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On Monday 12th June 2023, I visited the former Nant Helen Opencast and associated Onllwyn Washery site (extending to 550 hectares) which is to become the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) in South Wales to attend their 'Open Day'. I travelled by rail to Newport the previous day with an overnight stay in Newport (described here). before the 'Open Day' visit.
A liitle background
The geology of Wales gave the country massive deposits of coal and other minerals. Initially, early tramroads were used to assist extraction but the growth of steam power (in manufacturing, railways and steamships) increased demand and led to a series of railways being created. The Dulais Valley had a number of mines, giving rise to various local iron and copper works.
Over time, underground mining gave way to opencast mining. Excavators first remove topsoil which is taken away by large dump trucks (called 'Haulers') and stored in soil mounds to be reused when mining is complete. Excavators then remove the unwanted material ('overburden') to access the coal-bearing layers beneath, resulting in a large pit or void, equipped with a network of roads allowing the coal extracted by excavators to be hauled away. Remediation of areas once extraction ceases can start in some areas even as opencast mining continues in others.
Until 2022, coal from Nant Helen was loaded onto rail wagons at Onllwyn Washery and carried away using the former Neath and Brecon Railway. The refusal by the Coal Authority (a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) to issue a license for continued extraction forced closure of the mine and Washery and the railway was mothballed.
The Welsh Government, Powys County Council and Neath Port Talbot County Council developed an ambitious scheme to convert the Nant Helen site into a world-class test site for railway rolling stock and advanced railway infrastructure construction techniques called Global Centre for Rail Excellence (GCRE). GCRE will compete with existing facilities at Wildenrath, Velim and Old Dalby (Wikipedia)
The Open Day
Invitees to the open day were representatives from organisations who'd been involved in Innovate UK Phase 1 Bids at the site and were interested in bidding for further support on twelve projects during Phase 2 of this project. The meeting point was Onllwyn Welfare Hall (formerly Onllwyn Miners' Welfare Hall). After brief introductions given by GCRE staff, participants were divided into a number of parties to be escorted on a tour of the site using a fleet of Land Rovers. The site of GCRE is currently a building site where remediation work is being carried out using heavy plant, so the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, usually referred to as 'CDM Regs', apply requiring invitees to use full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the tour.
GCRE: Onllwyn Welfare Hall, GCRE 'Open Day'
The Land Rovers were lined up in the car park outside the Welfare Hall and, once loaded, a short drive on public roads took us to the road overbridge where the currently-disused single-line railway from Neath enters the Nant Helen site near Onllwyn Washery.
GCRE: View from bridge over railway on Onllwyn Road, looking towards former Washery. Note trap points, operated from single-lever ground frame incorporating a keylock
GCRE: View from bridge over railway on Onllwyn Road, looking towards Neath. In the distance, note the level crossing on an internal site road formerly used by mining vehicles.
We then continued on a surfaced internal site road towards the offices of the former opencast complex.
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour approaching offices/car park through land restored L: 1995-2000 R: 1980-1990
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour passing the Offices/Car Park
We continued past the offices to the northern boundary of the site where we stopped to see the result of remediation work, including tree planting, carried out between 1993 and 1998.
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour paused to show the land towards the north of the site restored between 1993 and 1998.
Looking north, there were impressive view towards the Brecon Beacons with Abercrave village in the foreground (served by the A4221 road hidden in the trees).
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour showing Abercrave to the north of the site.
The Land Rovers returned to the office complex and turned west, past rows of parked heavy plant left and right and what I assumed were the vehicle maintenance workshops. From here, we continued on what had been named the Haul Road - a feature of mining sites where massive vehicles bring back the extracted material from the working face to a central point for processing or distribution. Some heavy plant was in use but many vehicles appeared to be in store. Presumably some of the plant previously used in the extraction of coal has been re-purposed for the ongoing remediation work.
