Spring is here….

With the first running weekend of the year just around the corner (5-6th April), the two steam locos were out in the open to be inspected. Henbury has had new seals fitted over the winter, and Portbury is nearing the end of her running-in period.

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The curtailed siding at M Shed has been re-filled.
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Portbury in Preservation

Avonside No. 1764 ‘Portbury’ was built in 1917 for the war effort, destined to work at the Portbury shipyards. The end of the war in 1918 meant the shipyard never actually built a vessel.
She eventually moved into the fleet of shunters based in Avonmouth and worked there until replaced by diesels.

Here are a few photos from across the internet of her life in preservation.

In the early 1970s, all three of the BHR’s steam locomotives were to be found at Radstock station in Somerset. This was part of a preservation effort to save and operate a section of the Somerset and Dorset Railway.

Here she is outside the shed, looking rather forlorn.
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Source: http://www.geoffspages.co.uk/raildiary/radstock.htm

and another pic inside the shed next to 7F 53808

Portbury sharing space in Radstock Shed

Portbury sharing space in Radstock Shed

Unfortunately, the project at Radstock was unsuccessful and the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust relocated to Washford on the West Somerset Railway.
‘Henbury’, ‘Portbury’ and No. 242 found their way to the Bristol Harbour Railway, opened in 1978.

‘Portbury’s restoration was completed in Bristol and she was in brought into operation on the BHR.
Here she is in lined blue livery back in 1992.

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Original source:
http://www.geolocation.ws/v/W/File%3APortbury%202.jpg/-/en

and in operation in 1996
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Source: http://bit.ly/1erjN1L

After another overhaul, she emerged in 2001 in a livery akin to the one she first wore, the initials ‘I W & D’ stand for ‘Inland Waterways and Docks’.

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Source: http://www.bristoljpg.co.uk/2004/portbury.jpg

Now, in 2013, this livery has been adapted to more accurately represent her 1917 condition – note the lack of nameplate (She was not named ‘Portbury’ until her time at Avonmouth Docks) and the black wheels.
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Alfred and Judy Operating Weekend: Highlights

Just a little compilation of photographs and video from 14th-15th September 2013, when Port of Par twins ‘Alfred’ and ‘Judy’ worked trains together with resident ‘Portbury’.

Here’s a few videos on Youtube of the trio in action:

Saturday’s operations by 47840chaser

theonlyadzrulz recorded Sunday’s workings

Sunday saw Portbury develop a small steam leak which should be fixed soon.

Shunting taking place on Friday in the pouring rain (A large roof hatch is good for visibility but not ideal for stopping drips!)

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Lastly, some photos from Sunday’s workings.

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A huge thanks must go out to all those involved in arranging for the twin engines’ visit.

Alfred and Judy’s Photo Charter

Bagnall locomotives ‘Alfred’ and ‘Judy’ took part in a photo charter with resident Avonside ‘Portbury’ on Thursday 12th September. Martin Creese of 30742 charters took the following images and has kindly given permission for them to be reposted here.

Portbury and Par Twins on the dockside






You can see all the pics on Martin’s flickr set here:

Along the harbourside

Additionally, flickr user ‘Mangotsfield Mike’ took some pictures of the prep, visible at the following link:
Alfred & Judy Bristol Harbour Railway

Finally, here’s a small clip of the two locos parallel running on the dockside.

Portbury Overhaul Update 6

In order to rearrange the two saddle tanks, and to get ‘Henbury’ over the inspection pit, it was necessary to do some shunting using the Ruston diesel shunter, not often seen on the line.
The Ruston itself was in the ‘Barn’, behind the line’s self-propelled crane.

The crane shunts the coal wagon back out of the way.

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With a growl and a puff of smoke, the Ruston creeps out of the barn, collects the two vans (Which double up as a good way of preventing people falling into the pit), and deposits them back outside the shed before heading down to M Shed.

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Dragging the two steam locos out, Portbury deposited in the siding while Henbury heads to the pit.

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Henbury is pushed back into the shed first….

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and Portbury basks in the sun

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This week, she’s been treated to warming fires to test the boiler for any leaks. Sunday saw her courting attention on the quayside.

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Portbury Overhaul Update 5

I was lucky enough to take some holiday last week and have spent the days down at the railway. ‘Portbury’ has been the main focus of attention as she is prepared for her steam tests.

Here’s a few pics I’ve taken over the course of the week.

Firstly, lining in progress (During Harbour Festival)

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Painting up the inside of the frames

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and the coupling links (red oxide first)

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Smokebox front rubbed down and first coat applied

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The obligatory front three quarter view

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More to come…