Strathaven Model Society

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)

25/03/2026

Black 5 in the final round of painting and reassembly hopefully by mid April . Name plate numbers and LMS logo on tender all to be attached soon.
We will then have the loco taken around to the park and start the commissioning process which will be over several weeks before passenger hauling.
Holmside has been put together for the first time in many years . Boiler has been hydraulically tested, now steam and running testing required.
A big thank you to all who have worked on these locos to get them to this stage and almost ready to head to the park.

04/02/2026

Black 5 update.
On Monday 26th January we took a massive step forward with the work on the Black 5.
On that morning we commenced the first steam test on the locomotive. She raised steam and performed well for the first time.
All major components worked as they should with one or two niggles to be sorted out once she was cold. All major valves and piping handled the steam pressure with no visible leaks.
A proud day for Mike and Tom who have led this project through the ups and downs of getting it ready for this test.
We will now complete the minor work required and strip the cladding of the engine ready for painting.
Thank you to all involved Mike, Tom, Gordon, Eric and many others within the club. See pictures attached.

19/10/2025

22/12/2024

Strathaven Model Society is proud to have played a small part in this amazing total.

05/12/2024

During the summer we were asked by the BBC children's section if we could assist with close up shots of a steam loco as they were making a new film (called the Primrose Railway Children).

We assisted with this at several locations in Glasgow studios and at St Fillans outdoor shoot.
The programme has now been released and is available on the IPlayer and will also be shown on BBC1 during the holidays.

If you know what you are looking for you will see Cairnhill dressed up as the BoNess for close up work. All Cairnhills brass work was blackened to make it look more like the real loco used.

Link to the BBC site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00263zv/the-primrose-railway-children