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour showing tracked excavators in store. They appear to be Komatsu PC 2000. CAT 'Dozers' are also parked
Our Land Rovers started to prove their worth as we entered a grey 'moonscape' where the surface, frequently wide enough for a motorway, had been rolled but not surfaced.
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour on the Haul Road
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour showing a 20-ton tracked excavator (JCB 220X LC) operated by Walters with a number of Volvo A30G Articulated Haulers parked
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour on the Haul Road showing a CAT 'Medium Dozer' being refuelled from a Fuel Bowser
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour passes a Volvo A30G Articulated Hauler ('Dump Truck') which can carry a 29 tonne net load
I was fascinated as we approached an unfamiliar-looking tracked machine being loaded onto a trailer. By the time we passed the scene, the machine had been left halfway up the trailer ramp. It appeared to be a drilling rig but, knowing nothing of groundworks, it took a little searching to conclude it was a Eijkelkamp Fraste CRS XL140 DUO multi-purpose sonic rig.
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour on the Haul Road with plant at work and Drilling Rig about to be loaded onto low loader hauled by tractor
Eijkelkamp Fraste drilling rig: It appears to be a CRS XL140 DUO multi-purpose sonic rig (GCRE)
Mining operations had left a large Void and the tour paused to allow the appearance, somehat softened by remediation work and fringed by spruce trees, to be viewed.
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour paused to view the Void
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour at The Void
At the highest point on the site, we passed a battered-looking self-supporting telescopic antenna which had been used for site communication using hand portables or private mobile radios.
GCRE: Land Rover Site Tour passes a rather battered transmission tower which supported site communications
The Land Rovers then returned us to the Welfare Hall for welcome refreshments.
GCRE: Onllwyn Welfare Hall, GCRE 'Open Day'
In the afternoon, we had a walking tour, proceeding on foot to the railway bridge on Onllwyn Road. After some discussion regarding the planned work to renew the rusting structure and adjust the railway track level, we took the internal site road to the level crossing on the Neath site of the bridge. It looked as if the level crossing and associated site roads had been provided to allow heavy road traffic from the mine to reach the Washery without crossing the rather fragile-looking road bridge.
GCRE: Washery-Depot Area Walking Tour, GCRE Open Day, showing party joining the branch line at the level crossing
The tour continued along the railway track towards the Washery, passing under the Onllwyn Road bridge.
GCRE: Washery-Depot Area Walking Tour, GCRE Open Day, showing Onllwyn Road bridge with stone-built pediments.
We passed the original trap points, operated from a key-locked single-lever ground frame, which controlled movements from the Washery area onto the single line to Neath. Two original turnouts remain, as the single line fans out, but further on all permanent way has been lifted with a few panels of track neatly piled.
GCRE: Washery-Depot Area Walking Tour, GCRE Open Day, showing two turnouts and stop block. Note spare track panels in background.
Beyond here, the original sidings have been lifted and earthworks have been carried out, leaving a solitary abandoned CCTV camera (fitted in what appears to be a Dennard pan and tilt housing with windscreen wiper).
GCRE: Washery-Depot Area Walking Tour, GCRE Open Day, showing abandoned CCTV camera. Note tripod for surveying equipment in background.
Although the walking had tired me, it was disappointing that we didn't go further into the Washery area but instead cut through a car park near the security building and site entrance from Onllwyn Road to regain the public road and return to the Welfare Hall.
An unusual and absorbing visit.
Introduction to other Test Centres on other websites
Wegberg-Wildenrath Test and Validation Centre (Wikipedia)
Velim test centre (Wikipedia)
VUZ TEST CENTRE VELIM
Old Dalby Test Track (Wikipedia)
The Old Dalby Test Track
Related articles on other websites
History of Onllwyn Collieries (Welsh Coal Mines)
Global Centre for Rail Excellence (Wikipedia)
Eijkelkamp Fraste CRS XL140 DUO
Coal Authority (Wikipedia)
Related posts on this website
By Train to Newport (Getting to Wales for the Open Day)
My pictures
GCRE.
