Birthday Special with No499...

Hi all. Today I was back at the Ryton Pool Miniature Railway for another rostered turn on one of the Birthday Special days. I arrived at 9am and began prepping 0-4-0 Sweet Pea "John Owen" for use on the main passenger rake. The Class 37 electric was meanwhile pressed into service for the Birthday children to drive. The party arrived on time at 10am and the 37 got going straight away. I drove No499 throughout the running and she performed brilliantly. She steamed well, pulled well and gripped the rails easily. The party went off without hitch and proved very enjoyable for all involved, as well as the party itself (hopefully). Running ended at just gone 11am and the two loco's were soon put away, though the 37 would be later used on the Sunday afternoon service. Cheers everyone. Sam...