on the front. Photos: Mervyn Allcock Welcome I have been in regular communication with So what of the remainder of 2020 and From the the volunteers at the Roundhouse to ensure beyond, in particular the events that we I sincerely hope that you are all keeping they are all well and I am pleased to report had planned? As I write this, we should safe and well in these strange and very Manager everyone is staying safe although they, like have been making our final preparations difficult times. many of us, are eager to get back to their for Rail Ale 20 in 2020. That has now been Myself, the management and the projects at the Roundhouse! postponed until August although that is Trustees here at Barrow Hill were clearly subject to the rules the Government With the assistance of my management unanimous in our desire to produce a puts in place as we come out of lockdown. team, I have always been very clear Contents Roundhouse magazine to keep you Even more importantly, as I am sure that we must grow and develop the all informed even though that task you are by now all aware it is also the commercial side of the business to protect 4 Chairman’s Notes has been somewhat challenging as 150th anniversary of the opening of the the future of the Roundhouse. I am very we all continue to follow Government Roundhouse. We still hope to be able to 6 Roundhouse News pleased to say that the varied business guidelines to stay at home. put on a celebration to mark this landmark portfolio at the Roundhouse has, thankfully, 10 EMR returns to later in the year. No one could have predicted the been our saviour in these extremely difficult Barrow Hill arrival of Covid-19 and the very sad times. Thank you for those of you out there who consequences it has inflicted on a large have always supported me and the 13 Half Cab Restoration Because these are exceptional times, I number of people. One thing that has Roundhouse, and please rest assured that want to put on record my sincere thanks 15 Learning Team Update become clear is that it is people and I will continue to put my all into getting us to my fellow Director, Bob Burgess, who their families that really matter, all other through this very difficult time and taking us 17 Events has played a major part in the increase things are secondary. Just two very into successful times again. in commercial income, and Simon successful weekends into the new 23 Dave Darwin Remembers Hartshorne, our Safety & Standards Please stay safe and here’s to getting on season, we took the very difficult Manager, for his support with the growth with moving the Roundhouse forward and 25 Historical Corner decision to close the Roundhouse of the business and his technical expertise. celebrating its first 150 years and an equally and with it all its activities, leaving 30 Volunteers’ Report Lastly, but definitely by no means least, successful future! only a skeleton commercial I want to acknowledge the invaluable 32 Collections Team staff to look after the vitally Mervyn Allcock contribution of our Chairman and Trustees important commercial side of May 2020 35 Butler Henderson Reaches and thank them for their encouragement the business – more of that a Milestone and support. FRONT COVER: in a moment. 35 Looking Back Main line registered HNRC class 20s 20311 and 20314 38 Finance Update erupt into life prior to leaving 39 And Finally... Barrow Hill depot on 4th March 2020. Photo: Mervyn Allcock

HAVE YOU GOT A MEMORY OF BARROW HILL IN STEAM OR DIESEL DAYS? Do you have photographs of the depot which we could use in future issues of the Newsletter? Please get in touch with Alexa Stott During a recent shunt, a by post: Barrow Hill Roundhouse, fortuitous opportunity arose Campbell Drive, Barrow Hill, BURGESS to capture the yard with just Chesterfield, S43 2PR. DESIGN PRINT DIGITAL SIGNS class 20s in view. Or email: [email protected] Photo: Mervyn Allcock

2 3 A few weeks account. I am sure that you will join as much as possible is still being done ago I was involved with me in thanking Mervyn MBE MSc to progress the restoration of 41708; Chairman’s in a very successful research for his hard work in picking up the the lockdown has inevitably slowed and technology demonstration at pieces and finalising this project in such progress but it will not stop the project.

Notes the Roundhouse. This added to the coffers, a professional manner. This funding As you are aware Rail Ale has been has come at exactly the right time to presented the Roundhouse in a wonderful light and postponed and the 150th birthday secure the financial sustainability of the showcased the turntable. celebrations of the Roundhouse may Roundhouse. Even more importantly, this also be affected but we are still keen to reaction from the NLHF is reassuring to us Sadly, now we wake up each day to celebrate if at all possible. We will keep Costs all as Trustees and should reassure you as the stark reality that another several everyone posted as the Government’s We have cancelled, suspended or Members that we are held in high regard hundred unfortunate people have position on coming out of lockdown re-negotiated as many of our regularly by a very important funding partner. become victim to this virus, thousands becomes clearer. occurring costs as we can. The majority more are infected and the world Strategy of our suppliers have been unbelievably Apologies for such a full and complete seems more and more surreal every understanding and I would like to thank As a Charity, each year we earmark update but extraordinary times call for day. My thoughts go out to all of those them for their support; we will repay their projects to invest in. Currently, the extraordinary measures! We will not affected by this virus and my unending loyalty in the future. Of course, there two most important are the restoration only survive this but as always we will gratitude go to all of those on the front are also the costs of keeping Barrow and re-steaming of the Half Cab 41708 become stronger. line ensuring that people are cared for, Hill and the rail operation ticking over; and the rebuilding of the Coal Stage. Stay home, stay fit and above all stay safe. protected, fed and kept safe. these cannot just be turned off like a I would like to reassure Members that Mark Robinson, Chairman I have had several messages asking tap. Our goal is to ensure we can meet about our Charity, its current situation these costs whilst not jeopardising the and its future. Many of you will have Charity. One of our biggest overheads is been Editor up until that point. They were seen or read in the press that several of course wages and I can confirm that From the Editor pretty big boots to fill as well! Meryvn’s charities, clubs and societies are we are paying all of our staff and have You may have noticed a change or knowledge of the site and its activities is looking for immediate fundraising taken advantage of the Government’s two to Edition 62. The biggest change encyclopaedic - as you would expect and investment and support from the furlough support scheme. is that this is no longer the Barrow Hill from someone who has pretty much lived Government to keep them afloat. Engine Shed Society Newsletter but, in and breathed it for 30 plus years. As Editor for nearly 10 years now, by my calculation As a Board of Trustees, we have always acknowledgement of the quality of its I am therefore a third of the way through worked within our means and have content, “The Roundhouse Magazine”. my apprenticeship! maintained a substantial reserve - This new name has been authorised by “rainy day money” as my mum would the Trustees. There may be a change of style and Income say - in order to ensure that we remain Increasingly over the past few years name but there is no change in the sustainable. Obviously, we have no entrance, shop the Newsletter has become a source of quality of the contributions I receive for each edition and I would like to take None of us could ever have imagined or kitchen income at the moment. reference, recording in detail everything this opportunity - particularly for this the situation we find ourselves in today However, I do have some very good that is going on at this busy railway depot Magazine - to thank all those who have but I would like to reassure you that news to report. We have received a and museum as well as looking back into been able to put pen to paper or dig due to the commercial input from letter from the National Lottery Heritage Roundhouse and railway history. It is a out photographs and memories while Barrow Hill Limited and the hard work Fund (NLHF) stating that they are very window which entices the outside world there is not as much to report on at the of our partners, Community Growth, in content with Barrow Hill Engine Shed to venture in and get a real feel for what Roundhouse itself. successfully applying for grants there is Society and our successful “Moving a magnificent place the Roundhouse Forward” project. The final grant no need to worry. is, even from the other side of the world I would also like to thank the very talented payment application and report form where some of our readers reside. Tammyanne from Burgess Design & Print There are many ways to look at the have been accepted and they have who has brought the new design to life sustainability of the Charity and I would authorised their Finance Department My first involvement with the Barrow Hill using our modern Roundhouse branding like to share with you what the Board of to pay the balance of £102,799.84; I Newsletter was as a proof reader for a without losing the character of the old Trustees has implemented to ensure we am pleased to confirm that this money couple of editions. In July 2010 I took style newsletter. survive this crisis: has now been paid into our bank my first tentative steps into the Editor’s shoes - or rather boots as Mervyn had Alexa Stott, Editor 4 5 On 28th January, Talgo - the Spanish train manufacturer - marked their decision to base their UK Roundhouse office at Barrow Hill Roundhouse by presenting a long term exhibit to the . This passenger vehicle was formerly part of a Talgo high speed train and shows off their Rodal wheel technology - independently rotating and self-guiding wheels - which improves passenger comfort and News minimises the wear on infrastructure. In the longer term it is hoped that this vehicle will form part of the Innovation Centre that is proposed at Barrow Hill. The vehicle was one of two brought to the UK - the other was sent to Scotland to mark Talgo’s intention to build a manufacturing facility there.

