The Garrett

'The Garrett' was a steam locomotive - a steam engine - that passed through 'The Dam' part of the village for many years on its journeys up and down the railway line.

Many people knew about The Garrett, not least because it could be heard from almost any part of the village, even though it was far away from most places.

Many stories are told about that famous train engine - and here the aim is to gather them together and share them. Do you know anything about The Garrett? or about anyone associated with The Garrett? or any of the stories about The Garrett?

Information may be shared through the following email addresses, telephone numbers, or in person by speaking with Patrick at Dodworth St Johns Church on a Thursday morning (the coffee morning). Messages written in any form may also be left there or at Dodworth Library.
dodworthkronicle@googlemail.com
muckbank@yahoo.co.uk
249231 / 0746599171

Here's a few 'facts' about the Garrett.

It was the most powerful steam engine ever built in the UK - far more powerful that the engine which pulled The Flying Scotsman. However, both engines were designed by the same man Sir Nigel Gressley.

Perhaps only the one was built, but the plan was for 3. Being unsuccessful the plan was shelved.

It was made at the Peacock Works in Manchester.

It worked the line from the Wath-on-Dearne marshalling yards to Dunford Bridge Railway Station and return for about 25 years, until after WW2. That may be a journey of only 17 miles each way. That line included the steepest part of any mainline railway in the UK - The Worsborough Bank Line.

It was about 185 feet long, and weighed about 200 tons.

The trains involved were usually 'mineral wagons' containing coal, had about 40-50 wagons, and weighed about 1000 tons.

The engines were heavy on maintenance being prone to burning out fire grates, generated much slag, were disliked by 'firemen' due to the vast amount of shovelled coal needed to feed the great boilers.
The heat inside the cab was said to be immense.

The Garrett usually 'pushed' the train rather than pulled it. So the pressure on the Train Guards Van at the rear of train of wagons - jammed between the pushing engine and the weighty train - was so great that it was known to buckle the frame of the van holding shut the doors and preventing the Guard from getting out!

Locals robbed the train when it slowed on the hill to walking pace.

'Lady Asquith' was known to take rides on The Garrett 'footplate' from Smithywood Lane Crossing to Dunford.

Don't forget to send comments enhancing any of the above tales or sharing new ones.


Regards,

The Editor