Model engineering societies organize many super outings for their members. Here’s a great one from the Ryedale Society, that many non-members will be envious of, to drive the historic 15in. gauge locomotive Sian.

DRIVING SIAN

Recently, we have made two visits, organised by David Bedding, for members of Ryedale Society of Model Engineers to drive Sian at the Windmill Farm 15in. gauge railway, near Ormskirk in Lancashire. Windmill Farm lies on the flat, marshy Lancashire plain, next to the famous Martin Mere nature reserve, and is a childrens’ ‘pet and feed farm’. Anyone with young children would find this most interesting, with first-class facilities, hygiene, and interesting animals.

The 15in. railway is owned by Austin Moss, and is a mile in length, with a half-way stop at Lake View. There are workshops and sheds, with many other locomotives—steam and diesel—many of which are important historically.

Sian is a 2-4-2, built in 1963 by Trevor Guest Ltd of Stourbridge for the Fairbourne Railway, from a 1951 design by Earnest Twining - ex Bassett-Lowke. In 45 years, Sian has appeared in several guises and names, and has run on most 15in. railways including Bure Valley, Kirklees, Cleethorpes and Ravenglass & Eskdale. In 1994 she was taken over by the Sian Project Group and her wonderful appearance and power is a credit to them.

The first group had excellent weather for their visit, but the second group had to contend with wind, rain, and lowish temperatures. Everyone was given at least two goes on the regulator, under the guidance of our guide, David, as there were paying passengers on the trains. Sian is a pleasure to drive and so much easier than 5in. with no need to panic over water, fire or pressure. A shovel of coal, a dash of water, brake off, full gear, gently open the regulator and off we go, rather like driving a Rolls! However, the wet rails, on the second visit, did mean that skill was needed to prevent slipping. Speed was between 4 and 6 mph, although one member did reach 9.5mph. 

We all thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and wish Sian was closer than 100+ miles. Many thanks are due to the Sian Project Group, and Austin Moss, as well as David Bedding for organising the visits and looking after us.   

Words and pictures from Walter Rinaldi-Butcher and John Chambers of the Ryedale Society of Model Engineers.