Class 60 “Thomas Barnardo” with the RailVac preparing to join the main line using the Down Loop out of Barrow Hill as they commence their onward journey. Photo: Mervyn Allcock The carriage arrived at the Roundhouse on a low loader on 25th January, having travelled An unusual train operated by DCR arrived at by road from Spain. Two cranes were brought Barrow Hill on 20th January, hauled by class 60 in to lift it on to Garden Road and then it was shunted onto the turntable, ready for 60055 “Thomas Barnardo” (named after the the launch event in front of invited guests, Irish philanthropist and founder of the Barnado’s Barrow Hill Trustees and Talgo representatives childrens’ homes), fresh out of the paint shop in including Carlos de Palacio y Oriol, Chairman its new livery, and class 50 50008 “Thunderer”. of Talgo. The locos were bringing back HNRC class 20s The carriage is now on display on one of the 20132 “Barrow Hill Depot” and 20118 “Saltburn- roads in the Roundhouse. by-Sea” but also in the consist was a RailVac, Photos: Mervyn Allcock which was due to be dropped off at another location after calling at Barrow Hill. Photos: Dale Holford

Carlos de Palacio y Oriol, Chairman of Talgo, chats with Dave Darwin whilst warming in front of the Cafe fire. Photo: Sandy Crawley Photo: Simon Hartshorne

6 7 Roundhouse News On 6th February, a crane was back on site, this time to lift continued... the boiler of Steve Williams’ Austerity , currently under restoration at We were the Roundhouse, onto a lorry saddened to learn of the to go away for refurbishment. death of John Photo: Mervyn Allcock Farrow, Owner of UK Railtours and a great friend of Barrow Hill. John was in hospital receiving treatment for cancer when he contracted Covid-19. In his weakened state he was unable to fight it off and passed away peacefully at the Royal Free Hospital in London on 19th April, The Roundhouse CCTV system captures the moment leaving behind his wife Claire, two on 10th March that the first East Midlands Railway children and three grandchildren. His “Red HST” arrived on site for a warm storage daugher Liz Morris has vowed to continue contract. The former LNER rolling stock is being to operate UK Railtours, despite the current used by EMR as an interim measure as its difficulties, as a ongoing legacy to John’s current HSTs do not comply with legislation work. We will all miss seeing his happy smiling in relation to accessibility and sealed face when he brought rail charters to Barrow toilet tank arrangements. Due to the Hill and we are sure you will join with us in temporary nature of their use, EMR sending our condolences to Liz and the rest of the has no plans to change the livery to Farrow family. its house style purple and silver, On 21st January we had a visit from the Western hence the description “Red HST”. Power Distribution helicopter, which undertook a close inspection of the rolling stock in the yard before Simon Hartshorne gives an flying off to continue its original task of examining insight into the latest EMR power lines. The helicopter is a Eurocopter EC-135P-1, activities on site on pages normally based at Bristol. It is a regular visitor, seen 10-12. around twice a year. The crew always hover above the shed, possibly taking pictures. Photo: Mervyn Photos: Dale Holford Allcock

A smiling John (centre) with the sold out Fuller’s Rail Ale charter train that ran on 14th May 2015, using an East Midlands Trains HST on the journey between London St Pancras and Roundhouse Halt.

8 9 It was with this in mind that the present Two decent sidings were constructed arrangement was established in 2003 (where there had previously been two East Midlands Railway whereby Barrow Hill Limited transacts the and a half with a bit of a shanty town commercial activity on site and gifts its office space) adjacent to the Coal Stage Returns to Barrow Hill profits to the Charity (Barrow Hill Engine and the two sidings adjacent to the Shed Society). brickworks site were re-laid, straightened Barrow Hill is different to other and levelled. All of this work was paid The Deltic Preservation Society (“DPS”) sites in the UK because the funding model is for by Network Rail and the very useful erected a large building on the eastern unusual, if not unique. equipment installed at the time was left extremity of the site in 2004 and this was Photos: Simon Hartshorne in place; it being less costly to do so than quickly followed by two similar buildings to remove it. The work undertaken by located between the DPS and the Barrow Hill during the “Derby Blockade” Roundhouse and it was from here the When the site started to (as the project was known) generated commercial model took off. Barrow Hill operate in earnest in the early significant income for the site and left a gained a reputation for being a decent 2000s it was clear that there legacy which was to prove useful once place to bring locos and other rail vehicles needed to be a regular, reliable again in 2020. and predictable income and for storage, maintenance and repair; work that this income was unlikely to be which continues today through the three East Midlands Railways (“EMR”), the generated by traditional heritage main commercial companies which call franchise successor to East Midlands railway activities. The running line at Barrow Hill home. Trains, identified a short-term requirement to store ex-LNER HST sets in between their Barrow Hill is not long and there is no In 2018, as part of the Network Rail project removal from the East Coast and their station or other remote attraction to to re-signal and re-model Derby station, entry into service on the Midland Main speak of, there is little opportunity for a significant infrastructure investment was Line. operating trains on a regular basis made in Barrow Hill to make it suitable for and nowhere ‘to go to’ once on use as a servicing depot for East Midlands They needed to store two sets and site; no ‘other end of the line’ to visit. Trains whilst train movements on and off they needed to be secure and able Barrow Hill as a heritage site served its main fleet servicing facility, Etches Park, to be stored ‘warm’. It was the latter the same purpose as that which the were restricted by the Derby project. requirement which highlighted Barrow built it for in 1870 – it Hill as the preferred site. Warm store is, Walkways and low-level lighting were was a depot. as the name suggests, more than simply added throughout, the mess room was driving the vehicles into a siding and It was obvious that, while public open refurbished and a fuel point (actually applying the parking brake. The vehicles days are popular and certainly can five fuelling points) complete with a spill need to be kept in a state where they draw crowds in large numbers they collection and oil separation system, and don’t deteriorate and where they can be are difficult – and expensive – to watering and toilet tank (CET) emptying put into traffic with relative ease. HSTs, organise, consuming manpower and facilities were added to the arrival road. other resources at an astonishing as a leasing company Fleet Manager rate. Barrow Hill needed a means once said to me, are ‘angry little beasts’ to bring in regular income while not detracting from the sole purpose of the site: the preservation of the Roundhouse. The solution was surprisingly simple and in fact had already started, albeit in a minor way. The site should be ‘split’ into two: one part for wholly commercial activity and the other for heritage, with the former providing the bulk of the income for the latter. Photo: Mervyn Allcock

