EX-GWR LOCOMOTIVE No 6695 RETURNS TO SERVICE AT THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY 2008 GALA FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL OVERHAUL OF BEARINGS.

Photo Report from Nigel Clark - dated 11th Oct 2008
6695 Locomotive Group
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Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 stands ready at Bishops Lydeard with the scheduled goods train to Williton on Thursday 2nd Otober 2008. Unfortunately, to the disappointment of visitors, this service was the cancelled at the last minute due to late running of earlier services.

Nigel Clark writes:

Here are some photos of Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No.6695 following completion of the recent overhaul work at Williton, and having duly re-entered traffic on Thursday 2nd October 2008. The locomotive ran on all four days of the West Somerset Railway's Autumn Gala.

Individual captions best explain the photos.

Ollie Furnell in loco-fitter guise atop Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No.6695 at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 2nd October 2008, and No. 6695 running into Blue Anchor with a train from Minehead on Friday 3rd October 2008.

We have had no problems with the refurbished axleboxes which have stayed cold/running temperature throughout the running-in and the Gala event, well done to the team at Williton.

We did have a problem with the felt pads in the connecting rod big-ends, but this was temporarily cured following experimentation with plug trimmings which meant 6695 could continue to work her booked trains.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 with No. 34007 over the pit at Bishops Lydeard with No. 69621 in background Thursday 2nd Oct, and SDJR 7F No.88, LNER N7 No. 69621, and GWR 94xx No. 9466 on shed at Minehead Friday 3rd Oct.

Replacement felts in new cages have now been fitted by the staff at Williton and 6695 is again working trains on the West Somerset Railway.

The WSR Gala was a great success, myself, Ann and Ollie Furnell were present over the event as Owners Representatives, we had a wonderful time and were made to feel very welcome by all at WSR.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 running into Minehead with her last train of the day on Friday 3rd October.

6695, as usual, was well liked by all the crews and we were told that she is a stronger engine than other members of the class which have previously visited the WSR, a good testament to the work done during the restoration particularly on the cylinders and steam chest.

She has made new friends and agreement has been reached for her to stay at WSR until 10th November at least; she is being used on the "Quantock Belle" Sunday lunch trains, footplate experience courses and is booked to appear on both days of the Somerset in Autumn Gala.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 moving onto the turntable at Minehead for turning, and on the turntable prior to turning on Friday 3rd October.

There are still one or 2 small jobs outstanding plus final weighing and adjustment which is likely to take place in mid November. Timing of the return to Swanage is dependent upon the completion of weighing plus the SR's motive power requirements for the Nov/Dec period.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 being turned at Minehead on Friday 3rd October.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 WSR footplate crew plus Ollie Furnell on 6695 on Minehead turntable and moving off after being turned on Friday 3rd October.

No. 34046 "Braunton" after arrival at Minehead on Friday 3rd October and No. 6695 waiting at Blue Anchor to pass the two Bulleids on Sunday 5th October

No. 34046 (with Swanage Driver Trevor Knight on board as Firing Instructor to the WSR crews) and No. 34007 arrive at Blue Anchor to cross with No. 6695, and No. 6695 in the drizzle racing away from Blue Anchor towards Dunster on Sunday 5th October.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 leaves a wet Blue Anchor on Sunday 5th October with Ollie Furnell riding on the footplate and lending a hand with the firing.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 arriving at Williton running past the shed where she had spent the previous 10 months having her axleboxes overhauled, and arriving at Williton nearly half way through her day (still another 50 odd miles of work to do!), on Sunday 5th October 2008

No. 6695 shunting wagons at Minehead and on shed at Minehead between trains on Sunday 5th October 2008. Photos courtesy Dave Round.

7F No.88 arriving in the bay platform at Minehead on Sunday 5th October 2008. Photo courtesy Dave Round.

Swanage Railway's 6695 Locomotive Group always welcomes help and support. For further details of how to join us and to see further information on the specification and history of 6695, please visit our dedicated homepage at http://swanagerailway.co.uk/6695/index.htm by clicking here. You will find background information on the locomotive and links to all 6695 news items.

Nigel Clark
6695 Locomotive Group