Back on Tracks!! - Weekly Progress Report

Apologies for the lack of progress reports over the last couple of weeks we have been very busy! Although news has been flowing slowly work definitely hasn't, with much to report in the Motive Power Department section and Rolling Stock Section.

In the Motive Power Department we have seen the rise of one locomotive from the depths, with two more following in close pursuit. "HORWICH" ZM32 threw a major challenge at us at Christmas just after the Santa Specials whereby Forward or Reverse drive wasn't able to be selected, deeming the locomotive out of service with an unknown return to service date. Within the first couple of weeks the problem was sourced and over the last couple of months a solution as to how the problem was to be dealt with was weighed up, finally last week after many different new parts being manufactured the locomotive moved under its own power for the first time. Battery electric locomotive "GREENBAT" had its running gear returned as well last week which had been away in Chesterfield at Dorlec for motor cleaning, now back on its wheels all that remains to get the locomotive wired back up again and the battery box returned to the locomotive. The last locomotive which has come on in leaps and bounds over the last couple of weeks is Hibberd 4008 "ULLR", which currently is awaiting its new brake rigging to be manufactured, this all be and well should be fitted next weekend and the locomotive run on its own for the first time in 42 years. Bumbling along in the background is Lister Hybrid "LIZZIE" which is currently having its brake rigging and blocks seen to, new ones recently cast with only the hanger bars awaiting manufacture before it can all go back together and form one of the operational fleet again.

In the rolling stock corner one of the large 16 seat passenger carrying vehicles "MANRIDER 103" had its examination ready for the running season, "MANRIDER 104" remains to have its done at a later date. Another vehicle taking great strides at the moment is the compressor wagon, this vehicle will provide an independent air brake system for our larger man riders and for works trains. Another of our smaller passenger carrying vehicles "MANRIDER 102" has had a significant amount of new metal welded in and a full repaint done ready for Easter.

With Easter fast approaching the countdown is on!

"HORWICH" ZM32 on the traverser at Steeplehouse

Hibberd 4008 stands in the sunshine.

The compressor wagon in construction.

GREENBAT's motor back in the loco.