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
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
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
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.
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.
The K&SBLR fleet is gradually being worked on and upgraded, with "Forney" No.6 "Salem" undergoing repairs at present.
During the Winter of 2011, the boiler certificate on Darjeeling Garratt No.7 "Helen" will expire. In December, "Helen" will undergo a comprehensive overhaul, which includes a thorough cleaning of the boiler tubes, Safety Valve ajustments and a full repaint into Indian Railways Red livery, which it carried during its working life on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This overhaul will take 2 months to complete. it is understood that she will return to the line in January/ February 2012.
When she returns, she will be visiting Romney marsh Model Engineering for tests to be carried out. She will stay there until late February. On the last day of her visit to RMME, she will be Double Heading a Sponsers Train with Darjeeling "B" class No.5 "Maid of Kent". This will be the first time that two Darjeeling locomotives have been paired together for a number of years.
We will keep you posted with developments, more details of the sponsers event will appear here later today.
Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser,
K&SBLR
The problems with "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove" have now been rectified, and she will be steamed by the manufacturers during next week. It is hoped that she will be dispatched to us for steam tests during the weekend of 13th, 14th and 15th May. On Saturday & Sunday, the locomotive will be steam tested. Please read the information below for details:
Itinerary:
Saturday 14th May:
Loco to be be gently steamed to working pressure
Light engine test run
Station pilot duty
Loaded test run ("Sir Davy Armstrong" as relief engine on rear
Sunday 15th May
Loaded Test Run (No.3 alone)
Station Pilot Duty
After the tests, "The Bower Grove Ltd" sponsers train will be Double Headed by "Bower Grove" and "Albus" from Appledore to Camber Sands and return.
On Sunday 12th June, the new "Lady Anne" will be formerly returned to public service with a special "Lady Anne Weekend" operating to a Green Service Timetable. Here is the main Highlights Programme:
"Bower Grove" bringing VIP's to Appledore
No.3 on station Pilot duty at Appledore
No's 1&2 on Double Headed Service Trains
"Lady Anne" line up at Appledore Station
"The Demelza House Express" with No's 3&2 Double Heading from Appledore to Camber Sands
No.3 "Bower Grove" also has a starring role at the school she was named after. This will take place for one day only on Saturday 18th June 2011. More details to come.
We will keep you posted with details on the steam tests.
Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser
After a small problem discovered by the team at Rhos Helyg Locomotive Works, "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove" was sent back to the proprietors in Cannock, Birmingham. It is hoped that the locomotive will be dispached to the K&SBLR in time for its commissioning and starring role at the Bower Grove School Grand Summer Fete in June.
"Bower Grove" will be heavily involved in many of the Special Events to come during the year, including the "Superpower Gala" in December.
We will keep you posted with developments.
Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser
