A Day On "Jessie"...

Hi guys. A short and sweet day today on the Buffet Car "Jessie" at Shackerstone. I was working the bar on behalf of the Catering Department. I do this job a few times a year when I'm not either firing the loco's or working in the shed. As I left at 6pm I heard a loud whistle and, just like that, "Elsa" appeared up the driveway at the back of the station. What a lovely traction engine...

Cheers guys - thats all for now. Sam...

Achilles Report No14 - Fish, Chips and Success...

Hi everyone. Today we attended the 3rd annual Fish 'n' Chip Steam-Up at Ryton; home of Coventry Model Engineering Society and their 3.5"/5" raised track. CMES is of course the home club of my 5" gauge locomotive "Achilles" which was, naturally, in attendance. This event had been brilliant the last two times it was held and it was equally good this year. We arrived at 4pm (the official start time) and immediately saw many locomotives already there: either on the track or on the steaming bays. The turn-out already seemed pretty good. Using the hydraulic lift we unloaded "Achilles" before rolling her onto the traverser spur. As there were no other cars queuing up to unload engines we decided that we would steam up where we were. Thus, "Achilles" was filled, oiled and lit where she stood. After around 25 minutes she was in steam and feathering lightly at just under the 90psi blow-off pressure. The new blower arrangement (1 hole of larger diameter instead of 3 holes at a tiny diameter) seemed to be working fine and so, after connecting the riding truck, we continued onto the track. The weather was lovely: the sun was shining and the skies were blue. Saying that, we always seem to be 'lucky' (dare I say it) with this event. "Achilles" had a successful first lap of the 2000ft-long track and so we duly connected one of the railways passenger trucks too. With this consist the maximum load we can carry is about 4 adults which; considering the lenghty 1 in 70 climb; is about right for the loco. She pulls 4 adults relatively easily, at line-speed without struggling, which is fine by me.

"Achilles" & Train With Ryton Pool In The Distance

We ran for about an hour before my family arrived and began taking their various rides. During the first hour my brother drove the engine and she seemed in good form. The family took their turns on the RPMR passenger car, whilst I drove from my truck. "Achilles" pulled well on each of her return journeys around the track and steamed surprisingly well with the deflector in the chimney. This deflector is worth its weight in gold when it comes to carrying the family. (Why do mum's always think pure white clothing is appropriate for steam locomotive travel?!). Having given each family member a couple of rides it was almost time for tea - served at 6:30pm. Emma (the event organiser) turned up with a huge pile of Fish 'n' Chips...YUM! By this time only "Achilles" and Paul's Sweet Pea were left on the track and both sat simmering away with relatively full boilers whilst members and guests enjoyed their dinner. The sun was just beginning to set and the weather could not have been better - once again. The chips this year were particularly good - I really enjoyed them.

Eventually "Achilles" started to feather again so, rather than pump furiously with the handpump, I decided to take her round the track and use the axlepump to do the job, whilst also quietening the fire. It must have looked pretty odd with me driving whilst trying not to drop a battered fish!

Me Driving - Chips In Hand (by E.Furminger)

After the chips we probably completed another 3 or 4 laps with the loco before retiring

This time, even when we were coming off the track the blower was still very powerful if you wanted it to be. It seems that the repairs have been successful - thank goodness. Once on No1 Bay we dropped the fire, blew-down the boiler and drained the tanks.

"Achilles" Blows Down

All in all, another successful day at RPMR and another good run for "Achilles". According to my records this is the 14th steaming that I've done with the loco since acquiring it in mid-July last year (not bad going in my eyes!). I'm very pleased with her today. Cheers guys. Sam...

Hunslet Week Day 5: One More Day...

Hi everyone. Well, here it is - the final day of our early summer excursion to Bala Lake. Three days after our arrival and countless cups of tea on top, we awoke this morning to prep the loco for our third day on the footplate. The usual morning antics took place as we prepped the loco in the sun. Though the weather was unsettled again, that little bit of warm sun made all the difference whilst on shed.

