The R&ER Magazine Number 218 September 2015

The Journal of the and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society Published quarterly by the Editorial The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Keith Herbert Preservation Society Limited R&ER Member of the Heritage Locomotives and rolling stock remain two of the major talking points on the Railway Association Ratty as another summer unfolds before us. The editorial column and letter Magazine on the subject of the coaches (printed in the last Magazine) would appear to have added to the discussions and, from the sheer number of letters, either No 218 September 2015 there has been an explosion at the Scrabble factory again, or there is more still Editorial Team: Keith Herbert, Di Chase, Opinions expressed by contributors and to say. Turn to page 37 to read further views on this and other matters in our Bill Seddon, Mark Harrington, in editorial comment do not necessarily Correspondence. John Taylor reflect the collective views of the Society. The subject of coaches was even brought up during questions from the floor at Editorial Designer: Julie Hutchinson the Preservation Society’s AGM on Saturday 11th July. Asked for his view on the

condition of the closed saloons, the General Manager suggested they were past Address for Magazine Correspondence: PRESS DEADLINE: Material for inclusion in Keith Herbert the next issue of the Magazine must their best. Does the pressing need for more vehicles in service now share top 7 Dalegarth Cottages reach the editors not later than billing with the pressing need for more working locomotives? If it doesn’t, then Boot, Thursday 15th October at noon. it should. The Maxi coach frames have now been cut up, leaving little more than CA19 1TF Please send material earlier if possible. and a bit of floor in place – no going back, then, for the coaches taken [email protected] out of traffic in 2009. Coach 136, an ordinary, blue and white, heated saloon, has The R&ER Magazine is always pleased to receive correspondence, photographs and articles for possible inclusion. also been withdrawn pending fitting of new bogies. Most nowadays arrive via our e-mail address, but postal contributions are just as welcome. Please write your name and address on the back of any prints, and give at least the date and location of each While we hope and pray that no more follow suit, we are at least able to photograph where possible. We have scanning facilities for slides and negatives, and will endeavour to return any loaned photographic material. welcome coach 387 (an open coach, no less!) into the fold. And there is more good news on top, for trains are now running – in good weather – in ‘half-and- Society website: http://www.rerps.co.uk half’ formation. That is to say, the Ravenglass-end of the train is made up of four opens. Now you can sit right behind the engine with no window or door to Council Chairman: Sam Dixon, 15 Lyceum Close, Leighton, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 3YB. keep from you the “brilliant sensory experience” (Mag 217, page 3, paragraph Email: [email protected] 6) that is La’al Ratty in the open air – just like in the good old days! Hon. Secretary: Mungo Stacy, 34 Mayfield Road, Manchester M16 8EU. Email: [email protected] Hon. Financial Secretary: Ian Leigh, 206B Crowfield House, North Row, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 3LQ. Email: [email protected] Hon. Membership Secretary: Phil Taylor, 12 Wholehouse Road, Seascale, Cumbria CA20 1QY. Email: [email protected] (1-1299 and 2500-3999) Assistant Membership Secretary: Jim Wilcock, ‘Porthlow’, Neston Road, Ness, Neston CH64 4AZ. Email: [email protected] (1300-2499) Sales Officer: Terry Williams, 88 Bluestone Road, Moston, Manchester M40 9HY. Email: [email protected] Magazine Distributor: Cumbria Mailing Services Ltd. Penrith, CA11 9FQ. Heywood House Bookings: Mary Harding. Email: [email protected]. Tel: 01229 717080. Volunteers: Peter Mills. Email: [email protected] General Manager: Trevor Stockton, R&ER Co. Ltd. Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW. Tel: 01229 717171. Opens behind the loco! River Irt approaches Muncaster Mill with a ‘heritage’ Front Cover: Northern Rock departs Dalegarth on a bright October day in 2014. consist. Photo: Christopher Glover Photo: Dick Smith 2 3 As this edition of the Magazine closes for press, we are still some weeks away Much has been done to preserve and enhance the short walks from the station from our August bank holiday centenary celebrations (you will have to tune in at Dalegarth. Boot Riverside Action Group, made up of local parish councillors, next time for photographs from the weekend) – but you will get this just in time land owners and local businesses, has been formed to fundraise to improve the to prepare for a trip to see River Mite at the ’s tenth annual road to St Catherine’s Church and the local paths that make the short walks so steam and diesel gala, and Northern Rock at the twenty-fifth anniversary gala at attractive. Work has also taken place on the old tramway that originally crossed the (see the diary on page 43 for dates). Go out, explore the valley road to reach the far side of the river – not for trains, I hasten to add! and enjoy these railways (and report back to the Magazine, please!) – but don’t – but again to help the experience of these walks. Check Eskdale web links for forget our own La’al Ratty, with its hundred years of history to look back on and, more information. hopefully, one hundred more still to look forward to. Tour operator Statesman Rail has already paid us one visit this year with almost 200 extra passengers, another 300 are promised on the next trip. Although there News from Ravenglass are only two excursions this year they all contribute toward our viability. Trevor Stockton Up the line in among running trains the flail has had a run out, under the charge of Martin Cookman and Will Sands, to cut back the lineside vegetation (an The railway has been the recipient of two awards this summer, one for the almost never-ending battle). But it does stop people hanging out to try to grab Best Heritage Railway Attraction at The National Coach Tourism Awards, plus a bracken! The weed killing has also been completed for another year. This was a Cumbria Tourism Award in the Large Visitor Attraction category. These awards job that the late Martin Willey used to carry out with great gusto. Thanks to Keith are testimony to all the hard work that goes into making an attraction like ours Herbert and Will Sands the lineside and track will continue to be weed free, and award-winning. Anyone and everyone that works front of house, behind the I am sure Martin would approve that his high standards have been maintained. scenes, etc. should feel justifiably proud of these achievements. Thank you. Once again, I make no excuse for this; the railway needs volunteers, a minimum As we approach another high season service we do so on the back of an of three a day help keep the service going. Although you can put yourself encouraging spring. Although we experienced higher than average rainfall it forwards to cover most roles on the railway we are always in need of guards. has not deterred the visitors too much. Even if you only have a spare day every few weeks it all helps; give us a call. There is much to be positive about; the revamped museum will be opened during the high summer service. This is Phase 1 more or less complete; Phase 2 is in the final stages of fundraising. Hopefully in the next issue we can be clear on deadlines for build and completion. In the mean time allow yourself time to browse round the museum on your next visit. It is an amazing transformation. The engineers are now operating from their rebuilt workshop; whilst there are a few snagging issues to sort out it certainly makes for an easier, quicker turn round of repairs and breakdowns. Nigel Day will concentrate on the overhaul of River Esk; an anticipated return to steam of next high summer [2016] is our aim with that project. Another assistant engineer, Peter Fitzwilliam, has been appointed, which brings us back up to full complement. Perkins continues to take shape; although its return for this high summer remains our goal, it will be dependent on how the rest of the fleet performs. In a mad week in June we closed the car park for resurfacing. Two thirds of the surface area are now complete with fresh lining out; the final third will be done when the museum phase 2 has been completed. It was certainly strange to see the trains fairly busy but the car park empty. The village car park and a walk over the bridge did little to put folk off. Synolda and River Irt greet 45699 Galatea outside the new workshop on 30th May. Photo: Bob Tebb 4 5 Locomotives: a Summer Summary and using components from, the unit used on Hercules last season. This work An update from the R&ER Magazine was in anticipation of use in service during August bank holiday weekend, top ‘n’ tailing shuttles to Muncaster Mill with Count Louis, which has been resident in the paint shop this year. River Irt: has seen heavy use in traffic but lost a few days at the outset of the high summer service when necessary repairs to its steam pump overran. An electric Perkins: is still out of service, part-way through a monumental rebuild. The compressor was sourced and fitted to put the loco back to work while attention bodywork frame is indicative of a much altered and larger appearance, and it is to the pump continued in the new workshop. rumoured that it will eventually be outshopped in orange. River Esk: is being worked on by Nigel Day; results will not be instant but things Shelagh of Eskdale: is also still out of service. It has been said that ‘all’ it needs is a are now quietly progressing on its rebuild in-house. new engine and transmission, but talk abounds of a total rebuild when Perkins is finished. River Mite: has suffered considerably with a worn regulator valve and intermittent problems with the cylinder drains. Nevertheless the loco continues Lady Wakefield: seems to suffer from unusually high brake wear, but is in service in service on a daily basis. frequently either on the scheduled diesel-hauled trains, permanent way work or to cover for absent steam engines as required. Problems with quickly-draining Northern Rock: has not been dogged by the same irritations as the other two batteries appear to have been resolved nicely. main locos, but was withdrawn from service after sudden failure of the bearing in the tender-axle air pump, whereupon it also received attention to the front Cyril: has continued in the role of shunting loco in the yard and station at truck. During the first week of high summer it suffered a crack in the top leaf Ravenglass, but was failed in the second week of high summer after bolts of the left-hand-side driving wheel spring. After two successive repairs and two sheared on the charge wheel for the brake system, causing the wheel to fall off. further breakages of the same spring, it was withdrawn during the second week. The locomotive did manage its annual foray around the line on the weedkilling It re-entered service on 1st August. train some weeks before. Bonnie Dundee: has been on display in platform 2 at Ravenglass on virtually a Les: has seen small amounts of work shunting in the engineers’ new yard. daily basis. Parked up with all three remaining Maxi vehicles, it is very popular Douglas Ferreira: has shared the rostered diesel turns with Lady Wakefield and, with passengers, who sometimes ask at what time it leaves for Dalegarth… with the exception of problems with the key interlocks in either cab earlier in Synolda: has had its own air brake compressor fitted to the tender, modelled on, the season, had been suitably reliable, until the breakage of an earth wire to the fuel pump saw it failed and subsequently sidelined for one morning on 30th July.

