28 Aug 05 - Torbay Express

What a fantastic day out to Kingswear with another great performance hauling Past Time Rail's Torbay Express. The outward run was slightly marred by an unscheduled stop at Flax Bourton owing to the new firebox deflector plate falling into the firebox. There was no sign of it when the loco was serviced at Paignton.!! The return journey was simply stunning, with the Newport crew of Driver Tom Rees, Fireman Fred Lewis & Trainee Fireman Chris Rees under the expert eye of TI Gareth Jones making the loco run like a dream. Torre Bank was dismissed with ease the sea wall section was taken at a canter. Early away from Exeter, mile after mile was taken in the mid 60's on the rising grades to a pathing stop at Tiverton Loop. Once away though, the climb to Whiteball summit was fabulous, the loco accelerating all the way to the top with a minimum of 51.5mph being achieved before diving into the tunnel and onto Taunton. A quick servicing stop was followed by more stunning running and Bristol Temple Meads was reached some 27 minutes early. A superb run, some very tasty apples and another Welsh victory in England.!

20 Aug 05 - Bristol Barton Hill

With the loco not in action this weekend it was a chance to catch up on some routine work. Cleaning out of the smokebox and firebox was done, along with a sort out of the remaining coal in the tender. We seem to have accumulated a lot of slack of the past few weeks so this was sifted though and the larger lumps kept while the small stuff was removed. Also the broken blower pipe (click for picture) was removed from the smokebox for repair. This will be refitted later in the week.

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14 Aug 05 - Torbay Express

The loco once again completed another good run with the Torbay Express, the outward run to the ex-GWR terminus at Kingswear being either on time or early. On the return journey a point’s failure at Aller Junction put the train slightly behind and consequently the opportunity of an early departure from Exeter was not available. This meant the excellent performance out of Exeter had to be curtailed with a visit into Tiverton Loop for pathing. Once away though a minimum of 46mph was achieved at the top of Whiteball with some sparkling running onto Taunton. A quick turn around reduced the deficit and with speeds again in the 70's along the Somerset levels the end of the run at Bristol was only a few minutes down on schedule.