On 25th July 2023, Brewood Garden Party was held, for the ninth time, in the garden at Brewood Hall. In 2023 it was a rather different experience as we had heavy, intermittent rain throughout the day (and the preceding and following days). Visitor numbers were somewhat down on previous years but the organisers were gratified that most people seemed determined to enjoy the event, rain or no rain!
Earlier in 2022, the organising committee (representing 2nd Brewood Scouts, Brewood Parish Church and the informal group Friends of Brewood Hall) met a number of times to plan the event.
Setting Up
During the two days prior to the event, the marquees, tents, tables, chairs and other items needed were brought to Brewood Hall from various locations using cars towing trailers. Brewood Scouts and other volunteers erected the tents and arranged the seating areas. On the day of the Garden Party, despite the indifferent weather, all the work was completed in time for the public to be admitted at noon. The Garden Party, lasting just four hours, requires a lot of commitment from those involved before, during and after the event.
Setting-up the event during rather indifferent weather: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Erecting the marquees: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Plenty of marquee space offered some defence against inclement weather: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
The Event
The weather prior to the Garden Party had been unusually cool with rain but the organisers decided that cancellation was not an option, although it was feared that, if wet, nobody would come. The morning of the garden party was a mixture of heavy rain, light rain with periods when the rain stopped and optimists cried "I think it's clearing up!". But the weather didn't improve much during the afternoon. To the relief of the organisers, at noon visitors started to arrive, seemingly determined to enjoy the event whatever the weather.
Once again, Peter Plowright was a welcoming presence on the admissions table, this time with rather limited protection from a gazebo.
Peter Plowright handled admissions: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
During the rainy periods, the refreshment tent provided plenty of tables and chairs under cover to enjoy the selection of drinks and food, ensuring the catering volunteers were kept busy throughout the afternoon. The adjacent Beer Tent offered locally-brewed Enville Ale, lager, Pimms and soft drinks and the next tent offered Burgers and Hot Dogs which proved very popular. Although the weather was less than ideal, a mobile ice-cream van made a visit during the afternoon and appeared to do reasonable business.
The Refreshment Tent was always busy: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Enville Ale, Lager, Pimms and soft drinks at the Beer Tent: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Burgers and Hot Dogs were available throughout: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Young visitors were well looked after by the attractions with a large marquee with games and Tuck Shop. Outside, there was the ever-popular coconut shy, they could closely examine the locomotive 'Phoenix' (although, sadly, not in steam) and Brewood's big red Fire Engine.
A large marquee housing games and attractions for children was always busy: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
The steam locomotive 'Phoenix', although static, was popular with youngsters: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
The Fire Service displayed the impressive Brewood equipment: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
We welcomed back local group 'Hubbub' who entertained during the afternoon. As usual, there was a Tombola stall and members of the parish church had produced a wide range of Plants and Produce for sale.
'Hubbub' provided a variety of music throughout the event: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Left: Extra refreshment stall seating, Centre: Music group 'Hubbub', Right: Tombola stall. The Hall watches all the activities impassively at Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
The Plants and Produce Stall attracted plenty of interest: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Established favorites Chase Ferrets returned with their animals. Ferrets are part of the weasel family and were first domesticated over 2,500 years ago. Brighter Days Dog Rescue made their first appearance.
Established favorites Chase Ferrets attended again: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Brighter Days Rescue made their first visit: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
The Brewood Community Hub now has a wide range of activities and clubs including Baby Sling, Bouncing Bunnies, Dementia Support Group, Sewcialise and Table Tennis. Rooms are used by Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides and Brownies and are available for hire. In connection with the Community Hub Art Club, Hannah Broadhead Art arranged an extensive display of her art.
Crochet, knitting and other crafts on a Brewood Community Hub stall: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, all reports from visitors were encouraging. Not only did people enjoy the activities but funds were generated for the supported charitable initiatives.
