barrowroad's Blog

I've been looking forward to this bit as this was the end of the shed that I knew best -- I only got beyond here once

 

The workshop at Bristol was a 4 bay version - I have only found one photo taken inside showing a Sentinel - either 47190 or 47191 - these engines were used on the Avonside branch as were the L&Y Pugs.

These were, of course, the S&DJR Sentinels (originally nos 101 and 102) from Radstock. One of the Pugs, 11202/51202 was the regular replacement when one of these was at Barrow Road for servicing. The trip up from or back to Radstock must have been a long day's work for the crews.

 

Nick

Interesting, the doors look like French windows, and don't look large enough to admit a loco.

Robin,

 

I know i've seen the photo before of the inside of the workshop but i've only just noticed the steps in the background. In this case it would suggest that there was a mezanine floor along the back wall? On re-reading my entry I've changed my mind as I suspect that these steps were in fact access to the overhead crane, the track of which being evident in the right hand corner of the picture.

 

Excellent progress!

 

Nick,

 

As far as I know when the Sentinel's went to Barrow Road for maintenance they had their chains were removed and were marshalled within one of the good trains (presumably to Westerleigh?). I believe I've seen a photo showing this but I can't for the life of me remember where.

 

With regards to 51202 I believe it was only at Radstock for a limited period (3 months?) in 1952, I am unaware that it visited prior or post to this visit. I understand that the reason for 51202's tempory relocation was due to the requirement of cover for one of the Sentinel's whilst it was being overhauled. Again I believe 51202 was chosen due to the restrictions on the running line at Tyning Arch and the fact that 51202 sported a cut down cab.

 

I'm recalling the above from memory of previous research so please correct me if i'm wrong, likewise further supporting information is always much appreciated (Radstock is of particular interest to me in addition to Barrow Road).

Robin,

 

It's good to see further excellent progress. The small (loco) turntables are an interesting operational issue in combination with the operational doors (French windows, as someone put it). I know there are motorised wagons to replicate "fly shunting", but are you going to have self propelled wheel-sets going for turning???

 

I can't quite make out the steps which Kempenfelt mentions**, but in my (fairly extensive) experience of heavy engineering workshops, access to manned overhead cranes was always by scary looking vertical ladders rather than steps. Perhaps the Midland railway was more thoughtful in this respect - but I doubt it! Steps would normally only be provided where regular access - such as a mezanine floor - was required.

 

Hopefully house re-painting won't be required for a while, so we've got you back modelling? I seem to spend all my spare time hospital visiting, so layout progress has virually stopped.

 

Dave.

 

** Just spotted them in the Sentinel photo. Must say, the top landing looks about level with the crane track, so perhaps they were for crane access after all?

Kempenfelt,

 

I'd certainly interested in seeing that photo of the Sentinel in transit, if you do manage to track it down.

 

According to Chris Handley, 'Radstock Coal and Steam' vol 2, the pug 11202 first visited Radstock in March/April 1931 to replace one of the Sentinels when it was away for maintenance. It returned there in again soon after when one of the Sentinels went elsewhere. It was there for much of the 30s, going to Derby in 1937 and returning to Bath (for Radstock in 1938). In 1939-41 it was at Gloucester, thereafter it was mostly at Radstock though appears to have been moved around quite a bit. It was seen at Burton in 1948 and returned to Barrow Road in October 1952 to replace 47190. By which time, of course it was numbered 51202, so this may include the period you refer to. It remained at Barrow Road until withdrawal in 1958. It was apparently adapted to fit under Tyning Arch, presumably in 1931, but the sources I have seen only mention a shorter chimney, not cab modifications.

 

Nick

Nick,

 

Apologies there, I had the post 1948 blinkers on! Interesting to here that it was possibly only the chimney, I thought I'd heard/read something to suggest the cab roof had a different profile (flatter?), I'll have to dig my books back out when I next get the chance.

 

Dave,

 

I agree it would be an unusual set of steps for the crane, I guess there's the possibility that the crane was nolonger in use and that they'd used the beam to mount mezanine? Looks like another case of a photo that doesn't quite include all the info required Rob!

 

Rob, I take it the modelling will be taking a break later tonight!

 

Paul

Interesting, the doors look like French windows, and don't look large enough to admit a loco.

 

The entrance height is 13ft 9in - a tight squeeze but sufficient for most locos which are 12ft 6in to 13ft 2in chimney height.

Robin,

 

I know there are motorised wagons to replicate "fly shunting", but are you going to have self propelled wheel-sets going for turning???

 

Now that is an interesting challenge.........

 

Hopefully house re-painting won't be required for a while, so we've got you back modelling? I seem to spend all my spare time hospital visiting, so layout progress has virually stopped.

 

Another 15 years hopefully by which time I'll get someone else to do it.

Best wishes with the visits,

 

Robin

Nick,

 

 

 

Rob, I take it the modelling will be taking a break later tonight!

 

Paul

 

Paul,

 

After that performance I wish I'd stuck to the modelling tonight:scratch_one-s_head_mini:

 

Robin