River Mite collects Douglas Ferreira from Miteside loop on 30th July; Lady River Mite passes over Whillan Beck at Dalegarth, May 2014. Photo: Peter Howie Wakefield had already arrived and taken over the train. Photo: Jackie Pharaoh 6 7 Permanent Way Notes Once the layout was complete with packing and ballasting finished, the area closest to the car park was tarmacked up to rail head height to give extra car David Moseley parking spaces if required.

Rather unusually for the track gang we have been doing a major relaying project The area has seen a major tidy up and disposal of surplus scrap – giving a much whilst trains have been running. improved site. The last Magazine referred to the start of the reconnection of the engineering We are grateful to the relatively small (but perfectly formed) gang who carried workshop to the rest of the railway. This project took over two months of work out this major project. Being in the public eye whilst doing the work certainly – not every day in this period was spent on the relay but any available volunteers attracted a lot of attention from passers by. We had quite a crowd watching and staff were usually press-ganged if they made the mistake of appearing from the footbridge most days. interested in what was going on! Particular thanks are due to Neil and Ben from Crowe’s who did the digging out The end result crams a lot of track into a small space but gives maximum and levelling of the site ready for us to do the track laying and also to ‘Chicken’ flexibility and usefulness. and John Wilson for loading spoil and ballast, saving us a considerable amount of time (not to mention effort). The Crowe’s staff also laid the track in the In all, six points have been reused in the new layout which gives a siding next workshop and on the concreted pad outside. Excluding this outside help and to the main line and three shed roads (one of which runs the full length of the also not counting the engineers’ time in making new pins for point operating workshop and will eventually give rail access to the refurbished museum). rodding and welding plates to several point levers, we have spent over ninety A run-round loop has been included which will make the regular coach exams man days on this particular project. We need to do some more work on the easier to facilitate. Outside the workshop is a thirty-six foot concrete pad with curve from the station to the headshunt which is a little on the sharp side but three roads laid into it. overall the layout is settling in well. We are most grateful to Ian Hartland and the Threlkeld Mining Museum for Regular line inspections have taken place whilst the workshop project has been their kind donation of four spring point levers for use in the new layout. These ongoing with staff called away to do maintenance tasks as required. Several stretches have now been serviced and fitted. Additional plates have been welded to the of line have had additional fixings installed and several drains have been dug out. bases of the levers to suit our sleeper spacing. The track into the paint shop has also been completed and the point lever fitted – thanks to Geoff Rinaldi for welding up the closure rails. Having improved the pointwork in the shed area the remainder of the track now looks in need of attention. Some temporary work will be done pending major renewal in the next few years. The line has been flailed over the course of two days and, along with additional strimming and the use of the self-propelled flail, has kept a lot of the vegetation under control much better than in previous years. Keith Herbert has been on a weedkilling course and, suitably armed with a certificate and some chemicals, has been out and about with the weedkilling train to knock on the head any weeds that think growing in our track is a good idea. Although it is only July as these notes are being written we are getting our supplies of track fittings and sleepers sorted ready for this coming winter’s relaying projects. We had expected to be using plastic sleepers again this winter but, owing to our being offered a supply of good quality hardwood sleepers at a very reasonable price, we have reverted to wood. These will be fitted with Pandrol plates. Delivery Another view of the new workshop and yard, where Synolda stands with the is expected for September ready for installation over the coming winter. old Maxi coach frames, just before cutting up in June. Photo: Nigel Day 8 9 This autumn’s Track Week will take place from Saturday 14th November through La’al Ratty Centenary to Sunday 22nd November 2015. We will however be on site from the end of Peter van Zeller daily trains on Monday 2nd November doing tree clearance and preparatory works with total occupation of the line from Monday 9th November. We have to give the completed railway back to the operating department by Wednesday 28th August 1915 saw a remarkable event that we still enjoy the fruits of when, 25th November so Santa Trains can run. There will be a further Track Week in under the banner of Narrow Gauge Railways Limited, three enthusiasts revived January 2016. a dead railway that had been crying out for preservation for a generation. Unexpected and unprecedented, La’al Ratty emerged as The Smallest Public As usual the Company provides hot meals at lunchtimes during Track Week Railway in the World. itself – outside of specific Track Weeks you need to bring all your own food. You should also bring hot drinks, warm and waterproof clothing along with The old three-foot gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale had operated in receivership steel toecapped boots. Gloves are available should you require them. since in 1877 it couldn’t pay all the bills for its completion, barely three months after opening [to passengers in 1876]. It had closed to passengers when a trespasser There will be evening slide or film shows during the weeks along with an end complained to Winston Churchill (then President of the Board of Trade) about of Track Week dinner for participants. safety. A new Act of Parliament brought no fresh investment and after sporadic If anyone fancies coming and helping us maintain and improve this wonderful running for goods, the line finally creaked to a halt in 1913. A last nail in its coffin little railway you would needless to say be very welcome. You do not have was a Railways Inspector’s report condemning the track, as the scrub grew over it. to wait for Track Weeks of course – labour permitting we are out as often as It was found just in time by three friends promoting railways for resorts, exhibitions we can possibly manage. There are always jobs to do – ranging from working and rich men’s estates. In March 1912 they advertised ‘Wanted – suitable sites for on the track itself to keeping the lineside vegetation under check. Ditches are fifteen-inch gauge miniature railways… either a mile circuit or a two- or three-mile another area where help is required on a regular basis. run between places of interest is required’. Wynne Bassett-Lowke had made a We have had probably the best turn out of help we have ever had this past model empire, John Wills ran his London shop, while Robert Mitchell was son of the winter and a simple thank you does not seem adequate, nevertheless we are man who founded modern mass tourism. Daft on trains, they had laid a circular line more than grateful for any support we receive. Please do come down and see at Rhyl, then gone on to Geneva and, in summer 1914, had celebrated the Jubilee what all the fuss is about! Exhibition in the Norwegian capital. Here, Henry Greenly-designed Class 30 4-4-2 loco Prinz Olaf and its seven open coaches sat idle after the last of one-and-a-half million visitors went home and the onset of the Great War cut off further options for tourism in continental Europe completely.

