Thomas was always having trouble with trucks. Today, it was Colin McAndrew’s turn. It’s the IRS* AGM, held at the Chasewater Railway – they’ve organised a “60s style railtour” for our entertainment. Older members (that’s 99% of membership these days) will have fond memories of such events – e.g. “Farewell to Steam at Corby” (that’s 40 years ago, which is a sobering thought). The trouble is, of course, not the trucks themselves but their contents. I don’t remember anyone falling out at Corby, nevertheless, today’s rule (happily, the only one) was “no standing up while the train is in motion”. We all did as we were told.

Colin McAndrew is a diminutive Barclay 0-4-0ST (1223 of 1911), who is a serious contender for my wife’s affections.

*IRS = Industrial Railway Society (our transatlantic friends will possibly be relieved to know that…)