Author: geoffspages

Well Preserved

On By geoffspagesIn Railways...Leave a comment

Well preservedWell they are – “well tanks”, that is, both of them. The lovely Krauss metre-gauge locomotives were on display on a short stretch of track at the Alan Keef open day today. The green one is 3142 of 1894, the black one 5742 of 1908. Both have been restored to full working order at Keef’s in the recent past – I met them when they were in the works a few years back (see “Justine and Lydia” and “Coffee Pots at Keef’s“). Both were in steam today, and shuffled up and down their temporary track from time to time.

We drove the short distance from Keef’s to the Lea Bailey Light Railway, where a 2′ gauge line is being developed at the former gold mine (yes, really). One to watch, I think.

Little and large

Little and LargeOn now to Perrygrove. We thought Keef’s was busy – Perrygrove was packed… Perhaps it was the attraction of visiting locos, demonstration freights etc… It’s difficult to believe that “Lydia” and “Cagney”, seen in the photo (right) both operate on the same 15″ gauge track.

There will be a “Rail Diaries” page on the day’s amusements in due course.

Kenilworth

On By geoffspagesIn NT and EH, Photography2 Comments

Forty-two years later… I visited the castle at Kenilworth on a cold, clear day in late autumn, 1971. “Must go again one day”. Here’s the outcome. It’s changed a bit over the years… It was cold and rather grey (ideal for exploring the gatehouse), then later in the afternoon, a spell of bright directional sunshine. Great while it lasted, which wasn’t long.

There’s almost too much to take in here in a day – we’d better come back yet again. Probably won’t leave it another 42 years…

Kenilworth Castle – English Heritage

High Vinnals and the pop-up tea rooms

On By geoffspagesIn Photography, Walks1 Comment

“Roses Pop-up Vintage Tea Room”, to be precise. What a wonderful idea! (excellent cheese scones, with cream cheese and onion marmalade). We’ve been to Mortimer Forest many times, and walked the High Vinnals circuit more than once before, but always in winter – when there had been far fewer visitors and no sign of tea rooms, pop-up or otherwise. It’s a pleasant walk, about 3 miles, with great views from the higher parts of the route. Where the trees limit the views, the insect life and the ripe blackberries provide more local interest.