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Left - Adrian driving from the back for the return trip, a common practice. [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Right - The sweeping curve out from the station area shewn to good advantage. [Photo: A. Janes.]
31st August 2010 The LRT attended its last event for the Summer 2010 on the August Bank Holiday, at the Staines and Ashford Lions Gala Fete off Worple Road. This was a new event for us, and we were given a good spot with a few panels of track alongside the main thoroughfare before curving away across a large part of the field not actually in use for anything else. We carried just under 170 passengers in the 4½ hours, and had 'low' periods whilst the Dog Shows were going on. The range of stalls was vast, and we were surprised that we were unable to generate more journeys than we did. There was also a live band (who we won't name) who were so out of tune and generally terrible that we wondered if we should offer the lead singer an Aspirin - or take them ourselves! The train performed admirably (though the minibus did give us a scare in the early morning by struggling to start), and many leaflets for the next Acton event were given out, as well as our (LRT) details for possible future events, one of which sounds very interesting!
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Left - Adrian driving from the back for the return trip, a common practice. [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Right - The sweeping curve out from the station area shewn to good advantage. [Photo: A. Janes.]
19th July 2010
The LRT attended two events over the weekend, July 17th & 18th. Both were busy events, but both were with problems.
On the Saturday, we attended the Byfleet Parish Day, where we were somewhat away from the main events, but near to the pony rides and classic cars. We did wonder if we would run at all, as the train simply wouldn't move. After some investigating, the fault was traced to one of the tiny plastic cable connectors on the 4QD controller, but it seemed (as daft as this sounds) that the copper was not conducting! It is the same controller and cabling that we have been using for a few weeks (we're still awaiting the return of the one sent in for repair), and it has worked OK. It appeared that the tags were not stripping the insulation enough to make reliable contact, so (contrary to the design of the connector), we stripped the wire and inserted it, and the train worked from then on.
On the Sunday, we made a return visit to Canons Park, but it was the uneven ground that caused the problems this time, with a few derailments over one of the curves, on one occasion, pulling the track apart! Revisions to the track requirements are to be considered as a result. The situation was made worse by the general condition of the track following the soft ground at Totteridge, which we have not had the chance to repair (though a few panels were repaired during the day on the Saturday)!
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Top Left - Dave with the last train on the Saturday ... and then another passenger arrived ... and then another! [Photo: A. Allum.]
Top Right - Earlier in the day, Ben is driving, with another lightly loaded train. [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Bottom Left - Queues on the Sunday were inspiring, but it meant that there was no time to relay the track! [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Bottom Right - Dave passing with caution over the troublesome curve at Canons Park. [Photo: D. Hill.]
5th July 2010
On a more upbeat note after recent problems with the LRT and minibus, we can bring you some good news about the Ginny.
As stated earlier in the year, Stephen Trower has taken this project on. Well he is progressing nicely, having completed the two unpowered wheelsets (unlike the LRT, the Ginny will only have motors on two of its four axles). He has also started cutting out the axle box slots in the bogies, however this is a harder job than first thought as there is no easy way to mount the bogie frame in the milling machine without there being excessive wobble when any force from the tool is put against it. So a good old fashion Hacksaw and File job it is.
Ginny is soon to be moved up to its new temporary home where any cosmetic work will be carried out, as well as final assembly. No date has been set for completion but a test run at the Great Cockcrow Railway is hoped for around September.
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Top - The completed trailing wheelsets for the Ginny.
Bottom - The bogie frame, with slots cut out for the axleboxes.
[Photos: S. Trower]
4th July 2010
The LRT went to the Totteridge fair organised by the 11th Finchley Scout Group on July 3rd. Unfortunately, as with last year, the grass hadn't been cut, which meant that the track was very springy! This possibly caused a cable to break away, which resulted in 20 minutes' down-time whilst it was soldered back on; and grass got into the mechanism, contributing to a second stoppage. We have stated that we will not tolerate this again. We carried just over 200 passengers, lower than average for this event, but the demand was a steady flow of passengers.
On Sunday 4th, we were due to appear at the Earls Court Festival, but the minibus broke down in the morning and we were unable to get there. (During the investigation with the minibus, we found that the starter motor fitted by G-force about a year ago, had no securing nut on the earth contact, and the screw-thread for the power cable was so worn that the power lead wasn't properly connected. We won't be going there again. Curiously, some artefacts disappeared from the minibus also, whilst they had the vehicle!)
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Left - Dave driving, with a trainload of passengers at Totteridge. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Right - Adrian and Daniel fault-finding; note battery leads removed for safety. [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Video
The state of the permanent way at Totteridge! [Video A. Allum]
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Dave about to depart the station at Hook. [A. Allum.]
22nd June 2010
The LRT attended the "Anna of Avondale dog trials and open day" at the Surrey Police headquarters in Guildford on 20th June, following an enquiry during the event at Pirbright, 8 days previously! This, however was for Free rides all day, and certainly proved to be popular. We carried well over 550 passengers before a very loud "pop" was heard from the controller and the train came to a stop.
Following an investigation, we found that one of the transistors (or similar) had exploded, and we were unable to continue in service for the remaining two hours. (As a short term measure, we're going to swap this over with the spare (4QD) controller for Ginny, whilst we look into getting a proper repair made.) Adrian was certainly not sorry for the early finish; a minor cold clashed with his usually "slight" hay-fever, making him very ill, and at the time of writing, is having to spend time off work; unheard of! We fear for the next event for the Hook Scouts; if Adrian is unwell, there is nobody else to drive the minibus...!
(There are no pictures from Guildford ... the two of us were just too busy!)
14th June 2010
The LRT attended two events over the second weekend in June, 12th & 13th. Both were events that we did in 2008, but were too late booking in time for 2009, but the contrast - especially with one of them - was interesting.
On Saturday, we went to an event organised by the Knowl Hill School, but unlike 2008 when we set up a short track in their play-ground, we were on the (Pirbright) village green as part of the village summer fayre. Stephen brought his steam loco, Alison, along, but with only five operators (one as a guest), we were kept busy (one driving the LRT, one driving the steam loco, one working the point, one selling tickets, and one loading and ticket-clipping)! We had just over 600 tickets available, and with a previous record of 458 passengers in one day, we were confident of this being enough. The first hundred were sold in less than an hour, and by the end of the day we had carried 715 passengers, a new one-day record! There was no break in the demand for rides and none of us got the chance to look around the site. We have already been invited back next year, and subject to AMR activity, we intend to be there.
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LRT and Alison at the station at Pirbright. [Photo: D. Bullions.]
On the Sunday, we went to Ashford Park Primary School for their summer fayre. We had a better plot than in 2008 and were kept reasonably busy, but carried a more typical 205 passengers. These figures are a point of interest only. We don't value the Ashford event any less than Pirbright; it was probably more fun to do because it was a more relaxed pace. Obviously, the more passengers we carry, then the more money that we raise for their PTAs (or whoever the host is) and our maintenance funds. But we have needed to place an urgent order for more tickets!
