whizzbang.biz Blog

This locomotive has a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement and is currently undergoing restoration down at the Severn Valley Railway workshops. This engine is one of 80 that were originally built for light passenger duties like those experienced on cross-country & secondary lines, such as the Cambrian Express, where a medium axle load was the heaviest weight permitted, The BR Standard Class 4 had simple construction with it’s working part readily accessible for ease of maintenance. Sadly there are only a few left, but I am looking forward to seeing this one when it is completed.

Recently I went to this event, and after the roaring success of last years event the Trevithick 200 Association decided to do another Steam Traction event this year called “The Rally in the Valley” which took place on 18th & 19th of July down in Severn Park.

This years event was bigger and featured more exhibits such as Traction Engines, Steam Rollers – such as Garretts & Fowlers, Stationary Engines, Miniature Traction Engines, Vintage Cars & Motor Cycles as well as many old Commercial vehicles & Army vehicles, there was even a horse drawn fire engine, which was beautifully turned out and an amphibious DUKW among the military vehicles, which was amazing. One again the replica of Catch-Me-Who-Can, which was built at a site nearby, was also on display.

There was also an impressive display of vintage farm machinery such as threshing machines & Tractors. A heavy horse ploughing demonstration also took place in the main arena & I thought the Shire Horses looked Magnificent

Artisans from Blists Hill Museum in Ironbridge were also demonstrating various crafts like blacksmithing, painting, Dress-making, Corn Milling, basket weaving & Pipe Making. There was also a demonstration in Coracle making as well.

Entertainment, was provided by The Army Training Corps, Alveley Village and Highley Brass Bands who were all performing in a marquee on site at various times through out the day. There were also two morris dancing teams – The Iron Men & Severn Gilders and the Border & Silhill teams performing throughout the day. The Plonkers Agricultural Showband were also performing as well a a Victorian music hall style pianist named Dr Busker. There were also Punch & Judy shows for the kids (“Where’s My Swasages?”) which was fun.

Once again Kinver Model Society were demonstrating their miniature steam engines such as Catch-Me-Who-Can & LMS5960 Leander. Their was also a fly past by the last Airworthy Vulcan Bomber No XH558, which was a happy coincidence – we just happened to be on the flight path, looked up and there it was. The other highlight was the cavalcade of Traction Engines & Steam Rollers in the main arena, which with even more vehicles taking part was even more impressive. The Tiger Traction engine was great as was the Fowler Crane, the best bit was when they all blew their whistles -great stuff, I really enjoyed myself this year and I hope they do another one next year.

have recently watched this enjoyable collection of DVD’s featuring archive footage from around Britain. There are more in the series & this has really whetted my appetite, so I may get the rest, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen so far. DVD’s featured in this Boxed Set are:

The South West

This is a fascinating insight into the history of British steam in the South West of England. The DVD features the Axminster to Exeter route during the 1960’s. Weston-super-Mare to Fowey during the 1960’s, West Somerset Railway – which features the awesome SDJR 2-8-0 No 88. The Paignton & Dartmouth Railway – which feature many GWR 4-6-0 Manors, South Devon Railway, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Steam in and around Dawlish & looks into the China Clay traffic which is an important industry down there.

The North West

This Fascinating DVD focuses on British Steam in the North West of England and features the West Coast Mainline during the 1960’s where many of the really big & most famous locomotives could be found, like the A4 Pacifics, BR Britannia’s and Coronation Scots. It also looks at the Settle and Carlisle railway during the 60’s which is still really popular today with steam enthusiasts aswell as the East Lancashire Railway, which is also still very popular.. The DVD also looks at The Lakeside & Haverthwaite, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railways. Isle of Man & Freight by rail.

The Final Years of BR Steam.

This is a poignant look at the end of British steam during the 1960’s. Featuring British Rail’s Steam operations during those last years, when some of these magnificent engines were starting to look a bit tired & neglected, which culminated in the Fifteen Guineas Special on 11th August 1968 , where magnificent engines such as 70013 Oliver Cromwell & Stanier Black Five no 45110 did a tour of Britain, pulling packed carriages round by steam for the last time, well actually Oliver Cromwell is still going strong & 45110 did sterling work on the Severn Valley Railway until last year when it’s boiler ticket ran out, it is now waiting to be overhauled.