Plastic sleepers might elude us this winter; here a train of them stands in the Sans Pareil at Muncaster Mill, with a young Bert Thompson on the footplate. siding at Irton Road, November 2014. Photo: Peter Mills Photo: R&ER Archive 10 11 Published contemporary remarks state that the perpetrators had only found out ‘….to enable the Company to work trains over the lands over which the trains about the derelict Eskdale line ten weeks before opening, on their first visit in ran and where the Lines of Permanent Way still remain and will guarantee the mid-June 1915. However Bassett-Lowke had sold to Sir Aubrey Brocklebank both Company free use of such lands’ implied the Gill Force Tramway was excluded large model railway equipment (circa Gauge 1) and a seven-and-a-quarter-inch beyond Dalegarth Cottages where the steel rails had been bought by the receiver gauge circuit at Irton Hall, while Sir Aubrey had been an adjudicator in a dispute earlier to relay. about a small loco built at Northampton. Although by then he lived at Nunmere The lease would be renewed on the same terms from year to year as long as the Hall in Cheshire this prime mover surely told them of the legendary toy railway rent paid to ‘Dawson, his heirs and assigns shall exceed One hundred pounds that was in his native haunts and where his granddad Allport’s Midland Railway per annum’. His bearded face still sits on a painting in Lancaster Castle where retirement honorarium had been invested in the 1881 Gill Force Tramway. he was Constable, a barrister, Justice of the Peace, President of Lancaster Total Bert Mitchell took some photos on this first visit, used in Henry Greenly’s Abstinence Society and Vice President the Anti-narcotic Society, hardly a regular guidebooks. The old rolling stock sits in the trainshed at Ravenglass. There are law breaker. The lease noted he was ‘Chairman of the Board of Directors of the fences across the track on to Scafell Common. His companions are walking up Eskdale Railway Company but which has not been in work for some time.’ The the deserted line in strong sunshine, carrying overcoats. They must have seen rent went into a trust fund to cover costs of fencing, while circumventing the Eskdale at its spring finest. old railway’s problems achieved what it had been set up to do and given the power to take land for, running a public service. They then went to see the Chairman of the new Eskdale Railway Company, Edward Bousfield Dawson, at his Aldcliffe Hall near Lancaster. The ninety-two- As soon as work began, rumours hit the Millom News. ‘The fences were re- year old had done his best to revive the old railway that his mother had unwisely erected and repaired by the trustees to keep the sheep from straying from invested in so many years before. His son-in-law Simon Leeder was an editor the fields and fells adjacent to the line’ – their oak posts lasted until the 1970s. and publisher of girls’ magazines. Neither of them were engineers, although On 22nd July ‘it is confidently expected that on 1st August the new light railway fellow director John Vicars of Gill Bank had invented machinery to make the will be running up the valley, at all events as far as Irton Road. Men are hard at modern biscuit, while the Railway Manager Wilson Hastwell had failed to bring work relaying the line with all speed’. The Whitehaven News reported ‘Great any support despite his success and standing in the local Masons. This proposal interest has naturally been awakened both in Eskdale and the district… by the answered their problems of relaying the track and providing Eskdale with announcement that the deadlock in railway locomotion and traffic was about public transport once more – at someone else’s expense! to be removed by the installation of a narrow gauge railway and in pleasant anticipation, some folks have got rather ahead of the music’. John Wills then sent an interesting letter to the Board of Trade advising that they were contemplating laying a fifteen-inch gauge line at Ravenglass, like the one The new manager John Wills had told them that ‘the date was premature… but they had run at Rhyl without an accident, and asking if His Majesty’s Railway it is hoped it is only a matter of a few days owing partly to a difficulty of labour Inspectorate wished to inspect it. No-one in London suspected what was afoot when the reply came that they were not interested in such a small gauge – it was too late when they found out a statutory railway was involved and later still when the Clerk to Bootle Rural District Council complained! Work reportedly began on relaying the track a bare fortnight later in early July. On 22nd July, Dawson signed a lease in the presence of Annie Slade-Jones of Sutton Surrey. In it ‘the site, lands, buildings, works and everything appertaining to the said railway, except the locos and rolling stock,’ were leased by him personally for three years to the Narrow Gauge Railways Company. A stray wagon last seen at Irton Road must have been the legendary one that reputedly fell in the river at Prospect (Rock) Point. Three-foot gauge loco Devon must have been steamed for a last time to shunt stock on to the long transhipment siding. With Nabb Gill, it simply vanished without any trace, presumably to scrap, although the locos had residual value and one of their 1875 Manning Wardle contemporaries was still running in Cuba half a century later. Three quarters of a mile from Ravenglass, note the frames intended to take a light roof canopy. Photo: R&ER Archive 12 13 and of obtaining sleepers and other materials. But a mile to Muncaster Mill will gauge! Among contemporary volunteers who drove and maintained engines, he be open for pleasure trips about the 6th August and the Company trusts to Irton surveyed the line and his blueprint gradient diagram is annotated with progress Road about a month or six weeks later... But so immediate a start is welcome of about a quarter-mile a week. Reaching milepost 3½ by Christmas, and then news to Eskdale’. Irton Road, made it possible to advertise reopening The Eskdale Railway on 1st February 1916. A young man taken on the staff was Bert Thompson. Eighty The Barrow News reminisced ‘Before its closing some years ago, this narrow years later he reminisced about his first job as guard, but was ‘allowed to drive gauge go-as-you-please sort of railway with its station master, porter, ticket the loco when there were ladies riding on the train and the manager sat inside collector rolled into one... a London firm is about to reconstruct it on a model the old Heywood saloon coach with them!’ plan. The carriages are to be propelled by a ‘baby locomotive’ weighing only two tons and the passengers will sit back-to-back with the view of economising Dawson was dead before a year was out, in mid-1916, but the lease rolled over year on space…’ on year. One likes to think that Leeder, Vicars and the old receiver Edward Moore finally made a journey on the line they had strived to keep going before Moore ‘This expectation would have been realised, only circumstances did not permit became Lord Mayor of London. Bassett-Lowke was to set up a bijou love nest in of the rolling stock being sent’ across from Norway. In August, a German 78 Derngate, now restored as an iconic design of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, U-boat shelled Parton twenty miles up the coast and Millom was rallying air and his new wife kept him close to home and factory in Northampton. John raid precautions, while every paper had casualty lists, particularly from Gallipoli Wills moved to Narrow Gauge Railways’ next new venture at Fairbourne in Mid where the climactic battle of Sari Bair saw the Anzacs alongside New Army Wales. Uncle Bert Mitchell sadly put all his capital and energy into this Tom volunteers. William Wilson of Ravenglass sent a postcard to buy a wagonload Thumb Railway in Cumberland and then broke up with his new wife, children of coke for the engine, now renamed Sans Pareil while the seven teak coaches and old family too. Yet before he retired as Managing Director ten years later, were emblazoned in brass letters, ‘Eskdale Express’. Further stock – three open the railway we can recognise today took shape – Martin’s carriage and wagon wagons, a closed coach and brake van – came from Sir shop and the bungalow at Ravenglass, relaying the track using War Department at Duffield Bank, and his dining car was promised! rail, using internal combustion locos on half the train mileage, developing the Then from noon on Saturday 28th August the first small trains ran to Muncaster, granite business and booming summer passenger traffic with a steam loco where there was a short siding to shunt the loco while the stock was manhandled specially designed for both jobs on the Eskdale line. La’al Ratty started running a past. A dogleg in the track required due care here, and John Wills recorded later daily service how Bert Mitchell rushed in once too often and landed on the deck. There was including no advertising but by the following Wednesday over seven hundred people Christmas had paid 3d for the return trip. Trains ran from 10am until 7pm ‘as are required Day, and has by the traffic. Special trains will leave Muncaster Mill for Ravenglass at 11.30am, run trains 2.15pm, 3.15pm, 4.30pm and 5.15pm.’ every year since for It was an invaluable trial that promised to deliver a great attraction of practical a century. utility for the district. ‘The whole train runs on its narrow tracks of fifteen The Smallest inches in a most pleasing manner… Due to the line being newly laid the little Public train is not able to display its capacity for speed to full advantage but it can Railway in demonstrate to the full its tractive power’. The railway press reported nationally the World from September 1916 about aspirations to soon run a scheduled service and was no use contractors’ locos to pull goods. Sir Arthur Heywood was just completing mean legacy an 0-6-0, Ursula, for the Eaton Railway which enabled the sale of 0-4-0 Katie, for these shipped to Ravenglass that winter along with the 4-6-2 version of Sans Pareil pioneers built by Bassett-Lowke for John Howey. of Railway Reconstruction continued as best it could with the original rails being relaid on Preservation. the less decayed centres of old sleepers. By November some form of regular service was operating to Murthwaite. Even while relaying was taking place Passing the three-foot stock, Sans Pareil in 1915. another notable rail enthusiast, Cecil J Allan, started the canard of the 2ft 9in Photo: R&ER Archive 14 15 How Many Wheels? for more grip on a tarmac road. This is because the loads are high compared to the shear strength of the field or rubber tyre. In these circumstances, additional Owen Ryder and Duncan Webster How Many Wheels? terraincontact vehicle area needs between to grip on wheela muddy and field, roador a racing reduces car is lookingthe shear for more stress, grip reducingon a theDisadvantages of having more wheels - There is a school of thought that says tendency for the soil in the field to get churned up, or for the soft rubber of a The prospect of a new Owenlocomotive Ryder and being Duncan built Webster for the R&ER has initiated many tarmac road. This is because the loads are high compared to the shear strength of the field every little bit helps. However, there are some drawbacks. By having more wheels, or motorsportrubber tyre. Intyre these to getcircumstances, torn off. additional contact area between wheel and road you inevitably make the rigid wheelbase longer and the angle of attack of the leading discussions regarding its wheel arrangement. The Society intends that any new The prospect of a new locomotive being built for the R&ER has initiated many reduces the shear stress, reducing the tendency for the soil in the field to get churned up, or driving wheels causes more flange wear. The reason that the R&ER locos get locomotive should meet the requirements of the Railway Company, so several forFor the asoft steel rubber railway of a motorsport wheel on tyre a steelto get rail,torn off.the shear strength is very high comparedstopped for chassis overhaul is usually flange wear on the leading driving wheels. discussionsdiscussions regardhave ingtaken its placewheel betweenarrangement. the TheSociety’s Society volunteer intends that design any teamnew and to the loads being applied, and so the friction force, or grip, is independent ofAnything that reduces this wear would be welcome as it will increase the availability For a steel railway wheel on a steel rail, the shear strength is very high compared to the loads thelocomotive Railway should Company meet staffthe requirements based on researchof the Railway of engineering Company, soliterature several and contact area. of the locomotive and reduce maintenance costs. The smaller wheels required to fit 4 discussions have taken place between the Society’s volunteer design team and the being applied, and so the friction force, or grip, is independent of contact area. consultation with experts such as the Institute of Railway Research. This article axles means higher rotating speed which also increases wear. The extra wheelset and Railway Company staff based on research of engineering literature and consultation The number of wheels doesn’t matter - The following diagrams show two summarises those discussions and decisions. The number of wheels doesn’t matter - The following diagrams show 2 locos, the first coupling rods would cost more, and increase the time and cost of overhaul. with experts such as the Institute of Railway Research. This article summarises those withlocos, 3 coupled the firstaxles, thewith second three with coupled 4, but with axles, the same the totalsecond adhesive with weight four, of but6 tonnes with the same Decisions - A small design review committee of R&ER staff met on the 12th and Tractivediscussions and Effortdecisions. and (tototal make adhesivethe maths easier!). weight of 6 tonnes (to make the maths easier!). 13th of June to decide the key parameters of a new . As eight- AdhesiveTractive Effort Weight and - Firstly,Adhesive we coupled gives only minimal improvement in reducing wheel slip but flange wear and needWeight to understand- Firstly, we the need basics to ease of maintenance are very important to the Company, a six-coupled loco is ofunderstand friction. the Thebasic s maximumof friction. preferred. A front pony truck is required to steer the loco into curves and a rear amountThe maximum of frictional amount force, of truck to give some stability to the long overhang at the back due to the large firebox. orfrictional grip, betweenforce, or grip,two betweenbodies Therefore a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement was decided upon. istwo determined bodies is determined by the weightby the ofweight the ofupper the upper body body and and thethe coefficientcoefficient of of friction,friction, μ

