Hands-on at Crewe
With The Duke back in service, focus turned to presentation and what needs doing to keep him in as pristine a condition as possible. Whilst the day-to-day care and maintenance is the responsibility of Locomotive Services Limited (LSL), volunteers are very welcome to assist, especially with cleaning.
Simon Davies provides an insight into how you can get hands-on with The Duke.
When The Duke relocated to Crewe, Alan Unsworth was the sole volunteer and attended most Wednesdays for several weeks until I started supporting him in late September 2025.
LSL is primarily a maintenance facility & active running shed with constant movement of their fleet within the shed & yard areas, so safety is paramount & constant vigilance essential. However, from the outset, we have been made to feel exceptionally welcome by their workforce, who are always willing to help & guide us. All volunteers (a grand total of two so far!) receive an induction, site familiarisation, clocking in/out cards, safety name tags for the ‘Not to be Moved’ boards and named padlocks for the lockable cupboard. This ensures the shed road derailer cannot be lowered and no movements can occur until we’re safely ‘off’ the loco.
The Duke undergoing a boiler washout in the LSL yard after the Impossible Dream Express, the Chairman’s Train and the return to Crewe (S Davies)
The protective screen directs most of the water into the pit… most. Still warm even after five days cooling (S Davies)
Facilities are excellent with a clean, warm, dry environment to work in if the loco is inside, and we also have access to changing/kitchen areas and whilst we take our own food and drink, I believe a mobile catering van attends daily. All consumables, including paraffin, polish and rags, are available from stores and are booked out against the loco. This is a highly professional setup, and I imagine that if steam had remained in frontline service into the 21st century, this is probably what a modern-day steam shed would look like.
Before the Bath Christmas Market trips, the loco had three outings from Crewe, and after each, a full clean was required, especially around the wheels, frames and motion, in particular the centre drivers where significant grease deposits built up. This is a great opportunity for a physical workout and can take up most of our time during the weekly visit, developing arm muscles we never knew we wanted!
A build-up of rust on the rods prior to cleaning (S Davies)
A build-up of rust on the slide bars (right), prior to cleaning (S Davies)
Shiny after thorough cleaning. A coat of cylinder oil is about to be applied, but it’ll all need doing again soon! (S Davies)
Rust buildup on the motion occurs very quickly if the loco has been left outside, or, as I quickly learned, a boiler washout, and this too needs removing and coating with oil. Dependent on where The Duke is parked will often decide what can be tackled, but if a trestle can come alongside, then we can access the tender sides & above the running plate, where there is usually a significant build-up of muck and grime. It’s dirty work, but the satisfaction is considerable when it’s done!
Cleaning underway inside LSL’s works; the boiler being cleaned before the Christmas Market trips (S Davies)
Making sure the smokebox and nameplate shine! (S Davies)
We have a great working relationship with LSL, and Creagh Maywald, Head of Steam Locomotive Engineering, is very keen that we continue attending despite The Duke being away from Crewe, as there will always be plenty for us to help with, even if it is only those other B’s…. Blue Peter, Britannia & Braunton! So, if this sounds like a recruitment drive for more volunteers, then spot on! It’s a very enjoyable experience, and you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re interested, free for a few hours on Wednesdays and over 18, please contact Steve Wakeland – email: Steve.Wakeland@TheDuke.UK.com