Forty years ago River Mite was first commissioned to serve on La'al Ratty after an epic journey from her builders, H. Clarkson and Son of York, to Ravenglass on a trailer behind a steam traction engine. On Sunday, July 22, she was recommissioned after a major overhaul by TMA Engineering Ltd. of Birmingham. The boiler and the tender did not need attention but the R&ER Preservation Society paid about £45,000 for the overhaul of the chassis and running gear, which was considerably worn after 40 years of service. The previous night at Dalegarth an auction of worn-out parts from the engine and other memorabilia raised £1,700 for the Society's funds.
Driver Ian Birch brought River Mite to Platform 1 for the rededication ceremony at 11.30. Opening the proceedings, Society chairman Sam Dixon welcomed the guests and thanked TMA Engineering for rebuilding the locomotive. Most of the work done was invisible, below the boiler, but it had been necessary. He paid tribute to Paul Turnill, the Ratty's chief engineer, and his staff for their help in solving some difficult problems.
Peter Hensman, who represented the directors of the railway company, is a grandson of Lord Wakefield, who joined with the fledgling Preservation Society and Colin Gilbert in 1960 to save the line from the scrapyard. He handed over to Sam Dixon the staff that his grandfather had handed to the driver at River Mite's original commissioning. Sam duly handed it to the driver to carry on the footplate as his symbolic authority to occupy the line. Peter Hill, a retired engineer who worked on River Mite when she was built by Clarkson's in 1966, was invited to unveil the engine's commemorative headboard and ride on the footplate for the journey up the line.
The special train, carrying invited guests, departed at 11.50 with John Larke as guard. Climbing Mill Wood bank the engine was working much harder than she should have been. The exhaust was barking from the chimney and a slight wheelslip was quickly corrected by the driver. When the train stopped at Miteside loop to allow River Irt to pass with a down train, the problem was quickly traced to one carriage on which the brakes were binding. Once they were freed, River Mite tackled the remaining climb to Walk Mill Summit easily and there were no further incidents.
At Dalegarth another ceremony from 40 years ago was repeated when River Mite broke a tape while easing forward from her train onto the turntable. Jackie Pharaoh was a bit disappointed that the 'tape' did not break with a satisfying twang, but 40 years ago the Ratty did not use soft, stretchy loo paper.
Ron Clarke, who was River Mite's regular driver for many years, rode on the footplate for the return journey. He always loved the engine and likened her to the Black Fives that he used to drive for British Railways. Ian Birch, her present driver, agrees. "She's the best engine in the fleet," he said. "She's the easiest to drive and children love her because she's the same colour as James in the Thomas books." Graham Withers, her first regular driver, was also among the guests, as was Ian Smith, the Ratty's previous chief engineer.
All agreed that River Mite acquitted herself well on her return to service after her overhaul. She was missed while she was away and she looks fit for at least another 40 years' service.
Our picture shows Driver Ian Birch on his return to Ravenglass