(pronounced(pronounced “miu”). “miu”). μ TheThe required required tractivetractive effort effort for for a a newnew locomotive locomotive is 1100kgf. is 1100kgf. If we consider a typical coefficient of If we consider a typical friction of 0.22, then we need to coefficient of friction of 0.22, provide 5 tonnes (5000kgf) of then we need to provide 5 weight on the driving wheels. This tonnesis called the(5000kgf) adhesive weight.of weight on the driving wheels. This is Axle Load Limits - If this 5 called the adhesive weight. tonnes of weight were carried on only one axle, the track would have to be very It will be seen that spreading the adhesive weight over more axles does not increase the Axlesubstantial Load to Limits survive -this If thisload. 5 On tonnes the R&ER, of weight the current were recommended carried on only axle loadone axle, tractive force for a given coefficient of friction. The leading and trailing trucks carry the thelimit track is 2 tonnes,would meaning have to that be 5 very tonne substantials of adhesive to weight survive needs this to load.be carried On bythe [at R&ER, It will be seen that spreading the adhesive weight over more axles does not same load in 6 or 8 coupled loco and so have no effect on adhesive weight. theleast] current 3 axles. recommended axle load limit is 2 tonnes, meaning that 5 tonnes of increase the tractive force for a given coefficient of friction. The leading and Chance of finding grip - There are however, some drivers and engineers who report that adhesive weight needs to be carried by [at least] three axles. trailing trucks carry the same load in six- or eight-coupled locos and so have no Three of the R&ER steam locos have 4 axles. When River Esk was built, the track more driving wheels does reduce the chance of slipping. The well respected engineer effect on adhesive weight. Threewas of of lighter the R&ERconstruction steam with locos a lower have maximum four axles. axle Whenload, therefore River Esk necessitating was built, the L.D.Porta records that more connected driving wheels will reduce the apparent variation in 4 axles in order to spread the adhesive weight. River Mite was built with 4 axles simply frictionChance over ofa length finding of rail, grip allowing -There a loco are with however, more wheels some to drivers pass over and a slipperyengineers who track was of lighter construction with a lower maximum axle load, therefore because River Esk’s disused Poultney tender chassis was lying around at Ravenglass. portion of track with less chance of slipping. Whilst this effect is large going from one axle necessitating four axles in order to spread the adhesive weight. River Mite was report that more driving wheels does reduce the chance of slipping. The well River Irt has 4 driven axles because Muriel was built for the , to two, the difference between three axles and four axles is small. Fitting of decent sanders built with four axles simply because River Esk’s disused Poultney tender chassis whirespectedch sand all coupled engineer axles L.D.Portahas a much morerecords significant that moreeffect. connected driving wheels will which also had lightweight track. was lying around at Ravenglass. River Irt has four driven axles because Muriel reduce the apparent variation in friction over a length of rail, allowing a loco wasGrip built - There for is,the understandably, Duffield Bank a belief Railway, that more which wheels also or had more lightweight contact area track. gets with more wheels to pass over a slippery portion of track with less chance of you more grip. This does apply in some circumstances, for example, when an all- slipping. Whilst this effect is large going from one axle to two, the difference Grip - There is, understandably, a belief that more wheels or more contact area between three axles and four axles is small. Fitting of decent sanders which gets you more grip. This does apply in some circumstances, for example, when sand all coupled axles has a much more significant effect. an all-terrain vehicle needs to grip on a muddy field, or a racing car is looking

16 17 Disadvantages of having more wheels - There is a school of thought that An Update on Katie says every little bit helps. However, there are some drawbacks. By having Bob Tebb more wheels, you inevitably make the rigid wheelbase longer and the angle of attack of the leading driving wheels causes more flange wear. The reason that the R&ER locos get stopped for chassis overhaul is usually flange wear on the Inevitably, by the time you read this, work will be much further advanced. But leading driving wheels. Anything that reduces this wear would be welcome as here is a quick report on the work to date. it will increase the availability of the locomotive and reduce maintenance costs. The boiler has been fitted, and piping-up is underway. The main steam pipe has The smaller wheels required to fit four axles means higher rotating speed which been fabricated and fitted. Stainless steel baffled water tanks have been made, also increases wear. The extra wheelset and coupling rods would cost more, along with sole plates. New running boards have been made and trial-fitted. and increase the time and cost of overhaul. The brake gear has now all been fitted. The backhead fittings have been trial- Decisions - A small design review committee of R&ER staff met on 12th and 13th assembled for pipework runs. die block guides have been made, and June to decide the key parameters of a new steam locomotive. As eight-coupled backing plates have been fitted to the weighshaft in the frames. New linkage has gives only minimal improvement in reducing wheel slip but flange wear and been installed for a ball valve regulator. The smokebox door hinge and locking ease of maintenance are very important to the Company, a six-coupled loco is bar have been fabricated. preferred. A front pony truck is required to steer the loco into curves and a rear The injector bracket has truck to give some stability to the long overhang at the back due to the large been fitted, and injectors firebox. Therefore a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement was decided upon. and water manifold trial- fitted. The reverser has been trial-fitted and the linkage to the weighshaft made. New nameplates and worksplates have been cast, and some modifications have been made to the new tanks in order to accommodate braking. Katie’s wheels on display at Station Road Steam’s workshop. Photo: Bob Tebb Heywood House Keys Mary Harding

Just to advise members that keys for Heywood House are no longer kept in the signal box (although there is one there in case of emergency). Front door keys are now located in a key cabinet by the stairs in Heywood House. Please collect on arrival, and replace on departure. Keys correspond to the room you have been allocated. For late comers, or if nobody is in residence, there is a key safe on the outside door; I will supply the code on request. Hopefully this should make things easier, but if you have any queries please do not hesitate to ring me on 07521701098 or 01229 717080, or e-mail [email protected]. This also applies to any general queries or “When I said ‘I’ll have another one of those...’” Peter van Zeller and David comments regarding the house and accommodation. Moseley admire Bob Brook’s model of 2-6-2 Northern Rock. Photo: Bob Brook 18 19 La’al La’al Ratty (‘River Mite 1967-2007’) in celebration of forty years’ service, by Sam Dixon. Bob Tebb Bottom left is a classic shed scene, depicting River Esk (left), the new River Mite (centre) and River Irt, most likely ahead of a day’s running. This photograph shows Rush to the Ratty shop – or to River Esk painted black, probably only the previous winter, in August 1967 and was your nearest toy shop if you can’t taken by Doug Ferreira. get to Ravenglass – to buy the Left and right are Shelagh of Eskdale and the locomotive, not the man, named Douglas latest offerings of La’al La’al Ratty Ferreira, the 1967-built Shelagh being unloaded at Ravenglass after delivery from – two new models, one of Mike, Severn Lamb. Shelagh played a role in the International Garden Festivals in Liverpool and, for the first time, one ofRex and Gateshead, even hauling a royal train for Her Majesty the Queen in 1984. Douglas (alias River Mite and River Esk). was built in 2005 and, while still considered ‘the new diesel’, has covered many To keep these new models thousands of miles in traffic, chiefly in the hands of former regular driver Chris Little. company, the photo below also While Shelagh might represent a great leap forward for the railway at a time when shows the two previous toy locomotives of its type were few, Douglas arrived when locos were plenty, yet now is models of Mike (one wooden) one of few. Can you imagine the perils of continuing to preserve this line without it? and the two of Frank (also one wooden), as well as the very rare Bob Tebb’s collection of toys based on the Jock (which was only available fictional aliases of La’al Ratty locos. for a few weeks at most). Photo: Bob Tebb Centre Spread Commentary Keith Herbert

Preservation of the R&ER was about more than just ‘playing trains’. Some of the railway’s biggest innovations came after the hammer fell, closing the auction of the line which took place in 1960. Gone was the granite traffic of yesteryear, but the quarrying of stone continued during excavations to create what we now call Gilbert’s Cutting. Before this narrow channel cut through solid rock, trains swung round the outside of it on a sharp bend known as Hollinghead Bluff. Here, top left, can be seen the excavator standing tall atop the cutting while, top centre, ICL No.1 is on a works train during the installing of new track. These photographs are part of a significant collection in the Company archives by Douglas Ferreira, who was by then General Manager of the line. The photo of the excavator is dated January 1964. Douglas Ferreira, R&ER General Manager during the preservation era until Gilbert’s Cutting is seen in use as River Esk approaches. This image was used on a 1994, aboard Lady Augusta at Miteside. Photo: Sam Dixon postcard, our particular example post-dated 1967. The 1960s also sparked new investment in locomotives, such as River Mite. Constructed using the frames of River Esk’s former power tender, the new River Mr & Mrs Dixon Mite was probably the first steam locomotive built during the preservation era on The R&ER Magazine congratulates Sam Dixon, Chairman of the any railway. Delivered new in 1966 on the back of a traction engine, Providence, Preservation Society Council, on his recent marriage to the delightful the engine has worked as far afield as Aylsham, New Romney and the Dresden Park Zoe Hart. Sam and Zoe were wed on 21st July at Crewe Town Hall, in the Railway in Germany, and seen nine regular drivers – more than any other loco. The company of their two young sons Archie and Woody, before fleeing the centre photograph was taken by Chris Kennedy, and the lower-right, which shows country on honeymoon to Switzerland. the engine being driven by Ron Clarke and carrying its commemorative headboard 20 21

From the Secretary’s Desk is expected that a decision of this magnitude, which will tie up a significant proportion of the Society’s funds, will be taken to the wider membership Mungo Stacy through a General Meeting, rather than being taken exclusively by the Council. Two proposals are currently being progressed to the point where sufficient Volunteering detail and certainty over costs are available for a decision to be taken. The railway remains desperate for volunteers, particularly to Feedback from members on either proposal would be welcomed. It is suggested operate trains during the high summer and the long shoulder that members provide views by email or in writing for consideration at the next seasons. Currently there are approximately seventy-five Council meeting on 12th September (but will remain welcome after this). working volunteers out of a membership of nearly 1,700. Following the last Council meeting, a design review committee was set up to A publicity campaign is planned in the local area to raise review the emerging design proposals. Meetings were held on 12th and 13th June awareness of the potential to volunteer. The railway is not and these agreed the Company’s requirements for a potential new-build steam necessarily just a good day out – it can also serve as a stimulus locomotive. The Company preference was for a six-coupled arrangement. A for new friendships based on a common interest and sharing a deciding factor in this was the reduced wheel wear compared with an eight- worthwhile activity. coupled arrangement; at present this is the governing criterion for major We welcome new volunteers of all ages – whether it be for community service maintenance. Other key parameters were: 19” diameter driving wheels, with to support a Duke of Edinburgh Award or a Scout or Guide badge, or something flangeless centre wheels, and saturated steam. A full report of the development to fill empty days following a recent retirement. Our Volunteer Liaison Officer, work is available on the Society website, www.rerps.co.uk. Peter Mills, can provide advice and a welcome for new volunteers; his contact Some further work is needed to complete the concept proposal for a new- details are provided on page 2 of the Magazine (please note that children under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult).