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LRT at Ashford. [Photo: A. Allum.]
7th May 2010
On May-day Bank Holiday, Monday 3rd, the LRT made its usual visit to the 1st Ottershaw Scout & Guide Group's May Fayre; accompanied by a second train, Stephen Trower's delightful little steam tank loco, "Alison." With a £1 Fare, we didn't beat any records, but 308 passengers was a very comfortable figure, enabling us to raise over £100 for the Scouts & Guides. "Alison" is still undergoing some running-in, and there was an ongoing issue with the injector, but a spare was to hand, and the service didn't need to be compromised. The only hiccup was when Adrian got a chance to drive the steam loco, and managed to derail the lightly-sprung riding truck! (Yeah, blame the tools, like all bad workmen do!) Our old Gazebo has been retired, and a new one has not arrived yet, so thankfully, there was only a little rain in what was otherwise a pleasantly sunny (but not too hot) day. For the first time since we started doing this event, we were not announced over the PA system as being "from the Great Cockcrow Railway!" We are of course well acquainted with the GCR and its volunteers (some of whom joined us during the day), but the LRT is not a GCR "regular!"
With the slight delay in posting this news, we can also make one small announcement that an assessment is about to be made regarding the work that is necessary to bring the "Ginny" into service. Stephen Trower, having suitable experience with his own electric loco (now sold on) as well as a professional railway background, has offered to take on this project, which Adrian and Daniel have been delighted to accept. The bogies were taken away on the Thursday...!
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Top Left - LRT and Alison side by side at Ottershaw. [Photo: M. Scrutton.]
Top Right - Stephen with Alison. [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Bottom - Dave with the LRT. [Photo: B. Foley.]
26th April 2010 The Acton Miniature Railway and the Little Red Train got together on April 24th & 25th to provide rides (and raise awareness of the AMR etc) at the Spa Valley Railway's Gala Weekend. Unfortunately, with the event aimed more at the enthusiast rather than the family, we carried only 35 passengers on the Saturday and 40 on the Sunday! This made for a very boring weekend, but most of the team made the most of a trip along the SVR, and this served as fair relief! The SVR had the L.99 Pannier tank steam locomotive in service (along with a 'Jinty' and a Polish 0-6-0), and one of their LU 'T' stock cars also made a few journeys, which proved very popular; people (by choice) were packed in almost as much as on the LU today! Our miniature railway was set up in the loco shed, and a Plate-layers' trolley had to be used to get the equipment on and off site! Back in the days of ownership by Fred Blois, the LRT had been carried in a goods wagon at a preserved railway, so this is nothing new!
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Top Left - LRT and L.99 side by side. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Top Right - "T" stock car for the Bakerloo Line? Surely not! [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Middle - Dave drives the LRT into the loco shed. [Photo: D. Hill.]
Bottom Left - The LRT's portable track being transported on a platelayers trolley. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Bottom Right - The LRT and equipment loaded onto the platelayers trolley at the end of the day, ready to be rolled back to the minibus. [Photo: A. Allum.]
16th March 2010
The LRT was taken to the Open Weekend at the Acton Miniature Railway on March 13th & 14th. Poorly advertised, visitor numbers were very low, and this affected the railway also, carrying just under half the number of passengers that is usually expected. The LRT carried over 300 passengers over the weekend, accounting for about half of them, the rest travelling behind any of four locomotives, the "A" class Metropolitan loco, Matt's "Livvy" tram loco, Stephen's "Alison" steam loco, and "Michael Faraday," which was at the official opening back in 2005, but which has missed quite a few recent events.
The LRT had one equipment related stop, where an electrical coupling between the cars had come undone, and this caused the available power to drop to a level where we were unable to continue in service. The coupling was reinstated, and the batteries from "Sarah Siddons" were borrowed, and we returned to service, albeit as a two-car set, not three. On the Sunday, suitably charged, we ran the three-car set without any problems.
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LRT (with a young guest driver - without 'public' passengers aboard) alongside "Michael Faraday" at Depot Approach. [Photo: A. Allum.]
20th December 2009 The LRT visited the AMR on December 19th for a "Mince Pie Run," but with only three volunteers present, we were not kept busy. Only the two car set was taken, and despite the icy rail conditions, the train performed faultlessly. Another train present was an overscale model (still under construction) of another Underground design...!
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LRT and loco side by side at Depot Approach. [Photo: A. Allum.]
5th December 2009 The LRT made an appearance at Cradle Hill CP School in Seaford for their Christmas Fair. Seaford is actually miles away from the area that we would normally cover, but our bluff was called! Adrian foolishly thought that it would be more polite to state what our fee would be for attending an event so far away, than to just turn down the application; but the school accepted our quote! Careful planning was necessary due to the 2-hour travelling time, so that a break could be had on route (we only have one person insured to drive the minibus, which is why we don't normally venture out of the local area), and this worked reasonably well. The event was well attended and the train was kept busy for all but 10 minutes of the three hour session, those ten minutes due to rain! There is interest in having us back there again, so we will give some thought about a safe policy to enable us to do this (and would enable us to renew our acquaintance with another cherished host also). We cannot make any guarantees at this stage, but we'll see how discussions go!
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Left - First passenger for the day, none other than Father Christmas! [Photo: A. Allum.]
Right - Adrian driving (passengers hiding behind him). [Photo: M. Scrutton.]
28th November 2009 The LRT attended the Christmas Fair at Sonning Common Primary School on November 28th. We carried well over 200 passengers in the three hours, although at times we wondered if we would ... an intermittent electrical fault worsened, and before our next event, we are going to have to undertake some exhaustive tests to try to locate the fault and fix it. The fault prevented the train from moving, but would then kick in causing the train to have a sudden start! The host sold the tickets, but unlike last year, there was just the one for the rides, so visits to Santa were charged separately. This did give us a few repeat passengers, such is the popularity of the train.
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Left - One of the lighter loaded trains, with only four volunteers and two stations, we were all kept busy (and appreciated Daniel's grandparents turning up to oversee the provision of Tea and cakes)! [Photo: A. Allum.]
Right - Daniel, wrapped up well against the cold weather, drives the LRT at Sonning Common. [Photo: D. Bullions.]
13th October 2009 On October 10th & 11th, the LRT attended the Acton Miniature Railway and Museum Depot's "Family Weekend." Along with the A-class steam loco and train, we carried just over 1450 passengers over the weekend. As there were just the two trains, we used the centre car, but we had to withdraw from service before the end of operations because we ran out of power (the centre car has no batteries or motors) on the Saturday. However, charged overnight, there were no problems on the Sunday.
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A lightly loaded LRT passes the signalcabin at Acton. [Photo: A. Allum.]
5th September 2009 The LRT had a day out at the Acton Miniature Railway on September 5th, for a Fun Day. The Museum Depot was closed to the public, but instead a Friends' event was taking place, and free rides were on offer. With no children present, we were not kept busy, but six adults did travel, four of them on the LRT. But all volunteers LRT and AMR got to drive both trains and operate the signals, so yes, it was a fun event.
