Henbury Overhaul Update – October 2019

Posted on October 24, 2019 by corwinb

Henbury’s boiler out of the shed, with a warming fire in it, yesterday.

Docks Heritage Weekend 2019

Posted on October 4, 2019 by corwinb

DHW took place last weekend, with plenty going on at M Shed, SS Great Britain and Underfall Yard.

On Saturday, the Capstan was also in operation again. This device enables people to move wagons along the quayside without needing a locomotive. I made this video of the Capstan in use back in 2014.

Two electric cranes were also in operation, one giving tours and one loading/unloading goods to and from the lorry and rail vehicles.

Henbury’s Boiler Returns

Posted on July 8, 2019 by corwinb

Good news as Henbury’s boiler has arrived back at M-Shed. I believe this boiler dates from 1955 as it was a new one fitted to ‘Mackenzie’ which had the winged smokebox front typical of earlier Pecketts. In or around 1960, the boiler was fitted to ‘Henbury’ which previously had a straight smokebox front.

Lots of steps still to go through on re-assembly but the boiler is one of the biggest hurdles in any overhaul!

Henbury Restoration Progress – Feb 2019

Posted on March 1, 2019 by corwinb

Thanks to Jack Bayntun for these photos, showing ‘Henbury’s shiny axleboxes being fitted to test oil pipe arrangements.

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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.

Half term operating weekends (Feb)

Posted on February 15, 2018 by corwinb

Portbury was in action last weekend, despite the weather on Saturday lots of people were out! Sunday saw some sunnier climes.

All being well, trains should be operating this weekend too!

First operating weekend of 2018 – 10th/11th Feb

Posted on February 9, 2018 by corwinb

The BHR will be in operation tomorrow and Sunday! An early start for an exciting year, and the public debut of the newly overhauled TOAD.

Portbury was out on Thursday shunting the passenger train together.

A railtour to Avonmouth Docks – 1963

Posted on January 25, 2018 by corwinb

YouTube channel Unseen Steam recently posted this video of a railtour visit to Avonmouth in the days of steam.

On 21st July 1963 the RCTS ran what has been described as a “chaotic” railtour (not their fault) from Paddington to the Bristol area behind ‘Grange” class no. 6841 “Marlas Grange” which got the train to the Docks almost bang on time after a good run down the GWR main line to Swindon and then the connection to the Docks at Hallen Marsh Junction. In the Docks the train was worked by one of the Port of Bristol Authority’s tank locomotives, no S11 “Bristol”. All went well until the train was due to leave the Docks which took place around half an hour late. Further troubles ensued, with the train returning to London some one and a half hours late – many passengers had detrained at Stroud to try and find a quicker train home! (Information from http://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk, with thanks to Gary Thornton)