10 11 when they want to be – they are an The sound of HSTs and 153s idling at understandable mix of 1970s power, Barrow Hill has become quite familiar. We control and brake equipment with maintain a seven day a week presence Half Cab state of the art electronic and power for this work and we are available at equipment upgrades applied at various short notice to facilitate the changeover Restoration life stages. It is the conjoining of almost of vehicles as they cycle through their Once the purchase of Half Cab forty years of evolution which causes maintenance cycle with EMR. 41708 had been completed in many of the difficulties found on the sets To date the following vehicles have 2019, thoughts of its restoration and the one circumstance which is almost come to Barrow Hill as part of this work: guaranteed to show up the problems is to running condition turned to going from running to standing around • HST power cars: 43272, 274, 277, 302. a gentle reality. A plan was and back to running again. developed and enacted which • HST trailer cars: 40701, 40705, 41066, was, broadly, in four parts: The easiest and empirically the best 41095, 41185, 41190, 42116, 42237, means of preventing the bulk of the 42307, 42326, 42330, 42354, 44075, 1. Inspection of the locomotive in problems which arise from putting vehicles 44077. order to enable: back in traffic is to warm store them. The • Class 153: 153302, 308, 311, 318, 319, a) an accurate assessment of its precise nature of the warm store activities 357, 372, 374, 376, 379, 381, 382, 383, condition; and varies for the HSTs and the class 153s 384, 385. b) the scoping of any subsequent which have now joined them at Barrow overhaul and repair. Hill. In the broadest terms on a daily basis In EMR we have found a partner who is Photos: Simon Hartshorne the HSTs have a twice-daily security walk able and willing to provide Barrow Hill 2. Costing the overhaul and repair of round and through and a once-a-day with a regular, reliable and predictable the locomotive. If it does go ahead, one of the cycle of engines started, train heat and income – a partner who, in uncertain 3. Raising the funds to enable 2. highlights of the gala may be the lighting check, brakes and power test times lends some certainty – and long 4. Undertaking the work identified in 1b. launch of a fundraising scheme for and air receiver blow down. The class may it continue. 41708 with the locomotive shown off in 153s, being arguably less fractious, have One of the original intentions of the plan a partially-stripped state as the main Simon Hartshorne a similar routine once a week, albeit with was to have undertaken parts 1 and 2 exhibit in the Roundhouse. However, Safety & Standards Manager the same twice-daily security check. by the time of the 150th celebration gala Covid-19 has put a stop to any work in August 2020. However, at the time of on the locomotive, as it has to heritage writing we are unsure whether this event activities up and down the UK and will go ahead and under what restrictions. indeed across the world.

Photo: Mervyn Allcock

12 13 Learning Team It was with great pleasure that we welcomed Natalie Peace and Donna Booth Update... to the Barrow Hill team at the beginning of 2020. They will be running our schools programmes as well as organising some of our weekend events and putting together other activities to maintain the high profile of the Roundhouse with our visitors.

Some of you will know Natalie and We were then tasked to look at Donna well from their previous work fundraising for the Roundhouse. We are at the Roundhouse, for example the very proud to announce that we have organisation of the adult learning been successful in obtaining funds from workshops that featured in the the Arts Council’s Covid-19 Emergency December 2019 Newsletter. Others Fund, raising £29,000 to support the may know them from their work with museum through the next 6 months. Community Growth, which they will continue to do alongside their Roundhouse responsibilities. Although they’ve only been with us for Photo: Simon Hartshorne a very short period of time – and almost half of that has been while we have So, instead of the detailed plan which I inspection of the boiler unencumbered been unable to open the Roundhouse had hoped to be able to publish here, by any sundry fittings or framework – this hasn’t stopped Natalie and Donna from being very busy bees as this EGG-SPOTTING I will just describe the work which has and the full inspection of the frames, The Easter Egg Hunt With A Difference! update from them shows… been done so far: including the wheelsets, cylinders, Things are a little different this Easter! So, instead of coming to The Roundhouse for your Easter Egg Hunt, we have 'Turned The Table' and have motion and brake work, etc. brought the hunt to you! But this is no ordinary Easter Egg Hunt.... • The boiler (which has already had its It has been a very busy time since the Let us introduce you to EGG SPOTTING! Barrow Hill Roundhouse is currently home to 7 Steam Engines, 5 Wagons and 4 Diesel Engines tubes removed) has been inspected From this point (and following the Coronavirus pandemic started. We Each Engine, Carriage and Wagon has a unique number to identify it. It is this number that Train-Spotters collect!

Our Engines and Wagons have been left in the yard, amongst all of the other s. But we need to find them all and shunt them back in to the Roundhouse. and a report on its condition invitation to tender for aspects of the have been working hard on ways to Luckily we have placed Easter Eggs in them ready for our lovely volunteers to find. Can you help us spot them all and write their special number? THERE IS A TOTAL OF 16 TO FIND! received. This was shared at the AGM repair), the locomotive was to have engage with our audience, taking in October 2019. Since that report, a been ‘loosely’ reassembled to allow it the Roundhouse into their homes and further inspection has been carried to act as a focal point for fundraising for adjusting to this very unusual situation. out by a boiler repair company its repair. and another report (with similar Our first task was to turn our Easter event As stated above, work has presently conclusions) produced. into something interactive and fun that come to a halt with no idea realistically could be enjoyed with all the family • Stripping of the loco has started with when it might restart. However, the plan from the comfort of home. Our Egg the cladding, dome and sundry other remains valid; only the timescale has Spotting challenge posted on social parts removed. This was intended changed. media was able to do just that. Each as the first part of dismantling with a For now – and with the greatest of engine was given its original number view to removing the boiler from the thanks to the volunteers who have and eggs were placed around the frames. been working on the locomotive – the ‘virtual’ engine shed. We had a good The boiler was to be removed from the story is simply paused. Play just for fun or enter your answers on this post, on our Facebook Page, to be entered in to a response and several young people frames to enable two major aspects Free Prize Draw! Win A Family Ticket for a Roundhouse Event, upon re-opening Simon Hartshorne entered the competition to win a free of the inspection to continue: the full ENJOY! Safety & Standards Manager family ticket to use when we re-open. 14 15 We have come up with some new A huge thank you also goes to Cllr ideas and ways for our audience Barry Bingham, who has gifted £600 Events and the community to engage and of community fund money towards interact with the museum. We have “Down The Line”. He was thrilled to so many knowledgeable volunteers hear we were hoping to put the play 2020 Weekend Events at the Roundhouse and have really on again. We kicked off the 2020 season enjoyed getting to know the Learning with a fabulously busy opening and Collection teams. Active Derbyshire have also given us a donation from the “Young Peoples’ weekend. We were delighted to This abundance of knowledge, Fund” to buy a Zoom license to do all welcome representatives of Beat the experience and enthusiasm is what of the practices for the chorus online Street, Chesterfield, an initiative that inspired our next idea: “Ask An Expert” with the young people of Barrow Hill encouraged people to explore their where people can get in touch with during the lock down. [Zoom is an local area and become more active. us via social media to ask our very online meeting app that has become knowledgeable volunteers their Participants could walk, run or cycle very popular in lockdown - Editor] burning questions. between sensors called Beat Boxes. There were two ‘Beat Boxes’ in Barrow Hill We have designed and produced Libby, from Beat the Street Chesterfield and This could be about engineering, and one of them was at the entrance to a bespoke Arts Award programme our own Don Cambridge get our opening social history or a locomotive that the Roundhouse on Campbell Drive. The for the Roundhouse and once we weekend off the starting blocks. is being restored. We felt this was a game has now finished and participants reopen, this will become a flagship Photo: Natalie Peace great way for our audience to stay in Chesterfield walked, cycled and ran engaged and to help people to gain programme for the museum and raise an incredible 143,132 miles! Please note these dates in your diary knowledge and understanding of the profile of inspired cultural and and keep your fingers crossed that we what working with steam and diesel creative learning. Great plans were put in place for further can go ahead with them. engines was like. weekend events, starting with a two- The Arts Award was created with day celebration of Easter. But then of Please let us know if you would like to pupils from Barrow Hill Primary School course the fateful announcement was get involved in this initiative. We would and local photographer Cathryn made – the entire country was to go into very much welcome any suggestions Hardwick. lockdown until further notice – and it was or ideas that you have in relation to The Award is about showing how clear that all our plans would have to be this new idea. You can email us at put on hold. Nothing can beat seeing lots creative our railway culture and [email protected]. of happy and smiling families enjoying the engine shed is - from engineering to Roundhouse and we hope that it won’t Within the Arts Council bid we fabricating, welding to sign writing be long before we are allowed to get included some community work in and the design of the building itself. preparation for a repeat performance together again. The Arts Award is focused on art within of the wonderful “Down The Line” The weekend events that have been Rail Ale 2020 the engine shed and the play “Down play, which had its debut at the proposed going forward – but which It was with the utmost sadness in mid the Line” as well as industrially created Roundhouse Re-opening in 2017, for will only take place if Government March that we made the decision to sound and movement. the 150th anniversary celebrations in guidelines allow – are: postpone this year’s celebration of 2020. Although we can’t get out to meet • 21st June - Science and Engineering 20 years of the Rail Ale Beer & Music It is fantastic that this has been you all at the moment, we hope it Event (also Fathers Day) Festival. A week later the Government successful as it is a wonderful thing won’t be long before we can see you announced that the country was to to keep the local community busy at the Roundhouse. • 18th July - Magic & Wizards Day go into lockdown for a minimum of practicing whilst we are in lockdown. three weeks and at the time of writing Natalie Peace & Donna Booth • 31st October & 1st November - We are meeting with Carole Copeland Halloween Weekend that lockdown has been extended (Director) and Kevin Fegan (Writer) to for a further three weeks. Clearly the set the wheels in motion for this. • 12th December - Christmas Event postponement was not a decision 16 17 taken lightly in the Festival’s 20th year We are also hoping to reschedule the but the welfare and safety of visitors Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club event to this hugely popular event as well as that was due to take place on 14th that of our staff, volunteers, traders and May 2020 and are in contact with his musicians had to be our main priority. management team about this. Following discussions with all those As soon as we are able to provide involved in the organisation of the an update on this event, we will let event – which was due to take place everyone know. on 14th, 15th and 16th May 2020 – we The postponement of this year’s Festival have agreed that this year’s Festival has been a great disappointment to will now take place on 13th, 14th and many and our incredible team of staff 15th August 2020, although this will and volunteers who work so hard to be subject to the Government’s rules make this event happen are equally One from the Beardsley in relation to any continued social saddened. archives... A2 “Blue Peter” is captured during its sojourn distancing at that time. However, we have had nothing but at Barrow Hill with a We would like to offer our sincere positive messages of support in the casing removed, revealing the wake of the announcement and locomotive’s links with the local apologies to all those who have area. The cylinders were cast at we are still hopeful that we may see already booked tickets for this year’s Renishaw Foundry, just up the Festival. These tickets may be used in everyone in August. road from the Roundhouse. August without any additional charges You can keep up-to-date with details being payable. of the revised dates and our plans at However, if you have bought tickets www.railalefestival.com. On 15th May 2020 47813 “Jack Frost”, one of several Rail Operations Group class 47s bearing Thank You NHS vinyls, approaches Slitting Mill crossing with 5Q72, the 10.33 Down Yard–Willesden TMD, and would like to be refunded, please which was conveying 710125 to its new base. 57301 “Goliath” is out of shot at the rear of the train. contact the ticket seller. For online tickets this is www.seetickets.com, who Don’t forget will be happy to help. to keep an eye on the Barrow Hill website and on our Facebook and Twitter pages for detailed and up-to-date information on all our th forthcoming events. 150 Birthday Celebration Gala As Mervyn said in his welcome at the beginning of this Magazine, we are still hoping to go ahead with our 150th birthday celebrations in some form or another. Please continue to hold the August Bank Holiday weekend of 28th-30th August 2020 and we hope to be able to bring you more information very soon. Photos: Ian Beardsley 18 Picture This...