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The LRT's only trainload of passengers, seen departing Depot Approach. [Photo: A. Allum.]
31st August 2009 The LRT supported the Acton Miniature Railway on the weekend of August 29th & 30th at the Upminster Depot Open Weekend. Despite being a well organised show (a complete contrast to the shamble the previous weekend), patronage was low (for the miniature railway, anyway), but we did raise a good revenue for the AMR as well as covering our costs. A more thorough report is given on the AMR's website.
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Top Left - Dave taking the 2-car LRT out on a trip. The centre-car was on standby!
Top Right - Daniel waiting for the next passengers (seen from the roof of the minibus)!
Bottom - Underground cars lined up at the Depot; spot the odd one out (clue - it's red and very small)!
[Photos: A. Allum.]
24th August 2009
The LRT attended a two-day event at the Friern Barnet Summer Show on August 22nd and 23rd. Unfortunately, this event was beset with problems right from the very start. It seemed that the Site Visit (essential for all new bookings) had been totally irrelevant, as we were moved to a part of the field with a very steep camber, exactly where we had said that we could NOT run. We were, therefore, moved to a better site, and on the Saturday, we carried a fair number of passengers, but we never actually got busy; a bit boring for a team of six! New member, Dave was 'passed out' as a qualified driver, and his contribution to the whole operation is appreciated. At the end of the Saturday, the organiser invited the public to cross our track to reach the arena, and this they did, causing much superficial damage in the process!
We had been invited to leave the track down overnight, and were told that the site would be patrolled day and night by a local vigilante group with lawful powers of arrest. Well, they were certainly invisible during the day, and we were told about a theft that had taken place during the previous (Friday) evening; so we took no chances and brought the whole outfit home!
On the Sunday, we were to move our station area slightly, to give enough room for the Dog Show. Our host (the organiser) failed to turn up until 30 minutes before the agreed start time, and then wanted us to change the set-up; this we didn't! Then, at the 12-noon start time, we were told not to start; we had to wait until an open-air 'service' had taken place. We finally started over an hour later than agreed at the Site Visit, and carried even less passengers than on the Saturday. In fact, it was in the 20 minutes after the closing time that we were busiest, with several well loaded trips in quick succession.
Unless next year's event is organised by somebody else, we will not be returning. This is a decision that we have not had to make before, but for the host to renege on location and operating times, and to invite people to breach the right-of-way, could have had serious implications on overall safety, and thus the risks are too great.
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Top Left - Daniel with a well loaded train on the Saturday. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Top Right - More typical is this photo from Sunday, very light load and very few people about. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Bottom - Dave, our new driver, with a lightly loaded train. [Photo: A. Allum.]
20th July 2009
The LRT had a busy weekend, 18th & 19th July. On the Saturday, we went to the Fun Day organised by the Rotary Club of Surbiton, at the same location as for Hook Scouts, except that with a few curves we brought the station area forward onto the grass, where it certainly got more noticed. We charged £1, but the 182 passengers got a double ride for that, so it was certainly good value.
On the Sunday, we went to the Fun Day in Canons Park, near Edgware. We charged 50p and carried just over 300 passengers - in three hours. It was hard work, and we had quite a long queue for most of the afternoon. We had to put up with a little rain and strong winds, and the Gazebo got quite badly torn; but it was the cones and cordoning that were an ongoing problem ... many of the cones have lost their sand so they're quite light, and many had to be held down with pegs! Both hosts are interested in inviting us back again next year.
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Left - Daniel with a train departing the station on the field at Hook. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Right - A train departing at Canons Park, with the reduced queue in the background. (The nearby Canons Park Tube station was closed for the weekend, but this was for many years a station that the prototype for our model would have stopped at!) [Photo: D. Bullions.]
13th July 2009
The LRT attended the Open Day at Lambeth Cemetery on 12th July, for an interesting, if somewhat quiet event. The idea of a "Hearse of the Year" competition seemed a bit surreal, but the horse-drawn variety really had no competition. Even the pink Rolls Royce alternative, intriguing, but not giving rides, didn't get the prize. One lady did question us about the morality of a "Fun day" at a cemetery. True, this may seem a bit odd, but look at it from a different perspective, where can you go - without 'going around the houses' - to plan and prepare a funeral? All sorts of appropriate traders were present, and to create a 'fun day' is a way to bring in the punters. And this is where the LRT came in, running alongside the main road (but within the grounds), we were successful in bringing in passing trade. (And apart from a few terrible puns, the whole event was respectful. I won't name the person who suggested that we change one of the destination blinds to read "Morgue-gate!" (Moorgate, if you missed it!))
However, we carried very few passengers at the event, and the team of four were not kept busy! We were provided with refreshments including lunchtime rolls, and we even got some track maintenance done! Despite the low patronage, we are likely to be invited back again next year, but to be located more visibly within the grounds, and hopefully with better all round advertising also.
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Top Left - With a nice leafy shade, the LRT takes a train load out for a ride. [Photo: A. Allum]
Top Right - What a way to go, this hearse won the prize! [Photo: A. Allum]
Bottom Left - The grey hearse is not so unusual, but pink? [Photo: A. Allum]
Bottom Right - Adrian working on the track! [Photo: D. Bullions.]
5th July 2009 On 4th July, the LRT made a return visit to Totteridge for the Summer Fayre organised by Finchley Scouts. After some debate it was agreed that we would charge a 50p fare (we have charged £1 here, before), but 326 passengers is down on last year! Nevertheless, despite a little light rain for a few minutes, it was a lovely day, and a busy one. We were in our usual area, but the grass had not been cut, so a lot of track-packing had to be used as it was impossible to determine the best actual route. Already, we have been provisionally invited back next year.
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Left - Checking tickets at the station.
Right - Yes, there is track down there, somewhere!
[Photos: A. Allum]
28th June 2009
The LRT attended two events at the end of June, a regular one and a new one.
On Saturday 27th, we went to the 1st Hook Scouts Summer Fayre. We were charging £1 (which still made us cheaper than many of the other activities), and there was a slight drop in the number of passengers (191). Nevertheless, we were able to make a donation to the host at the end of the day, and our costs were covered. We were unfortunate in that our station (set up in the usual place) was behind a couple of small stalls, and also behind a diesel generator! We have asked for this to not happen again. Despite the lovely weather during the event, the heavens opened up as we started to pack away, and we all got completely soaked.
Then on Sunday 28th, we went to the Summer Fun Day at St Josephs Catholic Primary School in Aldershot, very near to the directors' homes. Being a school event, we charged 50p fare, and carried almost 250 passengers, with agreeable weather throughout. It was especially nice to attend a local event (yes, despite the 'London' theme, we're based in the Farnborough / Ash Vale area), and hopefully this will lead to more - as well, of course, as a return next year!
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Left - A train load at Hook... [Photo: D. Bullions.]
