Work in Progress: 20th June

AXE is back!

Following completion of acceptance trials early this morning, AXE pulled the heritage carriages on the 10:45 train today. This is the first time that AXE has headed the heritage carriages on a passenger train!

1, 2. AXE arrives at Woody Bay for the first time with a train of Heritage Coaches.

3. Fireman Julian Sinclair couples AXE to the train whilst Jim Price (guard) hands the token to driver Graham Varney.

4. The slightest whisp of steam as AXE pulls gently out of Woody Bay.

5, 6, 7. AXE passes the car park picnic area with the last down train of the day. Credit should go to John Uphill, Martyn Budd and Graham Varney for completing the conversion of AXE.

It was originally assumed that, as the rear coupling height was very nearly at the top of the buffer beam, a tender would be required. However with some careful design and an adaptor plate, it was found that the Jones-Calthrop coupling could be fitted, thanks to some long hours and good work from John and the team. 

Words and pictures by Dave Blencowe