Not all rain! In the background (L-R) Coconut Shy, Hot Dog Stall, Beer Tent: Brewood Hall Garden Party 2023
After the Event
The Event closed at four o'clock leaving lots of work for the volunteers. Admissions money and stall takings were counted on the day with Geoff H. then arranging refund of agreed expenses and distribution of nett proceeds to the beneficiary charities. Dismantling the stalls and Marquees was started on the day but loading up trailers and returning equipment to storage was spead over a couple of days.
Reports on previous garden parties at Brewood Hall
Brewood Vintage Garden Party 2013.
Brewood Vintage Garden Party 2014.
Brewood Garden Party 2015.
Brewood Garden Party 2016.
Brewood Garden Party 2017.
Brewood Garden Party 2018.
Brewood Garden Party 2019.
Brewood Garden Party 2022.
Related posts on other websites
2nd Brewood Scouts
Chase Ferret Rescue
Brighter Days Rescue
Pictures of the event in 2023
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Brewood Garden Party 2023
A visit to the site which is to become the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) in South Wales to attend their 'Open Day' involved a Sunday journey to Newport on 11th June 2023, returning the following day after a visit to the extensive GCRE site.
Sunday travel is rarely convenient on the British Railway Network as it's a favourite day for Network Rail to carry out engineering works, frequently substituting Rail Replacement Bus Services for part or all of the route of scheduled trains. I expected to find a Cross Country service via Bristol Parkway but, instead there appeared to be a number of trains running between Nottingham and Newport via Gloucester, with a bus service forward to Cardiff. I pre-booked tickets online.
On Sunday, Dean took me by road to Wolverhampton station in plenty of time to catch my first train to Birmingham New Street. At Birmingham, I made my way to the wide concourse area connecting the different platforms. The station was very busy but I easily located the Passenger Information Screens which showed my train approaching platform 12 on time. After purchasing food for the onward journey, I made my way to the platform which was crammed with passengers. Platform 12 is the highest-numbered platform, sharply-curved on the southern side of the station.
The first station in Birmingham was the 1838 Curzon Street, equipped with a suitably grand building by the London and Birmingham Railway. Although the grade 1 listed building survives, it has been neglected for years. It's to become subsumed into the ridiculous new terminus being built for the unwanted and expensive HS2 railway.
Curzon Street station building in 2007
Curzon Street was relegated to a goods depot when New Street Station was built, one kilometre to the south-west. The rail approaches to New Street were all by tunnel so the cramped station was built in a 'hole in the ground' between the North and South tunnels. The London and North Western Railway managed to get straight platforms but the Midland Railway had to settle for curved platforms which are little changed today. Glazed, arched train shed roofing originally covered the platforms. That on the London and North Western side was lost, I think to bombing in the second world war, so I only remember the utilitarian umbrella roofing which replaced it but I remember the Midland side train shed which survived the war in a dingy and delapidated state. British Railways rebuilt the station by burying the whole area beneath a multi-storey building and its approaches. Even after electrification (and still today) many of the services remained diesel powered, ensuring an unpleasant environment for waiting passengers. Birmingham New Street held my 'Britain's most unpleasant station' award for many years until it was decided to rebuild the station again, creating years of additional confusion for passengers as the work proceeded. Unfortunately, because of the site constraints, few of the fundamental defects could be remedied, although I think platform ventilation is improved. The station now boasts an even larger shopping centre, styling itself 'Grand Central'. Having visited the rather better-known Grand Central in New York, I think the appropriation of the name at New Street is unjustified.
Grand Central, Birmingham New Street: Atrium showing retail outlets at Concourse Level and around the Gallery.
