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 […]

Update May 2025 We collected replacement boiler tubes however on detailed inspection when we got them home we discovered an error in that they had been swaged up instead of the required down.  Hence they were unusable and are now in the processes of being replaced by the supplier – a simple mistake by the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.  We have now completed the work and this loved little locomotive will […]

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 […]

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 […]

This months Old Glory magazine features an extensive review of our Garrett Engine and reviews one of our 2024 event days.

Tony, Brian and other volunteers took the Garrett and Steam Roller to the pub on Boxing day.  Accompanied by the Bean Car, it made an interesting sight on the road from The Warren to Bredgar.  Chatted to quite a few people who were able to look them over – the engines not the volunteers.  A […]