Tyseley: A Castle Is For Cleaning...

Hi all. Only a short post from today. After leaving work on the half day Friday shift I headed over to Tyseley Loco Works to help with preparations on and about 5043. The Castle Class 4-6-0 was being readied for tomorrows sprint to Llandudno for the towns Victorian Festival. The engine was warming through nicely with a trail of smoke drifting steadily skyward from her double chimney. As usual with the full-day excursions, the majority of the preparation was carried out today. I spent my time cleaning the engine, helping Paul buff up the huge Hawksworth tender. Its high sides stretch even the longest arm! Tomorrow the engine will head into Wales via Walsall, Wolverhampton, Stafford and Crewe, tailed by the Duff (47 773) which will later aid the turning of the locomotive at Chester. It should be another great day out and the weather men are promising fine conditions for our jaunt to the seaside. Cheers all, Sam...