Early October 26 Update

Thursday, 8th October, 2026

Update Early October 2026.

80097. Our loco has been busy lately particularly with the return of seasonally normal weather conditions and  It continues to support the steam roster at ELR.

46428:

Outer wrapper and stay removal continue. We are hoping that the foundation ring can be refitted and the boiler can come back inside soon as the weather deteriorates.

Some significant news. The Ivatt chimney and ejector ring have now arrived from SVR. We are a way off fitting so it will go into store until the time comes. We were still short of the target for this item so help was still required. I am pleased to announce that the target total for the chimney has been reached. After the news release recently two of our fantastic supporters have donated £1000 each which will more than cover the cost of the chimney. Keith Savory our "Wagon Master",  who has given so much to date has done it again, Thank you Keith and his wife Susan. The other member of our group does not wish to be named. We will now close the chimney appeal and turn our attention to other components.

We have visitors to our workshop sometimes from far flung places. One such this week was Mr Mike Florentine who volunteers at the California State Railroad Museum, Sacremento, USA. Nice meeting you Mike, thank you for visitting.

Our Ivatt axle boxes have been a topic for some time. I am glad to inform that we have reached and agreement with the workshop at the ELR and the six boxes are now at the workshop, the re-metalling work will be commencing soon.

The BS4G are often asked to assist other groups and various departments on the railway and we are happy to help. Some examples are pictured below. See some chequer plate panels we have recently drilled and slotted for lifting eyes. These are for use at Ramsbottom road crossing gates as culvert covers. Also we have cast some replacement reinforced concrete platform edge panels. One single spare and the other cast-in-situ. In the photograph you will see the magnificent signal gantry in the background. Originally from the Lostock area of Bolton, the span was insufficient so a new section was constructed and hot-rivetted into place by our group. Another contribution from BS4G to our railway. See pics below. This weekend sees the launch of the BS4G Grand Christmas Raffle. Six great prizes:

£100 TESCO CHRISTMAS HAMPER

£50 TESCO CHRISTMAS HAMPER

BOTTLE OF BELLS WHISKY

BOTTLE OF LAMBS NAVY RUM

ROUND TRIP TICKET ON ELR

ROUND TRIP TICKET ON ELR

Please help us by entering our raffle and we can keep 80097 rolling and bring back 46428. See pics. Watch this space.