Right - ... A train load at Aldershot. [Photo: A. Allum.]
24th June 2009
On Sunday June 21st, Adrian and Daniel took another trip on the 1:1 scale 1938 Tube Stock, this time from Edgware to Colindale via the Kennington turning loop! As a bonus, there was an extra ride on offer, from Russell Square to Ealing Broadway, a journey which would otherwise have been ECS due to the need to return the train to the (Museum) Depot. A cab-ride was permitted along this latter journey!
The journey to London was interrupted with a stop at Woking, to see "Tornado" come through, some 15 minutes late, and whilst we were at Colindale, a 'Lancaster' flew over!
As we understand it, this is probably the last time that this train will be able to run along the Northern Line due to resignalling which will be incompatible with the train!
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Top Left -The 1938 Stock passes through Colindale.
Top Right - World War 2 Lancaster bomber flying over Colindale.
Bottom - Cab view approaching Hanger Lane Junction, where the District to Ealing Broadway and Piccadilly to Uxbridge diverge.
[Photos: D. Hill]
Video
Along the Piccadilly Line, through the "South Ken Bends" where trains can be "Stalled, not Stored;" and finally through South Kensington station and back into the Darkness! This was shot with the video facility on an ordinary digital 'stills' camera, so the picture quality isn't as good as the professional DVDs from the London Underground, but it is quite something to arrive into the station and depart again! [Video A. Allum]
Videos are hosted by YouTube and require Macromedia Flash to play. They are not guaranteed to work on all browsers.
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The LRT and class 73 side by side at the station. [Photo: D. Hill.]
8th March 2009
The LRT had its usual out-of-season spring run at the Acton Miniature Railway on March 7th & 8th, supporting the London Transport Museum Depot's Modelling Weekend. For this event, we inaugurated the centre car, thus a three-car set. It has metal footboards (and the other cars will be modified to match) to reduce the risk of people using them as platforms (and standing with both feet on the one side)! It needed a bit of running in, and by the end of the Saturday, the batteries had had enough! However, despite Sunday being busier, the batteries lasted the whole day, having been charged overnight.
We shared the AMR with unfamiliar company ... the A-class steam loco was still undergoing modifications, so its owner brought his other LU themed loco, a Met-Vic number 8 ("Sherlock Holmes"). On the Saturday, two locomotives from the Ascot Locomotive Society (another Met-Vick and a model of the design that the Met-Vicks replaced) were also in service; and on the Sunday (as well as some testing on the Saturday), LRT Friend Stephen Trower brought his new (and not quite completed) class 73 Electro-diesel!
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Matt Scrutton driving the 3-car LRT towards Harrison's Crossing. [Photo: D.Hill]
22nd February 2009 On Sunday 22nd February, Adrian and Daniel continued working on the repairs to the train. After applying more filler to one of the bodies, attention was turned to the centre car. Enough square-section steel was bought to make the foot rests and cross pieces to support them, and these were cut to length. Fading light and encroaching coldness prevented further progress, but is was certainly nice to see (even if momentarily,) the body on the chassis on the bogies!
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Top Left - Where there used to be wood, there is now filler! Sanding and painting will be done soon.
Top Right - The cross pieces will be attached under the chassis, but in this view they are on top, with the foot rests above.
Bottom - One of the new bogies has an extra nylock nut above each end spring - if the bolt unscrews, it will not drop out!
18th February 2009 On a weekday evening - well, time is running out - we set to work with some of the repairs that the train needs. This included copious amounts of body-filler and glue to one of the car bodies; but the motor noise issue will be done later when we can run the train on track (probably at Acton, soon). Having taken delivery, recently, of the wheel-sets for the centre car, we also fitted them into the bogies (didn't quite complete this due to poor lack of fixings), and we are cautiously hopeful of having a three-car set at Acton in March! The wheels are flat sided, so we had to add washers to prevent them rubbing on the axle-boxes; thankfully we have a healthy stock of them.
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One of the centre car bogies, with wheelsets in place. [Photo: D. Hill.]
8th December 2008 On December 6th, the LRT visited Slip End Lower School for their Christmas Fayre. Due to an administrative error we copied down the opening time of 3-5pm as 13-15, and arrived two hours too early! Nevertheless, after setting up, some of our team, together with some of the school children who were already on site, had something that vaguely resembled a football match! Adrian managed to get plastered with mud just before opening ... but back to the trains ... we carried exactly 100 passengers, most of whom visited Santa's grotto, and the last half-hour was in darkness. Thankfully, the school switched on all the classroom lights alongside the railway at the end of the day so that we could pack away safely! Unfortunately, the only photos that we got were of the football antics!
30th November 2008 The LRT made another return visit to Christ Church Infants School at Virginia Water on November 30th; a very wet day, with very few passengers. Nevertheless, we did manage to raise some money for the school/PTA, and we were provided with a hot drink! Unfortunately, the destination panel that we replaced in 2005 broke away, and we had to make a temporary repair; the need for new bodies is becoming more apparent. This was the first time that we used our new Edmondson Ticket Dater, a nice compliment to our Edmondson style tickets.
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Daniel with one of the busier train loads; unfortunately, the rain played havoc with the camera's auto-focus feature! [Photo: D. Hayes.]
22nd November 2008
On November 22nd, the LRT went to the Christmas Fair at Sonning Common Primary School. A slight miscalculation with journey time, coupled with the minibus breaking down, caused us to arrive an hour later than usual (we really need 90 minutes to set up), but we were ready to go in 40 minutes, ten minutes after the event opened. We had an unusual set-up for this event; the passengers boarded the train halfway along the line, and then the train reversed back to the planned starting point before proceeding forward to the other end, where the passengers alighted to go to Santa's Grotto. The train returned ECS to the mid-way station. Also, passengers queued inside (in the warm) and were called forward to the barrier in train-load quantities, which given the 2°C temperature was probably appreciated! We were kept looked after by Daniel's grandparents who provided a tea-run along with mince pies and cake!
But the service was non-stop. In roughly 2½ hours, we carried 282 passengers, averaging just under 7 per train, some passengers coming back for more (one little group of girls were so carried away that they made up a "Little Red Train" song ... which we declined to record; sorry)! For this event, the organiser took fares and produced their own tickets (see picture), one type for just the ride, the other including access to the Grotto. Although this is really out of our area, it is unlikely that we will turn down any future bookings!
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Left - The combined LRT and Father Christmas ticket.
Right - Daniel with a full train load. [Photo: A. Allum.]
2nd November 2008 The LRT went to the Acton Miniature Railway on November 1st & 2nd, as this was the Museum Depot's Family Weekend. Customary to these events, it rained; but in a break from tradition, Acton Town station was open! We had more Bearing problems during the weekend, but the service demand was too high to take the train out of service! Further servicing took place on the Sunday morning in the hope of improving things for the day's operation, and we were successful.
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The LRT passes the AMR's new Signal Cabin on route from Depot Approach to Wesley's Halt. [Photo: A. Allum.]
