The Echills Wood Railway Observer

E.W.R. 2nd ANNUAL

TRACTION ENGINE 

GATHERING 2009

 

SAT 16th/SUN 17th MAY 2009

For the second year running, The Echill's Wood Railway, invited The Black Country Steamers Model Traction Engine Club to have an annual Gathering at Kingsbury Water Park. Although the weather, was not as good as was hoped for, all those who attended, really enjoyed themselves. The EWR laid on an excellent evening meal on Saturday, with a choice of Faggots & Peas, Mushroom Stroganoff, or Cottage Pie, which was held at the Cafe de Echills, in Old Oak Yard. This was followed with a choice of desserts. Red & white wine, plus two choices of real ale, were also provided for members and guests. Weatherwise, Saturday turned out to be the best of the two days, with one or two showers, in between the sunny spells. Sunday, the sun did show itself for a few hours around mid day, but the morning and late afternoon, nothing but consistant heavy showers. However, despite the miserable weather, there was plenty going on to amuse the public with some of the Traction Engines giving rides and the usual trains running from Harvester's Station. There was a nice demonstration of a pair of Minature Ploughing Engines, pulling the plough backwards and forwards in a roped off area. The owner of these excellent models, allowed a couple of our Junior Members, Matthew Gee & Jason Winter's, to operate the pair of engines during the demonstrations. On behalf of the EWR, I would like to thank Harry, the owner of these models, for giving our junior's the opportunity to operate and run the engines. I'm sure they both enjoyed themselves. Thank's also to Barry Kefford & Jeff Stevens, who were mainly responsible for organising this event and making it another success. A big thank you to Simon & Natalie, who did us proud with the catering, using Rocket II to provide the hot food, and last but not least, all the operating staff and ladies who helped out during the event. Let's hope for better weather next year and an even larger gathering.

SATURDAY 16th

Bacon sandwiches were the order of the day, on Saturday morning in Old Oak Yard. Master Chef Stevens showing of his new Apron, he brought back from New Zealand.

Kevin Brown's Garratt 4" Traction Engine parked up in Old Oak Yard.

Several traction Engines and one of two Showman's Engines that were in attendance for the event.

Barry Kefford's Foden Steam Lorry.

Another Foden, with a freelance half scale size Steam Wagon, behind.

A nice towing van, behind this traction engine.

Another pair of traction engines with passenger vehicles.

One of the two Showman's.

Saturday saw the Royal Scot 'Vulcan on passenger services.

The same Showmas Engine as previous, at Wood's Crossing.

David Brown, trying to make smoke rings, with the Garratt.

Success! Just about.

The EWR's latest aquisition, a Baked Potatoe oven, which Simon pictured here, has named it Rocket II. It is hoped to have proper brass name plates made for it.

Jason & Matt working the pair of Ploughing Engines.

The plough, with one of the ploughing engines.

A close up of one of these magnificent engines.

A closer view of the plough.

SATURDAY EVENING

At the Cafe de' Echills

It was nice to see Irene & Pat Murphin, enjoying the faggot & pea supper. Pat had an unfortunate accident a week ago, but with the help of Irene and a wheelchair, he was able to visit the event. Pat (temporarly) now joins my wife Andrea, in becoming another wheelchair member.

Members enjoying the supper.

I think this crowd need no introductions.

Ann, dishing out the mushy peas.

Some of the Traction Engine owners, tucking in.

Brollies at the ready, in case the heavens opened. Auditions for "Singing in the Rain" took place later.

Jeff Cogan in the foreground, posing for his photo. Jeff is one of our better photographer's who exhibit many of there excellent photos from railway locations around the country. This is the man to see, if you want that special photo of your engine. (£10 for the plug Jeff)

Members tucking in at the food bar, whilst Rocket II simmers away in the background.

Ann still messing with the peas, whilst Natalie & Simon, our master chefs' pose with a glass of wine.

If your not on any of these photo's blame the photographer.

I managed to capture Tom, he's giving me a wave. This is the last photo taken during the evening supper.

SUNDAY 17th

James driving his loco 'Gillian' on a very wet Sunday morning.

Andy driving Vale of Rhedol Loco 'Lady of the Manor' on it's first visit to the EWR.

'Lady of the Manor at Harvesters.

A close up view.

Very few passengers were carried today, due to the appaling weather.

I managed to capture this Fowler steam lorry, which had stayed up at the Far Leys carpark during Saturday.

The Fowler and its proud owner.

Another demonstration of the ploughing, during one of the few dry spells, during Sunady afternoon.

It's a good job that the plough wasn't actually turning over the ground, or I don't think Fred the Head Ranger would have been very happy.

Jason relaxes, as Matt winds to plough to his side of the field.

This was the only stationary engine on show.

These stationary boiler's were often used in workshops etc, for driving other machinery.

Matt Gee, driving one of the pair of ploughing engines. There isn't much that Matt can't drive, he can always be seen around, when any new or visiting engine appears at the EWR.

Tom Hubble, driving Thirlaiton Hall, on a works train. Photo by Jeff Cogan

The vale of Rhedol loco coming through Old Oak Yard. Photo by Jeff Cogan

Lady of the Manor, on its way to Echills Wood. Photo by Jeff Cogan

Lady of the Manor,approaching Harvester's Station Crossing. Photo by Jeff Cogan.

Taking on water. Photo by Jeff Cogan

The cab of Lady of the Manor. Photo by Jeff Cogan

This time,Doug Kempton is at the controls. Photo by Jeff Cogan

Driver's eye view from the cab of Lady of the Manor. Photo by Jeff Cogan.

You just can't get him off it. Photo by Jeff Cogan.

Gillian, coming round Sandy Curve, with James at the controls. Photo by Ken Bull.

Lady of the Manor, at Sandy Curve. Photo by Ken Bull. 

Doug knows he's being photographed. Photo by ken Bull.

Lady of the Manor in Walter's Meadow. Photo by Ken Bull.

Passing Crocodile Creek. Photo by Ken Bull.

Miles this time at the controls, passing Crocodile Creek. Photo by Ken Bull.

The Grand Finale' at the end of the day.

The grand line up on Harvesters Station carpark.

Various scales were on display from 3" -  4", to half full size.

With a loud blast of whistles, a perfect end, to a not so perfect day.

Despite the appalling weather, the 2nd EWR Traction Engine Rally, was a great success. On behalf of the EWR, I would like to thank members of the Black Country Steamers, for once again, visiting our railway. Many new friendships have been made amongst all those who took part and we look forward to the next major rally in 2010. Individual members of the traction engine club are more than welcome to come and run on any Sunday throughout the summer, where you will be made very welcome. Thank you all for coming. See you again next year.

Editor EWRO.