2012-2013 Archive
2013 was another good year. It started with my first visit to Peak Rail, for a fantastic gala and ended with an historic even at the Bluebell with the visit of Oliver Cromwell from the main line. I experimented with several different cameras throughout the year and was never too happy with any of the results.
A small highlight was the chance to see Moretonhampstead regular, 1466, at Didcot. I also returned to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for their Pannier tank gala - what a difference from the overwhelming industrial presence when I visited yearly on family holidays in the late 1990s!
2012 was a great year for me when it came to visiting lots of railways and seeing lots of locomotives that I hadn't seen before. Highlights include my footplate experience on the K&ESR and Railfest at York. I received a new camera for Christmas 2011, which has been put to good use. I'm still not completely happy with it as I feel that for it to produce the best effects, lighting conditions must be at an absolute optimum.
Llangollen may have been a disaster due to the weather, but a very hot day on the Bluebell and the fact that I was able to see many of the visiting locomotives elsewhere later in the year made up for this.
A small highlight was the chance to see Moretonhampstead regular, 1466, at Didcot. I also returned to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for their Pannier tank gala - what a difference from the overwhelming industrial presence when I visited yearly on family holidays in the late 1990s!
2012 was a great year for me when it came to visiting lots of railways and seeing lots of locomotives that I hadn't seen before. Highlights include my footplate experience on the K&ESR and Railfest at York. I received a new camera for Christmas 2011, which has been put to good use. I'm still not completely happy with it as I feel that for it to produce the best effects, lighting conditions must be at an absolute optimum.
Llangollen may have been a disaster due to the weather, but a very hot day on the Bluebell and the fact that I was able to see many of the visiting locomotives elsewhere later in the year made up for this.
Bluebell Railway - The Blue Bell Explorer 2/11/13
My original plan for this weekend had been to attend the K&ESR's Hayling Island event. Unfortunately, this was cancelled. Upon hearing that 70013 Oliver Cromwell would be visiting the Bluebell on a railtour, I made a last minute decision to get down to the railway with my 'new' camera. As you can probably tell from the photos, I experimented a lot with some mixed results. I was a little disappointed with the overall results once uploaded onto the computer, with some photos that I had been hopeful would be good, not turning out so well.
However, despite the fact that it was a cold November day, with a normal weekend's timetable along with the charter, the railway put on a great show. The H class and Black 5 were in charge of the service trains, with the 9F taking the Wealden Rambler up the line later in the day. The railway was very busy, especially around the time of the charter, and no one seemed put off by the autumn deluge that fell 5 minutes before Oliver Crowell's arrival. The first photo in this set is of C class 592, at the start of the storm. The rain only got worse in the next 20 minutes!
Despite the excitement surrounding the railtour, my personal highlight was the performance of 9F 92212 as it took the Wealden Rambler North from Horsted Keynes. I've not seen a 9F in steam for a long time and it really put on an impressive show as it accelerated its 6 coach load up the gradient in the late afternoon sunlight. It was also a little strange to be stood at Horsted Keynes hearing an announcement to say 'The next train from platform 2 will be the service to Bridgnorth'!
I met several friendly volunteers and photographers. It was nice to put some faces to the names that I hear all the time in the Bluebell's magazine and on the website!
However, despite the fact that it was a cold November day, with a normal weekend's timetable along with the charter, the railway put on a great show. The H class and Black 5 were in charge of the service trains, with the 9F taking the Wealden Rambler up the line later in the day. The railway was very busy, especially around the time of the charter, and no one seemed put off by the autumn deluge that fell 5 minutes before Oliver Crowell's arrival. The first photo in this set is of C class 592, at the start of the storm. The rain only got worse in the next 20 minutes!
Despite the excitement surrounding the railtour, my personal highlight was the performance of 9F 92212 as it took the Wealden Rambler North from Horsted Keynes. I've not seen a 9F in steam for a long time and it really put on an impressive show as it accelerated its 6 coach load up the gradient in the late afternoon sunlight. It was also a little strange to be stood at Horsted Keynes hearing an announcement to say 'The next train from platform 2 will be the service to Bridgnorth'!