EMR Red HST 43272 stabled in the Brick Yard siding whilst being ‘warm stored’ at Barrow Hill in May 2020. Photo: Mervyn Allcock David Tillotson takes us back a few years with these photos from the “Fab Four” steam gala in 2012, Dave Darwin focusing his lens on the less famous visitors to possibly one of Barrow Hill’s greatest events.. Remembers... 150 Years of “The Shed” My association with “The Shed” as it was always known began nearly seventy years ago when, as a school boy living at Eckington, I would often cycle over to Barrow Hill after school to see what was on shed. It was easily accessed from the footpath that ran alongside the shed yard and the brickworks. On leaving school in 1954 aged 15, I Under new management, a new became a Loco Cleaner at the Shed, roof was put on the Shed and a progressing to Fireman, Driver’s Assistant coal sprinkler was installed on the on diesels, then a Driver. Coal Stage, and a few other minor improvements were carried out. For the first twelve years of my career the 0-6-0 “Sir Berkeley” Shed was all steam and nothing much In 1962 “The Shant”, the name of the from the with a had changed for many years. Electric office used by the Running Foreman very famous support act in the form lighting had only just been installed and his assistant, was closed and they of the Old Gentleman’s Saloon. when I started, along with improvements were temporarily housed in the now to the toilets and mess room. demolished goods shed across from the Shed while alterations were made to the GNR class N2 0-6-2 1744 from the The Shed was built by the Midland general office to accommodate signing on display Railway in 1870, replacing the original on facilities for train crews and staff. The outside the Mess Room. shed near Barrow Hill station and general office staff moved down the Cavendish Place, which had been built drive to the refurbished former canteen, in 1840 when the North Midland Railway built during World War Two to feed train from Derby to Leeds was built. The first crews working long hours. Barrow Hill shed soon became far too small for the was heavily involved in moving coal and growth in railway traffic caused by the supplies during those hard years. After rapidly expanding nearby ironworks and the war the canteen had closed and coalfields. The new shed was numbered was used for various different purposes, 24 by the Midland Railway but in 1923, mainly a clothing store. It is now Dave when the Midland Railway became Croft’s motor repair garage and a shed part of the London, Midland & Scottish building company. Railway, it had a change of identify, becoming 18D Staveley. In 1947 the Coming under the Sheffield Division Big Four, as the railway companies were brought changes to the Shed. Fresh then known, became British Railways routes in Eastern Region territory and in 1958 there were more changes were learned. A share of excursion for the Shed. A change of regional passenger trains was another new boundaries put it in the Eastern Region’s venture, taking Barrow Hill crews to Sheffield Division and it was renumbered the seaside on the East Coast. A not 41E under 41A Darnall and renamed so popular change was the transfer of Barrow Hill to avoid confusion with the the Shed’s Stanier 8F 2-8-0s to Midland nearby ex LNER shed 41H Staveley Town. Region sheds now that the Shed was 23 Eastern Region, to be replaced by the Shed Sweeper Austerity WD 2-8-0s. From Rust to Steam The eagle eyed Roundhouse visitors Historical In 1965 the Shed became a diesel among you may have noticed that The Legend of Barry No. depot and was coded BH. The Guards the Shed has a new ‘toy’ – a powered 53 who had been signing on at Barrow Hill sweeping machine similar to the Corner Scrapyard station were transferred to the Shed, ones you see being driven around meaning that a larger locker room had supermarkets which you have to avoid For those of us of a “certain age”, it was often our first to be built. whilst trying to negotiate your laden glimpse of a working steam locomotive that sparked trolley around the aisles [even more so at our interest in railways. After that first baptism of smoke In the 1970s the Shed was put under the the moment while we also have to take and steam, a pilgrimage to Woodham Brothers management of East Midlands Freight at social distancing into account at the Nottingham. In 1974 a Total Operations Scrapyard at Barry in South was something supermarket – Editor]. Processing System (TOPS) – a computer of a necessity for many of us. system for managing the locomotives Seeing the new sweeper took me Seeing the derelict hulks laying row upon row was An overall view of and rolling stock on the UK railway back to the Shed in the days of steam certainly an emotive sight, never to be forgotten. Woodham’s scrapyard network – was put in. locomotives, which left plenty of mess Some have likened it to the imaginary “elephants’ in a photograph taken in for someone to clear up: spilt coal, ash, By the 1980s most coal was being September 1979. Prominently smoke box char and sand swept off the graveyard”, or perhaps comparable to a visit to moved by the MGR (Merry Go Round) placed is 35027 “Port Line”, a re- locomotives’ frames by the preparing Battersea Dogs’ Home and the heartfelt desire to system to power stations, steel works built Bulleid pacific of the Merchant firemen. To clear up this mess with choose at least one example in urgent need of and the docks at Immingham. [Readers Navy Class. A helpful enthusiast has modern machines would have been a rescue into safety. can find out more about the MGRs in painted the number on the smokebox impossible. A road-going sweeper might Dave’s column in Newsletter 61 - Editor.] Many poignant photographs of the rusting door. The locomotive lacks its tender, have been the answer, but try getting which had been sold off to a With the pit closure programme that wrecks were published in the railway one of those around the Shed! steelworks to serve as the chassis for an came after the Miners’ Strike of 1987, preservation press of the day. The Railway ingot carrier. In this view 23 locomotives can Magazine in particular, had a regular work started to fall off at Barrow Hill and Back in the 1950s a little man called be seen, but the full occupation of the yard management at East Midlands Freight Freddy did this thankless task, day in, feature entitled “Last of Class”, rather at this date was 108 locomotives. “Port Line” decided that three train crew depots in day out. At 0800 prompt, after he had in the style of an obituary column, was saved from scrapping in 1982 and was then a small area – Barrow Hill, Worksop and fetched his barrow, brush and shovel together with a photograph of an fully restored by 1988 to main line certification Shirebrook – were not necessary; one from their hiding place, Freddy would extinct locomotive type. standards. The locomotive is currently undergoing its could do all the work. start his round. His first calling point was second 10-year overhaul in preservation. the Signing On Lobby, clearing up all The railway line preservation In February 1991 Barrow Hill closed and the fag ends. Then he would set off in societies waded in, affirming many of the men, myself included, an anti-clockwise direction, going all the that a good selection of moved to Worksop where a new depot way around the Roundhouse clearing working steam motive had been built. When it opened, 186 up barrow loads of rubbish. power would be a vital Drivers from Worksop, Shirebrook and necessity for any self- Barrow Hill were based there. Shirebrook You knew what the time was by where respecting venture Depot was kept open for a while as Freddy was. He had his break in the and thereafter the a fuelling point, until one was built at warmth of the Sand Hole (Sand Drying main attraction Worksop. The management plan was House), sitting on a suitable lump of that would sell that the Worksop depot would be paid wood. After 30 minutes off he would for by knocking down the Shed and go again: Boiler Washers Corner, Fitters admission selling off the land. However, as we Corner and so back to where he had tickets. all know, their plans were thwarted by started by 1600. Sadly, I can’t remember Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society and Freddy’s surname. But perhaps we since 1998 the Shed has been a heritage could name the new machine “Freddy” site and many interesting events have in honour of this old Shed character who taken place here. I am proud to have did such a good job – and didn’t need been part of the Shed for so many years to be put on a charge! with so many great memories. Dave Darwin 24 25 The race was now on to urgently raise the were six steelworks locally, working day Street, York (closed in 1974 and not to The ”must have” publication of the era necessary funds and then to save the best and night. These were at Ebbw Vale, Port be confused with the present National was marketed by the Urie S15 Preservation examples of locomotive classes that were Talbot, Briton Ferry, Llanwern, East Moors Railway Museum in Leeman Road). In Group as a fundraiser and simply referred symbolic of the age of steam before it was and Llanelly. In February 1959 Woodham’s London, the Museum of British Transport to as “The Barry List”. Essentially, it was a too late. became the first scrap metal contractor at Clapham (also closed in 1974) had by buyers’ guide for the locos to be saved to be successful in the BR tender bidding far the biggest locomotive collection. A but in the tradition of the famous Ian By the end of 1955 (the year in which process for the scrapping of locomotives. portion of the land transport gallery at Allan train spotters “ABC” pocketbooks of the British Railways Modernisation Plan In South Wales competition was strong as the Science Museum in South Kensington yesteryear. It itemised in booklet form all started), there were 17,955 steam locos there were eight other large rail-served had a few exhibits, notably the original the locomotives which had been saved to be disposed of. We should not forget scrapyards in this relatively small area, “Rocket” locomotive of 1830. In Scotland or remained for sale in the yard and it ran that British Railways (BR) was still building continuously feeding the voracious there was the Glasgow Museum of to eleven updated issues from 1974 to new steam locomotives up until March appetites of the busy steelworks. During Transport, initially housed in the former 1993. Numerous publishers followed with 1960, with Standard 9F 92220 “Evening March 1959, four GWR 2-6-0 locomotives Coplawhill tram depot and dedicated to hardback books, typically in the format of Star” being the last of all. Between 1955 numbered 5312, 5360, 5392, 5397 and a Scottish locomotives. The earliest standard before-and-after photographic albums, and 1960, a total of 506 BR Standards of GWR 2-6-2T number 3170, were all towed gauge preserved lines were established describing all the Barry locomotives various classes rolled out of the workshops. away from Swindon Works to Woodham’s firstly at the Middleton Railway, Leeds in detail. The first book in this style was Similarly, Great Western Railway-designed yard for breaking up and so the legend which was opened in June 1960, and “Graveyard of Steam” by Brian Handley, 0-6-0PT locos in the classes 16XX (total 15) began. Dai Woodham explained that in then the in Sussex, which published in 1979, which quickly sold and 94XX (total 12) were built during 1955- 1957 his company had ventured into the followed in August 1960. Next was the out. Of course, publications like this 6. The London Midland Region of BR also business of breaking up railway wagons, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in West helped to generate tremendous interest purchased a trio of army surplus 8F 2-8-0 having discovered the advantage of the Yorkshire, which opened in June 1968. in the scrapyard and by now all railway locos from the War Department in 1957. scrap still being mobile on its own wheels These embryonic railways were able to enthusiasts in the UK were well aware of On the Southern Region, the major design making it easier to shunt around the yard acquire some of their first locomotives the urgency in rescuing the remaining changes and rebuilding programme and be conveniently placed in line for the directly from active service with BR or from locomotives. The story continues in print for 90 of the Bulleid Pacific locomotives cutting up process. Consequently, based private industry. To the Keighley & Worth today and there are now two more Barry- proceeded in 1955-61. Furthermore, there on this experience, the same logic could Valley line goes the honour of purchasing themed hardback books currently in the were 452 obsolete or redundant diesel be applied to the incoming locomotives. A the first locomotive to be rescued from planning stage. locomotives to be withdrawn under the visit to Swindon Works to observe and learn Woodham’s scrapyard in September 1968. 1955 Plan. The established BR workshop The national tally of unwanted BR Standard how steam locomotives should be cut This was 43924, a Midland Railway class 4F facilities and staff could not cope with Gauge main line locomotives still in up was arranged by BR. The complexities 0-6-0 built in October 1920. the logistics of this enormous task. Another existence at the end of 1967 (the last full of the different types of metal to be factor was that the condemned locos Controversially, not all railway year of BR main line steam traction) was encountered was potentially an issue, were occupying numerous sidings, which preservationists were happy with the now down to 362 steam engines and especially the locomotive fireboxes which were desperately needed for other apparent excess of steam locomotives 286 diesels. Statistically, Woodham’s had combined a steel outer wrapper joined traffic. Consequently, relatively few steam now being saved. Some thought that purchased a total of 315 locomotives together with an inner wrapper of copper. locomotives were to be scrapped directly the money raised would be better spent over a period of nine years. The last The steelworks had serious concerns about by BR’s own resources going into the 1960s. on saving closed branch lines instead. locomotive to arrive at Barry for scrapping scrap steel containing any traces of non- The engines which were being “scrapped Fortunately, these complaints fell on deaf was an LMS class 8F 2-8-0 number 48305 in ferrous metals (copper, bronze, brass etc.) on site” by BR were mostly those that were ears and today’s preserved railways are September 1968, one month after the end as these would contaminate the steel unfit to be hauled long distances by rail to forever grateful that an abundance of main line steam in the UK. The 1955 BR making process. the private scrapyards. of locomotives are now available for Modernisation Plan had recommended Following the end of steam traction on the future. In the UK today there are 78 that 650,000 obsolete wagons would be South Wales was one of the largest the national network in August 1968, there preserved standard gauge railways, five scrapped and now these intentions were focal points for the scrap metal industry were only five principal railway-themed preserved former main line locomotive being implemented. It was therefore a in the UK. This was thanks mainly to the museums in the UK where a precious few depots (Barrow Hill included) and fifteen lucky coincidence that the disposal of numerous steelworks in the area, who locomotive collections could be seen railway-dedicated museums. There is no redundant freight wagons for scrapping would be the principal users of the scrap on static display. These were the GWR doubt that these numbers would have was on the increase. Woodham’s was metal for melting down as part of the collection in the municipal museum at been unachievable had it not been for successful in bidding for more wagons and steel making process. At the time, there Swindon, the ex-LNER museum at Queen Woodham’s scrapyard and its locomotives. this windfall led to a stay of execution for

