Autumn Colours: Blustery Battlefield Line...

Finding myself at a loose end this afternoon, I decided to head over to grab myself a brief steam fix at Shack. If this year has taught us anything, it's that nothing should be taken for granted...and that includes the sight of an engine in steam! I knew David was driving today so thought it would be a good opportunity for a quick catch up. Knowing the regular timetable like the back of my hand, I parked up along Congerstone Road and wandered across the footpath to the field gate alongside the railway. Soon enough, ticking into sight came GWR 4575-Class Small Prairie No5526, built at Swindon in May 1928. Despite not being native to these parts, Prairie tanks seem to be more common on the old Ashby & Nuneaton joint these days than they were on the Western region! Whilst the engine braked for an upcoming 10mph speed restriction, David and Carl waved enthusiastically from the cab as they passed by. Watching the tail lamp disappear towards Carlton, I decided to head over to Shack to grab a cuppa'. An autumn wind was biting as I trotted up the muddy driveway to the station. Having chatted with a few old faces who seemed incredibly surprised to see me, I watched the Prairie tank roll in from Shenton. Soon she was watered and back at the head of the four-coach train awaiting her final departure at 15:30...

It was nice to see the old gang, particularly after a year which has brought into question just about everything we hold dear. It was also nice to see 5526. She spent her working life in the West Country before being retired in June 1962 and ending up at Barry. These days she is resident at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway but has spent much of the extremely short lived 2020 season at Shackerstone. As departure time neared, the vacuum ejector was brought into action before the engine received the "Right Away" from the Guard. With David in control, 5526 hissed into life, pulling away from a windswept Shackerstone. See you next time, David...

As the engine chugged away towards Market Bosworth, I wandered back down the driveway towards the car. It was then time for a blustery drive home through the lanes but it felt good to have seen (and smelt) some steam again. Who knows when I'll next see an engine in steam but, with all things considered, I think it'll be next year. I hope not, but that's my prophecy. Roll on the next time. Cheers all and stay safe...