Cleaning The Rods

Being a Wednesday morning and relatively fine weather, the infamous Wednesday gang were arriving one after the other. With the gang assembled and a plan set to work on the track for the day, the trusty P-Way truck was pressed into action. This truck was built by Bruce (the P-Way man) with help from Rob and a few others, on site at Bala Lake. Resembling a Wickham trolley, this petrol-engined 4-wheeler has been worth its weight in gold since its been finished and does exactly what Bruce wants it to. It can seat 4 workers and can be removed from the track by human hand alone. It has working horns, a headlamp and of course the essential brakes, not to mention a hob with gas for the kettle! With its trusty tow-hook it can pull a trolley loaded with tools quite happily down the line and back again. I must admit, it does look pretty cool. With everything loaded, 4 of the gang set off on it at 10:30am, with the remainder of the crew heading by road to the work site. This was the first time I'd met Bruce in particular: another nice guy.

Back with me and Ed, we'd prepared "Maid Marian" and soon left for the far headshunt for the usual watering and coaling. With the bank holiday now over, the fighter jets were out for their flying sessions again. They often fly low over Bala Lake, loudly but gracefully. Of course, those jets are something that I work with during my day job, indirectly of course. Down on the ground, "Maid Marian" simmered quietly whilst having a drink

Me Shovelling Coal Into "Marian"s Bunker

Soon enough we were ran round and on the train

Todays trains were also pretty well-filled. "Maid Marian" was in fine form once again and chugged happily along her home line alongside the lake. The sun shined brightly in between the odd shower and patches of cloud whilst the little red engine took her daily 40 miles in her stride.

Beautiful View

As usual, the views over the lake were stunning

Llangower

Llyn Tegid is at its best in the sun

One thing that was definately different for us today was having somebody on the line in front of us. The track gang were down on the lakeside, right on the waters edge. They were moving and repacking sleepers to provide a better ride. As we approached in either direction we would whistle loudly before being shown a yellow flag (in order to slow up). We would then be given a green flag when the line was clear of workmen and tools, though we would still continue over the section at a reduced speed for safety reasons. I must admit, we noticed a real difference in that section of track as the day went on. Bruce worked for BR in a similar capacity and therefore has a wealth of knowledge for dealing with the permanent way. Good luck to them - it was much better.

"Maid Marian" Edges Through The Slack Where The Track Gang Were Working. I Am On The Firemans Side (Photograph By Bob Shell - BLR Driver/Wednesday Gang)

After another very enjoyable day we returned to the shed before disposing of "Marian" one more time. The P-Way truck and trolley soon returned before we all made our way up to the station for a cuppa'. It had been three very enjoyable days on the Bala Lake again. I must thank everyone for making me (and Eddie of course) so welcome once again. Its not like working on a railway, its like being on holiday. We haven't had a bad day yet which, in my mind, is something to be proud of. At 7pm we were back in Eddie's car and waving goodbye to the station. Rolling along the quiet welsh lanes (over Knockin and beyond) we talked of our next return visit, for the gala in August. Look forward to posts on that as it happens. Thanks guys. Sam.

Hunslet Week Day 4: Maid Marian...

Hi guys. This morning at the usual 7:30am I awoke and crept blurry-eyed through to the Living Room where I got the kettle on. Eddie soon appeared and we planned the day. 8:30 soon rolled around and we were back at the Bala Lake engine shed. The weather was partially cloudy with the odd bit of sunshine. However, with such a bad forecast on the horizon we decided not to take "Alice" again. The engine on roster therefore was "Maid Marian"; one of the two operational cabbed engines at the BLR. To be honest, though I enjoyed "Alice" very much, I wasn't complaining about having a cab today! Having dragged the loco out into the dull morning light, Eddie took the diesel away to shunt the coaching stock whilst I carried out my fireman's duties. Soon enough she was lit and began slowly warming through. Eddie soon returned and began cleaning the outside of the loco. I meanwhile carried on with the cab brass and everything was soon polished and shining.

Shiney Cab

After a fairly speedy preparation we had a cuppa' before finishing up, changing and leaving shed. We steamed out of the yard and up to the far headshunt for coal and water.

Just as they had been yesterday, todays trains were very well filled. Passenger loadings seemed very pleasing and the loco (a different one I grant you) was again in fine form. The 0-4-0 Hunslet steamed beautifully - just as her sisters do.

