Volunteer Liason Update | 3rd May

Rocket was in use on Sunday, so the day started with giving her a clean and filling up the coal bunker whilst the driver and fireman began preparing her for the days work. A quick break for breakfast and a mug of tea, and then back to polishing her brass and paintwork. The fire was now burning nicely and the driver completed his oiling and checks to make sure everything was ready for the first departure at 11am.
Even though we were running trains, the volunteers were getting on with lots of other jobs as well. A new electrical 3 phase supply was installed at Horsehay & Doseley Station which will be used during this years Polar Express. The electrics in the old ticket office were repaired, meaning this can now be re used again. Work continued on installing our power wood saw, and the frame was bolted down onto its plinth. Once electrics have been connected, this will make the job of cutting wood for the steam engines, and other projects, much quicker and easier. Painting of signs and signals continued in the shed, which once complete, can be put back out onto the railway.
On Monday it was the turn of Rusty to haul the trains. We gave her a quick wash and then had a lovely cooked breakfast up in the Railway Café. Jobs undertaken today, in addition to running trains, was to dig out a hole ready for a panel of track to be laid behind the sleeper coach. This will be done next Saturday by some RAF trainees from Cosford, who have very kindly agreed to help us as part of their training. We look forward to having them on site. One of our Pacers was started up to check the engines, and the insides were swept clean. Work on repairing one of the carriage doors from our BSO continues, with it receiving a coat of primer. Some volunteers also went down to the barrow crossing, south of Horsehay & Dawley station to do some track work in preparation to removing some of the rails. This is all part of the plan to relay sleepers and track to the barrow crossing at the required standard for passenger use, although no timescale has yet been agreed for when this will happen.

Have you ever thought about becoming a volunteer at Telford Steam Railway? It’s simple to join and there is so much to discover, including meeting new people who share your passion for steam, diesel, the history, and everything in between! Visit our website or email vlo@telfordsteamrailway.co.uk for more information.