26 27 the locomotives. Eventually, Woodham’s that, prior to their sale as scrap, they had the works complex. It was suggested that unsold, having previously been evacuated became the only source of ex-main line all been heavily cannibalised by BR for the chassis of steam locomotive tenders from the scrapyard site, but awaited an steam locomotives available for sale to their spare parts to keep the remainder might be suitable for this task. Regrettably, uncertain fate. In a last-minute deal, the preservationists. However, the steady flow of the fleets running. In particular, all of this resulted in some locomotives at Barry Vale of Glamorgan local authority agreed of incoming wagons for breaking up was the traction motors together with the being separated from their tenders, which to help by buying the locomotives and sometimes interrupted to the point where copper wiring had been cut out. Perhaps made them potentially uneconomic for the “Barry Ten” (as they were known) were the waiting locomotives would have to be D8206 was particularly unlucky. After preservation. In April 1969, the first batch reprieved. The locally formed Barry Tourist scrapped instead out of business necessity. being withdrawn, it was used to teach of twelve tenders were sold to Duport. In Railway came forward to take responsibility The first locos to be cut up for this reason breakdown gangs how to re-rail diesels November 1978 the railway preservation for three of these engines, namely GWR were BR Standard 4-6-0 number 76080 in and as a result, was somewhat more spy network alerted enthusiasts to the news 6686 (0-6-2T) and 5539 (2-6-2T), together April 1972, followed by GWR 2-8-0 number battered than the other Woodham’s that Duport steelworks was scheduled with BR Standard 9F 92245 (2-10-0). 3817 in March 1973. residents. for closure and with that came the They were moved for restoration to the possibility that the orphaned tenders could Fortunately, more condemned wagons Of course, acquiring a derelict steam sanctuary of some nearby sidings at the potentially be recovered for re-use. arrived for scrapping in the coming months locomotive from a scrapyard and then former BR diesel depot workshops in Barry. and the cull of the locomotives temporally restoring it to full working order is an After some frantic phone calls, a team of The remaining seven locomotives were put ceased. Unfortunately, the same situation expensive undertaking and not for the faint stalwart volunteers descended upon Briton in temporary storage at various locations occurred again in July 1980, when GWR hearted! Firstly, the assumption that your Ferry. The tender underframes had had a and comprised of GWR locos 2861 (2-8-0), 2-6-2T number 4156 and BR Standard 9F chosen wreck is a practical proposition to hard life, with probably no maintenance 4115 (2-6-2T), 5227 (2-8-0T) and 7927 (4-6-0), 2-10-0 number 92085 were both broken up. steam again requires some professional carried out at all. If a chassis collapsed, it LMS locos 44901 (4-6-0) and 48518 (2-8-0), These two locomotives were the last out of verification. Haulage on a low-loader as was simply cut up and fed to the furnaces. together with a BR Standard 80150 (2-6-4T). a total of 98 steam locos and 4 diesels to an “abnormal load” on public roads to Thankfully, all of these were eventually Some tenders had missing springs or be thus scrapped at Barry. the chosen preserved railway is the next acquired by preservation societies and broken axle boxes and the frames on big expense and this takes meticulous the positive outcome was a total of It is not generally well known that there several were twisted so badly that their planning. Next, a costing exercise needs 213 locomotives being rescued. Finally, were four diesel locomotives which wheels were not all in full contact with the be carried out for the various missing Woodham’s scrapyard then passed into languished at Barry. Unfortunately, they rails. The outcome was that four largely components on the locomotive and the history of railway preservation in the were eventually all scrapped due to complete tender underframes were where they can be sourced. All the latter United Kingdom. a shortage of wagons for breaking, as quickly rescued for preservation, together day Barry locomotives were devoid of their described above. These locos were two with a useful selection of spare parts. This It is true to say that we railway brass work, such as safety valves, whistles North British Company of Glasgow built action was likened to the World War Two preservationists are seldom lacking in and cab fittings etc. diesel-hydraulic A1A-A1A locos of the Battle of Dunkirk, when an almost certain determination and we do not easily give early class 41 Warship type, namely D600 A lucky discovery at Swindon Works defeat had been overcome and a last- up our devotions. The Woodham’s saga “Active” and D601 “Ark Royal”. by the Merchant Navy Locomotive minute rescue bid resulted in helping to was thirty years in the making and today Preservation Society was a large cache of secure a few more locos from Barry, which new books on the subject continue to be The other two locomotives were a North wooden patterns for the foundry casting were without tenders. written, another thirty years since the last British built class 21 diesel-electric Bo- of such fittings. These patterns were duly loco departed from the scrapyard. A true Bo number D6122 and a class 15 diesel The very last locomotive to leave Barry purchased and a search of other BR loco story not without its drama and it would be electric Bo-Bo number D8206, built by the scrapyard was GWR 2-6-2T number 5553, works elsewhere revealed many more to a hard act to follow! in Sheffield. which departed on 9th November 1989. be acquired. This windfall was shared with Scrapping started with D8206 and D600 A handful of enthusiasts had gathered for For further interest, a video documentary other preservation groups and many ex- in February and March 1970 respectively. this unique occasion and more than a few about the Barry Scrapyard story can be Barry locomotives benefited from the cost These were followed by D6122 and D601 in speeches of congratulation were made. found on the internet at: https://youtube/ savings of not having to manufacture the June and July 1980; these latter two were The engine had been waiting patiently UMMeZnLTj7Q. necessary foundry patterns. their “last of class”. for 28 years and 2 months since arriving in A large collection of still photographs of In early 1969, Duport’s Albion steelworks March 1962. After this sale, Barry Scrapyard Regrettably at the time, diesel locomotive the locomotives taken in Woodham’s at Briton Ferry in South Wales started finally closed for business in February 1990 preservation did not have the broad scrapyard can be seen at: https://www. looking for rail-borne heavyweight flat and Dai Woodham retired. However, this enthusiast support of today but the main flickr.com/groups/woodhams_barry/pool/. wagons for conveying steel ingots and was not the end of the story. In one final issue against saving these engines was the associated heavy-duty moulds within drama, ten locomotives still remained Vignoles 28 29 Although our volunteers have not Our first Volunteers’ been able to work at the visitors of 2020 - Roundhouse during the current proudly showing off Report... lockdown, there is still plenty to report on their new entry tickets! Photo: Mervyn what happened in the three months following Allcock the December 2019 Newsletter. A big thank you goes to all our volunteers – and we hope to all be back at the Roundhouse as soon as we are allowed! The Café team First up are the Weekend Work At least we are in a better situation than had been working Gang: some museums as we have the commercial throughout January arm to support our hobby. It is very worrying The upgrading of the frost protection boxes and February keeping when you see other museums and charities around the train watering points on the the Weekend Work who rely totally on visitors and groups to main line connection with more insulation Gang fuelled with lunches pay the bills. Here’s hoping that everyone and weatherproof painting was finished, and hot drinks and moved gets through this awful time and that all our only for us to have a very mild winter. Never seamlessly into full scale colleagues and volunteers keep safe. mind, there’s bound to be some snow and production when we reopened frost eventually. Don Cambridge at the beginning of March. Our visitors continue to praise the The volunteers have now moved on to And from the Shop and Café: quality of the food on offer and its some bigger jobs, working on the Clay value for money. Cross and Staveley Pipe wagons. This has There may only be two weekends to report From an audit point of view, it also included some structural work as well as on but I’m pleased to report they were a As with the Weekend Work Gang, helps us to keep a better check on the renewal of some planks and of course very busy two weekends as the Museum the Shop and Café Gang can’t wait our visitor numbers. We now also the inevitable paint jobs. The Staveley Pipe and Café welcomed hundreds of new to get back to work and start greeting have activity bags that families wagon was being prepared for sign writing visitors after our winter break. visitors again. In the meantime, we hope can use to get the most out of as we went into lockdown so it will be good everyone is keeping well and staying safe. The Shop volunteers had a get together their visit and a special sensory to get that finished when we eventually get and spring clean the week before we activity bag for children who Alexa Stott back to normal working. reopened, which was a good opportunity may need different types As previously reported, the Mk1 coach to reacquaint ourselves with the workings of of activities to help them had to have some asbestos removed by the till and credit card machine and have a enjoy the Roundhouse specialist contractors last year. It was then look at some of the new stock lines that we experience. brought into the workshop area of the have brought in. The volunteers also had a Roundhouse where a detailed inspection chance to meet Natalie and Donna from The uncovered the bodywork was in a poor Community Growth, who will be looking Clay Cross wagon is captured state of repair. The ends of the carriage after our weekend events and school visits in an evocative shot as and corridor connections are also in a bad this year as we build on the success of the the January sun shines way and preparations were being made now completed and signed off National through a Roundhouse to take them off when we were forced to Lottery Heritage Fund “Moving Forward” window. shut down due to the Covid-19 outbreak. project. Photo: Mervyn Some panelling in the compartments has Allcock One of the changes we have made in the been renewed where it had been water Shop is the issue of “proper” entry tickets. damaged due to leaking windows. The These have gone down very well with vacuum cylinders for the brakes have visitors, many of whom told us they planned been taken off but they have not yet gone to hold onto them as a memento of their away for overhaul, another victim of the visit. lockdown. 30 31 By encouraging visitors to download a QR viewer before they visit (or detailing Collections Team... how to do it once they are here) we can open up a world of supporting text, Moving Further Forward pictures and films for chosen objects. Although the “Moving Forward” project has now We have also looked at ways of come to a successful conclusion, it remains increasing our visitors’ dwell time and important that the museum does not stand still Mervyn has allowed us the use of a Photos: Mike Creagh and lose the impetus of attracting new visitors and brake van to describe how they were providing a better experience for them. used. It is nearly ready to go, complete with a cardboard chimney and fairy The Collections Team has lights in the ‘new’ stove. Missing been busy revitalising the items were sourced from various sites display cabinets as they including our own archives, behind have not changed for three Mervyn’s office, and Roundhouse years. The intention is to maintain Reclamations. interest not only with our new visitors but also with the stalwarts Don has been busy producing who come back year after year by information sheets about specific changing the contents of the cabinets items like track clips and the vacuum every year from now on. brakes. Short film clips are being edited to further enhance the experience In addition to the new lift which enables Having researched other museums and using audio visual equipment that was wheelchair users the opportunity to view heritage centres, we have decided salvaged from the old Café. inside a locomotive cab without having to pursue the philosophy that “little is Graham getting Denis Nobbs, to climb the viewing steps, we are in the the Fireman, ready for display more’” Rather than filling the cabinets process of developing audio assistance with what is called in the trade “a modules for some of the displays. These enthusiast, however, is hungry for details mug’s eyeful”, we have thinned out will offer a summarised description which are not always convenient to what we display and explored specific of the information contained on the topics. A collection of lamps may look write down and, to be honest, may well turn the average visitor away from panels and will be accessed either by a good at first sight but does not explain PIR sensor or push button. why there are so many different types reading a lengthy document. Many or indeed the development from flare museums have adopted 21st century It was decided not to put them on a lamps to Bardic. Hence one cabinet mobile devices such as iPads and continuous loop to avoid the situation has been devoted to types of lamps, tablets. We cannot afford these, or we had last year of a train whistle being one to the tools of a Fireman, one indeed monitor their issue and use, so heard every 6 minutes and 40 seconds, showing track development and the we are developing systems which utilise which sent some of our volunteers use of detonators and so on. personal devices such as smart phones. madder than they already were! A trial is already up and running in Albert’s We are also looking at how we describe Room [our display area including the objects for our visitors to cater for children’s activities at the far end of the different levels of interest. Roundhouse – Editor] describing the • Casual: what is it? work of a Fireman: “he’s not a firefighter • Interested: what was it used for? but a fire maker”. Maybe we should • Enthusiast: tell me more? have a competition to discover who did the voiceover! The first two are easily achieved Try these QR codes: Detonators (age with simple information sheets. The limited) and Signal Women. 32 33 Gonna’s and Round Tuits Butler Henderson Other ideas in the pipeline have obviously had to be put on hold for a while. A virtual Dave Darwin idea is Reaches a Milestone being considered, with a projection of him onto a suitable wall. This idea is Whilst searching through our collection of railway- quite common in other local museums, related items for the forthcoming 150th celebrations notably the castles in Lincoln and at the Roundhouse I discovered that another very Conisbrough, and makes an interesting important date had slipped by unnoticed. alternative to a video screen. The idea The date in question relates to our long-term Its last shed was Sheffield Darnell. In 1960 is not to frighten off our visitors with a popular exhibit, Great Central locomotive “Butler Henderson” returned to Gorton Works life-size Dave but for him to welcome 4-4-0 506 “Butler Henderson”, on loan for repairs but these were not sanctioned and them to the Roundhouse and give bits to Barrow Hill from the National Railway the locomotive was withdrawn from traffic, of information. Museum’s National Collection. In December having covered 1,280,897 miles in service. As 1919 the locomotive rolled off the production a first in class the locomotive was selected There is a wonderful film in the Railway line at Gorton Works near Manchester. It then to become part of the National Collection. Roundhouse series about the Midland headed to its new home depot at Neasden, It went on display at the Clapham Railway Compound that really ought to be North London, and entered passenger Museum before returning to steam and played alongside the locomotive. service on 13th March 1920. Improved running on the from We are currently trying to see if this is Directors as they were known were very 1982 to 1992. possible. popular engines as they were easy to fire “Butler Henderson” has been on static assemble the components of a steam and gave the crew a smooth ride. display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse since It is an incredibly long process to sort engine but little is known about the “Butler Henderson” was allocated to 2005. A few years ago there were plans for out permissions and copyright issues, workings of a diesel. Perhaps we could Neasden Shed 34E for the majority of its the locomotive to be moved back to the which is somewhat irritating because get a diesel engine and generator it is easily viewable on YouTube: just 40 years of service. It ran from London to Great Central Railway to be put on display combination mounted and moved Sheffield and Manchester on Top Link duties at the Leicester Railway Museum, an annex search for Railway Roundabout 1959 into Albert’s Room? [Shhh, don’t tell before moving to Leeds Copley Hill Shed in to the . However, Midland Compound No. 1000. The clip Mervyn! – Editor] 1927 where it ran regular services to King’s the funding for this project fell through and is a little long at 8 minutes so part of the Cross on the East Coast Main Line. In the so “Butler Henderson” remains safe and well Many other ideas are being looked consent is asking if it can be shortened. opening years of British Railways there was at Barrow Hill. The next time you visit the Research has shown that people at, including an overhead railway in little work for the locomotive and “Butler Roundhouse, please do take the time to wish wander off after a couple of minutes, Albert’s Room but time will tell which Henderson”, now numbered 62660, moved this grand old steam locomotive belated especially if they are with others. might come to fruition… to Trafford Park where it ran on services birthday wishes. between Manchester and Chester. Ray Temple Most visitors are used to seeing Collections Team locomotives in museums complete and shiny but there was a lot of interest in the class 02 when the sides were left off, showing the inclined engine. Few people have ever seen inside the ‘posh box’ that encloses a diesel engine. There have been some discussions about developing this idea on our diesel displays where possible, even if only on one side. There is an interactive display in the Mike Creagh Collections Team This photo was taken at the Roundhouse in 2012 when the National Railway Museum in Roundhouse encouraging children to partnership with Bachmann launched a model of the locomotive. Photo: Alexa Stott 34 35 We are very grateful to Richard Looking Senior who has shared some more fantastic photos from his collection Back... of scenes from yesteryear at Barrow Hill. Photos: Richard Senior

