Going Great Central: Betwixtmas on the 9F...

And just like that, I've completed my final footplate turn of 2023! Today I was rostered for a 06:45 book on at the Great Central's Loughborough shed, ready to work two trips as part of the railway's Betwixtmas Steam Days. This morning, early but certainly not bright, I arrived at the engine shed a little after 06:15, in dry but very breezy conditions. Having signed in and read the notices, I noticed that myself and driver Bill were penned to the mighty 1959-built 9F 92214 again. Regular readers will know that I had a cracking day with this fine machine a few weeks ago, when JB joined us on the footplate for a morning on the 'Santa Express'. It was no hardship for me to be rostered on the big 2-10-0 again, especially when she is due to bow out for her 10-yearly overhaul before the spring. Whilst in the signing on hut, I decided to prepare some lamps for the engine. A pair of BR(E) lamps were soon filled, cleaned and ready for service. These were duly fitted to the waiting 9F...

I wasn't long at the foot of the steps of this big engine when driver Bill arrived. My first job was to have a check around in the cab. All looked well, with 1/2 a glass of water in the boiler and 40psi still on the clock from yesterday's efforts. Peering into the firebox revealed a fairly clinkered fire grate and, despite Mr Riddles' very much appreciated rocking grate, it can't be rocked in that state otherwise it will all get stuck. Therefore, headtorch on and brush in hand, it was time to enter the firebox and give everything a good cleanout. The current coal in the 9F's tender is South African stuff, which appears to have quite a few impurities in it. The clinker I was taking out was weightier than anything else I've seen before, almost like granite! After five minutes or so thrashing around atop the grate, I had things in a state where the grate could be rocked and the remaining ash transferred to the ashpan.

The grate was now in a fit position for lighting up and so, with Bill now kindly piling wood into the cab along with some paraffin-soaked rags, all I had to do was check the smokebox before lighting up. All was well in the front end and it just needed a quick brush out. Notice the five rows of superheater flues behind the double blastpipe and the two large steam pipes snaking out to meet the 20" cylinders...

With all checks made and the engine safe for lighting up, I threw a good bed of coal across the freshly cleaned bars before refitting the deflector plate. I then started throwing in some wood, along with some lit paraffin-soaked rags...

The engine started to sing almost immediately and, with two barrows of good, dry wood now crackling away in the firebox, I closed the doors and let her get on with it for a while. Once the fire is lit you can tend to sit back for two minutes and have a breather as the worst (for now) is over. Cleaner Alex soon appeared at the cab doorway with a very much appreciated, steaming hot cup of tea which was enjoyed whilst I planned my next move. Bill meanwhile was oiling up the engine's Walschaert's motion...

As the light came up, I could lose the headtorch and start to get around the engine more easily. Bill had opted to get the axlebox keeps done fairly early, which then allowed me to get on with the engine's fairly choked ashpan. There are four side pockets to do on the 9F: two per side. These allow you access to the shallower areas of the pan, where the wide firebox crosses over the frames. The main ashpan then has rocker doors which serve to remove the bulk of the ash. Despite the mod cons that Riddles employed, the ashpan still needs some encouragement from underneath, as the damper doors themselves tend to get clogged with accumulated ash. Therefore a trip underneath with the hose is necessary to coax everything down and ensure a good, thorough clean. Pan done and oiling complete, the engine wasn't far off ready for service as the steam pressure needle continued to steadily rise. My next job was to scale the tender and drag some coal down from the back. This job presented the unusual view below, with "Witherslack Hall" raising steam alongside...

At this point we would normally give the engine a good clean but next week she is taking part in a couple of photo charters and so, to keep things realistic, the 9F will appear in her 'working clothes'. I therefore decided to start cleaning up the cab and to give the backhead a wipe down as our off-shed time drew steadily nearer...

Below, the impressive 9F stands ready for action...

Once washed and changed, I rejoined Bill and 92214 ready to depart the shed. Our first move took us through to Loughborough's carriage sidings, via the down loop. Once inside the peg, the engine was screwed down whilst we awaited 8F 48305 to return from Swithland with our booked 10:40 freight train...

During this early break, Bill kindly made us another nice, hot cuppa' whilst we awaited our next move. The 8F soon clanked in from Quorn, coming to a stand in the down loop with the impressive rake of tanker wagons. These were duly picked up by us before we departed (five minutes down) for Swithland. The engine was steaming okay so far on the South African coal, although I found on that first run that it did burn away very quickly, particularly across the middle of the shallow grate. I therefore elected to fire it a little thicker, which seemed to do the trick. Once at Swithland, we uncoupled before running round via the route indicator signal and a quick 'bang road' run on the up line to reach the opposite end of our returning freight train...

