"Steaming Up" - Issue 6 - December 2002
Grand Draw Raises £1,900
David Suchett draws out the winning ticket for our Grand Draw. This raised over £1,900 for the restoration fund.
From the Editor of Steaming Up - Simon Nuttall
Yes, it's in the water, Yes the cabins done, but as yet no magic first Whoomph of paraffin being lit in the boiler and the cloud of black smoke that will mark the first steaming. In this issue we will bring you full details of our Grand Draw results, plus a full update on progress since the last issue.
First of all it's been a long time since the last issue, for which I must hold my hands up - guilty as charged. However, I have been in the process of moving house. We are now fully ensconced in our new house and everything is out of the boxes. Trouble is, the decorating now begins! Incredibly just over three months ago we were not planning on moving, but saw this house advertised, viewed it, sold ours and had an offer accepted on this one in eight days.
For those who are interested it is an ex GWR stationmaster's house on the line which runs from Bristol to Swindon avoiding Chippenham and Bath. The line was built as a bypass line in the late 19th century to allow better access for coal trains from the South Wales pits. The line is still open with about three trains an hour. They pass about 120 feet from where I am sitting. However, they pass by at about 90 mph and don't disturb you at all.
As with many organisations a lot is carried out by relatively few, normally I am not in favour of naming individuals, but I think thanks should go out to all those who helped organise the draw. Chiefly David Powell and John Byham. The £1900 raised is a valuable contribution towards the final restoration costs. Also thanks to all those members who went out and sold the tickets.
At times boat restoration can be a frustrating business. In January 2000 the boat was delivered to Stourbridge and here we are 22 months later and still it's not completed. But really the end is in sight. The cabin is now complete and by all accounts looks superb. The last major job is to do is to pipe up the engine room and complete the installation of the steam plant. And as they say everything comes to those who wait. Here's to that first trip.
Saving the Best bit til last
Great news, the committee has set the date for the first members steaming. It will be on 22nd February 2003 at the museum. On this date we will be holding a members seminar to brief everyone on the boats operations. Attendance at this or possibly future seminars will be required for all crew members.
Happy Christmas and a steaming new year!
Simon Nuttall
Further Articles
Engineering Report - Dec. 2002 Proposed 2003 Boating Programme
Last edited:- 06-Aug-2008