Among the selection this time we have a visit to Barrow Hill by LNER A2 532 “Blue Peter” in 1971, and LMS Princess class 6201 “Princess Elizabeth” and Deltic D9005 “The Prince of Wales’ Own Regiment of Yorkshire” at a Barrow Hill Open Day on 3rd September 1972. Finally, but by no means least, our very own Half Cab 41708 is captured on an unknown date. To test your knowledge of Barrow Hill, can you identify the location? (No prizes, just for fun!) 36 37 And this little nugget came in from one Finance Update And of our Trustees, Paul Beardsley… The things we find in lockdown! I was Hewitt Card Ltd are the independent examiners and Finally... spring cleaning at home and unearthed accountants of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society and some old notebooks. It appears that I we are currently in the process of preparing the year Many thanks to David “Ted” Siddon visited Barrow Hill on 18th July 1965. end accounts to 31st December 2019. who has very kindly sent me this In steam were: 48608 Mirfield, 43108 poem. He says, “I thought the Barrow Hill, 92111 Birkenhead, 48070 We are pleased to advise that these accounts are attached might be of interest to Royston, 90730 Barrow Hill, 92089 currently in draft form and are showing a good healthy you. I’m a reasonably successful Birkenhead, 43149 Barrow Hill, 43109 position. Moving forward, we have been asked to poet who currently has a book Barrow Hill, 90364 Doncaster, 90509 oversee the monetary position of Barrow Hill Engine raising funds for the Ashover Light Barrow Hill, 90573 Barrow Hill, 90491 Shed Society on a regular basis and Hewitt Card Railway Society but I have been a Barrow Hill, 90148 Barrow Hill, 90516 are happy to fulfil this role for the Charity. When Richard Senior sent in his life member at Barrow Hill since the Frodingham, 92046 Birkenhead. photos (on pages 36 and 37) he With the current position with Coronavirus earliest days and so a while back Not in steam: 43089 Barrow Hill, 92190 wasn’t sure of the date of the “Blue evolving all the time, we are experiencing wrote this.” Doncaster Peter” photo. However, we knew strange and unusual situations that none of Diesel: D1771 Tinsley, D1779 Tinsley, someone who would know...Mark Allatt, us has experienced before and it is all our 18D/41E D5680 Tinsley, D5806 Tinsley, D4071 P2 “Prince of Wales” Project Director and responsibilities to ensure that the Charity Tinsley, D1806 Tinsley, D1873 Tinsley Head of Fundraising, Marketing & PR for The not only survives these times, but also How oft I trod those red brick floors, A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, pictured here with comes out the other side in as strong oily puddles lie like ink black pools. Stored with rods off: 90084 Barrow Hill, “Blue Peter” at that 1971 Open Day! a position as possible. Familiar weight, the galvanised pail, 90085 Barrow Hill clattering within my traps and tools. Stored: 41708 Barrow Hill. On a further visit on 4th September 1965: Grey, opaque, the atmosphere, In steam were: 90232 Frodingham, as a ghost within the mist I go. 90697 Barrow Hill, 48466 Royston, 90242 There lit by slanting stabs of light, Immingham, 90258 Barrow Hill, 90381 beauteous, soot grimed monsters glow. Frodingham Not in steam: 90133 Frodingham, 90491 I will not in dotage eulogise, Barrow Hill, 45694 Wakefield, we gave of blood, and sweat, and pain. Diesel: D8605 Barrow Hill, D8607 Barrow I served them faithful man and boy, Hill, D6802 Tinsley, D1871 Tinsley, D1807 yet given choice, I would again. Tinsley, D5542 Wath, D8606 Barrow Hill, D8610 Barrow Hill, D8616 Barrow Hill, D8614 Barrow Hill, D8615 Barrow Hill, To feel that bestial surge beneath my feet, D5861 Tinsley the dragon’s rage to daily ride. Stored with rods off: 90084 Barrow Hill Vulcan’s fury we dared to tame, deft the regulator we applied. Stored: 41708 Barrow Hill, 43089 Barrow Hill, 90573 Barrow Hill, 41528 Barrow Hill, 90340 Barrow Hill, 90509 Barrow Hill, Derbyshire lads, best of the best, 41804 Barrow Hill, 41763 Barrow Hill, Titans that only time could kill. 43109 Barrow Hill In dream I mount steps to paradise, It’s a shame I wasn’t taking photographs in Photo: Mark Allatt on an 8F leaving Barrow Hill. those days!