12th October 2008 Following further work, the LRT was taken to the Acton Miniature Railway on October 12th for testing. The nice thing about the AMR as opposed to our portable track is that there is more of it evenly laid out, so we can try higher speeds and longer duration, but although the Great Cockcrow Railway would have been even better for testing, one has to remember that the GCR is a working railway, and we would only be in the way - especially if something went wrong again. Thankfully, nothing did go wrong, and all appears to be well. Whilst we were at the AMR, we also took SSj (the code name for "Sarah Siddons: Junior" (so as to not confuse her in conversation at the museum with the 1:1 scale version)) off her bogies so that the motors could be tested during the week. Most of the day however, was spent trying to identify the components for the 'N' style signal cabin lever frame (and separating them from 'B' style components) that is being built there; see the AMR's website for details.
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Top Left - The LRT on test, seen through the window of the Signal Cabin. [Photo: A. Allum]
Top Right - The AMR's Westinghouse 'N' frame, assembled inside the signal cabin with the levers in place. [Photo: D. Hill]
31st August 2008
The LRT was taken to the Great Cockcrow Railway on Bank Holiday Monday August 25th for a special event in collaboration with Cobham Bus Museum. Unfortunately, the LRT did not contribute to the event. We started by connecting up the 'A' end wiring so that the train can be driven from both ends (this hadn't been reinstated earlier when we scrapped the old wiring), but the train failed completely. After lengthy investigation we found that the PCB fuse had blown and that there was a 'break' in one of the wires in the 'A' car. We are hoping that this is actually just on the connection with the socket (with no disrespect to the person who did the work), something that can be easily corrected. We got around this problem by using a spare wire on the loom. We also fitted a household 3A fuse into the back-up holder and the train came into service. But during its first run (thankfully ECS), it started to make a worrying noise. After greasing one of the wheel-sets, we went for a second run with a GCR engineer, and although the noise was later starting up again (we almost got all the way around without it), it was identified as a bearing problem. By raising the D-car on blocks and powering it up, we were able to investigate ... placing the tip of a screw-driver onto (or near-to) the bearing in question, and resting the other end on one's ear, it makes a good stethoscope. Three of the motors sounded like electric motors; the other sounded like a poorly tuned petrol engine! So that was the end of the LRT's service. We are hopeful of having it ready to run for mid-September.
The LRT was not the only LT themed train there, however. Alan Williams had his "Compass House" Met-Vick there, finished in Metropolitan Railway livery as number 8, "Sherlock Holmes;" and we were taking responsibility for the AMR's "Sarah Siddons" loco; but her story is on a news update on the AMR's website.
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Top Left - The LRT in the bay at Hardwick while Sarah Siddons and Compass House Metro-Vick 'Sherlock Holmes' wait to depart with a train. [Photo: D. Hill]
Top Right - Sarah Siddons and the LRT in the shunting 'Neck' at Hardwick Central. [Photo: A. Allum]
Bottom - With Sarah Siddons in the foreground, LRT Friend, Chris brings a steam train into Hardwick Central ... guess which organisation sponsored the carriages! [Photo: A. Allum]
28th July 2008
The LRT made a visit to Slip End on July 26th, but this time, not the Lower School; to the Village Day in a field nearby. We carried just over 150 passengers at 60p fare on an increased (to the usual) track length of just over 200'. We were supplied with a semaphore signal, but working it was not easy, and it was incorrectly painted on the reverse side, so for most of the day it was left in the Off position! One of our team was taken ill during the day, but we did manage to keep the railway running and get home safely. The return journey was also via the Workshops of the Miniature Railway Supply Company, to pick up the components for making two sets of points to use on the Acton Miniature Railway (and to have a guided tour of the workshops)!
On Monday 28th, Adrian and Daniel started painting the roof of the centre car to match the two other cars. The first coat of grey was applied with another to follow later in the week.
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Left - Matt driving with a lightly loaded train.
Right - The station area; note the 'dummy' semaphore signal to the right!
[Photos: A. Allum]
20th July 2008 The LRT had a busy weekend, July 19th & 20th. On the 19th, we went to the Family Fun Day organised by the Rotary Club of Surbiton, one that we've been to before. We carried 199 passengers in the five hour period. We had wondered if this event would happen, due to the heavy rain as we loaded the train and equipment in the early morning, but at the event, despite some very grey clouds, it remained dry. Two track panels were noticed to be shewing signs of wear, so they were serviced during the day and the train service was not compromised!
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Adrian driving the LRT at Hook. [Photo: D. Hill]
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Top Left - The new cushions on the roof of the train, seen shortly before Sunday's operations commenced.
Top Right - The WLLG provided tickets and booking clerks; the LRT provided the usual made-up table.
Bottom Left - Martin with a train load; note the barriers provided by the Cemetery.
Bottom Right - The Cemetery is full of very tame squirrels!
[Photos: A. Allum]
5th July 2008 On July 5th, the LRT went to the 11th Finchley Scout Group's summer fair at Totteridge Green. Once we had got the track down, we thought about changing our name to the Little Rollercoaster Train, and we used almost all of our packing material to make the track safe to use! We carried well over 300 passengers in four hours, and at the host's request, we charged £1 fare. However, we had 200' of track (longer than usual) available, so people were still getting VFM (Value For Money). With a 90 minute journey each way, it was a long hard day for the three operators, and out of our usual area, but having proven so popular, that like with Luton, we are prepared to go the extra mile (quite literally). We received a number of enquiries about other events, and time will tell if there are any bookings. The only bad news is that with the strong winds, our new gazebo got quite badly damaged, with some of the Velcro strips tearing off, and also some tears to the main material itself; the problem will be looked into, and maybe a few modifications can be made? (We also took the new seat/cushions with us, thinking that we might get a quiet moment when we could fit them; oh well, maybe another time!)
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Daniel on duty, awaiting the first passengers. Note the concertina gates for the Entrance and Exit, and the new leaflet racks on the table. [Photo: A. Allum]
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Left - Martin driving the LRT at Hook. [Photo: A. Allum]
Right - The station area at Hook. The gazebo was in use again, this time to protect us from the sun rather than the rain. [Photo: D. Hill]
On the following day, the 1:1 scale 38 Tube Stock train was brought out, so the LRT's directors took a day off driving a small one to ride on a big one. (Our offer, "If we let you drive ours, can we drive yours," didn't work!) In case you hadn't realised, 2008 is the 70th anniversary of the 38 Tube Stock, and three return specials were arranged for the Northern line with the preserved four car set, from Morden to High Barnet via Bank. There was the usual mix of surprised faces on people who know that this is a preserved train, and to the other extreme, the number of passengers who tried to board the train at the station signal-checks! All good fun, of course!
(The journey home with SWT was interesting as the guard made a PA from one of the door-side intercoms, and couldn't remember where the train was due to stop. A number of passengers shouted them out for his benefit, and he finally managed to deliver his message. What a state when the passengers know more than the train crew!)
