February 2011
A4 Hire - Helping the Community
During January 2011, A4 Hire of Hungerford Berks donated the use of one of their 3 ton Mini Excavators for two weeks to Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum (BBIM), located on Swanwick Lane, Swanwick.
The museum preserves for the Public the unique set of circumstances that came together at Bursledon where very little updating of the original existing machinery was ever undertaken and, as a result, it is believed that BBIM is the only remaining working steam driven brickworks in the country.
The provision of this excavator has enabled the Brickworks to significantly improve the main access road, the carparks as well landscaping and grading of the 120 yards extension to the Victorian steam railway line, that transports visitors around the grounds.
A4 Hire acknowledges the importance of local community engagement and is committed to continually improving the local environment. We are extremely grateful for their support.
November 2010
It Ain't Easy Without a Plan!
Back in 1965 the then Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Society [HNGRS] saw the need for a 5 year plan and the Treasurer of the time, Mr A. P. Smallman writing in the 'Link' outlined the desirability to set out a timetable for aspirations and completion of projects HNGRS were undertaking. Remember the society had been founded on the notion of rescuing a steam locomotive and running it on their own railway somewhere in Hampshire. Some of those ambitions fell by the wayside but others laid the foundation for where we are today. But do we have a plan now? The main thrust of what we did in 2010 was to continue to build a railway for another organisation and to coordinate the actions necessary to rebuild two locomotives over the next 5 years - Then what? Do we have any ambitions? Yes, we are actively seeking to add to the NG collection, recruit more young members, continue to engage with the membership by holding regular meetings and to aim to be financially stable.
Souvenirs
We now have stocks of Cloister and Wendy mugs at £5.95, T-shirts depicting both locos at £12, in 3 sizes, and fridge magnets at £1.50. These and other items will be on sale at the Brickwork Open Days and other events we will be attending.
Wendy and Cloister
Sadly, there is little news about the restoration of the steam locos. The Inspector's report on Wendy's boiler is still awaited and Cloister now looks a more likely candidate to "wave our magic wand" over. Because of the protracted time scale already encountered, other advice is now being sought, but the Trust in continuing to fundraise.
Bursledon Brickworks Update
The 22nd of August 2010 saw the official opening of the Bursledon Light Railway (BLR)
with the coach and guards van pulled by ‘Emmet’ a steam locomotive kindly made available by Bob Haddock of the Hayling Seaside Railway. The occasion was celebrated with a special Railway ‘Open Day’ at the Brickworks which provided numerous displays of various model railway layout of all gauges for all ages.
Much has happened since the last Bursledon update - a new ‘road crossing’, the fitting of ‘buffers’, track ‘anchors’, the construction of the ‘Kiln Halt’ station platform and the completion of
the next 300 yards of track. In addition, and thanks to Ron Bristow, the Vita tender has been transformed into an excellent Guard's van as can be seen.
The opening of the BLR passenger railway completes the first phase of the railway project and work has now begun on the next phase which will extend the track a further
150 yards, providing access to the proposed new engine shed
- a challenging project which Les Munckton has kindly agreed to undertake. This engine shed which
is desperately needed for the coach and Simplex locomotives will be designed to also allow the maintenance and accommodation of a steam locomotive, which the recent appearance of ‘Emmet’ has shown would provide a major attraction.
As mentioned, the next phase of trackwork has begun - the Brickworks have the
rails and the sleepers but they still need 20 ton of ballast, fishplates
and coach screws so if anyone can assist it would be great to hear from
you.
Older News....
Cloister's Boiler
Unfortunately, Cloister's 10 year boiler certificate has now expired, and it has become apparent that she will require a complete set of boiler tubes to be able to run again. Current estimates for this work are in the region of £4500 and the Trust is currently fundraising to raise this amount.
Bursledon Brickworks
Anyone visiting Bursledon Brickworks recently will have
noticed as they came in through the main gates that there is now a further 110
yards of heavy gauge track leading down the right hand side of the main ‘access
road’, from which a left hand curve will begin taking the railway track across
the ‘access road’ and on past the Scotch kiln for a further 50 yards.
In fact as we intend to construct a station platform at that point it required the track being level with the platform area and the excavation, although surprising, was necessary to make this possible.
Trust Granted a Charitable status!
We finally made it! Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have confirmed that HNGRT have ‘Charitable Purposes’ and so WE ARE A CHARITY! As from March 2008 we can adopt the Gift Aid Scheme that will enable us to recover £0.28 for every £1 of members’ subscriptions. As a Charity we will now work actively for funds and to begin with, Cloister’s 10 year rebuild. Thanks are due to Rick Carpenter for all his hard work and persistence. There has been lots of activity among the dedicated band trying to develop our Brickworks base in Hampshire, I can’t help thinking many members are missing out. An extra day of your time will mean so much to us at a pivotal time in our history and quest to secure the Trust’s future.
Site for sore eyes
The Bursledon Brickworks site rationalisation has almost been completed, the yard is now a vast open space, ready to host events and visiting clubs in a manner not seen since our arrival in 1996. The Railway Group have received a consignment of 80 second hand, ex standard gauge, sleepers that is enough to allow the remaining 45lb rail to be laid. This is likely to be from the present railhead near the roadway to the wooded area alongside Network Rail’s tracks. This will enable us to connect the proposed Loco Shed into the main running line. Thanks are due to Alison, Rick and others who made the arrangements.
Wendy’s boiler gets a clean bill of health
Wendy’s steam test was a little unusual this year due to the grip of winter experienced on Sunday 6th April when a significant amount of snow fell. The boiler inspector was running very late and keeping the loco on the boil was not a pleasant activity under such conditions. However, all came good and there were no adverse reports. The photo shows Kevin Dickinson braving the elements to change the points outside ‘Bentley Hall’.
