From the first, to one of the last.- Handsome Bagnall Saddletank.
In my previous posting I referred to Birchenwood's prototype Bagnall saddletank which was to become popular in the Staffordshire coalfield. The loco shown here at Cadley Hill colliery, Church Gresley (Nr Burton on Trent) was one of the last of the type. In a belated attempt to improve economy, it has received a Geisl oblong ejector (chimney), opinions vary as to it's effect on the loco's appearance.
It was widely known that the railway operating staff at the pit were enthusiastic steam men, with many and varied locos arriving there for use and/or storage pending preservation. They were also more than willing to share their enthusiasm with like minded visitors of which there were many.
What a day out!, on this particular day, 'berrersfordsmotors', his then (rather posh) girlfriend and I had travelled by Swindon 120 DMU from Kidsgrove to Uttoxeter, thence by Stevensons bus to Burton, then Victoria / Viking service to the village in which the colliery was situated. We reported in a proper manner to the Colliery offices to obtain permission... which was almost routinely given, and descended into this working steam paradise. I recall said girfriend being less than impressed by being sat on a portion of above loco's coal bunker in the cab whilst we headed off to find some trucks which we could photograph and tape record being shunted. I bet the whole action filled day didn't cost much more than about four quid each!
From the first, to one of the last.- Handsome Bagnall Saddletank.
In my previous posting I referred to Birchenwood's prototype Bagnall saddletank which was to become popular in the Staffordshire coalfield. The loco shown here at Cadley Hill colliery, Church Gresley (Nr Burton on Trent) was one of the last of the type. In a belated attempt to improve economy, it has received a Geisl oblong ejector (chimney), opinions vary as to it's effect on the loco's appearance.
It was widely known that the railway operating staff at the pit were enthusiastic steam men, with many and varied locos arriving there for use and/or storage pending preservation. They were also more than willing to share their enthusiasm with like minded visitors of which there were many.
What a day out!, on this particular day, 'berrersfordsmotors', his then (rather posh) girlfriend and I had travelled by Swindon 120 DMU from Kidsgrove to Uttoxeter, thence by Stevensons bus to Burton, then Victoria / Viking service to the village in which the colliery was situated. We reported in a proper manner to the Colliery offices to obtain permission... which was almost routinely given, and descended into this working steam paradise. I recall said girfriend being less than impressed by being sat on a portion of above loco's coal bunker in the cab whilst we headed off to find some trucks which we could photograph and tape record being shunted. I bet the whole action filled day didn't cost much more than about four quid each!