Hi guys. Today was a quiet one in pleasant company, with the railways own Peckett "SIR GOMER". I arrived at Shackerstone at 6:30am and, as booked fireman, signed in and read the notices. I then ambled down to the shed in the morning wind and opened up the increasingly rustic looking metal door. Inside, "Sir Gomer" stood warm but quiet. After dragging myself up onto the footplate I checked the water level in the gauge glasses and also checked around inside the firebox: all looked well. As soon as I lit the engine up she began singing away and when driver Brian arrived at 7:15 she was already off the stop. The elderly Peckett came around quickly with very little persuasion, and at 10:30am we were on the stock, steam heating the damp looking coaches. I can't believe we are still even contemplating steam heating at this time of year but I guess if it has to be done we should just do it, plus it gives us something to do before departure time. Below, "Sir Gomer" stands at the head of what will be the 11:15 departure from Shackerstone, wearing the infamous "Can't Beat A Black 5, Sir William.A.Stanier" headboard :) ...
Now for a sunnier shot half an hour later with the headboard removed...
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| "Sunny Peckett" |
Throughout the weather-varied day, "Sir Gomer" performed well. She barked happily through the Leicestershire countryside and was seemingly unhindered (as usual) by the load of 5 coaches (around 240 tons). 47 miles later, "Sir Gomer" is captured hauling the last train energetically out of Market Bosworth, homeward bound...
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| "Steaming Through The Woods" |
I must thank Brian for a very enjoyable day on the loco with him. She steamed well, pulled well and best of all we had a laugh...which is what you want really. Thank you for reading guys. Sam...
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