Ride on Steam Loco - 5" Gauge - 0-6-0T "Achilles" 31/12/2011

31/12/2011

Hi everyone. This is my 5" gauge steam locomotive: an 0-6-0 Achilles Tank by Reeves. The loco, we believe, was finished in around 1986. She was built by Mr K Hall of Coventry and was acquired by myself (from Mr Hall) in August 2011. She is obviously an older engine, probably now in her 'retirement years' shall we say. However, that said, she still has alot of life left in her.

The 5"/3.5" gauge raised track we use at Ryton Pools is operated by the Coventry Model Engineering Society. At 2000ft in length, it is one of the longer tracks of this type in the country. Admittedly, there are several gradients, the steepest being a stiff 1 in 70 over a long distance which isn't helped by a sharp curve at its foot! This climb can generally "test" any locomotive, particularly heavily loaded 3.5" gauge examples.

In this film, taken today, the 0-6-0T is seen being steamed and driven by myself and my family. I, as you may have guessed, am Sam (steampics). The loco copes pretty well with her sturdy (and heavy!) driving truck + 2 CMES cars. Towards the end of the film, a 3rd coach has been added but, on the bank at least, the loco would not handle all of that 'loaded'! ^_^

Thanks for watching folks. The locomotive will next run in March. For more info on the locomotive and its operations see www.sambrandist.blogspot.com (my railway blog)

For more info on CMES and about the Sunday train rides on the railway, see www.coventrymes.co.uk

;)

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• achilles
• reeves
• gauge
• ride
• on
• steam
• locomotive
• miniature
• railway
• ryton
• pool
• coventry
• model
• engineering
• driving
• engine
• steampics
• 2011

[DebenValleyLightRail]

Excellent, looks like she's got a good deal more nip in her than my achilles. Your springs look a bit lighter than mine. I've got a few teething problems too but mine steams really well (on the right coal) too...

Ought to have a Blue achilles doubler header if possible one time!

[steampics]

@DebenValleyLightRail Hi mate. Thanks very much. My blower has been playing up a bit and the valve gear is a little worn. I have a friend of a friend who is willing to do the brasses on the engine after this season so it should be tighter than a, well, I don't know! lol. But it will be much tighter and will run sweeter. As the valves are probs a little out of time then it may ride better afterwards! I'm sure yours has plenty of nip too. haha. Where are you based anyway m8??

[DebenValleyLightRail]

@steampics

Near Ipswich in Suffolk. 

[steampics]

@DebenValleyLightRail Cool stuff, we're obvs Coventry. I've going to get the engine rebushed after this summer season so it should be newish by next year :). Never seem to stop maintaining engines!

[jaws12413]

this is a really cool video.

you know you can use those trains in a movie or somthing?

[steampics]

@jaws12413 Thanks mate

[SuperCoolDude2014]

pretty cool

[DebenValleyLightRail]

@steampics

Ace, maintainable is all part of the fun! I'll give you a shout if ever I am near conventry...

[lezebreauto]

Super. I bought 30 years ago an Ajax 5" in Norwich. Please look at my 7.5" backyard train.

[TimHall42]

Very nice! The girl at 4:05 is obviously texting "My Lordz!" or "Guess what loco I'm getting for haulage" to her friends....

[5786Thomas]

@steampics Sound quite nice to drive. My dads building a 71/4 gauge Bridget. Hoping that will go like hell!

[matthewpeter]

retirement years? Shes a youngster! Excellent vid