The loco was successfully run on Friday 5th June without any problems, hauling a variety of trains around the entire line and proving that the air brake system was functioning. The crew for Friday consisted of Dave Dilnot(Trustee GVT trust) and myself and we were later joined for the last trip by Keith Vingoe (MD L&B Rly)
Saturday dawned very wet and along with the 7 other locos, she was steamed and was the first to come off shed. We were sent down the line to water at Oak Tree Loop while shunting went on and when we returned we were put straight onto the Mixed passenger. After the usual Crew briefing at 09:30 we were dispatched as first train. Our crew for the first trip consisted of Keith Vingoe, Pete ward (W&S Driver and formerlyof Hammersly Iron in Australia where he drove Pendennis Castle on a number of trips and was instrumental in getting her repatriated!) and myself. we ran easily on the outbound trip to the loop, however when we came to leave after the second train had passed, Ifound that the reverser was very stiff. once going there appeared to be no problems and we stormed the bank with ease! Once again leaving Oak Tree halt we experienced the same problem and after arriving at Statfold Central we decided to retire to shed for an investigation. After much shunting up and down, we came to the conclusion that the regulator valve was not closing properly. The fire was thrown out and steam allowed to escape which took over an hour. Dismantling of the (very hot) regulator housing showed that the valve had warped and was not repairable on the day. Further investigation has shown that the valve as fitted, may have an inherent tendency to drop into the port thereby causing the distortion. A new modified valve will be made and the loco will be available again within a few days.
We were nevertheless very disappointed to have let everyone down and hope that we will be able to show the loco’s true abilities later in the year. The next public event will be an appearance at Chirk on 27th June - watch this space for more info!
I would particularly like to thank Graham Lee and all the guys at Statfold Works and especially Phil Bates. My thanks also go to David Dilnot, Keith Vingoe, Pete Ward and David Herbert for their help as ’support crew’