401at Dean Forest Railway

The last stop on 401's Autumn tour was the Dean Forest Railway's Autumn Gala (14th-15th October).

All photos courtesy of George Matthews.

Arriving into Norchard with a mixed train.

At Lydney Junction...

...and later double heading away with 5541.

Departing Norchard with the mixed train.

NTSR locomotive foreman Michael Wortley on the footplate.

401, 5541 and 9681 at Lydney Junction.

Work on the Lambton Van

Work on the Lambton van has continued thanks to John and Richard. The hinges and metal work are now in place, allowing recording to commence on the East Side.

Work has also commenced on dismantling and assessing the West Side of the van. 

John painting.

A Day of Assessments...

 

Adam brushing 1208's tubes during this morning's prep.

08915 shunting 1208 onto the coal road.

Robin up top polishing the tank.

Robin and Adam on the footplate of 1208.

Running round at Percy Main.

The last train of the day arrives back at Middle Engine Lane.

A trio of volunteers have passed out in new roles today! Congratulations to newly qualified diesel second man Dan Southern (left), diesel driver Nev Bilton (centre) and steam driver Robin Johnson (right).

401 at the Mid Hants Railway

The latest stop on 401's autumn tour is the Mid Hants Railway, where it has starred in their Autumn Steam Gala (6-8th October). The following photos are from the Saturday of the event...

In the company of SR Schools class 'Cheltenham', 401 heads away from Ropley shed...

...and off to collect its train.

Sat at Alresford station with a mixed train for Ropley.

Back in Ropley yard.

Ready to depart Ropley for a trip 'over the alps'; a four-mile 1-in-60 climb up to Medstead and Four Marks.

Over the summit at Medstead and down the long straight into Alton. 

Stopped at the board in Alton passing loop. Directly ahead is the Network Rail connection to Alton station - the closest 401 has got to the mainline in how long?

Taking water at Alton.

Working hard on the three miles of 1-in-60 back out of Alton. 

Passing a 7F at Ropley.

 Back on shed at the end of the day.

Car Park Tidy Up

Reuben and Maxwell cutting back vegetation in the museum car park.

Carriage Transfers

Today, Michael D has applied transfers to our brake carriage, E43172 of 1954...

Engine Cleaning

This week, Aadil and youth team members Aaran, William, Chad, Ben and Ruben have given 1208 a thorough clean and polish after its short break from hauling trains at the NTSR.

Meanwhile, new volunteer Shane has been polishing the metalwork.

On shed this morning. Note the change of identity!

1208 has carried many names over the past 107 years! Having spent its first year at NTSR as 'Nightingale/Seacole', it is now carrying its 'Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons No.88' nameplates. Upon closure of the Nidd Valley Light Railway in 1936, 1208 was sold to Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd., for whom it worked at Ebbw Vale steelworks until 1940.

Gleaming!