"Marian" at Bala. God Knows What Eddie Is Doing

The day passed quickly, with four well loaded departures being improved further by cups of tea, slices of cake and of course the usual lunch cobs. By the end of the day: tired but content: I think we were looking forward to a pint down the Eagles. Eddie walked on down to his car and then returned to the station where we met before attempting to head off. Just as I went to turn away I saw Eddies car out of the corner of my eye. I can only conclude that a mixture of sun stroke and tiredness caused him to be a little less aware. I was surprised however when I looked down the drive and spotted the car with the back door wide open as the rain fell. Eddie seemed happy enough to be leaving it open...obviously unaware of this draft now entering his vehicle. With a huff we headed off down the yard to shut the door, with me laughing under my breath. I managed to grab a quick snap before being struck with an elderly cricket umbrella. Hahaha.

Eddie's Car Having Suffered A Failure Of Its Self Closing Doors

Well then, laughs over...Off to the Eagles! "Pint please Barman"...how the devil do you say that in Welsh?! Another great day on the Bala Lake. Cheers guys. Sam.

Hunslet Week Day 3: Open Top Quarry...

Morning all. Last night, following a look at "Winifred", myself and Eddie were chatting about the weather. Outside it was raining heavily and the wind was biting. The engine on roster for today was therefore planned to be "Maid Marian" but, with permission from Roger & Rob, we decided that IF the weather was fine then we would take the cabless "Alice". I must admit I wasn't holding out much hope but, sure enough, as dawn broke over the Welsh hills the clouds parted and the sun came out. So, at 8:30am when we opened up the shed we decided that we would indeed take "Alice". "Bob Davies": the diesel shunter: was soon fired up and we dragged "Maid Marian" (first in line) and "Alice" out into the morning sun. With "Marian" out of the way, Eddie shunted the coaching stock whilst I began prepping "Alice".

On Shed

The first job was to open up the smokebox and check/clean the tubes. Next I cleaned out the smokebox ash and then shut up the door. I then moved to the firebox end. On the Quarry Hunslets, the firebars used in the 2ft x 1ft firebox are small enough to be easily lifted out, allowing the old fire and ash to be pushed through by hand. This is normally a pretty quick task but the previous fire had happened to be severely clinkered. In the end I had to get the rake in to break it up before removing the larger sheets by hand. Eventually, the grate was clean and I could then ash her out. Finally, with 1/4 of a glass of water (the outside of the shed leaves the loco facing downgrade) I could light her up. I placed some dry wood in the box with some parrafin-soaked wood on top. I then used two soaking (with diesel) rags to get the fire going before adding more dry wood and then coal where applicable. Slowly but surely, as we cleaned her, "Alice" (of 1902) warmed up and came round. At 11:05am; 10 minutes before time; we were on the train and ready to go.

I'd never been on "Alice" before, though I have been on both of her working sister engines: "Holy War" and "Maid Marian". I was worried that the very much 'open' nature of the footplate would unnerve me a little but luckily I had only just spent a day on the cabless new-build Hunslet "Jack Lane" at Statfold. Leaving Llanuwchllyn on time with the 5-coach set, we descended the bank and picked up speed. "Alice" steamed beautifully and you could fire her very lightly (as I learnt as the day passed). She also seemed to ride better than her sisters: maybe its the lack of cab weight on the back axle? Who knows. Anyway, after a sunny chug along the side of Bala Lake we reached the terminus in good time and ran round.

The cabless nature of "Alice" does promote good views of both the countryside and the railway, in both directions. In the return direction, it also allows passengers a pretty good view of our activities on the footplate.

Romping Out of Bala

As usual, the views on the railway were at their best. The only problem was that each time I got the camera out the sun would go in! The lake was also very calm, almost too calm.

"Alice" romped along beautifully and we were soon back at Llangower (15 minutes from Bala). This little station is right on the lakeside and today it was quite busy with those either enjoying the views or doing a bit of the old watersport.

"Alice" On The Shores of Llyn Tegid at Llangower

Back at base (following a quick romp up the 1 in 70 bank), we ashed out, coaled, oiled and watered "Alice". We then got her onto the front of the 12:50 service before enjoying a cuppa' and a ham cob on the bench. "Alice" would sit simmering nicely at the end of the platform: quiet but content.

The rest of the day went just as good as the first trip did. "Alice" rode, pulled and steamed very well and I think we were both suitably impressed with her. The weather also remained good, with bursts of warm sun coupled with cloudly moments...but with no rain in sight! Train loadings also seemed very good, with alot of the runs only having a few seats remaining free...particularly in the open stock.