Once coupled back on to the tankers, we were held in Swithland's up loop whilst we awaited the next up passenger train, hauled by the 8F...

"8F 48305 rushes past 92214 with an up passenger train"

With the 8F having cleared the Swithland to Rothley section with her passenger working, we were given the up loop starter to propel our freight train backwards out onto the up to get behind the route indicator signal. Once on the up line, the route indicator gave us the 'DM' board (down main) and we were signalled to depart for Loughborough, via Quorn. The engine steamed even better on this returning trip with a slightly thicker fire, although I was careful not to thicken it too much and cause clinker. Upon arrival at Loughborough we uncoupled again before a brisk run round, stopping briefly to top up the tender at the water column on our way round. The engine then took a five-coach passenger train to Leicester North, steaming beautifully. I was relieved I must admit, as reports of the coal from the previous days hadn't been encouraging! Once at Leicester, Bill kindly offered me the regulator for the return trip...

"In the driver's seat of 92214"

Leaving Leicester North on time at the helm of the mighty 9F, I felt quite on top of the world. Having driven the class 2 and class 5 Standards, I'd say that the 9er is much more pleasant to sit on and drive. I think it's because the bigger boiler brings everything a little closer to the seat so you don't have to stretch as much to reach everything. I found the 9F incredibly comfortable to drive and it was a pleasure to take her back to Loughborough today. I'm very grateful to Bill for the drive: it was most appreciated and very unexpected! As for the 9F...what a beast. You wind her back to 40% and she moves effortlessly, with five coaches being hardly noticed let alone a hindrance! A very nice machine and a pleasure to drive and fire. Upon our return to Loughborough I was relieved by the oncoming fireman Rob before heading back to the shed to wash and change after a very pleasant morning out.

Having signed out and loaded my ever growing mound of rubbish back into the car, I drove home reflecting on a great year's firing at the Great Central. According to my calculations I've completed 15 firing turns on the GCR since I passed my firing exam at the end of May. The turns have been all sorts: some mornings, some afternoons and some night jobs. The engines have been varied, with the Saint and the Hall scratching the GWR itch, whilst the 8F and the class 2, 5 and 9 Standards have offered me something different to try. It's been a great year and I'm already looking forward to 2024. I'm so glad that I've managed to get passed out at the GCR and so far I've found it to be an enjoyable and enriching experience. Roll on next year! Happy New Year to everyone who reads this drivel. I'm next on again on January 6th...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

Merry Christmas 2023...

Just a very quick one this afternoon folks for the annual Merry Christmas post. Thank you to everyone who has read the blog during 2023: it is very much appreciated. I'm still typing out this muck after 15 years so it's nice to know that somebody reads it! With little more to say after a busy year, I hope that whatever you're doing and wherever you are, it's a great Christmas 2023 and lets hope for a great New Year as we enter 2024. Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year...

Statfold: A Fijian Christmas in Tamworth...

"We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" etc. Evening all. Today I completed my second of two booked driving turns this Christmas at Statfold Barn for their popular 'Santa Express'. Just like my turn a couple of weeks ago, today's outing saw me at the regulator of 1912-built Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 "Fiji". I arrived in good time for my 06:30 book on and duly met up with fireman James as well as the "Harrogate" crew. Duty officer Alex soon arrived and opened up, ready for us to sign in and check for any new notices. My charge for this morning's shift was sat on her usual shed road...

Alex duly started the little shed diesel shunter and dragged the Peckett outside, before changing roads and collecting the Hudswell. Once outside, "Fiji" was screwed down again and preparation began. Fireman James began working away on the grate whilst I started to make my way around with the oil cans. My not at all fashionable but incredibly useful headtorch helps massively on these dark mornings...

Old mate and Statfold staff member Batesy was also on hand today, as an extra pair of hands on site. He kindly made us all a cuppa' whilst we prepared our immaculate engines and would join myself and James for the shift on "Fiji", no doubt purely to offer constructive criticism! Of course, we're glad of the craic!...

