Final Turn of 2013 on 3803...

Hi there everyone. Today was my last turn of 2013 on 3803. Footplate Inspector John was booked as the Driver, with myself firing and Jamie as trainee. Our 'Mince Pie Specials' will operate until New Years Day and today was one of the post-Christmas steam haulage days. We had originally rostered "Sir Gomer" for the work but she is out of action at present and in dispose in the engine shed. The Peckett will now sit out of use for the winter, and will be repaired of course! Myself and Jamie arrived on site at just before 6:30am. Shackerstone is quite a different place in the dark. This was the scene along Platform 1 upon our arrival...

"A Winter Scene"

3803 was prepared by myself and Jamie. Jamie cleaned whilst I oiled up the large Great Western 2-8-0. Driver John also soon arrived and we enjoyed a cuppa' whilst 3803 gradually raised steam. The wind was blowing and the rain was falling: it was quite a horrendous morning in actual fact. Even so, we had a very pleasant day on the footplate. I fired the first train before handing over to Jamie for two trips, and then firing the last one. I also drove the 3rd trip which was very pleasant. 3803 was steaming very well as normal, and pulled like a beauty. Five coaches is absolutely no issue for her...we could do with another 5 or 6 on to couple up to them! Below, 3803 stands ready to back down onto the 12:30pm train...

It was a very pleasant but very quiet day on the Battlefield Line. 3803 stands ready with the 1:45pm train...

"3803 With A Quiet, Steam Heated 5-Coach Train"

All in all a very enjoyable day. I must thank John and Jamie for their company aboard the 1939-built Heavy Freight and I look forward to a no doubt fantastic steaming season at Shackerstone in 2014. Thanks very much for reading guys. Kind Regards, Sam...