Robert contacted the News Desk with an update on progress with ‘Maude’: ‘Today’s mission, making the exhaust from cylinders to the blast pipe. Quite tricky as it needs to change angle after that as the cylinder are slightly inclined. The two copper pipe fittings were the perfect angle. I have now worked out that Read more about Bathgate Locomotive Works Update[…]
One of our younger members over the past 7 months, give or take, has been working with ESME member George as his ‘Apprentice’. This is his story: ‘My main focus has been completing my late grandfather’s Don Young designed 5” model of a North British Railway D34 ‘Glen’. Though some other projects have floated through! Read more about The Apprentice……[…]
Member Andy Milner recently visited the National Museum of Scotland and whilst admiring the locomotive ‘Ellesmere’ spotted the following on an information board: ‘Ellesmere continued to work at Howe Bridge until 1957, by which time it was, at 96, the oldest working steam locomotive in Britain. At the end of its working life the locomotive Read more about Did You Know…?[…]
The weather forecast for the 2nd January got worse as the day drew nearer and sure enough, on the day it rained heavily from mid morning. As a consequence only a few hardy individuals braved the wet & the mud around the temporary unloading facilities to run a locomotive. The locomotives came from the extensive Read more about New Year At Almondell…..[…]
The weather was unusually mild for the time of year and a good turn out of members was anticipated. We were not disappointed! Why, even Mrs Frosty paid us a visit. The recent rain had made things a little (!) muddy underfoot in places, but this did nothing the dampen the enthusiasm & happy atmosphere Read more about Post Christmas Steam Up At Almondell….[…]
Our Christmas party was well attended. In the warm, convivial atmosphere of the Heritage Centre members quickly entered into the seasonal spirit. In the kitchen Roddy had the tea urn on the boil & the mince pies warming in the oven. The meeting room was busy with members choosing their favourite picture for the photo Read more about At The Ball, That’s All![…]
As has been reported earlier, the Newliston circuit was completed on the 19th December & the first locomotive to run round the circuit was driven by Paul H. on the 21st December. It didn’t take long before the first 5″ gauge steam locomotive was out and this honour fell to Peter A. Well, why not? Read more about Riding The Newliston Circuit[…]
On Saturday 21 December Paul’s 0-4-0 Diesel Shunter outline, battery electric, became the first train round the newly completed Newliston circuit . Paul gave the the honour (risk??) of the first driver to Dave S. who reported that ‘all went smoothly and the run round the track was very enjoyable‘. Paul then spent some hours Read more about Test Run……[…]
Recently Alastair hosted a group from the Queensferry Photographic Group at Almondell who spent several hours pointing & clicking away at all sorts of things. It is interesting to see how others see Almondell, to which end three of the group have submitted a small selection of their photographs for the website. Click to enlarge Read more about Through The Eye Of The Lens…..[…]
Three weeks of intense work by both the Thursday & Saturday teams pays off as the Newliston circuit (5″ / 3½”) is completed in time for the members 28th December steam up. Both gauges are in and in Newliston rail too. A tremendous effort by everyone. As our Roving Reporter writes: ‘Just to let you Read more about We’ve Done It![…]
