Strathaven Model Society

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Strathaven Model Society

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Strathaven Model Society meet in their workshops on a Monday all day, a Tuesday evening from 7pm onwards & most days there are members around. On a Saturday & Sunday afternoon from April to September we operate Strathaven Miniature Railway in Strathaven Park( search for strathaven miniature railway)
Visitors are most welcome as are new members.

03/11/2026

25/06/2026

On Monday the 15th of June we managed to deliver the Black 5 to the park (thanks to Jim and his trailer).
Once at the park we started to steam the locomotive but encountered several issues initially. Stuck in forward gear, hydraulic issue in cylinders etc. All fixed at the park.
During that time the local Minister from the Hamilton Old Parish Church came along to Bless and name our new locomotive (Covenanter).
After they had left we were able to steam the locomotive again and had it move under her own steam, very stiff and tight but all to be expected. Running in will now will take place over the coming weeks and months and hopefully see her running with passengers early next year or if we are very lucky late this year

Thank you to all that has contributed to all the work with this locomotive.

From The Wee Train's Big Brother (Covenanter)

10/06/2026

Huge congratulations to OUR engineers.
The last nut tightened, the last pipe bent into place, the last joint silver soldered.
The BLACK 5 (COVENANTER) has finally been completed.
Well done to everybody that has contributed to this major task. We have had backward steps along the way but perseverance has finally paid off.

We will now need to find the best time to transfer the loco to the park.
We can then start the running-in process over the next few months. This will need to be planned and each step recorded as we proceed with this task. Hopefully these will be successful and Covenanter will be ready to pull passengers next year, earlier if all goes to plan.

Thank you to all involved with this massive project. What an amazing achievement.

From The Wee Train

20/05/2026

We reached a new milestone with our Black 5 this week.
After an initial issue with one of the two safety valves and a quick bit of filing, the loco passed with flying colours. She has one or two minor bits of work to be completed in the workshop and then she is ready for the park.
Two injectors, one electric pump(instead of hand pump) were all tested. The loco also has an axle pump but was not tested during the stationary test.
We also received the two name plates for the running boards, see pictures attached. Covenanter will have these plates fitted in the next week or so. Mike has them home to paint and prepare them. The smoke box door number also arrived and you can also see the number on the cab side.
5 for the month of May and 2026 for the year (52026), similar to Margaret's 1949 on her cab.

Running in will take place over the summer before she can pull any passengers. All steam drivers will need to be trained on this locomotive, more complex than both Margaret or Eva.

Thank you ALL.

20/04/2026

Work continues in the workshop today, with Cairnhill passing both Hydraulic and steam testing. New fire grate was also fitted at this time.
We also took delivery of a new Hydraulic table pictured here with Cairnhill sitting on the table. This table will be used in the park to unload locomotives from members and visitors cars or trailers making it easier to access our track.

from the Wee Train

18/04/2026

Our up and coming 77th anniversary will be held in the park on the 14th of May as we always do. We have several visiting locomotives due to visit the park on the day. We were also very fortunate to have an article published in Heritage Steam Magazine publicising the event. Please see attached pdf.

From the Wee Train (77 this year)

Address

Strathaven
ML106LA

Website

http://www.strathavenminiaturerailway.org/

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