The Auto Trolley, built by LA Services Ltd., was collected from Nuneaton at the end of September 2006 and taken immediately to the annual meeting of The 7¼in. Gauge Society Ltd. This took place at the Conwy Valley Railway Museum, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales.
During the Trolley’s running trials, we decided to fit an improved silencer which LA Services kindly supplied in time for our return to Spain. |
At the end of the meeting the Trolley was loaded back into my van and was transported to Spain late October 2006.
It was not until the 12th December 2006 that sufficient manpower could be located to help off load it. As it happened, using a block & tackle, it was discharged quite easily on to the short section of 1 in 10 track leading up to the loco shed. |
Even some petrol engines steam! Here we fill the open radiator of the classic Lister D petrol engine with copious bottles of water. When working hard the water boils away quite merrily. To my surprise she started more or less on the first crank of the handle.
With the new longer silencer fitted, the reduction in the volume of exhaust beat was significant compared to the original short silencer. No need for earmuffs any more! |
It is important to adjust the air petrol mix so that the exhaust is not black.
Incidently I'm the one with the hat on the right. The fellow on the left is my very good friend Peter Ladbrooke, member of the Cambridge MEC. He is also an occasional neighbour of ours in Spain and willingly gives me a hand on the ABR. Thanks Pedro! |
Nine months on, the Lister, now with canopy, gets an outing on the 19th July 2007. This photo shows the new carriage shed and the full extent of the trackwork so far! The first point constructed is also awaiting installation. |
It's August 2009, nearly 3 years since arriving on the ABR and the LA Lister powered Auto Trolley gets its first proper outing down to the yard level. To my surprise it started quite effortlessly! |
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The ballast wagon doubles up for transporting almonds. |
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October 2009 - Look at the sky, it's late October! |
October 2009 - Driving lessions for a visitor. Must get some decent carriages built! |
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