Brief Overview
IMLEC returned to Kinver after a gap of only 3 years. The battle for the title would be between Kevan Ayling, who had bought his BR Proposed 2-8-2 "out of retirment" for the competition, and Glyn Winsall, who was at the regulator of his father Fred's Thompson O1. From early on Saturday, Glyn sat at the top of the leaderboard, but the penultimate run of Kevan was to pip Glyn to the title.
"Octavia is a BR Proposed 2-8-2 built in 5in. gauge by Kevan Ayling from Worthing DSME. Fitted with Bulleid multiple jet draughting and a large bore chimney, it won at Bristol in 1991. Kevan sold the engine and the new owner sold it on. Sadly this owner has since died but his widow, who keeps the locomotive on display, very sportingly agreed to let it have one more outing. Apart from a shakedown run in June and at the time of the boiler test, the engine had not steamed for several years so Kevan came to the competition with an (almost) untried locomotive. Kevan elected a load of 26 on 12 bogies. The engine took up the load quite sweetly and was soon devouring the laps in fine style. Wearing a Jester's cap just for fun Ian Kelly, Secretary of Worthing DSME, rode Tail End Charlie. Towards the end of the run Kevan misjudged the fire and stopped briefly for a blow up on the steepest part of the track, but Octavia shifted the load quite easily and went on to finish in fine style."
Interesting Facts
Kevan Ayling joined a growing list of two-time champions, taking his 2nd title 7 years after his first.
Kevan Ayling Specific Coal Consumption was actually higher than Glyn Winsall, but on account of the calorific value of the coal (Kevan used anthracite, Glyn Welsh steam coal) Kevan achieved a higher efficiency figure.
Bill Beveridge fitted an observer's shed to the front of his GWR "King" giving it a unique look.