Today I was at my standard gauge concern, the Battlefield Line Railway at Shackerstone. It was the railway's 2009 Autumn Diesel Gala. The star of the fabulous event was Class 56 (040) "Oystermouth" from the Mid-Norfolk Railway at Dereham. "Oystermouth" was joined by newly-restored resident Class 56 (086) to form a "two Grid" line up. The 3rd "Grid" (Class 56) unfortunately could not attend as she was stuck at Barrow Hill with on going work incomplete. The 56's were joined by the two resident Class 31's, the 47, 73, 33 and 25. The Shunter fleet was then represented by the Class 02, 03 & 04 which were in action on "shuttles" around the Shackerstone site using the 2-car DMU as passenger stock. On top of the diesels there were trade stands and many, many happy visitors! The favourite combination of the gala seemed to be the double-headed Grids! (Due to the stock being vacuum braked a "translator" locomotive had to be used to convert the "air" of the 56's to "vacuum". For example, the Class 73). The gala seemed to go off very well indeed and the next Diesel Gala will take place in Spring 2010. (Check out the "Shackerstone Diesels" website for more info).Down in the steam shed, myself & Andy were working on a "Steam Heat Boiler Van". Meanwhile, Aveiling & Porter "The Blue Circle" and LNER B1 "Mayflower" slumbered silently, no doubt enjoying their well earnt rests. Peckett "Sir Gomer" received some more needle-gunning during the day and is now awaiting the return of her boiler from Llangollen. Thanks for reading folks, Good Evening...
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