AFRPS visit to the BHR

Posted on July 12, 2021 by corwinb

A recent visit to M Shed and the BHR (under supervision and within Covid restrictions) by members of the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society. Thanks to Andrew and Chris for taking the time to visit and do the write-up!

Last week, after a few discussions, 2 of our members visited the currently closed Bristol Harbour railway whilst on holiday. This unusual railway is part of the M Shed (Bristol Museums group). Based in L shed as part of the transport division, the L shed team look after all forms of transport items owned by the M Shed. We were greeted by Chris and taken through the transport section (including the first Concorde crew cabin mockup) to the locomotive workshop.
Currently stored at the main shed are locomotives “Henbury” (Peckett No.1940 of 1937), “Portbury” (Avonside No.1764 of 1917) and the Coles rail crane (14090). Portbury and the Coles Crane are both operational.
“Henbury” is an 0-6-0 Peckett locomotive and has just been rebuilt and testing is on-going. “Portbury” is one of “Cranford”‘s Avonside sisters. Being an early type of the same design but with a curved saddle tank instead of flat sides.
Also part of the collection is Fox Walker (No.242 of 1874) completing a collection of locomotives built in Bristol, in Bristol! And finally aRuston Hornsby 165dm “the bug” (418792 of 1959) however these two are stored in a different location.
The railway usually operates with a Conflat and BR Bogie Bolster E later rebuilt as a Turbot ballast wagon, both modified to carry passengers, followed up with a toad brake van. And on special occasions, demonstration freights are operated. The railway hopes to reopen this year in September/August however much of the track needs work and reopening may not take place until 2022. We kindly thank Chris Ecclestone, Corwin , and the team at the M Shed for allowing us this private visit and have given a donation to support the railway. If you would like to visit like us, contact the M Shed by email. Alternatively you can wait until the railway reopens, Or you might like to volunteer. If so you again contact the M shed. You can find more information on https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/

Cranes ready for paint

Posted on May 4, 2021 by corwinb

The four electric cranes have been moved down to the Prince Street end of the quayside in readiness for painting. This should help protect them for years to come, as you can imagine painting something of this size is no easy task!

These 2 photos courtesy Bob Edwardes

In order for this to happen, the M Shed station platform had to be moved down to the far end of the quay, near the cafe. Here it is midway through reassembly (while the cranes were being moved).

Video – Mayflower’s Boiler Lift – April 2020

Posted on December 3, 2020 by corwinb

The 1861-built Steam Tug ‘Mayflower’ takes another step in the progress of its overhaul as the boiler is lifted back into the hull. Assisting in the operation is 1917-built Avonside ‘Portbury’ and 1951-built Stothert and Pitt ‘Crane 32’, both working exhibits and still earning their keep at M Shed Museum. Whilst the superstructure was off I took the opportunity to film some shots of the engine room with natural light, a rare occurrence! The lifting operation was undertaken by a minimum number of volunteers due to the COVID-19 situation and working regulations.

Mayflower’s Boiler Lift

Posted on August 22, 2020 by corwinb

On Thursday 20th August 2020, steam tug ‘Mayflower’s boiler was lifted back into place. As the museum and working exhibits have been closed during the Coronavirus crisis, it was nice to be able to have them alive again. All volunteers taking part were complying with COVID-19 restrictions throughout. The lift went very smoothly, a credit to all involved. Hopefully this means the 159-year old Mayflower can be in steam again soon!

Cranes stand ready in the morning, the weather held out for us thankfully (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes)

‘Portbury’ was in steam again, seen here shunting the yard to enable the boiler to be brought out of the running shed

Crane 32 was in charge of the lift, its higher capacity of 10 tons being ample for the 8-ton boiler

The first task was to lift off ‘Mayflower’s wheelhouse, exposing the engine room below.

‘Portbury’ brought the boiler down to the quayside

The boiler awaiting fitting of the smokebox

The boiler alongside Crane 32, showing the fresh lagging (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes)

The smokebox (which has been renewed with fresh metal to replace rotten parts) fitted to the boiler.

The boiler is eased into ‘Mayflower’ (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes, with thanks)

Lined up successfully with its mounting points

Crane 32 getting ready to detach from the boiler and lift the superstructure back on (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes, with thanks)

Job done for the day, ‘Portbury’ did some more shunting before heading back to the shed.

Shunting Using an Electric Capstan – Video

Posted on February 19, 2020 by corwinb

The newest video on the Railway Mania Channel features a snippet of info about the museum’s capstan, seen in action at Docks Heritage Weekend.

Full video here:

Weekday Running

Posted on August 20, 2019 by corwinb

For the first time ever, the BHR is running during the week! Every day including the weekend (weather permitting)

First operating weekend of 2019 – 16/17th Feb

Posted on February 15, 2019 by corwinb

The BHR is back in action this weekend!

M Shed has published a list of dates up through until June, which can be viewed here.

Gromit Unleashed 2!

Posted on July 12, 2018 by corwinb

Wallace, Gromit and the Feathers McGraw are out on the streets of Bristol!

A few years back, the BHR took part in the launch of the first Gromit Unleashed, with Henbury delivering Gromit to M Shed…

40th Anniversary Celebrations (Video)

Posted on April 8, 2018 by corwinb

On Saturday March 24th 2018, the Bristol Harbour Railway celebrated 40 years of operation on Bristol’s Harbourside, accompanied by the Lydney Town Band and of course a cake to commemorate the occasion! 101-year old ‘Portbury’ did the honours, pushing and pulling the freshly-refurbished passenger train up and down all day. What started as a group of enthusiasts, one locomotive (Henbury) and a brake van has seen dozens of changes on the harbourside, with the disused industrial area changing into a vibrant tourist hotspot. Long may it continue to bring delight to passengers, giving a unique experience in UK preservation.