I met several friendly volunteers and photographers. It was nice to put some faces to the names that I hear all the time in the Bluebell's magazine and on the website!
South Devon Railway - Rails and Ales 24/8/13
I visited this year's event with with my dad, armed with my new (to me) DSLR (circa 2005). Unfortunately we could only visit on the Saturday, with only one steam engine running, and a large gap in the middle of the day with no steam services, there weren't too many photo opportunities. As a result, I was actually able to sample a couple of the beverages at Staverton.
We rode behind the 57xx for a return journey to Totnes, before returning to Staverton for the festival. Somewhat embarrassingly however, the shorter than usual turnaround time at Buckfastleigh caught me by surprise and the train left with me still standing on the platform. With my ticket on board with my dad, I decided to walk to Staverton, as I know the route quite well. I did manage to get there before the next northbound train, though the pannier had already passed Staverton on its return journey, so I missed a good opportunity for some smoke-box first shots.
The event was well supported by railway and beer enthusiasts alike, unfortunately though, the cider attracted a lot of wasps!
We rode behind the 57xx for a return journey to Totnes, before returning to Staverton for the festival. Somewhat embarrassingly however, the shorter than usual turnaround time at Buckfastleigh caught me by surprise and the train left with me still standing on the platform. With my ticket on board with my dad, I decided to walk to Staverton, as I know the route quite well. I did manage to get there before the next northbound train, though the pannier had already passed Staverton on its return journey, so I missed a good opportunity for some smoke-box first shots.
The event was well supported by railway and beer enthusiasts alike, unfortunately though, the cider attracted a lot of wasps!
Bluebell Railway - 17/8/13
Throughout the summer, the Bluebell's H and C class double headed several services. I'd never seen the H in steam before so this was a good opportunity to get back down to the railway.
Bill Parker's prairie was also running in its London Transport guise.
As I had two cameras with me, where possible I set up my smaller camera to take some film. My first edited video can be found below the photos! The camera is very light and as is evident from the film, was affected by the wind and vibrations made by the locomotives, but I'm quite happy with the quality.
Bill Parker's prairie was also running in its London Transport guise.
As I had two cameras with me, where possible I set up my smaller camera to take some film. My first edited video can be found below the photos! The camera is very light and as is evident from the film, was affected by the wind and vibrations made by the locomotives, but I'm quite happy with the quality.
Didcot Railway Centre - 16/6/13
Whilst visiting a friend in Oxford, I realised that I had a free day in the South. There are a few railways in the area, but Didcot had been at the back of my mind for some time. I have only been to Didcot once before and that was when I was much younger and on a day when no trains were running. I was pleased to see that the magnificent King Edward II was in steam, alongside 3738 in GWR black, a livery that I feel is under-represented in preservation.
Upon arrival I was greeted by the sight of the King alongside Burton Agnes Hall in front the main shed. 3738 was already in action on the branch line with the auto coach, which looked rather good and well looked after. Throughout the day I wandered around taking photos, particularly pleased to see 1466 in BR black as it would have been in its days as a Moretonhampstead regular.
I felt that it was unlikely that I would get any particularly exciting shots that hadn't already been done before, due to the static exhibits and short running lines, but as I was planning to leave, a friendly volunteer informed me that there was shunting to do after advertised services finished. I managed to stay long enough to see 3738 potter around the yard on various duties before being turned. King Edward II had been turned earlier that day as a demonstration, though had been difficult to photograph due to the fact that there were several other visitors, most of whom wanted to be as close to the loco as possible. With 3738 however, I was the only punter around and was able to take some reasonable shots!
It was great to see the centre so busy, despite the rain, with many younger families introducing their children to steam.
