Idryss & Siadwell Take "Thomas"...

Hi everybody. Today for the 3rd and final time during this event, I was rostered on "Thomas The Tank Engine" (Jinty 47298) at Shackerstone. My Driver today was Eddie and we had a very enjoyable day indeed. The only thing wrong was the weather. It either rained heavily or the wind battered us. It really was one of the most unpleasant days for weather that I have ever had on a footplate. The only upside was that we were on an engine with a proper cab rather than the rather lacking cab of 3803! We were ready well before time but as it was so cold and wet the call came for us to put the Jinty onto the back of the train asap to start steam heating. We jumped to the task and the 0-6-0 was soon coupled up and heating at full steam. It was now only around 9:30am and we weren't due out until 10:30am so Eddie got cooking...

The lovely Breakfast Cobs that Eddie produced on that shovel were very welcome this morning, and very tasty. We had a few sausages, a few rashers of bacon and an egg each and it really hit the spot. We even had enough stuff left to do another couple later on: just the ticket!...

As was timetabled, there were 6 trips to Shenton again today. We had the 1st, 3rd and last, with 3803 taking the other three. Our first two trips were top & tailed with the Class 73 to save running round/uncoupling in the heavy rain, and to keep time where possible. I drove our 2nd trip, with Eddie firing, which was very enjoyable. I also drove our one trip coupled to the DMU to Hedleys, with Eddie taking over his post again for our final trip. This run was gratefully taken both ways by the 3F. Top & tailing does save time but it can get boring so its always nice to have at least one run where you can really let the Jinty show what she can do. We did a few races and games today but it was just so wet that everybody stayed on the trains rather than venturing outside to watch our antics. Nevertheless, we had a fantastic day on the locomotive anyway. After a quick clean out (as part of disposal) the Jinty was taken down to the North End sidings ready for departure by road tomorrow at Midday. She is now off to Denmark of all places! My god that Thomas gets around. Anyway folks, thanks to Eddie for a great day and thank you all for reading. Cheers guys. Sam...