Mallet visit to the WHR

I have no idea how No 9 will perform during its forthcoming visit to the WHR. It has been completely overhauled with numerous components manufactured. All this has been carried out without any detailed information or drawings to work from.

There are some aspects of the locos construction that we don’t fully understand and in some instances why it was built that way. Let’s hope we’ve got it right!

However, apart from being a bit tight (which running in will cure) it seems to run well, steams freely, and appears to be very economical.

Whatever happens the Mallet will be in good hands and we are all looking forward to see how it performs.

NO PRESSURE!!!

Graham Lee

Owner Jung mallet 4878 of 1930 - Jatibarang No. 9

 

Just like to thank you guys for getting a Mallet steaming. I just love them

 

Spotted heading east on the A42, tonight. Seems an odd way to go to Wales, if it was!

 

I'm no engineer but I can assure you that it will not perform correctly under this circumstance

 

Mallet No.9 has now arrived in Porthmadog - in glorious sunshine - with Graham Lee leaning from the cab and Henry Noon standing on the fall plate twixt tender and cab...

 

Tidy! Is she a compound?

 

Tidy?, shes a beast!!! and yes Sheff its a compound.

 

Facing forwards up the bank out of Beddgelert too!

 

Booking the B&B ....

 

Mallet №9 undertook a test run to Rhyd Ddu - in glorious sunshine - on Saturday with the FR's Victorian Set (consisting of Van 1, Carr 19, Carr 18 and Carr 15). Its performance was closely monitored throughout and it was more than 'up to the task' asked of it.

The engine was manned by F&WHR Driver Paul Ingham, F&WHR Fireman James Hamlin and Statfold Barn's Graham Lee and Henry Noon - F&WHR C.M.E. Jon Whalley travelled on the train to observe and assess the the loco's behaviour.

During the run to Beddgelert it was ascertained that the loco's spark arrestor was not as effective as possible, but the train was allowed to continue to Rhyd Ddu - under caution - to ensure it could manage its 'booked' load up the bank from Beddgelert. The train arrived safely at Rhyd Ddu without incident and then returned to Boston Lodge, where work will be undertaken to modify the spark arrestor before further 'running-in' outings on the WHR...

I had the pleasure of escorting Ken Bull - one of the Statfold Barn's photographers - on a 'linesiding' excursion to follow the test train, and the following are a selection of photographs taken during the day...

Mallet №9 reverses towards Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed...

Mallet №9 leaves the OES sidings with the FR’s Victorian Set...

Mallet №9 leaves Harbour Station, heading for Rhyd Ddu...

Mallet №9 races over the Cae Pawb Crossing of Network Rail...

Mallet №9 accelerates away from Cynfal Crossing...

Mallet №9 heads the test train over Ynysfor Crossing...

Mallet №9 climbs the 1:40 gradient of Nantmor Bank...

Mallet №9 crosses Nantmor Bridge over the A4085...

Mallet №9 climbs round Cwm Cloch reverse curves...

Mallet №9 heads towards Beddgelert Cemetery Crossing...

Mallet №9 heads the test train over Bryn y Felin Bridge...

Mallet №9 at Boston Lodge, in front of Snowdon and the Glaslyn Estuary...


It's not Fotopic, but please take a look - if you're interested, of course!

:wink:

 

I was standing on Brittania Bridge when she came over light engine on Friday evening. Looks very very nice!

 

A lucky catch at Beddgelert as we returned from a walk, three empty vintage coaches in tow.

 

I wasn't so lucky - because I knew Mallet №9 was going out on test today, following work to improve the spark arrestor...

Mallet №9 hurries past Hafod Garregog, beneath the cloud-shaded peak of Snowdon...

Mallet №9 climbs the 1:40 gradient through the middle of the Cwm Cloch S-bends...

Mallet №9 powers past the forestry access road on the approach to Cae'r Gors Cutting...

Driver Nick Griffiths oils round Mallet №9, as the test train stands in Rhyd Ddu station...

The improvements appear to have been succesful, as the locomotive completed two round trips from Pont Croesor to Rhyd Ddu between the scheduled service trains...

 

Superb photos.

Even allowing for the fact that the machine is fresh from major overhaul, the steam tightness is notable. This emphasises the great advantage of the Mallet over all other articulated types, namely the minimum number of flexible joints. In the case of a compound none of them are under full boiler pressure in normal running.

Was this the reason why the Garratt never really caught on outside the British Empire, or countries with strong British commercial interests?

P.H.

 

Jung Mallet “Djatibarang No9” returned to Statfold on the 30th of April from Dinas.

It is now having mechanical lubricators fitted to the rear, high pressure, wheel sets. The original gravity fed lubrication does not have sufficient retained volumes to accommodate the running conditions on the WHR.

After the trials on the WHR we now have a better understanding of the vertical “torque rod” arrangement to the articulation.

This has now been fitted with bell washers to achieve more flexibility to the articulation arrangement.

As we have previously stated this has been a great learning curve for us but we are now confident, having gained a better understanding of No 9’s design.

Its time on the WHR clearly demonstrated its climbing ability and the efficiency of the compound system particularly for the role it was originally designed for.

No 9 will stay with us for our Enthusiasts Day on the 4th of June and then visit Adrian Shooters Beeches Light Railway on the 25th.

It will then return to North Wales for further running, exact dates to be confirmed.


SBR