My train, a Class 170 3-car diesel multiple unit, arrived on time and a stream of passengers got off, to be replaced by the hordes waiting on the platform. I gratefully found my reserved seat and tucked myself in the corner. If I'd noticed just how many young people had boarded, I might not have been surprised when, at our first stop at University after just five minutes travel, a large number of passengers abandoned the train. Even after the exodus, the train remained pretty crowded. The next stop was Worcestershire Parkway. This is a recent addition, opened 2020, with a large car park. In addition to the two platforms on the former Midland route to Bristol (now called the 'Cross Country Line'), the station has a third platform on the Oxford and Worcester line which crosses over at this point. The Oxford and Worcester is marketed as the 'Cotswold Line' and is single line between Norton Junction (a little to the west of the new station) for the ten miles to Evesham.
Our next stop was Cheltenham Spa. Because of the Byzantine complexity of the pricing structure for train tickets, 'Split Ticketing' is now commonplace. For instance, it is often cheaper to buy a Birmingham-Cheltenham Spa ticket and a separate Cheltenham Spa-Newport ticket, rather than a combined Birmingham-Newport ticket. Many of the online booking services now incorporate this feature in their pricing automatically, requiring me to print and manage two tickets for the journey from Birmingham to Newport on one train. Leaving Cheltenham Spa, we bowled along happily until Barnwood Junction, where we diverged right onto the northern leg of the triangular junction leading to Gloucester. Once again, there was quite an interchange of passengers before we continued on our way, showing a decent turn of speed in between stops at Lydney, Chepstow and Caldicot.
Just after Caldicot, our route converged with the Great Western Main Line, rising up from the Welsh portal of the 4 mile 628 yard long Severn Junnel. It was clear from the 'Freightliner' Class 66 on a ballast train and the collection of yellow-liveried track machines that the tunnel route was under an Engineering Possession and not available to normal trains that day.
Ballast train and Track machines on the Great Western Main Line just east of Severn Tunnel Junction station viewed from Caldicot line
Continuing west from Severn Tunnel Junction, there are four running lines, paired by direction. The Bishton Flyover re-arranges the order of the lines into paired by use. This was presumably to facilitate freight traffic entering and leaving the massive Llanwern Steelworks site. Steelmaking ceased some years ago and much of the site is being re-developed by St. Modwen. Spain's CAF are assembling Class 197 'Civity' diesel multiple units for Transport for Wales at a thirty million pound new factory here. My train negotiated Maindee East Junction and Maindee West Junction where the Welsh Marches line to Hereford and Shrewsbury makes a triangular junction with the the South Wales Main Line, crossed over the River Usk and quietly came to a stand in platform 1 at Newport. On that day, the service was terminating at Newport, rather than continuing to Cardiff, so passengers for Cardiff were forced to complete their journey by a Rail Replacement bus.
Newport Station Platform 1, after arrival of Class 170 from Nottingham
I was booked into the Mercure Hotel for the night and had arranged that Steve M. would meet me later at the hotel for an evening meal. I toyed with the idea of a taxi for the short distance to the hotel but the weather was fine and I only had a small pull-along case so I decided to continue on foot. My route took me through what I imagine is now called the 'Hospitality Quarter' - pedestrianised streets of colourful bars and restaurants. Judging by the amount of litter I waded through on that Sunday afternoon, the previous night had been a commercial success. The hotel entrance was an unassuming affair in pedestrianised Upper Dock Street opposite Friars Walk Shopping Centre and Leisure Complex. Steps and a ramp led through glass doors to a spartan reception with a reception desk at the far end and lift doors on the left led to the rest of the hotel. Checking-in was quick and friendly and the lift took me to my room on the eighth floor. The room was well-appointed with a decent bed and an excellent en-suite shower, wash basin and W.C. The large window gave a splendid view across the River Usk and the east of the city. Upstream, to the left, the river was crossed by the arched road bridge called Newport Bridge, adjacent to the remains of Newport Castle, with the railway bridge beyond.