Driver Eddie Jones on "Alice"

At 5pm we arrived back at base with the final returning run. Having shut all of the windows in the closed stock and released the Guards handbrake, I gave Eddie the signal to shove the stock back into its shed. The 110-year old "Alice" was then taken back on shed for disposal. Within 15 minutes we were locking up the shed after a very successful day. We had had a very enjoyable day on "Alice" and, though we won't be on her tomorrow due to the impending rain, I'm glad we made the effort to get her out today. Tonight its off to Bala for a meal before returning to the footplate again tomorrow...but on "Maid Marian", not "Alice". "Alice", built in 1902, worked at the Dinorwic Quarries until 1960 and returned to steam in 1994 with a new boiler. She is now owned by Julian Birley: owner of "Winifred". I believe "Alice" was the name of the Quarryman's daughter but don't quote me! Cheers guys. Sam.

Arrival In Bala...

Following a visit to Llynclys on route, we reached the headquarters of the Bala Lake Railway at about 5:40pm. After a cuppa' with Roger, Bobby, Rob and Bruce we headed upstairs into the station apartment which would be our home for the next three nights. Just before we left for the local pub I said we should go down into the sheds and take a look at the latest arrival: "Winifred". Eddie agreed so we trotted off down to the yard and opened up before stepping into the loco shed. Inside stood the usual fleet of Quarry Hunslets: "Holy War", "Maid Marian" and "Alice". The frames of "George B" were still resting on No2 road. At the back of the shed stood "Winifred": Hunslet 0-4-0ST No364 of 1885. What a beautiful engine.

The story of "Winifred" is one of history, security and good negotiation skills. She was a Penhryn Quarry engine throughout her life and was laid up with her sisters in the 1960s. In 1965, "Winifred" and five other loco's from the same line up of retired stock were purchased by an American buyer and shipped to the USA. Tony Hulman, an Indiana businessman, bought three of the loco's (Winifred, Ogwen and Glyder) at an auction and planned to display them at a local museum. This plan failed and the loco's were stored. Two of the locos were kept in a stable on the Hulman estate whilst "Winifred" enjoyed the luxury of a warehouse at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There, all three remained for the next 47 years: almost forgotten. Luckily, Julian Birley (owner of "Alice" and director of the North Norfolk Railway) was on the case and after careful negotiations the futures of all three of the Penhryn sisters were secured. Julian purchased "Winifred" and she arrived at Bala Lake in March this year. Looking at her, there in the shed tonight, I felt quite emotional - I don't know why. The loco is just so complete. Nothing about her has been changed. She still has the same ash in the ashpan and smokebox from her last day at Penhryn, as well as some pieces of slate dotted around. She also has a drivers name etched into her brass backhead cladding and original Penhryn couplers, nameplates etc. She's beautiful. She looks as if she was pulled from the Quarry yesterday. I believe the plan is to restore her over a 2-year period starting this winter. What a lovely engine. Thanks to Julian, she's home. Cheers guys. Sam...

Llynclys Call In...

One thing that almost always manages to drag me in is something of railway interest at the side of the road. This afternoon, on the road to Bala, myself and Eddie called in at Llynclys Station: the headquarters of one half of Cambrian Heritage Railways. This GWR-looking station has often caught our eye as we've passed so today we popped in. Parking up in the pouring rain, it was clear that train services had ceased for the day (it was about 4:30pm). The Station Buffet was however still open and a hot cup of tea was most welcome, as was a look in the souvenir shop. Tea supped, we ventured back outside into the rain with hoods up. At the end of the soaked platform stood a 2-car Class 101 DMU, obviously the extent of the regular passenger haulage. A tired 08 stood damp in a nearby siding with a box van and another small shunter. All other stock on the site seemed to be either BR Mk1 coaches or DMU cars. Apparently there used to be steam but the working engine (an industrial 0-6-0ST) has recently been sold. The GWR Hall Class which stood unrestored in the sidings here for a few years has also just been sold, as part of the new-build Grange project. The running line from Llynclys runs for around 0.7 miles to a picnic site, with the DMU then returning to base. To be honest, there was very little to see, though the staff were friendly and enthusiastic.

 A Wet Yard at Llynclys

Our visit to Llynclys was completed in a little under 15 minutes before we rejoined the warmth of Eddie's car and pressed on towards Bala. Ahh well, another railway done. At least now we won't wonder whats inside when we pass the railway gates on an evening! Cheers guys. Sam.