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Left - The full size 1938 Stock at High Barnet. [Photo: A. Allum]
Right - The 38 Stock at Morden. [Photo: A. Allum]
Video
The 38 stock is signal-checked at Camden Town, leading to some very confused passengers. (The indicator boards were showing it as a normal 'Morden Via Bank' train!) [Video A. Allum]
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Top Left - The station area with gazebo!
Top Right - A train-load of happy passengers.
Bottom - Some of the children got real close to the birds of prey!
[Photos: A. Allum]
14th June 2008
The LRT attended the Fair at Knowl Hill School on June 14th, and this event coincided with the Pirbright Village Scarecrow Day. We were inundated with staff, and there was plenty of opportunity for all to get involved, all to have a look around the event, and even to get some photos!
The new socket for the control lead is not very secure and this appears to be a design fault! We are going to make a modification when we get some spare time, but not yet; this, for the LRT is mid-season!
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Adrian driving at Knowl Hill School. [Photo: D. Hill.]
25th May 2008
With the new control box wired up and ready to go, the LRT was taken to the Acton Miniature Railway on May 24th, during the Maintenance session there, for testing.
All appears to be well, but we are still not happy about the crimps in the large connectors for the 24v (high current) circuits. (At least five had to be re-crimped using mole-grips, because nothing else was strong enough!) We will rekindle our search for 2-way or 4-way plug and socket sets that are suitable for 24v and up to 75A.
Suggestions welcome to info@littleredtrain.co.uk - thank you!
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Daniel driving with the new control box. [Photo: A. Allum.]
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Left - The new socket in place. [Photo: D. Hill.]
Right - With the body on, and the new plug and socket connected. [Photo: D. Hill.]
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The Metropolitan Railway electric loco at Ascot. [Photo: D. Hill.]
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The red (from batteries) and grey (to motors) connectors for the 24v circuits are now attached to the chassis on each car. [Photo: D. Hill.]
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The LRT and Livvy, side-by-side under the new gazebo. [Photo: M. Scrutton.]
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The centre car body (on the A-car chassis) in use during 2006. [Photo: A. Allum.]
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Left - The LRT passes Sarah Siddons. [Photo: D. Hill.]
Right - The LRT about to pass signal RWN7A - The signals were switched off due to a technical fault, and Single Line Token Working was introduced instead! [Photo: D. Hill.]
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Top Left - Token Exchange at Wesley's Halt, with the LRT and 'A' class steam loco. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Top Right - The two Spinney locos at Harrisons Crossing. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Bottom - LRT crew pose with both Sarah Siddons locos! [Photo: P. Furze.]
4th January 2008 Several Friends of the LRT spent a day at the Acton Miniature Railway on December 29th to carry out track repairs, and a full report is at the AMR website. We intend to do further work there at the end of January and February, before the March Open Weekend.
16th December 2007
On Sunday 16th December, the London Transport Museum's 1938 stock ran a special train to mark the upcoming closure of the East London Line (a former stomping ground of these trains).
Daniel travelled on this train; which started at Ealing Broadway, ran along the District Line to Aldgate East and then via St Mary's Curve (which has no scheduled passenger trains) onto the East London Line; where it shuttled between Whitechapel, New Cross and New Cross Gate before returning to Ealing Broadway.
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Left - 1938 Stock at Whitechapel.
Right - The 1938 Stock after arrival back at Ealing Broadway.
[Photos: D. Hill]
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Father Christmas on the Little Red Train. We would like to wish all our hosts, passengers and other friends, all the best for the festive season.
[Photo: M. Scrutton]
28th November 2007 On November 25th, the LRT made a return visit to Christ Church Infants' School at Virginia Water for their Christmas Fayre. The weather was much kinder to us this year, and we carried over 150 passengers. We suffered an equipment-related stop for about ten minutes due to a 'crimp' working loose, causing the motors in the 'A' car to stop working. We are rewiring some of the electrics this winter, and the new cable for the 24v circuits is much more suited to the crimps that we use. Some of our members volunteered to patrol the side of the track as some children were making the most of a football, but it seems that they played a little also!
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Left - Stephen driving the LRT, with, in the background, the next train-load of passengers buying their tickets.
Right - LRT Friends and children having an impromptu football match!
[Photos: A. Allum]
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Chris driving the LRT as he approaches the point on the start of the return trip.
[Photo: A. Allum]
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Left - The 38 stock in the sidings at Stanmore, between the first and second trips.
Right - The 38 stock passes through Green Park on its second trip, with a familliar destination board.
[Photos: D. Hill]
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Left - The LRT pauses at Everglades Junction so that passengers can alight (not permitted during 'public' days).
Right - Becky driving the LRT; we appreciated her help in looking for the missing Motor Mount Bolt.
[Photos: A. Allum]
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Top Left - The LRT at 23:00hrs in the evening (unfinished 'Compass-House' class 31 adjacent). The small glow of light at solebar level is the single LED indicator used as a headlight ... an experiment to be developed!
Top Right - This is one of the trains that we shared the track with; a Mardyke Blue Pullman!
Bottom Left - A P2 2-8-2 (not to be confused with an A4 (like the "Mallard") ... look carefully) awaits its next trip round.
Bottom Right - LRT Friend Stephen Trower driving the visiting "Schools" loco.
[Photos: A. Allum]
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The Ginny in the minibus ... note the track panels to the left ... the central longitudinal baton means one thing ... it's a curved section! [Photo: D. Hill.]
1st September 2007 On September 1st, the LRT attended the Autumn Model Railway Exhibition at Redhill, organised by the North Downs Model Railway Circle. The exhibition was indoors, but we were in "the garden" outside. The number of children attending was low, and we did not cover our costs; which meant that for the first time, we claimed the shortfall (from the fares raised) from the organiser! Nevertheless, they are keen to have us back next year. During the many quiet moments, we took turns to look around the exhibition, and among us, we managed to buy H0 and 00 scale models representing two steam locomotives, a complete "Pendolino" train, and a goods wagon!
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Despite low patronage, the LRT did manage to carry the local MP! [Photo: A. Allum.]
26th August 2007 The LRT attended a new type of event on 26th August ... a Street Party. Originally, we were going to charge fares, but just as we were starting, we were asked to accept a payment to enable us to provide free rides instead, and this we did. The train was very popular with all age groups, and for much of the time, a five-year-old boy helped as station assistant, reciting the safety announcement before the departure of each ride. There was also some artistic face-painting taking place as well, as the photos shew!
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Top Left - A fully loaded train departing the station area, Martin driving, Martyn as guard. [Photo: A. Allum.]
Top Right - Awaiting the next passengers. The little boy sitting on the train gave out safety announcements ... with assorted varieties! [Photo: A. Allum.]
Bottom Left - The train with some nicely face-painted passengers! [Photo: M. Marsh.]
Bottom Right - Daniel's Grandfather driving (under supervision without passengers). It was Harold's street that was having a party! [Photo: M. Marsh.]
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Left - Stephen driving the LRT through Everglades Junction, with the A-car leading.