Once the engines were steamed up, oiled and cleaned it was time to marshall them onto the stock. The Peckett left shed first as it would need to be at the head of the ECS working. I duly followed with "Fiji" and we coupled on to the waiting coaches down at the signalbox, with "Fiji" as train engine. The ensemble was soon on its way to Strawberry Park, where the Peckett was uncoupled ready to proceed into the roundhouse yard to ash out over the pit. "Fiji" meanwhile took the empty five-coach train down to the Oak Tree platform, before chopping off and proceeding to Cogan Halt on the line inspection. Once at the balloon loop, Phil alighted the engine to refuel and then start the lighting generator, whilst a shining "Fiji" simmered away to herself...

I've got to hand it to the Statfold team this year: they've really kept on top of "Harrogate" and "Fiji"s condition throughout the 'Santa Express' season. The two engines have worked a minimum of Friday to Sunday each weekend, as well as some midweek trains. Throughout the last week though they've ran daily and despite this they are still beautifully polished and looking their best. These results take some commitment and fair play to the team for keeping both engines looking so well! Here, with the line inspection complete, an immaculate "Fiji" simmers quietly on the tail end of the ECS as we wait time for the first 'grand entrance' of the day...

Although native to Britain, having been built in Leeds, "Fiji" did of course work in her namesake country of Fiji on behalf of Colonial Sugar Refining. I bet that the Hudswell Clarke engineers who built her would never have even dreamt that, 111 years later, this old ex-sugar engine would be restored, polished up and hauling thousands of visitors each year on her home railway in south Staffordshire. Below, a shining ex-CSR Lautoka No11 sits at Oak Tree after her first round trip of the day...

Three trips down (two leading, one on the rear) I snapped this shot of "Fiji"s very well kept footplate. It's hard to believe that when it came to Statfold it had had the rear of the firebox cut away in order to fit a chain drive for a diesel engine. This hideous conversion was to allow it to work on the Coral Coast tourist line once disposed of by the sugar mill, but thankfully she is now back in original condition! I believe that Lautoka sugar mill (the ex-home of both No11 and the smaller Statfold-based saddle tank No19) is still in operation as I write and has been since 1903...

Here, "Fiji" waits at the Statfold end of Strawberry Park platform, ready for "Harrogate" to haul the next round trip under the wintry blue skies...

Whilst grabbing a cuppa' later on in the morning, I snapped this rushed shot of "Harrogate" as she prepared to depart Oak Tree for a 'grand entrance'...

The morning turns offer the same amount of mileage as the evening turns, with ten round trips of the 'Santa Express' provided to each. Five of these are of course leading, the other five are on the rear of the train, alternating each time. I drove our first three leading trips this morning before handing over to James for the remaining two whilst I did the firing. It was quite nice to sit on the fireman's side and look out across the sunlit countryside on this chilly but crisp morning...

"Fiji" herself is probably in the best form she's been in since restoration. The fitting of a new cylinder lubricator (taken from the retired ex-Pakis Baru Mallet) has worked wonders and the retiming of her valve events has improved her overall performance. It's a lovely thing to be on and is currently running beautifully. By the time today's shift is out, "Fiji" and "Harrogate" will have completed 267 'Santa Express' workings since the end of November, carrying around 20,000 people! This is surely a testament to their condition and again, the Statfold team should be applauded for their efforts...

"One last look at an immaculate Fiji"

After another very pleasant ten round trips with the 'Santa Express', it was time to handover to drivers Joey and Keith and cleaner Emma. We'd cleaned the fire, emptied the ashpan, pulled plenty of coal forward, topped up the lubricators and brushed down the footplate, as you should for any oncoming crew. "Fiji" was handed over in very good form and it was one of those mornings where you're not quite ready to get off just yet! Nevertheless, a great turn once again. Many thanks to Alex for rostering me, James for doing the firing and of course footplate inspector Batesy for his comedic company aboard the footplate. Thanks all and Merry Christmas...

5Z31: Black Fiving Home For Christmas...

Evening folks. Just a very quick one for today as I spotted No45231 "Sherwood Forester" Black Fiving home for Christmas! Engine move 5Z31 was the path that would take 45231 home to Crewe from Southall, following the completion of her Christmas Saphos jobs in the smoke. It was a much sunnier day when we saw her heading south past work a few weeks ago I must admit! Today, I myself was driving home for Christmas and happened to notice that the 4-6-0 and its ECS would be passing through Shilton about the time that I would be. Therefore, I guess, it would have been rude not to park up and see the engine as she headed northward. I was slightly dismayed when I left my car and checked on the train's progress to see that the trusty Class 47 "Crewe Diesel Depot" was actually leading the train, with the Five tucked in behind. Ahh well, I was already there on the bridge just south of Shilton and so watched the train pass by, with the 4-6-0 providing some drift steam just to keep everything lubricated. Short and sweet, that's all folks! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Going Great Central: John's 9F dream fulfilled...

