isambardme
Western Thunderer
Well, a reasonably sunny day was forecast for yesterday, so, at very short notice, a get together was organised, knowing that the daylight would be in short supply. Richard's M7 ran well, great smoke effects in the cold air, causing much amusement and interest later to Richard's two year old granddaughter. Yes, they say start 'em young!
Meanwhile it was the first garden run for my Tom Barratt 'Witherslack Hall' on five GWR Alliott coaches. She ran very well with a loud exhaust beat, gaining very positive comments from both Richard and Roger, who as a Severn Valley Railway driver knows a thing or two about these things. The previous owner bought the loco direct from Tom in 2007 and said it was his favourite loco to run at GTGs. I know why, it's easy to operate and needs very little adjustment when running, just a top up of water in the tender every couple of circuits. My Kinda loco!
Later I ran my Barratt Bulldog, which was a fast runner on my rolling road in the summer. I then reduced the number & height of it's wicks to make it a steadier runner. Sadly in cold winter conditions, she did not generate quite enough steam. Perhaps some locos need summer and winter wick settings. Meths powered locos in particular all seem to have their own running characteristics. I came across an updated article by Roundhouse Engineering, the original dating from the days when they produced meths powered 16mm locos. It stated how important the height and packing of wicks was, it also commented on how some modern wick materials do not last long and need replacing. Something I wholeheartedly endorse.
Anyway, we were all very pleased to have a pre Christmas run, while Boris' decrees permit. Sorry, no one had a camera handy, the light turned a bit dismal as the day went on. Maybe photos another time.
We look forward to longer daylight in 2021 and hopefully lots of sunlit running sessions. (Well, you can dream!)
Hope all readers have a great Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Steve
Meanwhile it was the first garden run for my Tom Barratt 'Witherslack Hall' on five GWR Alliott coaches. She ran very well with a loud exhaust beat, gaining very positive comments from both Richard and Roger, who as a Severn Valley Railway driver knows a thing or two about these things. The previous owner bought the loco direct from Tom in 2007 and said it was his favourite loco to run at GTGs. I know why, it's easy to operate and needs very little adjustment when running, just a top up of water in the tender every couple of circuits. My Kinda loco!
Later I ran my Barratt Bulldog, which was a fast runner on my rolling road in the summer. I then reduced the number & height of it's wicks to make it a steadier runner. Sadly in cold winter conditions, she did not generate quite enough steam. Perhaps some locos need summer and winter wick settings. Meths powered locos in particular all seem to have their own running characteristics. I came across an updated article by Roundhouse Engineering, the original dating from the days when they produced meths powered 16mm locos. It stated how important the height and packing of wicks was, it also commented on how some modern wick materials do not last long and need replacing. Something I wholeheartedly endorse.
Anyway, we were all very pleased to have a pre Christmas run, while Boris' decrees permit. Sorry, no one had a camera handy, the light turned a bit dismal as the day went on. Maybe photos another time.
We look forward to longer daylight in 2021 and hopefully lots of sunlit running sessions. (Well, you can dream!)
Hope all readers have a great Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Steve
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