Railway Museum The refurbished museum reopened in the early summer, following completion of Phase 1 of the overall museum project. Meanwhile, the Eskdale (Cumbria) Trust made an application on 8th May to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Phase 2 of the museum project. The total cost of this second phase is some £692,000. The scope of Phase 2 will be a large covered extension to the south of the existing museum building. This will allow the housing, under cover, of the heritage stock including the newly-rebuilt Katie, the Heywood stock, the Bassett-Lowke coach, Synolda, ICL1, Quarryman and other stock. Assuming a successful grant application, the programme of works is planned for completion in December 2017. The application also includes funding for a programme manager and events coordinators, to raise the profile of the museum in the local community. At the June Council meeting, it was agreed to make a total grant of £100,000 from the Preservation Society Trust towards the museum project. This is expected to be instrumental in mobilising the funding of £489,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund bid, in addition to the £150,000 of funding which was mobilised from other sources for Phase 1 of the project.

Proposed steam locomotive No decision has yet been made about proceeding with a new locomotive. It Douglas Ferreira arrives at Ravenglass with the signals showing the road is set into platform 3. Photo: Gerry Balding 24 25 build locomotive following the agreement of these parameters. This should We’re all off to sunny Spain be completed by the end of the summer. Council agreed to adopt the design A review team will be travelling to Barcelona over the summer to view the proposal as the basis for a new-build steam locomotive, should it be taken locomotive and establish its suitability and condition. The review team will forward. The volunteer design team, Owen Ryder, Duncan Webster and report back to a future Council meeting on key parameters, including quality of Dominic Wells, were thanked for their considerable efforts in developing the components and build and likely cost of refurbishment. proposal. Fundraising Krauss Pacific Member Karl Bartlett addressed the June Council meeting with his thoughts on A potentially suitable locomotive has been made available for sale; this is a fundraising. He emphasised the importance of establishing a story to support Krauss Pacific currently in Spain near Barcelona. The locomotive was acquired a fundraising strategy, and the likely need to include outreach and educational with other stock to set up a new fifteen-inch gauge line, but this has never activities around the locomotive and railway, rather than just focusing on the materialised, hence the locomotive is now considered surplus. locomotive itself. The design team has studied the technical data available on the locomotive, and Karl is seeking to recruit a small team to steer the funding of the project and it appears to have a comparable capability to the existing Ratty locomotives. is working towards having a funding publicity campaign ready to launch in The original build is thought to be of high quality. A risk remains that significant 2016. He would welcome expressions of interest from members – these may work will have to be done to make the loco fit for purpose. In particular, it is be directed to the Secretary using the contact details on page 2 of the Magazine. likely that a new tender will be required, as the existing tenders have a very poor driving position with the driver sitting high and exposed. There is also Annual General Meeting uncertainty about the viability of retaining the existing boiler. However, this could represent an option to provide a new locomotive more quickly and The Society Annual General Meeting was held on the evening of Saturday 11th cheaply, with a greater heritage and story to it, than a new-build locomotive. July and was attended by forty members. A special evening train conveyed members to the meeting, behind the Society locomotive Douglas Ferreira ably driven by the Society Chairman, and to a hot meal at Dalegarth Fellbites café. At the AGM, Ian Leigh stood down as the Financial Secretary after completing twenty years of service. In recognition of one of his other passions, he was presented with a scale model of a Class 47 diesel locomotive in a display case, with customised nameplates reading ‘Ian Leigh RERPS Financial Secretary’. Dave Lees was appointed as his successor. Members were also able to meet the new Company Chief Executive, David Little, who attended the meeting. Following the formal business, a quiz was held about Ratty facts and trivia – some of the answers were a surprise even to the quizmaster!

Kirklees Light Railway Gala River Mite will be attending the Kirklees Light Railway Gala on 12th-13th September 2015.