Hunslet Week Day 2: Steaming at Statfold...

Twelve Raise Steam at Statfold

Hi guys. This morning at 6:30am (following a McDonalds breakfast on route) I arrived at Statfold for the Open Day. Many of the crews for the twelve-strong fleet of rostered engines were already on site, prepping their locomotives in the fine rain. Myself and John were rostered on the only cabless loco in action today: 2005-built Quarry Hunslet "Jack Lane". Armed with parrafin rags, a bag of dry wood and the footplate tools I set to lighting the Quarry. My friend Phil (SBR Staff) insisted that the loco be brought round on wood. In other words, no coal until you almost have steam on the clock. I did what he said and kept "Jack Lane" on the dry wood for as long as possible. Meanwhile, other engines were stirring slowly into life, such as "Isibutu", the Mallet and "Harrogate". The shed area was a wash with drifting smoke and the scent of burning wood: it was brilliant! Myself and John (between cups of tea) prepared our engine together and had her looking shiney by the time the enthusiasts began to arrive. 500 people were expected on this damp morning and so all of the engines had to look their best. Following the safety briefing on the lawn, the first engine to leave shed was the Corpet, driven by Mr Lee himself.

Todays open day saw four train rakes in action on the field railway: two passenger rakes, a mixed set and a freight train. Due to the amount of engines in action, we simply had to wait our turn. As "Jack Lane" and "Statfold" were at the 'back of the pile' we were last off shed, leaving at just before 11:30am. From them on, engines rotated in the same order all day.

Ashing Out Before We Go

Our first run was in reverse, led by "Statfold". Due to a brake system error, our train had to be tailed by the beefy Peckett "Harrogate". We didn't mind as it gave us something more to pull! With a green flag from the Guard and a clear from the Station Master, away we went. Out of the station it is downhill before the power comes on so we can steam away from Statfold, over the standard gauge cross-over, passing the tri-gauge Garden Railway on the right hand side. There is then a blind right-hand bend into the first field where all engines must slow and then sound their whistle loudly. From here, trains accelerate before shutting off to coast to Oak Tree Halt, where there is a passing loop and another large collection of stock in nearby covered storage. Train Staffs are exchanged here with the returning set before we are cleared into the next section. We then descend a VERY steep bank before curving left onto the bottom field. From here it is a brisk chuff along a well laid line to the Baloon Loop where the staff is surrendered. There will already be a train in the loop waiting to go and so, with the staff received, off they go back to Statfold. The train that has just arrived meanwhile waits patiently for the next arrival. This is a good time to make up your fire and water level as running backwards up that climb is hard going, particularly as your water goes to the bottom nut at anything less than 1/2 a glass!

"Jack Lane" at the Baloon Loop

"Jack Lane" seemed to steam and ride very well and the views from her footplate in the overcast weather were great. Sister loco "Statfold" also seemed to be running well, apart from suffering the whirring noise through her damper which is caused by too much air entering the small firebox. This is the central cause for leaking tubes on these engines. Luckily, there was no such problem on "Jack Lane". Leaving the loop we chuffed hard along the bottom field to get a good run up the bank. With two well filled coaches, a brake truck and the heavy Peckett dead on the back we would need all the steam we could get. Hitting the foot of the bank both engines were at near enough full regulator and the noise was fantastic. The Peckett crew leaned out for a listen, as did most of the passengers! Mind you, any less regulator and we probably would not have made it. The bank, though short, is very steep indeed. Returning to Statfold we sat for just over an hour again before returning to work, with "Jack Lane" leading this time. This run was easier, with no Peckett on the rear. Again, she steamed very well and we reached the baloon loop in good time for the 5-minute or so wait. Visitors seemed very impressed with the little engines and their capabilities.

Double-Headed Quarry's

After another good run back to Statfold we pulled into Platform 1 and then had a sit-down, admiring the green 0-4-0 as she simmered away. I was very surprised at how easily you could control her steam pressure. Her blowing off pressure was 160psi though with the damper shut and blower off you could keep her at about 158psi with the safetys lightly feathering and the fire quiet. She seemed to sit like that for as long as you wanted: perfect.