"John enjoys a cuppa' aboard one of the oh so beloved 9F class"

Well, today was a good day! Today we fulfilled a lifelong dream for our mate JB. Throughout the many years that I've known John, he has always had a love for the BR Standard 9F class, which he remembers spotting on the Great Central as a kid in the late 1950s. He always talked about hopefully doing a shift on one before he retired from the footplate but, for various reasons, a 9F never came along. When we went to Norfolk a couple of months ago and John was admiring "Black Prince" in the shed at Weybourne, I overheard him say to one of the fitters about that go on the 9F, ending the sentence with "I doubt it'll ever happen now". Fuelled by this, I joined forces with long time GCR driver Martyn Ashworth to get John that day on the 9er. Martyn was extremely helpful and spoke to all of the right people to make the day a) happen and b) go without a hitch. So, here is the write up on this memorable day. First up, I arrived at a dark (and surprisingly mild) Loughborough shed a little before our 05:45 booked sign on. The simmering bulk of 1959-built 9F No92214 was waiting on No1 shed road...

Having signed in and read the notices, I clambered up onto the dark footplate of the 9F to begin my preparation checks. 40psi on the clock, 3/4 of a glass in the boiler and no faults or leaks to report was a good start! By now the clock was approaching 06:00 and John was already beating down the gate in anticipation! After a short interval to get John signed in and acquainted, attention turned to the firebox. Riddles equipped his 251-strong class of 9F 2-10-0s with a rocking grate for the 40ft-sq firebox. This is a great help when trying to freshen up the grate for a relight but isn't entirely flawless. Due to a light layer of clinker all across the box, I decided to go in and free everything up before rocking the grate. Rocking the grate with clinker across is liable to end with the clinker stuck between the rockers, preventing the grate from shutting again. If you then rock the grate too hard when trying to free it, any weak bars can fracture and come away so it's always best to play it safe. Still, once I'd freed the clinker and broken up any larger sheets, the rocking grate was employed to easily transfer the contents of the firebox to the ashpan. Checks completed, it was then time to light up...

Once I'd spooned a good layer of coal around the freshly cleaned firebox, two barrows of wood were kindly passed up from the ground by John and a group of cleaners. Sadly the wood was quite sopping after a night of heavy rain and wind and it took a bit of getting going. It was one of those mornings where patience is a must, as every opening of the fire hole door was greeted with a frustrating game of Peakaboo from the one or two feeble flames occasionally popping out from behind the damp wood! Nevertheless, the reassuring plume of light smoke from the chimney and the periodic crackle from the firebox assured me that the 9F would start to sing soon enough...

With the fire lit (of sorts) it was time for a cuppa'. John meanwhile removed some scum from the cylinder claddings whilst muttering compliments to 92214...

Whilst we supped our tea, behind us "Witherslack Hall" was being made ready for the first 'Santa Express' of the day. (We meanwhile would take the second working, passing the Hall at Rothley on our up trip). Alongside us was the 8F 48305 which had an easy day ahead of her, with just a single trip on the Sunday lunch diner to haul. Once driver Dave had taken the Hall forward of the No1 road pit, Martyn backed the 9F down so that we could do the underkeeps and latterly the ashpan. Preparation complete, I snapped John in the fireman's seat of 92214 before heading off to get washed and changed. Safe to say he was in no rush to climb down again...

Our morning turn today saw us booked to work two 'Santa Express' departures from Loughborough: the 10:30 and the 12:30. We left shed a little after 09:15 and, having topped up the tender at the water column, we proceeded via the totem pole to the up through line to collect the waiting coaching stock. Although I've been in the up through before, I'd never been down this far on a loco! Our stock was coupled to a steam heat van at the northern end, hence us having to come this far down to collect it. Coupled up and lamps changed, we awaited the road to draw the stock out onto the up, until inside the totem pole. "Witherslack" was currently in our assigned platform one with her imminent departure so we couldn't move yet anyway...

Once the first 'Santa Express' of the day had set sail southward behind the immaculate Modified Hall, the road was given for 92214 to draw out the stock onto the up line. We then propelled the six-coach ECS down into platform one in readiness for passengers to board. We still had 20 minutes to go before our 10:30 departure and so it was quite a leisurely affair at this point as we awaited time whilst heating the stock...