Right - Alan Williams with the Metro-Vick loco, also at Everglades Junction.
[Photos: A. Allum]
Video
LRT passing through Everglades Junction on the GCR. [Video A. Allum]
The LRT climbs the steeply graded 'spur' line at the GCR, and restarts from a signal-check at the top! [Video A. Allum]
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Left - Stephen driving "Bunny" on a very 'different' garden railway.
Right - 00-scale "38 stock" on the FLMJ (Swedish Model Railway).
[Photos: A. Allum]
1st August 2007 On August 1st, the LRT took part in the 100th anniversary celebrations for the Scouting Movement. It provided free rides at the Walton Firs scout camp! LRT Friends were also running the H0-scale model "Steninge," a Swedish model railway; in recognition of the visit by a Swedish VIP, none other than His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf. His Majesty declined to take a ride on the LRT, but he did leave with one of our red LRT Baseball caps! Walton Firs Campsite is under threat of closure, and they are raising money to save it. Please have a look at their website.
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Top Left - Martin driving with a lightly loaded train. [Photo: A. Allum]
Top Right - There was a specified lunch break; a time to relax. We carried roundly 400 passengers! [Photo: A. Allum]
Middle Left - Martyn shaking hands with His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf before offering him a LRT baseball cap!
Middle Right - The LRT in front of Steninge. [Photo: M. Marsh]
Bottom Left - All operators were given scarves for the occasion, here, Martin is seeing wearing his whilst working the "Steninge" layout. [Photo: A. Allum]
Bottom Right - A close-up of the scarf logo. [Photo: A. Allum]
28th July 2007 Friends of the LRT visited the Acton Miniature Railway on July 28th to assist with track maintenance there. Not much work would have been necessary if it wasn't for the fact that the track had been driven over by motor vehicles, and badly damaged in the process. The main station area needed track to be re-laid, but a section near Harrison's Crossing needed a new rail, as one was too buckled to be deemed safe! Both the LRT and Matt's "Livvy" were used to test the track, the latter pulling one of the AMR's coaches.
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Top Left - The work-party near Harrison's Crossing.
Top Right - The two test trains at the main station.
Bottom - Driver Chris on the LRT at Acton.
[Photos: A. Allum]
Video
View from the cab-roof as the LRT runs along the AMR! [Video A. Allum]
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Top Left - Chris with a well-loaded train.
Top Right - Daniel's grandparents came for a ride, proving that the LRT really is 'for kids of all ages.'
Bottom - Adrian has built a leaflet rack to showcase the LRT's leaflets, along with those relating to the interests of LRT friends.
[Photos: D. Hill]
Video
Chris drives the LRT at Totteridge! [Video: D. Hill.]
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Top Left - The LRT with two fare paying passengers, and one who "dogged" the fare!
Top Right - A pink poodle!
Bottom - At one point, one of our team made the most of the poor patronage to build a model kit!
[Photos: A. Allum]
26th June 2007 As part of the Centenary celebrations for the Northern Line, the four-car 1938 stock was taken out on a few railtours on June 24th, starting and finishing at Golders Green. The LRT's directors took the train that started at 14:30, but other Friends of the LRT were either on other departures, or were out and about, taking photographs of them! The journey took us down to Charing Cross. We reversed over the trailing crossover and went up to Mill Hill East. After a brief rest there (and a chance to stretch our legs), we went down to Kennington, around the turning loop there, and back up to Golders Green. We were a little amused by the number of people who tried to get on the train whenever it paused at a station, obviously not aware that it was a nearly-70-year-old preserved train on a tour. For those that did know what it was, the looks of surprise (and delight) on their faces was amusing, also.
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Top Left - The 4-car 1938 stock approaching Golders Green station from the south, about to pick-up the passengers for the 14:30 tour
Top Right - Welcome aboard!
Bottom Left - A bit of fresh air and daylight, as the train waits at Mill Hill East.
Bottom Right - A commemorative sign onboard ... some idiotic souvenir-hunter has evidently tried to remove it!
[Photos: A. Allum]
The LRT went to the Summer Fete of the Friends of Slip End Lower School (FoSELS) near Luton on June 23rd. It was a tricky situation here; being so far away, our minimum expense (the amount that we need to take in Fares before we split the revenue with the organiser) was quite high; and this coupled with the weather forecast, made it a big risk to go to. Nevertheless, we did, and as not unexpected, the forecast was wrong. We carried enough passengers to be able to give our hosts a little revenue towards their organisation. The ground was very hilly, but quite even, so the "packing" was used mainly to keep the railway level where the ground sloped away to one side. Many children came back for more rides, and it is a delight to be able to provide such appreciated entertainment.
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Top Left - Daniel withs a trainload of happy passengers. [Photo: S. Lowe]
Top Right - Daniel prepares to depart from the station. [Photo: S. Lowe]
Bottom - Shauna, a guest who assisted at the event, has a go at driving the LRT while Adrian awaits more customers [Photo: D. Hill]
16th June 2007 The Little Red Train made a return visit to the 8th Ashford Scouts Summer Fayre on June 16th, and what a washout it turned out to be! The weather fluctuated from wonderfully warm sunshine to heavy downpour complete with thunder and lightning! Several times, we had to cover the train and take shelter in our minibus (a more comfortable mess-room than the van we used previously)! Nevertheless we carried just under 90 passengers (in a five-hour period) and they certainly enjoyed the rides. We gave a free ride to a chap with one of the other activities, and one of our Friends got a reciprocated ride (see pictures)!
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Top Left - A drier moment, and a well loaded train sets off on its short return journey. [Photo: A. Allum]
Top Right - A wetter moment, and the train is under cover! [Photo: A. Allum]
Bottom Left - Martyn on horse-back! [Photo: A. Allum]
Bottom Right - On the way home after a long day! [Photo: S. Trower]
13th June 2007 Congratulations to three LRT Friends, who this year, have become Qualified as Drivers at the Great Cockcrow Railway.
The Troublesome Trio
11th June 2007
The LRT was taken to the Fun Day of the "Down Syndrome Extra 21" charity at Chelmsford on June 10th, and what a delightful day out it was! Many of the children had lots of rides and they certainly enjoyed the train. We were certainly made to feel very welcome and the three LRT Friends assert that we had a great time. We had about 180' of track in use, and before we extend much more, we're going to need to buy some more "cones" for the cordoning!
We have added a new category to our links page, for "Organisations that we have supported;" and we will bring this up to date as details are confirmed.
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Top Left - Daniel driving the LRT past the minibus. [Photo: M. Scrutton]
Top Right - Adrian drives the LRT, with a trainload of happy passengers. [Photo: D. Hill]
Bottom - Matt driving, with another fully loaded train. [Photo: D. Hill]
2nd June 2007 On June 2nd, at short notice, the LRT made a visit to the Spinney Light Railway in Farnham. It was certainly nice to give the train a good run and we still didn't need to move the regulator all the way up. Starting from rest on a 1:30 curved gradient was no problem whatsoever, and it was certainly nice to see it perform this well! Unfortunately, a hot axlebox needed attention, but after about five minutes of down-time, we were back in service. At the end of the day, it was found that a nut had shaken loose; one that secures the bogie to the chassis ... not a problem when running, but when we lifted the chassis to put it away, the bogie didn't come up also! Our especial thanks go to Alan Ainslie for allowing us to run there again.
