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We are now well on our way towards winter and the sun is setting on what has been one hell of a summer. Looking back, the Steam Fair was a fantastic team effort by all who took part including two guest drivers and their engines who were invited in due to our lack of larger locomotives capable of running for sustained periods, a great boost for our club funds to enable more improvements.

A visit to the Leyland society by a few of our members resulted in a new contact for our coal supplies. It was found that the coal supplied to Leyland was of far superior quality than our supplier so on the return to Daresbury a decision was made to place an order with the new supplier. It has now been in general use for around three weeks and is proving a wise move.

Sept 2^nd we again hosted an event for the 8D Association – the last visit by them to our track was a great day, as most of their members being ex-loco drivers and firemen. There was a great turnout of engines which made it a memorable event for all of those who attended – there was also a late entrant run for the ‘How far round on less than a pound‘ Challenge   – Many thanks to Doug for the photos, which are now in the Gallery here

Our club secretary Brian Renton felt we needed to organise a few members days, so Dave Mullholland organised a freight day on Sept 16^th, the event was very well attended. Roy Allen coupled his new BR class 4 standard tank up to the wagons and allowed the engine to free run, resulting in some really good video footage. Maybe Roy could share it with us when he’s finished replaying it over and over again !! – Photos online soon!

Sept 28^th was the date reset for Barrie Purslow’s Night Run, I believe this has now been ongoing for 6 years, how time flies. Blue skies all day meant a drop in temperatures with the sun going down, but despite that we had another amazing turnout with all sorts of battery powered lighting on the loco’s. Burgers and posh hot dogs were in abundance along with a large selection of cakes and scones hand baked by Judy Marsh, washed down with lashings of tea, also provided by Judy. So along with our colour light signaling and head and flashing tail lights disappearing into the dark abyss, shrouded in steam supplied by our new miracle coal, it was a very atmospheric night, a credit to everyone who made the effort. Just a pity we couldn’t stay the night and enjoy a few beers afterwards, dream on I suppose. – Photos of Night Run 6 are also in the Gallery here

*NEWS FLASH! New Winner Announced for ‘How far round on less than a pound’ Challenge – Read here!*

Over the last couple of years we have lost two of our members Bill Underwood and Jerry Mole. RIP. Also a few of us have had something going on in some form or another, but we must not forget the wives who also have had set backs, they are just as important as the men. One lady in particular, Jo Caldwell, very familiar with all of us, was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour, devastating news for all concerned BUT the good news is Jo was operated on, the tumour has been removed and after an initial set back she has regained all her functions which had temporarily ceased following surgery. Today I had a text from Paul and Jo is returning home tomorrow so all our prayers and good wishes have succeeded.

Patrick

 

Other related Daresbury Gazette articles:

• 30 July – Business-as-Usual Edition – Daresbury Gazette
• 16 July – Summer Steam Fair Edition – Daresbury Gazette
• 28 June – How far round on less than a pound – Daresbury Gazette
• 10 June – A Job Well Done – Daresbury Gazette
• 02 May – Bricks and Mortar Edition – Daresbury Gazette

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Well everyone who was involved in the most successful Steam Fair yet are finally getting back to some sort of fitness and vitality. All the drivers and engines performed magnificently for the two days. So now is the time to reflect on the club activities over the last month or so. We started with the fun day organized by our club Secretary, "how far round on less than a pound of coal". I think it is fair to say everyone who took part and the observers included were treated to a fantastic club day with tea and sandwiches provided. A massive thank you to Brian for all his efforts. Over the last couple of years we have learned a lot about what is entailed in intensive passenger hauling. Thankfully there has been no incidents or accidents to report due only to the troops who supervise loading and unloading of passengers, ...
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Where do we start ? what a show, what a team fantastic effort by everyone who chose to get involved it wouldn't be fair to name names but I think I could be forgiven in mentioning our tea man Bob he never stopped for two whole days serving tea and collecting cups washing them and starting all over again well done Bob. Prior to the event a review of what motive power was available within our club and the drivers with enough experience to carry passengers on a very intensive service. The results were we were lacking in both depts so a committee decision was made to invite known drivers who were fully experienced as it worked out it was a roaring success. Photos of the Steam Fair 2018 are on the gallery and facebook One other decision that was made was to involve Jake Marsh as Track Marshall working under ...
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Sunday the 24th of June will go down as one of the best club days in the skill of handling miniature locomotives. Our club secretary Brian Renton set about the task of organizing a series of fun days up at our track. His first effort turned out to be one of the most entertaining and funniest days ever. With the weather set fair, a prompt 10am start was made. The task was to steam up with as much charcoal as you could possibly get into your firebox, and as you entered on to the track you were handed a bag containing 10oz of coal. Before departure at least one piece of coal was to be put into the firebox, after that you were in charge of your own destiny. Photos of the event can be found in the gallery here *NEWS FLASH! New Winner Announced for 'How far round on less than a pound' ...
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Following a text message from Paul Caldwell in very late April urging me to source building materials to complete the tunnel entrance, and a prompt from our chairman indicating that Roy Allen would be willing to start the footings, a full on attack was commenced. I am now pleased to announce after 5 hectic weeks working Wednesdays and week days, even including track running days, the tunnel has been completed. Due in no small way to the band of three brickies, one of whom had never laid a brick in his life up until 3 weeks ago and that is no less a person but our resident agricultural engineer Paul Caldwell who was trained on the job by Andrew Marsh and John Waldron who himself worked on despite his debilitating health issues. These three men deserve the highest of praise from our club they are our rock. A mention must ...
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