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22nd November 2001 |
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22nd November 2001 |
2-8-0T locomotive
5224 was transferred from the LNWR workshops at Crewe to the Churnet
Valley Railway earlier today. The locomotive has been overhauled
and is visiting the CVR to allow running in to take place. After
unloading the GWR engine, the low loader collected 80136 which
is going on loan to the West Somerset Railway, probably until
March 2002. The loco is seen here passing Froghall station.
The turn into the Thomas Bolton
car park was difficult due to parked cars and the telegraph pole
was not ideally situated. To make matters worse the trailer grounded
on the entrance floor but eventually it was cleared and the traffic
jam was eased.
The police escort
signed off and disappeared until 80136 was ready to move.
Down the approach road and
a little bit of tree scraping only to reach the line and find
out that the loco was facing the wrong way. Astonishingly the
driver reversed all the way back to the car park and then reversed
back again to unload.
By this time 33102
had arrived at the station with 80136 and was waiting patiently
for the GWR tank.
80136 was unhooked and the
class 33 drew forward in readiness to remove the locomotive back
to the station loop.
The experts discussed
the matters in hand in great detail but were in full agreement
about everything!
The load was positioned over
the track.
The rail ramps
were positioned, bolted and suitably packed. The engine was attached
to a steel rope on the trailer winch before the securing chains
were removed.
Slowly the machine was allowed
to run down the slope under gravity before reaching dry land again.
The class 33 ran
forward and coupled up to drag the tank off the trailer.
Ready to leave for the station
and 80136......
.......which was
waiting patiently at the station platform.
33102 dragged the tank loco
onto the loop but left it short of the platform edge - GWR locomotives
have a nasty habit of biting non GWR platforms.
The diesel then
ran round to run up to 80136 and push it down to the waiting low
loader.
One arriving and on leaving.
Stephen Latham was already checking out the GWR tank in readiness
for its trip to Cheddleton.
Coupled up and
ready to push.
Driver Roger Spencer playing
to the crowd.
Proud Stephen
After leaving 80136 to the
mercies of the low loader winch, the class 33 ran round again
and reversed onto 5224.
Coupled up. Note
the British Railways version of the "Large Logo" (kettle
devotees may not appreciate that comment).
The tank was hauled very slowly
through the platform under close surveillance in case of fouling.
Safely through
on the up side, the engine was then taken through the down platform
to confirm clearance but it was cold and McDonald's was calling.
The day's events had been a credit to all involved and had clearly
been planned to perfection.
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