It was only a little one, at the start of our day – after that, plenty of sunshine and, from time to time, interesting lighting conditions. Visit “Statfold Again” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for lots of pictures…
Tag: Steam
Rain, steam and (relatively low) speed
Been to Statfold today. The overnight night rain cleared, but there was plenty of cloud around, making for some threatening skies and, just occasionally, dramatic lighting. Here’s a sample – eventually, there will be several more pictures on Geoff’s Rail Diaries (when I’ve done the Waverley photos…).
Coal Trains
We’ve been to Chasewater this afternoon, for their “Coal Trains Day” event (what better way to celebrate the solstice?). Red (No 2), green (Colin McAndrew) and blue (Holly Bank No 3) steam locos in action on the self-styled “Colliery Line” – great fun! For more on the day’s activities – and more pictures – visit “Coal Trains Day” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries.
Steam at Statfold
Just uploaded to “Geoff’s Rail Diaries”, another 30-odd photos of Saturday’s Enthusiasts’ Day at the Statfold Barn Railway. Visit “Statfold Steam” – now!
Narrow gauge heaven
It’s the Statfold June open day – and, as ever, there are narrow gauge steam locomotives everywhere. One on each end of the two trains on the new line, lots more on the old line – the freight has no fewer than four locomotives, two at each end. Haven’t attempted to count them – perhaps if I can’t get to sleep tonight (better than sheep…). A “Rail Diaries” page will appear in a day or two – in the meantime, here’s just one taster.
The Davenport – the photos…
AS promised, (a few) more photos of the little Davenport – and its somewhat larger companion – in action at Statfold yesterday. Visit The Davenport and the Plymouth on Geoff’s Rail Diaries.
Then and Now
What a contrast! We first met this little Davenport (US) 0-4-0 saddle tank in June a couple of years ago, when it was newly arrived at Statfold from industrial service (and a few years out of use) in India. Today it was in service, operating trains for the Industrial Railway Society, and looking rather smart in a clean black livery. Hard to believe it’s the same locomotive!
More photos will appear on Geoff’s Rail Diaries in a day or so.
Taking the train to Torpantau
We’ve been for a ride on the extended Brecon Mountain Railway. It now runs from Pant to Torpantau, a few yards south of the site of the old standard gauge station. At just under five miles, it’s a good distance for a most enjoyable 2′ gauge train ride. Visit “Brecon Baldwin” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for more…
Black 5690
Jubilee “Leander” could be mistaken for a Black 5 – now in BR black livery as 45690, after years of LMS maroon – though the lines of a 5XP are perhaps just that bit finer than the slightly stockier 5MT. Whatever the colour or shape, and despite the dull weather, Leander made a fine sight and sound on Shrewsbury’s Battlefield bank this afternoon. (See also “Leander in black” on Geoff’s Rail Diaries)
Austerity
No, not today’s dreadful economic state, but a railway reminder of wartime – the 2-8-0 freight locomotives, built quickly and as cheaply as possible for service in the UK and abroad. The BR austerities were all scrapped, despite surviving until late 1967 – but one which never saw BR service survived – and this weekend it is visiting the Severn Valley Railway for their “Spring Steam Gala”. I thought I’d better go and see no. 90733 in action… Visit 2-8-0s on Geoff’s Rail Diaries for more…
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