Simmering In Platform 1

We had a 3rd and final loaded run, this time on the freight which was also enjoyable. Back at Statfold we were asked to go and collect the train staffs light engine. I drove this trip and it was very pleasant. Having completed the job we steamed back to Statfold yard and were uncoupled from "Statfold" herself. The next and final job was the cavalcade. All twelve engines would steam around the circuit and then line up on the gradient near the Statfold home signal for photographs. I drove "Jack Lane" again on this run and it was very pleasant.

Some Of The Cavalcade: No1, No5, "Isibutu", "Harrogate", "Trangkil", "Sragi", Surrey Council and the Corpet

Following the cavalcade, all of the engines returned to the yard for disposal and cleaning. The event had been another success for the SBR and everyone seemed very happy. I must thank John for being my driver and thank Phil for actually inviting me to crew at the open day: I really enjoyed it. Mr Lee has got a fantastic set up here and long may it continue to prosper. Brilliant. Finally, the following video was taken on the day. It shows a few of the locos in action but the clip at 4 minutes in shows "Jack Lane" (us) and "Statfold" attacking the bank...well worth seeing (and hearing!)...
The following photo has kindly been cleared for use by its owner Invercloy (from Flickr). It shows myself and John descending the bank on "Jack Lane", with "Statfold" behind...

Cheers guys. Sam...

Hunslet Week Day 1: Preparations at Statfold...

Hi everyone. This morning at 9am I pulled up at the gates of the modern day Hunslet Engine Company, at Statfold near Tamworth. This now huge concern has a mixture of 7.25", 10.25", 2ft, 2ft 6" and standard gauge tracks as well as road vehicles, traction engines and...you name it (its there!). I had been invited over to help prepare for tomorrow's open day; one of three held every year at Statfold. Upon my arrival I could hear one of the Hunslet diesels ticking over and upon entering the running shed I spotted the engines outside: all TWELVE of them. After helping tidy up, move stock and clean some of the locos I was asked to steam up the collections newest restoration job (more on that later). Tomorrow I'm firing one of the new build Quarry Hunslets: "Jack Lane" of 2005. The cabless 0-4-0 was on shed, coupled to sister new build "Statfold". To be honest, they do look remarkably like the original Quarry's, just a little newer!

Behind the two Hunslets was the pretty Corpet 0-6-0. Restored from a rusting wreck in a little over 8 months, the Corpet has only just been finished. Employing outside frames and Brown valve gear, the loco looks similar to the Snowdon mountain engines. Anyway, having steamed the loco, myself and Paul (a Welsh Highland driver) were taken out for a run on it by site owner Grahem Lee. The engine ran like a charm; not a single bang, rattle, knock or groan. Mr Lee in particular seemed very pleased with his latest loco as we steamed down the line. Returning to the yard at Statfold, Grahem alighted before myself and Paul continued with the running. I was familiarising myself with the route whilst Paul was learning the controls on the Corpet, as he will be driving her tomorrow too. It was a very pleasant afternoon, steaming back and forth along the dual gauge track through the Staffordshire fields. A very nice locomotive.

By the time we got the Corpet back on shed, disposed and cleaned it was 4:30pm and I had to get home. However, before I went I managed to grab a few quick snaps of some of the loco's that will be performing tomorrow. O & K 0-6-0 "Max" was another fabulous Statfold restoration, from a rusting hulk...

Bagnall's always seem to be fantastic runners and are often very attractive. This one is "Isibutu" and, if I had the money, I would probably buy her. She is beautiful. The 4-4-0 tank worked out in South Africa and was previously based at the North Gloucestershire railway at Toddington. The Marine boilered beauty is now owned by Mr Lee and is a regular performer at Statfold.

Recently returned from a successful visit to the Ffestiniog Railway, Peckett 0-6-0ST "Harrogate" had been cleaned up and prepped early. She is another star of the collection, in my eyes anyway. What a beautiful machine.

This 0-6-0 well tank was once based at Bressingham and in her earlier life owned by the Surrey County Council.

One of the first full restorations at Statfold was "Pakis Baru No1". This O & K 0-4-0, now with tender, is a regular and reliable performer on the 2ft 6" rails.

On another note, I also got a go on this remarkable pump-truck! What a laugh!

All in all, a brilliant little day at the Statfold Barn Railway. I am very much looking forward to firing "Jack Lane" tomorrow. Look out for that post as it happens. Cheers: Sam...