At the end of 2024 the ladder truck had a few issues with some tyres deflating. Not fast but consistently enough to be really annoying. Having removed all eight wheels at the back and had them inspected we have concluded that although the issues could be resolved, the tyres are getting closer to their “sell […]
Continue readingBrouhot portable being overhauled
Our Brouhot 6HP portable engine has been on restriction for a couple of year and this winter we really had to get it taken apart and overhauled. The covers off and the valves and pipes removed we were able to get a really good look. It was a lot better than we had feared with […]
Continue readingRebuilding the Stoney Shaw signal box steps
During regular checks of our infrastructure it was noted that the steps to the Stoney Shaw signal box were getting unsafe. We lifted them our and returned them to our workshop. They barely survived the move! After detailed review the volunteers dismantled them and used the rotten timbers as templates to build a replacement. We’re […]
Continue readingVolunteers replace 40 sleepers during 3 track days in March 2025
A detailed track inspection over the winter identified 40 sleepers that needed replacement. Volunteers selected the first 3 Thursdays in March and worked hard to replace them all. This included lifting 2 lengths of track and replacing most of the sleepers plus a number of single ones. Normally we pull them out but many just […]
Continue readingFire truck in checking and inspection
Our US fire ladder truck has a number of bookings in 2025 and to be ready for the season it is in for checking. The ladder cables needed adjusting and during inspection we noted that 2 pullies were worn. Not an off the shelf item so we have made them from scratch. Now refitted and […]
Continue readingLocomotive Katie in final stages of a 2 year overhaul.
No.2 ‘Katie‘ is an 0-6-0 well tank built by Arn Jung of Jungenthal, Germany, in 1931 (works number 3872) has been in our workshops for over 2 years being completely overhauled. Cab floor replaced, well tank top renewed, many overhauled valves and components, but we are in the final stages of getting this loved little […]
Continue readingVarious boiler doors overhauled
During the winter it is time for all our steam boilers to get inspected and checked. The boiler doors – access points into the boilers barrel – are removed, cleaned and painted. The boiler is inspected by an independent engineer in assuming all is OK, new seals are fitted and the doors reinstalled. The boiler […]
Continue readingLocomotive Katie gets coal bunker and cab refitted
Work on our Arn Jung Locomotive (works No. 3872) Katie is continuing. The coal bunkers and cab have been reunited with the frame today, Tuesday 4th February. We are still on track to have her operational for the Rail200 celebration day on 1st June.
Continue readingEigiau locomotive gets new fire bars
We are intending to use Eigiau on our January 25th winter steam up day. The fire bars were badly worn and distorted so we’ve been making new ones. These were installed on 16th January 2025 and test fired by Harry and Peter on Friday 17th. All a great success. Assuming nothing goes wrong this week […]
Continue readingCarriage Roof Replaced with traditional hessian
Restoration of an Old Railway Carriage Work on the centre balcony coach continues. Many thanks for donations of oil based paint – we still need more – anyone would think we’d covered the roof with a sponge!!! The roof should be finished in the next week or so and we are now working on refurbishing the […]
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