Main line steam returned to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for the May Day bank holiday weeked, in the shape of GWR 0-6-2T 5643 – accompanied by a fine pair of Barclays. For a full (ish) account and more pictures, visit “Ecclesbourne Again” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries

For more on yesterday’s fun at Chasewater visit “The 1960s Railtour” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries

(Right) Colin McAndrew is still smoking well on his return to Brownhills West, at the end of the trip

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…)

It was going to be Black 5 no. 44932 – until the last minute, when 8F 48151 was substituted. No problem – should be plenty of steam and smoke. We would see the return working of today’s “Welsh Borders Steam Special”, as it headed away from Shrewsbury, back towards Crewe.

Things didn’t go entirely as hoped – but it was on time, and there was steam and smoke – and wind – and mud. One or two more photos and a video clip will appear in a day or so, meanwhile, here’s a taster.