Newport, Wales: View from 8th floor, Mercure Hotel showing railway and road bridges over the Usk
Downstream, I could see the stark, modernist Newport City Footbridge, opened in 2006. This cable-stayed bridge is supported by two tubular steel 'A'-frames 80 metres and 69 metres in length giving the bridge a span of 145 metres. In the foreground, I had a detailed view of the flat roof of Friars Walk, covered with all sorts of heating and ventilating equipment and ducts. I took a leisurely shower and relaxed. My inclination is always to get out and explore an unfamiliar location but, tired from the travelling, I decided to settle for a 'virtual tour' by studying the book 'Newport History Tour' given to me by Steve. In the evening, I enjoyed a good meal in the hotel's restaurant with Steve and his partner before they returned home and I retired as I knew the following day would prove taxing. Steve arranged to return next morning in time for us to both have breakfast at the hotel before setting off for GCRE.
After a good night's sleep, I arose early and decided there was time for a brief exploration before Steve arrived for breakfast. My interest had been piqued by a reference in the 'Newport History Tour' book to Early Power Transformers in Park Square and I judged there was time to walk there and see for myself. It was a fine morning and the city centre was just starting to awake. I was delighted to see contractors scrubbing and washing pavements ready for the new day. I found a disused, preserved transformer near the top of Park Square. I'm used to cast iron cabinets installed on pavements mounting substantial fuses to protect street mains but the cylindrical, decorated pillar I found was a much grander affair. At some point, it had been nicely repainted in blue, with detailing picked out in pale blue and although there was obvious damage, it still looked quite handsome. I believe this relic dates from around 1894 when a power station in Llanarth Street, Newport distributed alternating current at 2,000 volts via rubber insulated cables to a series of these pillars where transformers extracted power at 200 volts a.c. for domestic use.
Newport, Wales: Park Square Transformer
There were tall, hinged doors at low level and smaller doors at high level. One of the larger doors had been opened and rusting on the hinges now prevented it from being closed, resulting in a collection of litter and leaves inside. The original transformer was still in situ, as shown below, but further study is needed to better understand the design.
Excited by what I'd found, I hurried back to the hotel for a sustaining English buffet breakfast with Steve before checking out. Steve and I then set off for the visit to GCRE.
Book references
[1] 'Newport History Tour' by Jan Preece (Amberley Publishing 2019) ISBN: 978 1 4456 9292 0.
Related posts on this website
Lionsmeet 2012 (A live-steam model event at Newport in 2012)
A Trip to South Wales (Part 2) (A visit to Newport in 2014)
Caldicot by Train (Travel on the same route in 2019)
Global Centre for Rail Excellence Open Day (Visit to GCRE)
My pictures
West Midland Railways.
Newport, Wales.
Newport area rail.
[Link to GCRE Visit post added: 9-Dec-2023]
The Old Locomotive Committee (OLCO) normally visits a different model engineering society each year for a day of running live steam models of 'Lion'. In 2023, the event on 1st July held in Solihull at the Illshaw Heath Road site of the Birmingham Society of Model Engineers was overshadowed by the unexpected death of John Brandrick, the Chairman of OLCO, a few weeks earlier. However, since the Birmingham club had been John Brandrick's 'home club' some years ago, it was considered appropriate to proceed with the arrangements John himself had made for our visit.
The Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
The club was founded in 1936 with the aim of bringing together people from all walks of life who share a common interest in model engineering and its heritage, in miniature. It operates from a splendid track at Ilshaw Heath, Solihull. There is a continuous elevated track for 3.5" and 5" gauge models 319m in length (steel rails with recycled platic sleepers), an outer ground level circuit for 5" and 7.25" gauge models 342 metres in length (steel rails with wooden sleepers) and an extensive garden railway catering for Gauge '0' and Gauge '1' models. The elevated and ground level tracks each have their own station for loading and unloading passengers with overbridges for access and awnings and features in G.W.R. style. Two signal boxes in G.W.R. style are provided and each circuit has colour light signalling. Steaming bays (with built-in power for both 12 and 24 volt electric blowers) and all the usual facilities including toilets are provided. There is a fine purpose-built clubhouse, well fitted-out for providing refreshments. The whole site has been landscaped, forming an attractive venue.
