Track activity since the easing of the lockdown rules has been limited to boiler testing (by appointment only), test running of rolling stock after brake modifications & the endurance testing of battery electric locomotives. Hopefully the situation will have improved for 2021 & we can get back to club running. Meanwhile, here are some photos Read more about Limited Track Activity……[…]
Another boiler test undertaken, this time a lovely Great Eastern liveried 2-4-2T built by Maurice P. This is based on the LBSC 3½” gauge ‘Petrolea’, but unusually finished as a tank locomotive. Unfortunately Maurice (on the left) didn’t bring along his driving truck which meant that he didn’t take her for a canter around the Read more about A Great Eastern ‘Glasshouse’…….?[…]
Dan has demonstrated that Hands Free is not just the reserve of car development…… ‘It’s controlled through an RC transmitter that you might use for model aircraft; picture heads this article of the one I have. This means it’s using all the correct channels and something like a phone call or notification won’t affect it. Read more about Hands Free Locomotive……[…]
With the last easing of lock down the committee authorised the recommencement of limited running at Almondell for members only. For a number of steam locomotive owners ‘running again’ meant getting the boiler tested as the first priority. At this moment in the relaxing of lock down route, boiler inspections are by appointment only & Read more about Testing Times…..[…]
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![…]
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…..[…]
Another ‘Santa Special’ running at Bo’ness courtesy of Robert’s ‘Morning Star’. Despite the weather Callum & Ken safely carried 160 passengers.
