Steam at Eaton Hall, 9th August 2008

Synolda plus the replica locomotives Katie and Red Dragon join forces at an historic location

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The Eaton Hall Railway (Wikipedia Link)

The shed yard at Eaton Hall first saw 15" trains in 1896 and this green tank engine is a replica of Katie, one of the original locomotives. Alongside it is Red Dragon, largely a replica but incorporating parts of an original Bassett Lowke Little Giant Class 10 4-4-2 built in 1909 as No. 15 and bearing the same name. Its identity soon got changed during a complicated history of moves and re-namings that have characterised some of these Bassett Lowke engines. When named Prince Edward of Wales, No. 15 was the first engine to run on the RMR from 1911 and the current Red Dragon has visited in more recent times. Red Dragon is due back to join Synolda (see below) for our railway's May 2009 Gala.
The shed yard at Eaton Hall first saw 15" trains in 1896 and this green tank engine is a replica of Katie, one of the original locomotives.  Alongside it is Red Dragon, largely a replica but incorporating parts of an original Bassett Lowke Little Giant Class 10 4-4-2 built in 1909 as No. 15 and bearing the same name.  Its identity soon got changed during a complicated history of moves and re-namings that have characterised some of these Bassett Lowke engines. When named Prince Edward of Wales, No. 15 was the first engine to run on the RMR from 1911 and the current Red Dragon has visited in more recent times. Red Dragon is due back to join Synolda (see below) for our railway's May 2009 Gala.
A closer look at Red Dragon, showing the livery of the Sutton Coldfield Miniature Railway as carried during the 1950s by the the second of the Bassett Lowke 15" gauge 4-4-2s to be built. By the 1920s, No. 11, the one time Mighty Atom, had been renamed Prince of Wales and had acquired continuous splashers like the present Red Dragon. Adding to the effect, the first two Little Giants also ran with six-wheeled tenders. Fortunately, both have survived into preservation.
A closer look at Red Dragon, showing the livery of the Sutton Coldfield Miniature Railway as carried during the 1950s by the the second of the Bassett Lowke 15" gauge 4-4-2s to be built.  By the 1920s, No. 11, the one time Mighty Atom, had been renamed Prince of Wales and had acquired continuous splashers like the present Red Dragon.  Adding to the effect, the first two Little Giants also ran with six-wheeled tenders.  Fortunately, both have survived into preservation.
Katie prepares to run round the covered bogie carriage (another very convincing replica) after arrival at the main terminus.
Katie prepares to run round the covered bogie carriage (another very convincing replica) after arrival at the main terminus.
Visiting Bassett Lowke Class 30 4-4-2 No. 30 Synolda - very much an original and dating from 1912 - was visiting for the day from its regular home on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway in Cumbria and on which sister locomotive No. 31 Sans Pareil operated until about 1926. Nowadays wearing the livery of Narrow Gauge Railways, as once carried by 31, it takes water at the temporary facilities on the main circuit. The cylinder atop the tender was providing supplies for the air-braked passenger stock.
Visiting Bassett Lowke Class 30 4-4-2 No. 30 Synolda - very much an original and dating from 1912 - was visiting for the day from its regular home on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway in Cumbria and on which sister locomotive No. 31 Sans Pareil operated until about 1926.  Nowadays wearing the livery of Narrow Gauge Railways, as once carried by 31, it takes water at the temporary facilities on the main circuit.  The cylinder atop the tender was providing supplies for the air-braked passenger stock.
Red Dragon takes a lightly-loaded train during a shower of rain. Unfortunately, the locomotive had to be taken out of service shortly afterwards once what are believed to have been piston-ring problems developed.
Red Dragon takes a lightly-loaded train during a shower of rain.  Unfortunately, the locomotive had to be taken out of service shortly afterwards once what are believed to have been piston-ring problems developed.
On a remaining part of the original formation, Katie leaves the main terminus onto the triangle junction.
On a remaining part of the original formation, Katie leaves the main terminus onto the triangle junction.
This versatile 0-4-0 Well Tank has a marine style boiler...
This versatile 0-4-0 Well Tank has a marine style boiler...
...and it seemed to be equally at home when pulling alternate trains bunker first.
...and it seemed to be equally at home when pulling alternate trains bunker first.
Synolda in a quiet parkland setting. The locomotive was built for the Sand Hutton Miniature Railway and was named after the first wife of Sir Robert Walker, the Fourth Baronet of Sand Hutton, Yorkshire whose estate the railway served. Its working days ended at the Belle Vue Railway, Manchester, by then running as Prince Charles alongside Barnes Atlantic The Railway Queen.
Synolda in a quiet parkland setting.  The locomotive was built for the Sand Hutton Miniature Railway and was named after the first wife of Sir Robert Walker, the Fourth Baronet of Sand Hutton, Yorkshire, whose estate the railway served.  Its working days ended at the Belle Vue Railway, Manchester, by then running as Prince Charles alongside Barnes Atlantic The Railway Queen.
Synolda is expected to be reunited with The Railway Queen when the Class 30 makes a guest appearance at the RMR 2009 Gala Event. As can be seen, our local footplate crews seemed keen to get to know how a Class 30 compares with a Barnes Atlantic!
Synolda is expected to be reunited with The Railway Queen when the Class 30 makes a guest appearance at the RMR 2009 Gala Event. As can be seen, our local footplate crews seemed keen to get to know how a Class 30 compares with a Barnes Atlantic!
The front seat passenger experience for our drivers continues as Synolda makes another circuit.
The front seat passenger experience for our drivers continues as Synolda makes another circuit.
The proudly polished maker's plate on Synolda's cabside. One further original Class 30 was built, Count Louis in 1924; this survives in working order having spent most of its working life on The Fairbourne Railway in north Wales. The other two Sutton Miniature Railway locomotives - Sutton Belle and Sutton Flyer - probably started life as further examples of the class but were supplied in kit form and incorporated several detail differences by the time they were completed in 1933 and 1952 respectively. Both have visited Rhyl and survive in working order on the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.
The proudly polished maker's plate on Synolda's cabside.  One further original Class 30 was built, Count Louis in 1924; this survives in working order having spent most of its working life on The Fairbourne Railway in north Wales.  The other two Sutton Miniature Railway locomotives - Sutton Belle and Sutton Flyer - probably started life as further examples of the class but were supplied in kit form and incorporated several detail differences by the time they were completed in 1933 and 1952 respectively.  Both have visited Rhyl and survive in working order on the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.

Link to a Fotopic site showing both surviving Class 30s in action on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, 8th November 2008.

Links tested and updated: 08/12/2008

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