Amberley’s Royal visitor
Amberley’s special day took place on
Tuesday 22nd April. With uncharacteristically fine weather , His Royal
Highness, Prince Michael of Kent duly arrived to formally open the
railway extension to the new Cragside Station and to dedicate the new
Running Shed to Vi and Doug Bentley, long time supporters of Brockham
Museum and Amberley. There were speeches from the ‘great and the
good’, ceremonial unveiling of ‘Bentley Hall’ and
driving in of a ‘golden spike’ at Cragside. Prince
Michael took his customary drive of steam locomotive; Polar Bear and
much to the consternation of John Stanton, at rather more speed than
comfortable. The guests then retired for a fine buffet in the
Lime Burner restaurant. The Royal Train comprised of Polar Bear and
Groudle Glen set with Wendy on a support
train looking splendid. James Pavey and Simon Cable offered to get
dirty on such a grand day. We all owe Amberley volunteers a great debt
for Wendy’s superb appearance at such a great occasion.
Wendy looking resplendent!
Shame about these two...
Prince Michael having his customary drive of Polar Bear.
And then the Bomb Shell!!
Following the excellent day, a fragment of
metal was discovered on the track. It transpired that a side flange of
Wendy’s right hand rear axle box had parted company. Thanks to
James and Simon who offered to stay behind to strip the locomotive, we
were able to get the box assembly off promptly to a specialist welding
company, who rebuilt the offending section.
The work was not cheap at almost £400 but it is a lengthy process
to repair cast material and it had to be done. We will be giving more
attention to all the axle boxes when her rebuild takes place. If you
are feeling generous, then donations towards this work would be
gratefully received.
2 foot gauge passenger railway
Over at the Brickworks, the passenger line proposals are firming up. We have now received copies of the professional site survey from Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust (HBPT). The document will enable us to transpose the route to the actual site plan, taking into account the various gradients and other topography. Important at this stage is to plan to avoid existing and projected buildings, exhibits and trees likely to affect the line. A project plan of the 2 foot line is now on display in the BrickworksReception area, come along and be inspired!
Twyford Rail Gala – the O & K was nearly not OK!
We again supported this event that gets
better each year. Trustee Alison Gilmour took along her narrow gauge
model railway, the only one at the event, and Trustees Margaret and Ian
Fairhead did significant trade with the sales stand. I attended during
the morning and assisted (probably hindered) Peter and James Smith with
the unloading of the visiting O & K Loco from Amberley. With the
steep climb to the 2 foot line above the site proving
almost impossible for the Land Rover and its cargo, we were in danger
of being completely ‘bogged down’. Volunteer Strength of
numbers prevailed and after several
changes in tactics, the beast was finally delivered to the track and to
think we have had problems at Bursledon! The day was heaving with
visitors and very worthwhile for
us to wave the HNGRT flag. The picture shows Hampshire Narrow Gauge
stalwart John Davis in his element at the May 2008 Open Day at Twyford
Waterworks
Small but perfectly formed
The
Brickworks 7¼ gauge miniature line is up and running for passenger
rides! Thanks to Noel Donnelly we started the season with the use of
his portable track. This got us
up and operating whilst we
constructed a permanent solution. Well I am pleased to say that an
extreme effort has been made and in little more than a month, 9 fifteen
foot panels an ‘S’ bend and two buffers have been produced.That now
releases the loan track for fete duties elsewhere. Glyn Hoyles has
been instrumental in the technical stuff, along with Noel and Jim.
Kevin Dickinson is ‘king of the sleepers’, made from 3x2 timber. It is
fitting that the track was made using recycled rail (very light
section) from a former Brickworks on Hayling Island, I fear that had we
not put it to good use then it would have rusted away. We are
endeavouring to operate at each Open Day. We are short of people to
keep everything running on such occasions, so your assistance in any
shape or form is welcomed.
Kevin Dickinson takes a break from track work that was obviously
driving him around the bend!
Just the ticket
During June, Cloister has been through her
annual boiler inspection and steam test at Kew, suffice to say her new
‘ticket’ will enable her to operate part of next year at
another site after leaving Kew Bridge Steam Museum. Hopefully she will
begin her 10 year strip down sometime after August 2009. We are now
gathering information and assessing the repairs needed. We have yet to
arrange an independent Engineer to report on the motion bracket damage,
unfortunately sustained whilst she was being operated by a Kew
volunteer. With our consent, the Museum’s Heritage Engineer did
rectify the problem to a condition enabling her to continue in operation.
At Bursledon Brickworks
Major
changes have been taking place at Bursledon, largely due to the new
ideas and initiatives provided by the Hampshire Buildings Preservation
Trust Ltd (HBPT) restructured management team.
The HNGRT were asked to produce a strategic plan covering the developments of the onsite railway including the provision of a passenger railway service. This plan was accepted and approved in principle by the HBPT trustees for inclusion within their overall site development plan, which is scheduled to be issued later this year.
Click HERE for a sketch which provides a guide to the route of the first stage of the proposed railway development (section A-B) and is the route considered by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) when they were invited down to comment on the proposal. I am pleased to say that following their visit the ORR confirmed they could see no problems with the route as proposed.
In addition to the work going on developing the railway much has changed at Bursledon, with major initiatives under way to clear the site of all unnecessary materials and the opening up of areas to allow and encourage a much broader range of events and attractions for all the family on ‘Open Days’.
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Wendy
The Trust's Bagnall locomotive, currently on hire to Amberley Chalk Pits Museum, has been returned to her original working appearance (see right).
Please see the museum website
for details of their events.
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