It's been a while since I've been on 92214 (June last year?) and so I was trying to refamiliarize myself with the wide box and the different firing technique. Being such a big engine, you're constantly fighting that battle between steam demand and keeping the firebox warm. If you have too much of a big fire, she'll blow off most of the way due to pent up energy but if you fire too thinly you'll have the stays leaking. The trick is to find a balance in the middle somewhere, keeping everything warm whilst not going mad! With over 39,000lbs of tractive effort to give, the 9F isn't going to be taxed on a six-coach job so you need to (fire)box clever! Thankfully, memories of my last go on the 9er came flooding back and we steamed easily to Leicester North with the needle sticking around the 220psi/230psi mark. (Nudging the full 250psi will have the valves lifting fairly instantly!). After a pleasant run to Leicester North, we unfortunately steamed into an absolute deluge. It was raining (a lot), which wasn't great...

Once back at a damp Loughborough, we ran swiftly around the train before coupling up to continue with heating. Again, we had around 20 minutes until our next departure at 12:30. Thankfully we weren't short of coffee/tea, with two billy cans steaming away on the warming plate. The kind staff aboard the 'Santa Express' kept us topped up with mince pies (and some lovely fruit cake) and driver Martyn kindly brought along some cracking sausage rolls which were mercilessly devoured...

Below, the damp bulk of 92214 stands heating the stock at Loughborough...

As departure time neared I had John on the shovel filling up the back end. So many years of hearing about "filling those back corners" meant I just had to let him have a chuck around! I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it...

Thankfully, by the time we reached Quorn on our 12:30 trip, the rain had subsided to a point where you could actually look out without getting drenched! With all well, 92214 steamed easily along the Quorn straight, passing the up section signal...

A nice interval of the 'Santa Express' comes during the run round at Leicester, when passengers are invited to have a photo with the big man himself and visit the engine's footplate. I think this is a great little addition to the offering as some places are very closed off when it comes to this sort of thing. It's not everyone's cup of tea but I'm sure that for some it will be the highlight of their day...

"John grabs some snap shots of his own memorable day out"

With departure time nearing again, I uncoupled the engine from the train before we ran her around in preparation for our returning northbound trip. John was captured again in the fireman's seat of 92214 as we awaited the off...

Right on time the guard's "right away" came and off we went. 92214 was soon romping out of Leicester North towards the foot crossing and Greengate Lane...

After a very pleasant homeward trot, passing the 8F on the diner at Rothley, we were brought to a stand outside Loughborough at the inner home to await the departure of "Witherslack" from platform one. This gave me a good opportunity to give the fire a quick clean and slack down the footplate ready for the relief crew. John meanwhile sat in his seat, no doubt reflecting on the events of the day...

After an energetic departure from "Witherslack", the road was pulled for us and the home signal for platform one rose to the 'off' position. 92214 took the six-coach train easily into platform one before coming to a stand at the correct marker. We then handed over to our relief crew for the afternoon shift: Alan and Dave. Dave and myself were both on last year's firing course and it was quite something to have us both on the same job having passed out to fire at the GCR! Wandering back down to the shed to wash up and sign out, we passed the 9er one more time as she awaited the ground discs to run round. By now, the irritating rain was back for the afternoon...

So, as they say, "that's all folks!". That was John's day with 92214, dare I say over 60 years in the making! We did it: Merry Christmas, John! I think it's safe to say that the old lad enjoyed it and it was quite heartwarming to know that we'd finally achieved his goal. I must thank Martyn profusely for all of his efforts in making this day happen, not only by ensuring we got rostered together to do the day but also that we got the all important engine. Special thanks also to both the operations and engineering departments of the GCR for the very same. A great day was had by all, despite the rain! Thank you to everyone who made this day so memorable. Merry Christmas everyone...

Please note any views or opinions expressed in this blog are merely personal and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person, group or organisation.

Statfold's 'Santa Express' 2023: Return to "Fiji"...

"Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen, when the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even" and so on and so forth! Here we are again: it's Christmas! Today I was booked for an afternoon turn at the Statfold Barn Railway for their ever popular 'Santa Express', along with fireman Chris and cleaner Stuart. The operational side of these jobs hasn't changed much over the years but a new addition for the 2023 stint was the return of the running shed at Statfold Junction, now back in use as a shed following the movement of Statfold Engineering into another building across the yard. I arrived in good time for my 13:30 book on, ready to park at the top and walk down to Strawberry Park and, latterly, the roundhouse. Once at the roundhouse I had a quick peek inside the shed before going for a cuppa' with the lads in the mess room. The main museum was festively decorated as usual...

