5542 Steams Up Shackerstone...

Hey everyone. Today I was at Shackerstone by 8am as I knew that No5542, the GWR Small Prairie, would be being prepared. This engine, visiting from the SDR, is owned by a group of shareholders. These guys are a very nice, friendly bunch and hardly ever get a chance to drive/fire their engine. Therefore, this weekend, the Prairie was in steam to give the shareholders their chance. The loco did many trips, with a 4-coach train, to Shenton and back over the freshly re-cut section of track. I must admit, it was very nice to see little Prairie in action again; a real branchline feel. During the day, in the shed, we worked on the new Ashpan for the Peckett "Sir Gomer" which is now fast approaching steaming. 5542 performed faultlessly all day and will be performing the first public steam services of the new 2011 season next Sunday; March 6th. Diesel trains will also run on Saturday 5th March. During the afternoon, there was also a 'Footplate Experience' course participant; another successful weekend for the railway overall. Evening all...