The Best Great Western; "The North Western"...

Hi all. Today, in order to escape the family for a short while as they enjoyed in the fabulous Royal Wedding, the 5" gauge railway at Coventry Model Engineering Society was pressed into service to provide some welcome entertainment. The 'RPMR', as it is known, was open to members today so that engines could be given a run; wether they were club-owned or privately so. I must admit, the turnout was better than any I have seen in some years. I counted at least 12 locomotives touching down on the track, from the smallest of 3.5" tank engines to the biggest of 5" gauge electrics and tendered steamers. The action at the steaming bays was non-stop, right from the 10am start time, and it continued after we left! Below, 4 engines wait on the steaming bay, with a marshalled train waiting on the run-up-rail nearby...
Amongst many other engines, we had two 3.5" loco's present; a Class 1F 'Molly' and a 'Princess Marina'; owned by Eddie Jones; which is a Stanier Mogul 2-6-0. From the 5" range we had a; 'Butch', 'Pansy', two LNWR Precursors (see later), a Bagnall, Class 37, a Dock Shunter, a 'Sarah Siddons', an RC 0-4-0 electric and a RoR 'Hercules'. The stalwart 'Butch', owned by Mr Farr, which always runs like a well-oiled sewing machine, can be seen getting up a head of steam below...
'Pansy' (Pannier Tank) "Victoria", wearing her lovely GWR Green livery, experienced a few problems early on but seemed to be running fine after some minor attention. 5717 on the bay...
Now, some say; tongue in cheek; that there is "Only one Great Western, and thats the North Western". Well, I can truly say hand on heart that I do like the Great Western engines; I really do. But, the fact remains, that pre-grouping designs, like those of LNWR, were arguably way ahead of their time. LNWR engines were indeed very big for their era, usually baring huge wheels with plenty of ability for speed. After all, fast journey times from London to the North were required and, in these days of still-rather primitive lubrication, the bigger the wheel meant the better the running; surely! The LNWR developed the 'Precursor' Class as a fast passenger 4-4-0, keeping a tender behind for better running on longer journeys which required more capacity. However, the design was so successful that the LMS, after the amalgimation, built a Tank Engine version. Today, the 'newest' engine in CMES was enjoying her first ever steam outing...
This beautiful LNWR Precursor Tank, built by Mr M Sweatman, was a pleasure to see and ran beautifully. Check out that cab detail...
With the Tank in the background, the RC 0-4-0 (+ owner) is readied for running...
The 'mad' brother even managed to bag a drive; on the club's 37 electric...
Of course, I had a drive on the 37 too but, though it echoes usefulness, it isn't anywhere near as interesting as the steamer. Luckily, Colin offered me a drive on his fabulous engine, which is incidently the tendered version of the Precursor. I've driven this engine many times before and its always a joy. You never have trouble with steam, or with water, and the bark is fantastic. Never a problem on LNWR?! I must admit, I do really like this one...
Just two quick clips below of me driving the tendered Precursor...

Some Royalists, ay?...
All in all, a fantastic steam up at CMES and well done to the guy above (Mr Wilson) for organising it; a great morning. Now its time for home; we have a party to be at by 13:00! (And to see the newly weds on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at 13:30 of course!). Thank you for reading everyone. Whats coming up tomorrow; a 5am start at Shackerstone on GWR No3803...(yawns begin). Good Day all...