Heywood House Funding has been allocated for further repairs, this time to the sea-facing elevation, to prevent rain coming in through the mess room window. On 30th April, Northern Rock departs Irton Road, bound for Ravenglass. Photo: Christopher Glover 26 27 The R&ERPS AGM Summary Pharaoh, who had refurbished an old Maxi coach, transforming it into an “on- line” sales facility for use in the Ravenglass station area. Di Chase The new picnic tables at The Green had seen considerable use since the station The Society’s diesel loco, Douglas Ferreira, hauled an evening train from was refurbished last year. The tarmac is due to be renewed in early spring 2016. Ravenglass for the fifty-fourth AGM, which was held in the downstairs room at The design of a potential new steam loco was being drawn up by a development Dalegarth. The Chairman, Sam Dixon, welcomed forty members to the meeting team (Owen Ryder, Duncan Webster and Dominic Wells), but no formal and started by requesting a few minutes silence in memory of Martin Willey, decision has been made. The Society was also considering the purchase of a who had passed away last October. Sam then introduced the Officers: Mungo Krauss Pacific loco currently in Barcelona (a site visit was being planned). Karl Stacy (Hon Secretary), Ian Leigh (Hon Financial Secretary), and Phil Taylor Bartlett had offered help with fundraising. (Hon Membership Secretary). Sam invited questions. Keith Herbert asked if there would be any permanent Report from Council memento at The Green to the late John Searle (a generous donation from John’s Sam said that it had been another strong year for the Society working with the family had enabled the refurbishment). Sam replied that the family had asked Company. Relations were good, in no small part due to Jim Walker (the Chief for the bequest to remain low-key. Andrea Storey said that she’d thought that, Executive of Battlefield Holdings which includes the R&ER Company). Jim had historically, the Company had not wanted to consider any more Society locos. stepped down, but his replacement – David Little – was present. The Society Mungo replied that the initiative had come from the Society following the fire, and Council appreciate all the work Jim had done. and the Company Board had confirmed that another steam loco would enable the workload to be shared and for one loco (by rotation) to be undergoing The Society had made a big contribution to running the railway: about one third major overhaul annually. of all driving turns were done by volunteers; River Mite and Douglas Ferreira had worked well, thanks to all the drivers, and particularly Phil Brown (driver, River Society’s Finances Mite); volunteers helped with trackwork, enabling David Moseley (Foreman) Ian Leigh stated that, financially, it had been an unremarkable year. Winders to remodel Fisherground loop, relay the crossover at Ravenglass, and the track provide invaluable help and were re-appointed as the independent examiners between Black Bridge and Muncaster Mill. The Society also supported the two for the finances. At each Council meeting and AGM, Ian had provided a detailed Track Weeks by funding social events. breakdown of the financial status of both the Society and the Trust. This was the The Magazine had recently adopted full-colour printing throughout, for a small last such presentation because, after twenty years as Hon Financial Sec, he was increase in price but significant improvement in layout. Thanks to all involved stepping down and handing over to David Lees (who had worked with Ian on in the whole process, but particularly the chief editor, Keith Herbert. the accounts for the past year). The Ravenglass engineers’ workshop was almost complete; the Society had On behalf of the Society, Sam presented Ian with a model of a Class 47 blue provided a £100,000 low-interest diesel loco, with bespoke nameplates. loan, and support throughout the Election of Officers and members of Council rebuilding and expansion process. The Chairman is elected annually by the Council. The current Hon Sec (Mungo Heywood House had provided 707 Stacy) and Hon Membership Sec (Phil Taylor) were re-elected unopposed. David bed-nights accommodation during Lees had offered to stand as Hon Financial Sec, and was elected unopposed. the year, and the Society continually Council members Jackie Pharaoh, Sarah Bennett, Richard Robinson and Di invests in general maintenance (e.g. Chase were each re-elected, having reached the end of their three-year term. new carpets recently). Thanks were given to the warden, Mary Harding. Relationship between the Railway Company and the Preservation Society The Society Sales Officer, Terry Williams, had promoted sales, ably Iain Aldred, the Society’s representative on the Board of Directors of the Railway helped by a number of volunteers. Phil Brown and a resplendent River Company, had sent his apologies. Particular thanks were given to Cris Mite leaving Dalegarth station. David Little (the new Chief Executive) introduced himself. He had grown up Photo: Peter Mills 28 29 in the North East, had worked in the leisure industry for twenty-five years, has Peter Mills, the Volunteer Liaison Officer, said he was always keen to encourage two young children and recently relocated to Kendal from Cornwall. He looked and welcome new volunteers. The Ratty is a great experience, and we should forward to knowing more about the Society and building on the good relations give new visitors one hundred years of history in their one day. A new poster with the Company. would have a press launch soon. Trevor Stockton (General Manager) stated that passenger numbers were John Larke asked if the plaque to Dave Jenner (under the awning on platform slightly up on last year, and the token system (providing a free lunch to working 1) could be replaced as it was already in a poor condition. Sam replied that this volunteers) was successful. There were about seventy-five active volunteers would be considered. (from a total membership of 1,800) and more were always welcome. Engineer The Company was congratulated on its two awards: (i) the Large Visitor Nigel Day would work on River Esk for the next twelve months, and an agreed Attraction accolade at the Cumbria Tourism Awards, and (ii) the Heritage workplan should enable the loco to be back in traffic by the 2016 summer Railway category of the National Coach Tourism Awards 2015. season. Another assistant engineer should be appointed soon. Over the August bank holiday (2015), a gala with visiting locos would celebrate one hundred The date of the next AGM years of the fifteen-inch gauge Ratty. Sam drew the meeting to a close and stated that the next AGM would be held in Andrea Storey enquired about the timetable’s ‘pink’ section – was the final diesel the evening of Saturday 16th July 2016. turn of the day was worth running? Trevor replied that all the controllers had been asked to monitor the train loadings (which were significantly weather- R&ER Preservation Society Trust Annual Public Meeting – 11th July 2015 dependent), but the Ratty also needed to consider connections with Northern Ian Leigh reviewed the Report from the Trustees. The Ratty’s museum is Rail’s main line services, etc. undergoing a major rebuild, with Phase 1 almost complete; the Trust initially Andrea also asked about driver training, noting that not everyone completes donated £10,000, to attract match-funding, and recently agreed to donate a the course. Trevor replied that he discusses this every autumn with the Society’s further £90,000. The Trust is funding the rebuild of Katie, to return this historic Officers to decide on the optimum numbers of new trainees required. There loco to steam (it had been hoped to have it back by August 2015, in time for the would always be variations in the numbers of volunteers trained, but this route gala, but it is now likely to be November). A £500 donation had been given to was always open. the Boot Riverside Action Group (BRAG) towards the creation of new pathways near the River Esk, including part of the old track bed between Dalegarth and Howard Mills asked about the rolling stock. Trevor agreed that many of the the girder bridge (up-river from St Catherine’s church). coaches dating from 1967-8 were not in a good condition, but trains usually offered a choice of opens, semi-opens and saloons. The Company is considering Peter van Zeller, on new coaches as a priority. Sam added that the Company had agreed that behalf of the Museum provision of carriages was not the Society’s responsibility. Committee, formally thanked the Trust for the John Mansfield asked for an update onRiver Esk. Trevor replied that the boiler donations, which had was currently undergoing a major rebuild in Dorset, that there was little to do drawn-down funding on the frames and axle boxes, but many of the ‘fixtures and fittings’ had been from other sources lost in the workshop fire. John asked if any visiting locos would be running (including Community during the high summer season. Trevor replied that he had approached the Partnership, and RH&DR’s General Manager about the potential loan of Black Prince. European Fisheries). AOB No questions were Denis Wooley asked, in view of Martin Willey’s tragic death, if there were any forthcoming so Sam drew defibrillators on the railway. Mary Harding and Jackie Pharoah respectively the meeting to a close and reported that there was one at the Pennington Hotel (in Ravenglass) and Brook stated that the next Public House Inn (near Dalegarth). Sam replied that this was a good idea and would be Meeting would be held High summer 2016 is the date promised for River discussed at the next Council meeting. on Saturday 16th July 2016, Esk’s return, the loco seen here in 2010. after the AGM. Photo: John Mitcheson 30 31 Volunteering Statistics Over the three-year period, there appears to be a decrease in volunteers (this trend appears to be affecting all enterprises that rely, to a greater or lesser Di Chase Volunteering Statistics Over extent,the three on-year unpaid period, helpers). there appears Looking to be aat decrease the most in volunteersrecent season: (this trend 93 people also appearsOvervolunteered the to bethree affecting-year in period, allthe enterprises previous there appears that year, rely, to 18 tobe werea a greater decrease new or lesserinvolunteers, volunteers extent, on(thisbut unpaid 43trend stopped (i.e. Once again, the daily signing-inVolunteering bookDi has Chase been Statistics used to estimate the number of helpers).appearsvolunteered toLooking be affecting at in the 2013/14, all mostenterprises recent but notthat season: inrely, 2014/15). to93 a greaterpeople There oralso lesser mayvolun extent, beteered a numberon inunpaid the of possible days’ effort provided by volunteers. AsDi in Chase previous years, I have removed anyone previoushelpers).explanations, year, Looking 18 were at e.g.: newthe mostvolunteers, recent but season: 43 stopped 93 people (i.e. volunteeredalso volun teeredin 2013/14, in the knownOnce again, to be the under daily signing 16 years-in book of age, has andbeen temporaryused to estimate paid the staff number (e.g. of Santa). days’ effort Like butprevious not in 2014/15).year, 18 were There new may volunteers, be a number but of43 possiblestopped explanations,(i.e. volunteered e.g.: in 2013/14, provided by volunteers. As in previous years, I have removed anyone known to be under 16 lastOnce year, again, I have the divideddaily signing the- ineffort book into has half-daysbeen used andto estimate full days. the numberDespite of the days’ lack effort of but 1.not inYounger1. 2014/15). Younger volunteers There volunteers may finding be a number findingjobs (after of possiblejobs being (after explanations,students); being movingstudents); e.g.: away; moving away; engineeringyearsprovided of age, by andvolunteers.facilities temporary at As Ravenglass, inpaid previous staff (e.g. years, two Santa) stalwartsI have. Like removed lasthave year, anyone continued I have known divided to to contribute be the under effort 16 startingstarting families families / having /young having children; young children; into half-days and full days. Despite the lack of engineering facilities at Ravenglass, two 1. Younger volunteers finding jobs (after being students); moving away; twoyears days of age,per andweek temporary each but paid their staff time (e.g. may Santa) not. Like have last been year, capturedI have divided completely the effort 2. Older volunteers staying at work, either by desire or necessity, rather than stalwarts have continued to contribute two days per week each but their time may not have starting families / having young children; throughoutinto half-days the and year full and days. there Despite are thelikely lack to of be engineering other volunteers facilities at who Ravenglass, have not two retiring2. Older (and volunteersthe state pension staying age at work,is increasing); either byspending desire time or necessity,with rather been captured completely throughout the year and there are likely to be other volunteers 2. Older volunteers staying at work, either by desire or necessity, rather than beenstalwarts included, have continued thus the to figures contribute below two daysare perprobably week each an under-estimatebut their time may although not have grandchildren;than retiring enjoying (and the freedomthe state of pensionretirement age and istravelling; increasing); spending time who have not been included, thus the figures below are probably and under-estimate retiring (and the state pension age is increasing); spending time with it beenstill showscaptured an completely impressive throughout contribution the year to and the there workload are likely of to the be railway.other volunteers Once 3. Paidgrandchildren; emplowith ymentgrandchildren; enjoying is increasingly the freedomenjoying demanding of theretirement of freedom time andand oftravelling;energy. retirement and travelling; althoughwho have it stillnot showsbeen included,an impressive thus contributionthe figures belowto the areworkload probably of andthe railway.under-estimate Once again, if calculated at the minimum wage (which would not be appropriate for 3. Paid employment is increasingly demanding of time and energy. again,although if calculated it still shows at the minimuman impressive wage contribution(which would to not the be workload appropriate of forthe the railway. drivers), Once it Volunteer numbers have always varied over the years (when I first started, the ‘short therepresents drivers), a considerable it represents financial a considerable benefit to the financial Company. benefit to the Company. 3. Paid employment is increasingly demanding of time and energy. again, if calculated at the minimum wage (which would not be appropriate for the drivers), it straw’Volunteer was tonumbers man the have car always park atvaried Ravenglass over the and years try (w tohen pack I first in asstarted, many the cars ‘short as r(yearepresents = 1st March a considerable to 28/29th February) financial benefit2012 to- 13the Company.2013-14 2014 -15 % difference possible!), so the current numbers may not be of major concern. However, if this straw’Volunteer was to man numbers the car parkhave at alwaysRavenglass varied and tryover to packthe yearsin as many(when cars I asfirst started, Task Days Days Days Yr 1 vs 2 Yr 2 vs 3 (year = 1st March to 28/29th February) 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 % difference downwardpossible!) , trendso the continues, current numbersit may ultimately may not impact be of onmajor the concern.way the railwayHowever, is run if thisor 964 856 837 the ‘short straw’ was to man the car park at Ravenglass and try to pack in as GuardTask Days Days Days -11%Yr 1 vs 2 -2%Yr 2 vs 3 managed.downward Hopefully trend continues, the Society it may and ultimately the Company impact can on work the way together the railway to encourage is run or Diesel driver* 290.5 217 many cars as possible!), so the current numbers may not be of major concern. Guard 196964 856 837 57%-11% -13%-2% and retain more volunteers. Steam driver* 17 51 managed. Hopefully the Society and the Company can work together to encourage Diesel driver* 290.5 217 However, if this downward trend continues, it may ultimately impact on the Shunter 34196 12.5 20.5 -63%57% 64%-13% and retain more volunteers. Steam driver* 17 51 way the railway is run or managed. Hopefully the Society and the Company can Trainee (guard / shunter / driver) 168 66.5 53 -60% -20% Shunter 34 12.5 20.5 -63% 64% Permanent Way 396 351.5 362 -11% 3% work together to encourage and retain more volunteers. Trainee (guard / shunter / driver) 168 66.5 53 -60% -20% Engineer 74 124.5 68% Permanent Way 396 351.5 362 -11% 3% Stations (manning and maintenance) 69 86 55 25% -36% Engineer 74 124.5 68% Lineside 45 48 37 7% -23% Stations (manning and maintenance) 69 86 55 25% -36% Litter-picking 25 11.5 8 -54% -30% Lineside 45 48 37 7% -23% Communications, signals / telephones (S&T) 50 35.5 66 -29% 86% Litter-picking 25 11.5 8 -54% -30% BR box 10 12 0 20% -100% Communications, signals / telephones (S&T) 50 35.5 66 -29% 86% Painter 10 2.5 0 -75% -100% BR box 10 12 0 20% -100% Parks and gardens 6 11 2.5 83% -77% Painter 10 2.5 0 -75% -100% Various 111 42 33.5 -62% -20% Parks and gardens 6 11 2.5 83% -77% “As Required” 73 59 26 -19% -56% Various 111 42 33.5 -62% -20% TOTAL 2,157 1,975.5 1,716 -8% -13% “As Required” 73 59 26 -19% -56% TOTAL* this was not differentiated between diesel2,157 and steam,1,975.5 initially 1,716 -8% -13% * this was not differentiated between diesel and steam, initially

I I amam indebtedindebted to to David David Moseley, Moseley, the theRailway’s Railway’s Foreman, Foreman, for providing for providing the volunteer the volunteernumbersI am indebted for numbers permanent to David for way. permanent Moseley, A monthly the way.breakdown Railway’s A monthly isForeman, given breakdown below. for providing is given the below.volunteer

numbers for permanent way. A monthly breakdown is given below.