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Top Left - Stese brings the train into Old Oak.
Top Right - The train on standby in the bay at Dingly Dell.
Bottom - Royal Scot class loco departing Dingly Dell.
[Photos: A. Allum.]
20th May 2007
Wesley Quilty
(1972-2007)
The Acton Miniature Railway is a regular "Stamping Ground" for the LRT, and owes much of its existence to Wesley Quilty. Becoming a Friend of London's Transport Museum was quite a logical step forward for Wesley. He had been a member of his local model railway club before getting involved with the Tram collection at Crich, where he had eventually become fully qualified to drive the trams; but at the time of transferring his interests from the smaller scale models, told his father that he was still modelling, but in a bigger scale!
Wesley was actively involved in preparing the many vehicles for their move to the Museum Depot, and never shied away from any job that needed doing - even vacuum cleaning the insides of the various exhibits. He took a great interest in the construction of the Museum Depot's miniature railway (the Acton Miniature Railway), and no doubt must have been pleased with the naming of Harrison's Crossing, after a close friend of his at the Museum. (It has been said that these two gentlemen would sit and discuss, with a bottle of Ginger Beer each, how the perfect museum should be arranged, and they designed it in discussion, in every detail. At the end of the day, they would feel that it had been a productive day!)
Wesley was taken from all who knew him after a brief illness, and as a fitting tribute, the passing loop at the AMR (conveniently close to Harrison's Crossing) is to be renamed, "Wesley's Halt."
8th May 2007
The LRT went to the Ottershaw May Fayre organised by the Scouts and Guides. The weather was assorted ... a torrential downpour (and people were still demanding rides) followed by glorious sunshine! We carried over 300 passengers, and had a special attraction in the shape of a steam locomotive! For this, we brought our point into service, only to find that the back-to-back measurements were too fine, and an on-site modification was necessary before we could begin running. A further modification will be necessary before it is used again.
To get to and from the event, we have our new minibus, which was available from Saturday, quite fine timing! (This is not the one that we mentioned in a previous update; we're still awaiting a refund on that; but this is one from an organisation of good repute!)
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Top Left -Daniel driving the LRT, with the new minibus behind. Originally a 17-seater, this now has 7 seats, giving room for LRT personnel and stock!
Top Right - The two trains side by side, not long after the rain had stopped.
Bottom Left - Stephen driving 1803 "River Itchen" with plenty of atmosphere!
Bottom Right - Even Matt's "Livvy" made a few trips (after the steam loco had been taken out of service near the end of the day).
[Photos: A. Allum.]
29th April 2007 We wish to advise people about a rogue trader, to warn against dealings with him or his organisation, given the extreme difficulties that he has caused the Little Red Train to suffer. Bill Edwick fronts an organisation called “T. F. Minibuses,” and after paying him for a minibus (which would be available after being got through the MoT), the Little Red Train ended up with no vehicle, just a continual flow of excuses and lies. Efforts to get a refund were just as difficult, and we are having to resort to professional assistance. He is based in Merwood Yard, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw (near to one of our regular events); the phone numbers that appear in his advertisements (especially "Auto-Trader") include 01932-874899, 07786-570275, 07961-555054 and 07766-353660. Our advice cannot be any clearer: don’t go there!
5th March 2007 The LRT ran at the AMR during the Museum Depot's only Open Weekend for this year, March 3rd & 4th. Despite the rain, the railway carried just under 1,500 passengers over the two days, and the queue (for rides) was continual! We provided a revised signalling (a new 'distant' signal for the 'home' as it is on a down gradient, and a starter signal from the Passing Loop) complete with a "Train Arrived" plunger for the Passing Loop (as that area could not be seen by the signaller) and a point detector, which in effect gave an indication that an Up train had passed the starter signal (a treadle was ruled out due to the different flange depths)! After some initial teething problems, it all settled down and worked very well. The LRT worked very well over the weekend, and shewed no sign of slowing down despite the batteries not being recharged overnight! We had three guest operators, one of whom has become a Friend of the LRT, and the other two likely to 'join' also.
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Top Left -The LRT's new driver, Chris, arrives at the Passing Loop (aka Museum Loop) and is seen operating the "Train Arrived" plunger with his foot! [Photo: A. Allum]
Top Right - Martyn about to take out an ECS working. [Photo: A. Allum]
Middle Left - Matt Scrutton's "Livvy" banking the 'A' class ... the towel was to protect the non-lacquered roof from the elements! [Photo: A. Allum]
Middle Right - The LRT and Metro-Vick loco pass at the new loop. [Photo: D. Hill]
Bottom Left - The revised signalling control panel, with the "Train Arrived" lamp illuminated (seen in this image, on the workbench under test). [Photo: A. Allum]
Bottom Right - As the train's wheels push the point blades across, the micro-switch sends an indication to the signaller that the train is on the move! [Photo: A. Allum]
24th February 2007
Three Friends of the LRT went to the Acton Miniature Railway on February 24th to iron out any problems with the track there, following our major work carried out last month. Much to our dismay, we found that the track in the new passing loop nearer to the road has been driven over and was "listing" quite badly! So, we got the section out and re-laid it. Two lengths of rail have been bent, but they are not beyond use, and when we tested the track later, we were impressed with the quality of the ride given the nature of the damage. There is no cause for concern.
Measurements were taken for the placement of two new signals and the relocation of another; and a point detector was fitted at the Passing Loop! The AMR's new coaches had also arrived very recently, and we were able to test them (and test the track in doing so) and get a few photos. They have resin bodies, and the painted-on wood effect is superb! We used Matt Scrutton's "Livvy" for motive power, and this will be in service during the open weekend there, March 3rd & 4th.
Click pictures for full size
Top Left - Nicely re-laid track (left) at the Passing Loop following motor-vehicle damage!
Top Right - Matt (with loco) testing both the track and the new coaches.
Bottom - Detail from one of the new coaches.
[Photos: A. Allum]
27th January 2007 On January 27th, some of the Friends of the LRT visited the Acton Miniature Railway to assist with track maintenance that was very much needed there! Four 'humps' in the track were lowered (by lifting out the track panels, removing the ballast, and then relaying it all), and a few areas had 'dips' brought up, especially where they were adverse cambers on the curves! Matt brought his tram along, and this was a great loco for testing it all, because it tends to bounce on poor track ... its performance by the evening was very smooth.
Click pictures for full size images.
Top Left Shovelling the ballast away once the track had been lifted.
Top Right Packing the ballast.
Bottom Jonathan Riddell on "Livvy."
[Photos: A. Allum]
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