The loco roster for the 2023 'Santa Express' was the usual: Hudswell Clarke "Fiji" and Peckett "Harrogate", with Hunslet Brazil class "Howard" waiting in the wings as the reserve. I was penned to be driving the big red engine on both of my Christmas 2023 turns. Having met up with both my crew and the relief duo for "Harrogate", we chewed the fat for a while before wandering out to the Strawberry Park platform to take over the engines for the afternoon/evening shift. Soon enough, an immaculate "Fiji" turned up on the tail of the top and tailed train, hauled by "Harrogate"...

With crews swapped, it wasn't long before I received the "right away" from the guard to take "Fiji" out of Strawberry Park for another lap of the field. Without fuss, "Fiji" hissed into life and off we went. Fireman Chris had the engine in fine form as we steamed around the field, with no issues with either steam pressure or water level. The first trip was nice and easy, followed swiftly by our second outing which was on the rear of the set, holding our weight and preventing any shuttling against the stock...

The evening went on much like that really: we pulled one, they pulled one. Each time we were on the front of the train we took water at Oak Tree and each time we were on the rear I gave the engine a check around whilst we sat at the foot crossing. Here, with light already fading, "Fiji" prepares to depart Strawberry with our third round trip (second leading). Chris has just added some coal to the fire...

And another view of the same moment from the other side of the engine...

The format of the 'Santa Express' remains largely unchanged from when they began a few years back, simply because it works! Passengers arrive in the reception area before being led out to join the train at Strawberry Park platform. At this point we will usually be pulling out of Oak Tree with the ECS and we perform a kind of 'grand entrance' if you like, with much whistling and perhaps a quick flick of the drain taps. Passengers then board the train before we reverse direction with the other engine leading, bound for the North Pole (Oak Tree) via Cogan Halt. Once we arrive at Oak Tree the passengers alight ready to take part in various activities, which will eventually lead them to the grotto and the big man himself. We then go off to pick up some more passengers and the system then repeats itself throughout the evening. Basically, it works! Here, "Fiji" (with headlamp on) prepares to leave Oak Tree for another 'grand entrance'...

By the time we did our third trip on the front of the train, the light was pretty much gone. Fireman Chris is seen here refilling the tender tank...

Chris drove the fourth trip on the front and the following trip on the rear, before I took over again for our final departure of the evening. The illuminated train looks quite striking after dark, particularly on a cold night like this which offered some great steam effects. Here, "Fiji" prepares for her last leading departure...

Driving at night is quite atmospheric, whichever railway you drive at. Sauntering around the railway with the glow of the Christmas lights and the steam generator powered headlamp beam shining out in front is always an interesting experience. After a very pleasant final trip leading, 1912-built Hudswell "Fiji" is seen resting at the Statfold end of the Strawberry Park platform. "Harrogate" would now haul the last round trip...

This final trip on the rear of the stock allowed Chris to run the fire down nicely, ready for disposal once back at the shed. With the final passengers having left us at Oak Tree, the festive lights were turned off and we returned to Statfold, with "Harrogate" leading, as ECS. We were brought to a stand on the bend outside Statfold, just before the home signal. Once we'd stopped, the home changed to red to warn us of the move at the other end of the stock. "Harrogate" was removed from the coaches and taken straight onto the shed, before I was given the road to propel the train back under radio commands to the required stabling point near the Statfold signalbox...

Once the coaches had been safely stabled and put on charge, "Fiji" was uncoupled before we ran forward slightly to get behind the inner home peg. The road was then given for us to proceed up onto the shed and, with a nice quiet fire, we could go straight inside and screw down for the night. What a pleasant little evening...

The Hudswell Clarke was then disposed for the evening on No2 shed road, with Peckett "Harrogate" having the same treatment alongside. It was refreshing to be able to take the engines into the warm confines of the heated running shed, rather than having to squeeze them behind the gates in the roundhouse yard as we have done in previous years. I must thank Alex for rostering me and Chris and Stuart for doing the firing. It was a very nice little evening, spent in good company. I'm next back on "Fiji" on December 23rd, all being well. Cheers all and Merry Christmas...