38 39 Every year Dave Swann contacts For a number of years I visited the shed Another trip down memory lane Mervyn to buy the first ticket for Rail Ale, open days with my now late father in from David Tillotson, this time of the a tradition that goes back almost to the the 70s and 80s. diesel variety. very beginning of the Festival. This year My dad was from a working class Dave bought his ticket as usual and, background, but studied law, following following the event’s postponement, his call up in the later stages of the sent us this summary of how he coped Second World War (seeing service on the day he should have been at Rail in Northern India), and went on to Ale.... become a litigation solicitor for a top My Tribute to the Rail Ale law firm in central Nottingham. Dad Festival From My Flat loved the railways. I’m sure he would be in admiration of what you all have This should be the day (Friday) of the achieved at the shed today. 18th year I would have made the short Thanks for taking time to read this and I trip to Rail Ale. Via bus to Chesterfield, hope I can see you all again very soon. then the excellent courtesy bus service from the railway station (not the ‘train Many thanks & very very Best Wishes to station’; I really dislike that term), you all. probably getting a quick word with Dave Swann Steve en-route, a donation in the box, then after a few beers, music, train rides, food and conversation, at around So what have you being 56101 was renamed “Frank Hornby” during its visit to Model Rail Live in September 2011. The locomotive 23.30 returning by taxi, probably by this getting up to in lockdown? time ‘a bit the worse for wear’ to my was exported to Hungary in 2012. home in North Nottinghamshire. Have you uncovered some old photographs or notes that could be part However, this year sadly this is not to be. of our next Roundhouse Magazine? I booked the day off work some time A Western invasion at ago and so I still have to take it. I have Has digging out your old model railway the Type 5 diesel gala sourced some decent bottled ales from helped you get through the days at held in August 2009. my local Asda, got a couple of my old home? Barrow Hill Rail Ale glasses out of the As always, I would welcome store and washed them out, got some any contributions, big or small – slides of Barrow Hill (old and new) on photographs, a special memory of the laptop and got some 80s music on bygone days, your thoughts on articles including Human League and ABC! Two from other contributors, a review of one bands from just up the road in Sheffield; of our events. there was some great music coming out of the North when I was growing up. Just send me an email at [email protected] or drop me a I’ve got a curry on order for later, trying note via the Roundhouse Office. to replicate the excellent Food Court at the Beer Festival. I’ve even been In the meantime, stay safe and take messaging some mates from the East care of yourselves. Midlands, some of whom I don’t see in Alexa Stott between the festivals. Editor

40 Memories of the 1970s and 1980s, when Barrow Hill was full of class 20s working local coal trains, was recreated in January 2020. Photo: Mervyn Allcock