This Aerial view of BSME Ilshaw Heath track gives an impression of the extensive faciliites (Google)
Click for larger view
Ilshaw Heath Halt, with its GWR appearance, is situated just outside the clubhouse. The impressive footbridge provides pedestrian access to the grassed area enclosed by the running tracks.
Ilshaw Heath Halt on the elevated track, with footbridge in the background and the clubhouse just visible to the right: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Kingswood station serving the outer, ground level track was not in use during 'Lionsmeet' but it provided an impressive 'backdrop'. It also has a GWR appearance with umbrella roofing along the island platform, parachute water tank and brick-built signal box.
Kingswood station on the ground level circuit with Signal Box in the distance and elevated track on the right: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Live steam running
Fortunately, the weather was good throughout the day. The steaming bays quickly became the focus of interest as 'Lion' models were unloaded and prepared for operation. There was parking for visitors with models near the loading point where models are moved between road vehicles and a manual traverser. This traverser allows interchange of locomotives between two sidings leading to and from the steaming bays and to and from the elevated continuous track.
Adrian Banks on 'Thunderbolt' near the substantially-built manual traverser which links two sidings from the steaming bays with with the elevated track. Note the hinged multi-gauge 'transfer flap' in the raised position: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Adjacent to the traverser, an electrically-powered elevator is available to allow heavier models to be lifted from a road vehicle onto the traverser.
The electrically-powered Elevator provided for lifting larger models: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
At the steaming bays, a '2-into-1' traverser selects which of the two sidings from the loading point connects to the turntable.
Activity at the Steaming Bays with the Carriage Shed beyond: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
A further outlet from the steaming bay turntable feeds the carriage shed, recognisable as a pre-cast sectional garage. To allow the doors of this shed to close, a removeable section of track is used to 'bridge' between the turntable and the carriage shed.
Interior of the Carriage Shed: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
The original format for 'Lionsmeet' featured a fairly good-natured competition between 'Lion' models to determine the most "efficient" (determined by measured work done in ten minutes). But, some few years ago, the competition was abandoned in favour of a more relaxed, informal style which allows plenty of time for congenial conversation between locomotive drivers, non-drivers and members of the host club in an atmosphere infused with the attractive odour of warm oil and steam. Four 'Lion' models were steamed and, in addition, various models were on static display, some under construction. John Hawley's splendid 7.25" gauge 'Lion' (built by Harrye Frowen) was much admired but, sadly, not in steam.
"Brewing up": Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Bryan Buckley offers comments to the driver of Bryan's 'Lion' (which carries a 'Worcester and District' headboard). A second 'Lion' waits to follow into the station and, in the backgound, 'Thunderbolt' approaches: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
John Hawley's splendid 7.25" gauge 'Lion', built by Harrye Frowen): Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Adrian Banks lets a member of BSME try 'Thunderbolt': Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
'Thunderbolt' and three 'Lions': Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
BSME Clubhouse
Hot and Cold drinks with snacks were available at the refreshment area within the large clubhouse throughout the day. A fine buffet lunch was served, finishing with strawberries and cream.
The purpose-built clubhouse viewed from the Footbridge at Ilshaw Heath Halt: Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
Overall Impression
Of course, the unexpected death of John Brandrick, the Chairman of OLCO, just a few weeks before cast a long shadow over the event but I believe he would have approved of enthusiasts coming together to operate and discuss live steam models which had always been so important to him. OLCO extend warm thanks for the generous welcome shown by B.S.M.E. They have a well-established site with an impressive range of facilities which I'm afraid this report only hints at.
Related posts on other websites
Birmingham Society of Model Engineers Ltd.
Related posts on this website
To find all my posts about the Old Locomotive Committee and the locomotive 'Lion', click here or select 'OLCO' under 'Labels to select a blog topic'.
My pictures at Lionsmeet 2023
Lionsmeet 2023: Birmingham Society of Model Engineers
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