Damaged locomotive

Last year, there was an unfortunate incident whilst unloading imported freight locomotives from the USA.

70012 was dropped during this procedure. It was decided to retain the locomotive on Allely's loader unit for assessment purposes.

Finally the decision was made to return the locomotive to the USA on the Allely's unit.

Great Central Railway Easter Vintage Festival 2012

Easter can be notoriously cold, wet and damp, more so when it is early in April. It was this in mind that I decided to visit the Great Central Railway's Easter Vintage Festival on Saturday 7th April 2012. Most of the festivities were held in the station yard at Quorn and Woodhouse.

On arrival at Loughborough, parking is easier there and FREE, I went straight down to the platform after purchasing my senior citizen's ticket.

After light refreshments of tea and sausage bap, I boarded the next train to Leicester North.

46521, BR built LMS Ivatt Class 2 Mogul moved under her own steam for the first time in 11 years just prior to Christmas 2011.

On arrival at Quorn and Woodhouse, this was the scene that greeted us.

The Great Central Railway acquired a turntable from somehere in Lancashire some two or three years ago. It has now been restored and placed in a suitable position. Demonstrations take place from time to time in operating this equipment, MANUALLY!

A fine example of a 1950's AEC. Look how the load was secured in those days!

A Leicester County Council Marshall single cylinder S Type NHP 5, 10 Ton Road Roller. This was built in the mid 1920's.

A Burrell 8 ton Double Crank Compound road roller from 1926.

Two interesting exhibits. A Fowler of Leeds R3 Road Locomotive built in 1917 HO 6420 along side a Allchin 7HP single cylinder traction engine from 1917.

Now this was an interesting exhibit. An Aveling & Porter DR14, 14 ton road roller, built 1913. It has a single cylinder open crank diesel engine, rated at 29HP, 13173CC, 8 Inch Piston with a 16 Inch Stroke, plus twin flywheels.

Taxi. Yes the good old London taxi from the 1950's

Foden steam lorry of 1928. This unit was still working until 1956 and is chain driven.

Sentinel steam lorry built in 1928. This engine finished work in 1950 and was finally condemed for scrap in 1960. Now well preserved.

This is an interesting exhibit. A Ruston and Hornsby single cylinder road roller, converted after an accident in 1953. Unilever purchased the engine and after several attenpts, finally converted it with a Nuffield Universal tractor engine; ex WD Morris Commercial gear box; ex RAF reduction box and an ex Bedford transmission box.

A liitle history about this locomotive. Built in Leeds in 1956 by the Hunslet Engine Company. It worked for a time with the National Coal Board in South Wales, This type of locomotive was a standard shunting engine during WW2.

A final look at the station yard at Quorn and Woodhouse before departure on a cold, damp miserable April day.

Classic Mini Show

Sunday 1st April 2012 at the Three Counties Show Ground was the Classic Mini Show.

A wonderfully sunny day brought out cars, vans and pick up's of all different colours and interesting restoration projects.

There were however a number of Mini's in original 'factory' condition.

Please enjoy the photographs I took from this event.

The Lickey Incline March 2012

Yes this has to be published. A truly remarkable video for a remarkable day.

Steam Excursion March 2012 part 2 'The Lickey's'

The day was not over yet. After seeing the Princess Elizabeth steam through Leamington Spa, I decided to finish the day by travelling over to the famous Lickey Incline.

This is the steepest gradient on the whole of the network, at 1 in 37 from Bromsgrove to Blackwell. Isambard Kingdom Brunel suggested an alternative route in 1832, but this was passed over. It was thought that cables may have to be used to haul stock up the gradient.

In the days of steam, 'double headers' or 'bankers' were employed to assist the assent. However some of the larger locomotive like the 9F's and the Princess Elizabeth would have travelled climbed unaided, these were powerful locos.

This a very early photograph I found, and it clearly shows the commencement of the gradient at Bromsgrove Station.

Another photograph I found shows the steepness of the gradient. Looking down from Blackwell towards Bromsgrove with the Malvern Hills in the distance.

These are the two 'banking' locomotives en route descending towards Bromsgrove to meet and couple up to the anticipated run ascending The Lickeys.

The locomotives are 7752 GWR Pannier Tank Engine built in 1930 and 9600 GWR Pannier Engine built in 1945. Both these locomotives are based in Tyseley, Birmingham.

OK let us start the climb. Princess Elizabeth heads the assent.

And finally, the 'bankers' taking up the strain.

I have had to 'doctor' some of these photographs in order to remove unwanted content. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this rare occasion with steam and double bankers on the Lickeys, and the excellent weather brought out enthusiasts by the hundreds. Vantage points for good photography are indeed very rare as well!

It was all good natured and family's turned out to witness this spectacle. I met some very nice people indeed.

Steam Excursion March 2012 part 1

Saturday 24th March 2012, a steam excursion of some interest commenced from Solihull with LMS Locomotive 'Princess Elizabeth' 4-6-2 now owned by the Princess Elizabeth Loco Trust and based at Tyseley, Birmingham. This locomotive was built in Crewe and came into service on 3rd November 1933. Built at a cost of £11,765.

She is just a little late by the station clock. Her approach at Leamington Spa was scheduled for 07.25. Excellent start to the day.

All three photos aare taken taken at Leamington Spa General.

Part two will be later, work needs to be done with the photos!

Vintage and Classic Commercial Show at Malvern

Saturday 17th March, some of us re-assembled at the Three Counties Show Ground for a one day Vintage and Classic Commercial Show.

We arrived on the Friday afternoon to set up and meet Maurice Allely's newly restored 'Sturdy' diesel Thornycroft from 1950. photo Matt Bisp

It was vehicles like this that Maurice Allely first set up Allelys Haulage, cattle and agricultural transport mainly in those days. photo Matt Bisp

Since those early days, the family has grown up and developed the business to today's heavy haulage market. See below.

A fine example of a Leyland Steer, 1959.

Circa 1950's Guy. A lovely example indeed.

Vic Haines from Evesham showing off his vintage and classic stock.

These have always been one of my favourites. A AEC Matator. Many are still employed in the timber business.

A little uncertain about this Morris Commercial. Probably 1949 and very similar to that used by the Post Office Telephone engineers vehicle.

This is a well restored example of an Albion Chieftain, 1955

Now these I do like. Ex US Army 2nd World War stock. A Ward le France unit now used as a wrecker.

During set up I spotted these early Scammel units. Used largely for railway purposes and local deliveries from stations.