"Bower Grove" being rebuilt as the K&SBLR raises £200 for Demelza House

At the Bower Grove Summer Fete on Saturday 18th June, we managed to raise a staggering £200, which has all gone off to Demelza and was greatly appreciated. Thank you to all those who visited the stall to donate on that day.

Meanwhile we have sent "Bower Grove" to Rhos Helyg for a complete rebuild. We cannot tell you why for legal reasons. However, the locomotive blast pipe has been realigned to the proper vertical position, we have had a new blower assembly fitted, new water tanks and the water bypass assembly has been completely redesigned. This is in effect going to be an almost new locomotive when it comes back to us.

I have also written an article about my Roundhouse "Millie" which will be submitted to and hopefully published in "Garden Rail" Magazine. We will keep you update you with our developments on the rebuild of "Bower Grove".

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

K&SBLR On Tour at 1:00 today

Today is the day! we are running are K&SBLR On Tour stall in loving memory of the late Davy Armstrong.

Locomotives on Static Display:
Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.1 "Hermione"
Darjeeling "B" Class No.5 "Maid of Kent"
Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher"
Roundhouse "Forney" No.6 "Salem"

Locomotives on Demonstration track:
No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong"
No.3 "Bower Grove"

Please be aware that "Bower Grove" is currently experiencing problems, so it will be running without the main body. The body will be placed on static display today. After the display here, "Bower Grove" will be sent away for repair.

Our current total is £90. Come and see us and keep donating!!

Regards,
Chris, Phil and Steve Nelson,
Stall Organisers

"Bower Grove" and "Salem": Latest Updates

I have recently heard within the last few hours that the steam trials currently being undertaken on "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove" are almost complete. It is understood that the locomotive should undertake its loaded test run next week. Tomorrow, it is hoped that the locomotive will undergo its light engine test run follwing several static steam tests.

Meanwhile, "Forney" No.6 "Salem" has been operating its first public service trains today. It is running well and has thrilled photographers with some fabulous performances. Below, is the planned schedule for tomorrow:

Locomotive Roster:
No.6 "Salem"
No.1 "Hermione"
No.3 "Bower Grove"

Proposed Itinerary:
No.6 "Salem", (Service Trains)
No.1 "Hermione", (Service Trains)
No.3 "Bower Grove", (Light engine test run)

During the loaded test runs, "Bower Grove" will be tagged onto one of the service trains hauled either by "Hermione" or "Salem" and Double Head the train as far as Rye.

As usual, we will keep you posted with news of "Bower Grove".

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

K&SBLR: Latest News

Following its Light Engine Test Run on Saturday, we can now confirm that "Forney" No.6 "Salem" is running well having undertaken the loaded test this morning. The locomotive will be formerly returned to traffic on Monday and it is to participate in the "Black Locomotives Weekend" in late June.

Meanwhile, "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove"'s troubles continue following a second steam test. The problem, we think, is being caused by the ash pan, this will be repaired and further tests will be undertaken later. However, we do still intend to have the locomotive ready to participate at the Bower Grove School Summer Fete on Saturday 18th June 2011. More details will be published as they come through.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

"Salem" back in steam

SR&RLR "Forney" No.6 "Salem" has been formerly returned to traffic following repairs and a few trial runs that took place this morning. The loco has had a smoke box repaint into Matt Black and brand new white lining has been added. The loco will be operating service trains this weekend, as well as the popular "Black Lion Diner Special", which this weekend will run until bank Holiday Monday. Two extra trains will operate on saturday 3rd June and sunday 4th June 2011. The locomotive's first big event will be the "Black Locomotives Weekend" during late Spring, when Roundhouse "Jack" No.4 "Holman F Stevens" will make its last apperance in Unlined Black livery before her repaint into Midnight Blue complete with white lining.

We will keep you posted with details of the Forney's progress.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Evengt Organiser

NRP Email Account started

We are pleased to announce that the email account set up for DVD orders is now live. The "Davy Armstrong Memorial Stall" is to be publicised by Demelza House on their website. Please visit, http://www.demelzahouse.co.uk/ for more information on this stall. To order DVD's now as well as  after the Summer Fete please contact us by email at:
newromneyproductions@hotmail.com

Regards,
Chris & Steve Nelson,
Stall Organiser's

P.S This link does not work at present, please copy the writing into your address field.

K&SBLR: Darjeeling Sponsor's Event

The details for the Darjeeling Sponsor's Event have been more or less confirmed now. This will take place at the headquarters of Romney Marsh Model Engineering, and as you can see from the pictures above, we have an impressive locomotive line up.

Topping the bill of course will be newly overhauled Garratt No.7 "Helen", undergoing final steam tests.
Darjeeling "B" class No.5 "Maid of Kent" will also join this historic occasion, the first time a pair of Darjeeling Locomotives have been Double Headed for a number of years.
The Darjeeling locos will be supported by "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove", acting as station pilot.

Highlights:
Darjeeling Garratt "Helen" carrying sponsors
A Darjeeling Double Header with No's 7&5
The two Darjeeling locomotives posing for photographs along with "Bower Grove", with a series of Photo Runby's included
And of course! yes..... Why not pair the two red engines together for the final train? No's 3&7 will be paired together as the sun sets, (well, hopefully!)

This event is scheduled to take place during late Winter 2011 or January 2012. Dates will be posted on this blog page when confirmed.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

NB: This event is a PRIVATE event for those who sponsered the overhaul. The official launch will take place in February 2012.