2014/15

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov* Dec Jan* Feb TOTAL

2014/15

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov* Dec Jan* Feb TOTAL Staff 49 Mar 19 19 15 13 8 8 17 72 6 104 49 379 VolunteersStaff 1749 2319 1319 1715 1813 138 188 1517 10072 9 6 106104 1349 362379 Volunteers*Track Weeks 17 in November23 13 and17 January 18 lead13 to significantly18 15 incr100eased effort.9 106 13 362 Mountain Rescue Team has launched a new boat in memory of the

*Track Weeks in November and January lead to significantly increased effort. late Martin Willey, a founder member whose voluntary involvement dates from 1968 until his passing in October 2015. Photo: WMRT 32 33 Volunteering Update All About Hallowe’en Peter Mills Tosh McGregor

In the last issue, I said that we have suffered a serious decline in volunteers Working on events at the railway is like nothing else I’ve experienced. The on the railway. This is true, as the choice of names available to call to guard people who organise them put in hours and weeks of planning and organisation a train has gone down in the last three years by about two thirds of what it to make sure the event is a success not only for the business, but every single was. This decline has continued in the last twelve months and if not checked, passenger and customer who partakes. I only began my involvement with the will be of greater concern. I say this because our volunteers are amongst the railway a year ago, but since then I have been a part of Superhero weekend, most valuable assets the railway has. They are often the first point of contact the Roman history weekend, Hallowe’en ghost trains and, of course, Santa Specials. visitor has with the railway and that is so important. If treated well, the visitor It’s the best feeling going home in the evening knowing you have made has a much more positive and enjoyable visit and they’ll come back. If treated someone’s day a little better, a bit more fun and a lot less forgettable. badly, the visitor never comes back and we lose them forever! Hallowe’en is the next big event, and even more volunteers are hoped for this The good news is that we are getting it right 99% of the time. I believe that thanks year after last year’s train was a great success, with scarers up and down the line to the hard efforts of our volunteers, we are continuing to attract interest in playing their part in the evening. I’ll take a moment to break the evening down volunteering. We are continuing to pick up volunteers who successfully progress for you. through guard training and have been passed out as guards recently. This is good news; it’s important to constantly attract new volunteers to join our friendly team It all starts at Dalegarth. The whole building is decorated with cobwebs, spiders, and to celebrate the efforts of the guards passing on their knowledge in training pumpkins and anything spooky we can get our hands on. The booking office them. In this, our hundredth year of fifteen-inch gauge operation, we need to show and cafe staff make a real effort to make themselves up and get the kids to the world what a great experience it is to be a volunteer on our railway and what (and parents) in the spooky mood. Last year we had children’s activities and a volunteer can get out of volunteering. Encouragement and empowerment is what colouring in as well as face painting and tattooing. But when the train arrives is we need to be promoting in our volunteer workforce; how a visitor can experience when the fun really begins. Last year’s volunteer guard was so well kitted out not one hundred years of R&ER history in their visit and how they can help to create even the staff knew who it was! With a hooded robe and scary looking hooked more history on this famous railway. instrument he wandered through the building making a lot of the adults jump, nevermind the kids. When the train was ready they set off into the dark, the I have been working closely with the Company to highlight and plan a concerted sounds of screams playing out through the speakers behind them. programme of awareness to raise the profile of volunteering and the benefits it can bring across the age and skill range. The refurbished museum is a valuable and The first ‘scare’ was a gentle one – Messrs Herbert and Mills beside the cottages new opportunity to highlight and show what volunteers do on our railway and in rubber masks, surrounded by carved pumpkins. But things soon escalated how important their contribution is. As I said, there has been lots of activity behind as they passed a headless Ratty at Beckfoot Smithy, dancing around his bonfire. the scenes working on promoting volunteering on the railway. Hopefully by the An abandoned train at Fisherground loop, complete with bloody guard and time you read this, the new volunteering poster will be up on stations along the driver, set them on edge. They sped on to Hollin How Bridge, where mysterious line with visual examples of what you can do as a volunteer. Local advertising will bumps and knockings on the coach roofs caused a stir (created by footballs on be underway to attract new volunteers as part of a campaign to attract to a wider strings and dried peas dropped from above!). audience. We need to show the advantages of being a an active volunteer as well as Reaching The Green the train slowed, and from the darkness a host of hideous what the benefits of our Society can bring. creatures – including zombies, ghostly pirates and a gaggle of witches – In the last issue of the Magazine, we highlighted the role of the station master. approached them, begging for entry to the train. More than one person let out a In this issue, the slightly more unusual area of Hallowe’en. In recent years, squeal as the horrible ghost banged on doors and windows. Irton Road station this phenomenon has grown considerably and, alongside the Santa trains, is was manned by the ghost of a station master from times past, still waiting to a great family event. The standard of these events has risen substantially in blow his whistle after a hundred years of solitude… recent years and, as a consequence, requires more resources to keep pace with The haunted trees at Murthwaite crusher were bedecked with a bloody banner the quality expected. We need more volunteers to help in this short period to proclaiming ‘the trees are alive’. Dozens of pumpkins at Murthwaite Halt bring an enjoyable experience for the whole family, so over to this quarter’s allowed the passengers a moment of respite to admire the carvings (created correspondent, to tell you all about it… 34 35 by volunteers and brought to the station the day of the first train), before more monsters jumped out at them from the other side of the tracks! Correspondence The final real scare was at Muncaster Mill, a ghostly bride and groom solemnly waiting for the wedding special that they never made. More jumps as a hidden From Bill Seddon, by e-mail: ghoul knocked on the windows beneath Muncaster Mill bridge, and the shaken souls cruised gently into Ravenglass to be greeted by more witches, a smiling John Taylor’s editorial comments and Phil Brown’s letter taken together raise devil and Ratty himself (head now firmly reattached). very interesting points. As you can probably tell, it takes a fair few bodies to keep a train terrified over Few would argue against the need for improved coaching stock (and more seven miles. As well as the scarers on the spot, who last year were tearing up and opens!) and the questions of what would be desirable and affordable will need down the line to be in more than one place each night, we need extra hands to to be examined in detail. set things up at the intermediate stations. We are also hoping to have an extra The case can also be made that the locomotive fleet is inadequate with little or train this year, which was also supplied last year, to drop off volunteers along no provision for unexpected eventualities, as witnessed over the last couple of the line to both set up decorations and lie in wait for the train to return. Even seasons. if you can only be there for one night, even Phil Brown suggests that the prime need is for more carriages and that the something as small as a Society should concentrate its efforts on that task. carved pumpkin or two If there are to be longer or more frequent trains, with what shall they be pulled? can help us decorate the stations and enhance Why not the best of both worlds? The Society can fund the new loco while the the mood. Company funds new carriages.

