Going Back Out – 45305 Ready for the Main Line
45305 at the GCR's Gala last weekend - Photo Stephen Bottrill
LMS Black 5 No. 45305 “Alderman A E Draper” has passed her test run on the GCR and is due to be loaded onto one of Alleley Heavy Haulage’s finest low loaders next week ready for her booked trip from Tyseley to Buxton for Vintage Trains (http://www.vintagetrains.co.uk/vt_trains.htm) . I can’t express how much pleasure it has given me to finally be able to write the first sentence of this report. But it wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of (among others – lots of others!):
The staff and volunteers of the GCR who have put in many hours over the last few years and particularly in the last few weeks in the final push to have her ready for the GCR’s Gala and this week’s charters (see below).
Our own volunteers who have been working away steadfastly in the background (or in many cases, in the pit under the engine, visible only as a brief glimpse of hand or arm dimly seen behind a wheel spoke).
The many specialist firms who have supplied skills, materials and components. Particularly the team at Tyseley who undertook the boiler repairs.
John Glaze, our boiler inspector, his professional guidance and advice has been of immense help.
And, last, but not least, Tom Tighe, our Chief Engineer who has worked tirelessly to keep the job moving forward.
The Five had a chance for a bit of running this week before her test-run yesterday: Cromwell Tools had hired the GCR to provide hospitality during their Trade Fair at Loughborough. 45305 was one of six engines working top & tailed shuttle services between Loughborough and Rothley on Tuesday and Wednesday . Tom Tighe and Mick Carr were the morning crews on both days, while other members of the engineering team took over for the afternoon shifts.
By Info | Saturday, October 16, 2010 | Tags : 45305