The Barber Reconstruction Project undertaken by the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society has progressed steadily with the main body of the locomotive being stripped and rebuilt at Bridgnorth in Shropshire. Unfortunately the specialist team discovered that some of the essential non-ferrous smaller parts (pre-WWII components such as couplings, valves and other fittings), were missing or unusable. A nationwide search for suitable replacements proved very difficult and many had to be engineered from scratch in their original materials – brass, phosphor-bronze and so on – a costly proposition involving skilled engineering. Undeterred the STRPS team set about raising further funds for this unwelcome and unexpected set back which put back the anticipated completion date.
Meanwhile, back in Bilton, committee member John Branson turned his skills to creating a scale model of the Harrogate Gas Works sidings (*standard gauge rail) and lower-level ‘Barber’ coal depot (#narrow gauge rail) – which has been on Public Display at various locations across Bilton and Harrogate throughout 2014 and ongoing until March/April 2015. The full-scale, refurbished ‘Barber’ was displayed for three days at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate in July 2014 – before returning to Keefs Engineering Works for completion of its final coats of paint and boiler testing. In late September 2014, fully tested and complete with its sparkling new livery it was transported to Alston, Cumbria where it will have a second working life pulling passengers on the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society line.
The ‘Barber’ Coal Depot was to the rear of 52 – 44 Tennyson Avenue
The model layout attempts to recreate an impression of the main line (standard gauge) at ‘00’ gauge and the ‘Barber’ line (narrow gauge) at ‘N’ gauge to keep them in proportion. John has sourced some sections of line and points and we have received few items of rolling stock by way of a coal wagon and guards van for the main line. We are grateful for the technical advice of retired railway and gas industry staff who have helped us to make the model as accurate as possible and to Neil Bentley of ‘The Ark’ who have sponsored the manufacture of a protective acrylic hood.
Bilton Conservation Group is delighted to support these projects to celebrate Bilton & Harrogate’s industrial heritage and leave reminders for future generations.
Images courtesy of Bilton Historical Society, the Hardisty family, New Park Heritage Centre & STRPS.
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