This year’s event is From Mungo Stacy, by e-mail: being organised and designed by a small I write in response to the letter in the last Magazine from Phil Brown regarding team, comprising the potential for new coaches. me, Will Sands, Tom Both the Society Council and the Railway Company have long recognised Whitbread and Anna the aging nature of our covered carriages and the potentially unfavourable Tilsley. We want to comparison which could be made with more modern coaching stock on other make this year’s event railways. Looking back through the Council meeting minutes, I see that shortly the best yet, so anyone after I first became Secretary, it was reported to the December 2006 meeting wishing to join in the that the Company Directors had visited the Bure Valley Railway to look at their fun would be gratefully coaches and that they were considering replacements for the Ratty coaching received! You can e-mail stock. Recent developments, not just the workshop fire, but also the significant us (sandymansands@ investments in the station facilities at both ends of the line, had the effect of hotmail.com), have a pushing replacement coaching stock down the list of priorities, but it still chat with Will or Tom remains a recognised need. next time you’re about the railway, or pop into The matter was discussed at our most recent Council meeting in June. At present either booking office this is viewed as a matter which the Company is taking forward; currently the and make yourselves Company is looking into grants suitable to fund new machinery which could known to Anna or me. be used to build coaching stock. All being well, the Company is expecting to But I warn you, it’s not start work on a prototype new coach next season, now that the new workshop an event for the faint is operational. hearted! Photo: Gwyn Murfet A further decision will be needed on how the eventual build of complete sets of 36 37 carriages will be taken forward, whether in-house or externally, and whether on Survey in 1932 and a photograph from that period shows tracks of about three- a rolling programme or in one batch. The Society is continuing discussions with foot gauge. At one time I believe it was connected to Eskmeals Station about the Company about how this programme could be supported. one-and-a-half miles to the west by an aerial ropeway. It appears to have closed down in the early 1930s when it exhausted the available stone. From Karl Bartlett, by e-mail: The ore loading dock at Ravenglass may never have been completed to the Having started my training as a guard over a year ago and still undertaking that, full length but sufficient was constructed to enable the three-foot gauge bottom I would like to raise what is perhaps a thought at the back of many volunteers’ door hopper wagons to be discharged into main line wagons below. (and potential volunteers’) minds: how do I fit it in? From Nev. Ramsden, by e-mail: The theme of time and of micro-volunteering was raised by the Institute of Volunteering Research, part of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, In the 1891 Census for Eskdale Parish there were no quarrymen and only one and concluded in its 2013 report ‘The value of giving a little time’: “The demand stone mason in residence. for micro-volunteering from individuals is likely to grow because it meets In the 1901 Census for Eskdale Parish along with Birker and Austhwaite, then people’s desire to be in control of their time and engagement, and suits their part of Millom Parish, there were three masons, three stone masons and just two increasingly busy and unpredictable lives.” granite quarrymen in residence. This prompted me to consider the average shift for volunteer guards and the difficulty of fitting that into my own and perhaps other people’s lives. Is this a From Simon Haynes, by e-mail: suitable prompt for us to discuss how we can encourage volunteer guards (and I love the ‘painting’ picture, top left of the centre piece in the last Magazine other roles) that honours the fact that we need flexibility for busy lives, and that [Number 217, page 20]. What on earth is the guy on the footplate doing – is it a volunteers, the Society and the Company could benefit from recognising that bottle? Could it be a telescope? I would have thought that the last place to paint (some) potential new volunteers are no longer tied to a fixed time or place. anything would have been outdoors at Irton Road! Can we create an opportunity that is designed to suit the volunteer rather than But the engine is not in steam, as Harry Hilton has his hand on the chimney. the volunteer structuring their time around volunteering? Could it have been a monumental wind up picture for management? After The full report is available online at: http://www.ivr.org.uk/images/stories/ all, they did have a phase of matching the colours for double heading; a sort micro_volunteering_full_report_071113.pdf of “This’ll make Proctor Mitchell’s blood boil, if he thinks we’re changing the colour again!” From John Bate, by e-mail: From Poppy, Kennelworth: The Eskdale Could you please arrange that Quarrymen dogs can become members of photograph which the Preservation Society, at a appeared in the suitable rate, or that weekly or last issue was taken season tickets are available? at Waberthwaite £1.50 per journey is a lot, Quarry. This lay on especially for small dogs such the south side of as me who don’t take up much the valley opposite space. My friend Harry doesn’t Muncaster Castle really like trains and always and close below the travels under the seat and I main A595 road. always sit on one of the grown- It was examined ups’ knees, so that I can enjoy Speaking of coaches: Cyril shunts saloons at Ravenglass - This dog, from Barking, doesn’t take up much by the Geological the view. an everyday scene. Photo: John Mitcheson room. Photo: Nicolette Vincer 38 39 Forty Years Ago groups; jobs that can be done at home or at Ravenglass. There is rolling stock to be restored, models to be made and display boards to be erected. The Railway John Taylor Company is going to do the building alterations, but the rest devolves on us.

Edited highlights of previous editions of the Society’s Newsletters/Magazines: Engine nomenclature Issue No. 59: dated Summer 1975 A statement by Lord Wakefield The cover picture was River Irt on the turntable curve. At the AGM of the Society, concern was expressed at the naming of the new locomotive, and resolutions were passed expressing regret at the name selected Volunteers and urging a reconsideration that the new steam locomotive should be named The response to appeals for volunteers has been excellent and for three weeks Sir Arthur P. Heywood. in the summer the camping coach was completely full. Nearly everyone warned Reasons were given in a previous issue for naming the new steam locomotive us of their arrival so no-one slept out on the fell; but some rapid wiring had Northern Rock. This choice of name has resulted, is resulting and will continue to be done so that everyone could have light. As a result we were easily able to result in substantial financial advantage to the Railway, and in desirable to man three steam and three diesel relief trains on the busiest days, man publicity which is helping to make the Railway more widely known and as a Ravenglass car park and engine shed, and provide a lineside gang. The latter result assisting the increase in the number of passengers carried. group has extended the pole route to the outskirts of Irton Road which is highly commendable in view of the difficult terrain along the fell foot and round Rock The statement continued to outline the financial advantages: new rails and Point. The gang also assisted with digging trenches and laying cable at Eskdale sleepers; a new braking system; new points and additional sections for passing; Green in connection with the crossing warning lights. Finally all the fishplates and perhaps a radio system for improved communication. on joints of new rail laid since 1964 have been greased for the season, a tedious In so far as I am aware, if the new steam locomotive had been named Sir Arthur but essential job. In the engineers’ department volunteers have contributed to P. Heywood no financial benefit would have accrued to the railway. the present state of the new locomotive by completing the regulator valve and steam pipes and the bulk of the tender – the latter by one man in seven days. A Faithful Friend The Centenary Museum Display Glyn Wells, the foreman, after driving a train to Dalegarth, was approached by a passenger who asked if his dog could be picked up. The dog had jumped off So far this the train shortly after leaving Ravenglass “just by that bit where the sea is next exhibition [to to the line”. Glyn expressed some surprise at this and asked how the passenger be in the old could be so sure that the dog would still be there. “Oh that’s easy”, the passenger goods shed at replied, “I told him to sit as he fell out”! Ravenglass] exists in the imagination By now it was too late to contact the train which was due to leave Ravenglass of a small group five minutes before Glyn’s train was due to leave Dalegarth, so Glyn proceeded of people. For down the line. Sure enough there on the lineside at Barrow Marsh sat the dog, it to become tail wagging and looking expectantly at the approaching train. Glyn stopped by a major and the dog who did not move until commanded “Come” whereupon he jumped worthwhile part on to the footplate and promptly sat down in the tender next to Glyn. On arrival of the centenary at Ravenglass the dog was then transferred to the footplate of the train about to celebrations from leave for Dalegarth where he sat the whole way without moving. On arrival at May 1976 onwards, Dalegarth the owner was waiting. we need help of The dog had been on the Marsh for about one and a half hours during which all sorts. There are time three up and two down trains had passed. The sheep grazing on both River Irt, as was in 1971, outside Ravenglass signal box. jobs suitable for Photo: Bob Tebb sides of the track had not caused it to waver in its obedience. Its breed? A Black individuals or for Labrador! 40 41 Who’s Who Ratty Diary 2015 E&OE. Please check dates and details nearer the time before travelling. Di Chase DATE EVENT CONTACT Graeme King started work as an apprentice fiitter and SEPTEMBER machinist at the steelworks at Chapel Bank, Workington, Tuesday 1st † Trackside Photography Day Ravenglass in 1975. During the 1980s he worked variously at Sellafield, Alan Dick Engineering (Cleator Moor) and Saturday 12th Council Meeting, Ravenglass Secretary Spectrum. Graeme joined the Ratty in 1988 to work on Saturday 12th - Kirkless Light Railway Gala, Ravenglass the construction of the engines for Japan, Northern Rock Sunday 13th River Mite booked to attend II (which was already half-built) and Cumbria. He was Saturday 26th - Bure Valley Railway Gala, Ravenglass posted to Numech to work on the locos following the workshop fire, and was Sunday 27th Northern Rock booked to attend presented with a long service award for twenty-five years with the firm at the start of 2014. Graeme keeps horses on his smallholding near Workington. OCTOBER Nigel Day was born in Surrey and educated in Kingston. Saturday 3rd - Farmyard Express featuring Shaun the Sheep Ravenglass His career in steam engineering spans more than four Sunday 4th decades, and his experience is truly global. At fifteen he Thursday 15th Press deadline for December issue Editor became a volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway, but at age nineteen moved to the Snowdon Mountain Railway, where Friday 30th - Hallowe’en Ghost Train Ravenglass st he worked for thirty years. Nigel has also worked in the USA Saturday 31 (for three years), Australia (seven) and Tasmania (two), and NOVEMBER is one of few people in the world currently trying to advance steam technology (in terms of loco performance and efficiency). Nigel joined the Ratty in 2014 and is Saturday 14th - Track Week Ravenglass expected to lead the rebuild of River Esk. Sunday 22nd Geoff Rinaldi joined the Ratty as an engineer on 4th January DECEMBER

2015. He and his wife had spent most of their holidays in th the area, visiting family in Seascale, before relocating here Saturday 12 Council Meeting, Ravenglass Secretary more than a year ago. Geoff worked at West Lakes Academy, JANUARY 2016 Egremont, in the design technology department, before coming to the Ratty. Previously they lived in Lincoln, where Dates TBC Track Week Ravenglass Geoff worked as a welder-fabricator for several years. His Full details of all Railway events can be seen on the website: † Please book in advance apprenticeship and training was as a prototype design technician (machinist and http://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/events/ toolmaker, on lathes and milling machines) in the automobile industry. Geoff is a recent recruit of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team. The RERPS Staff & Volunteers’ Christmas Dinner will be held on the Peter Fitzwilliam started as an assistant engineer on evening of Saturday 12th December at the Victoria Hotel, , at a price the Ratty on 27th July 2015, but had been volunteering of £18.50 per person. For more information, or to book a place (numbers as a guard since February this year. He has lived in are limited) please contact Iain Aldred ([email protected]). Millom all his life, working initially at Eskmeals gun range (MoD) from 1984-88, but moved to Barrow Back Cover: So here it is: the full view of the new workshop and yard, including shipyard (BSEL, as it was then) from 1988 to mid-1992, three access roads and a run-round loop and siding spur (on the left of shot) then back to Eskmeals gun range until recently. Peter is to help with shunting movements. On 27th June, Northern Rock is already a relative of Ron Clarke – former, and long-time, driver of River Mite. making use of the facility. Photo: Christopher Glover

The R&ER Magazine is published by the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society Ltd. 2015. Photos: Di Chase Registered office: The Station, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1SW. Incorporated in . Registered No. 697768. 42 Printed by Craven Design and Print, Shropshire. www.cravendesignandprint.co.uk 43