I took many more photos of the buildings and rolling stock, particularly wagons, that I have not published. If anyone requires photos of anything at Didcot for reference purposes, I may be able to help you out so please get in touch.
Upon arrival I was greeted by the sight of the King alongside Burton Agnes Hall in front the main shed. 3738 was already in action on the branch line with the auto coach, which looked rather good and well looked after. Throughout the day I wandered around taking photos, particularly pleased to see 1466 in BR black as it would have been in its days as a Moretonhampstead regular.
I felt that it was unlikely that I would get any particularly exciting shots that hadn't already been done before, due to the static exhibits and short running lines, but as I was planning to leave, a friendly volunteer informed me that there was shunting to do after advertised services finished. I managed to stay long enough to see 3738 potter around the yard on various duties before being turned. King Edward II had been turned earlier that day as a demonstration, though had been difficult to photograph due to the fact that there were several other visitors, most of whom wanted to be as close to the loco as possible. With 3738 however, I was the only punter around and was able to take some reasonable shots!
It was great to see the centre so busy, despite the rain, with many younger families introducing their children to steam.
I took many more photos of the buildings and rolling stock, particularly wagons, that I have not published. If anyone requires photos of anything at Didcot for reference purposes, I may be able to help you out so please get in touch.
3205 visit - Bluebell Railway - 18/5/13
As a Bluebell member, I received a free ticket from the railway for use on a normal service day in 2013. This weekend looked to be my only real chance to visit the railway this year, so I was pleased to see that it would coincide with the visit of Buckfastleigh regular 3205. The loco had starred in the Southern at War event the previous weekend, and was visiting in return for the previous loan of 9017 to the South Devon Railway.
This was my first trip to East Grinstead and I was impressed to see how well the Bluebell has used the limited space at its new Northern terminus. I spent the morning riding the line before moving to the line side in the late afternoon. It was a pretty dreary day, though the sun did make an appearance from time to time.
It is worth noting how busy the line was. This made photography at East Grinstead very difficult, and all the trains were packed, but it was very pleasing to see that the Bluebell can still pull in the crowds on a normal running day!
This was my first trip to East Grinstead and I was impressed to see how well the Bluebell has used the limited space at its new Northern terminus. I spent the morning riding the line before moving to the line side in the late afternoon. It was a pretty dreary day, though the sun did make an appearance from time to time.
It is worth noting how busy the line was. This made photography at East Grinstead very difficult, and all the trains were packed, but it was very pleasing to see that the Bluebell can still pull in the crowds on a normal running day!
Spring steam spectacular - Bodmin Railway 13/4/13
The weather was terrible, but that didn't stop the Bodmin and Wenford Railway from putting on a fantastic show. Visiting panniers from the Severn Valley, South Devon and Kent and East Sussex railways alongside Bodmin's own recently returned 64xx and 42xx gave a great line up.
Tickets came with a complimentary brake van ride on one of the goods trains. I decided to join the 42xx's goods train, which was a little short sighted as it overlapped the only two passenger trains to Boscarne Junction, so I was restricted to the Bodmin Parkway stretch for the day.
I'm lucky to have been able to take any photos at all, as I had been walking on Dartmoor the day before and fell into a bog near the disused railway line into Princeton, with camera in hand. Over the next half an hour, the camera lost more and more functions before giving up the ghost on returning to base. Remarkably, a night in a bowel of rice fixed the camera by the morning and it was working as well as it ever has done for the rest of the day. As you will see from the photos, smoke was hanging around, creating a fantastic atmosphere but making it difficult to take clear shots. I did however enjoy the challenge of waiting for a window through the clouds of steam to take clearer photos.
Tickets came with a complimentary brake van ride on one of the goods trains. I decided to join the 42xx's goods train, which was a little short sighted as it overlapped the only two passenger trains to Boscarne Junction, so I was restricted to the Bodmin Parkway stretch for the day.
I'm lucky to have been able to take any photos at all, as I had been walking on Dartmoor the day before and fell into a bog near the disused railway line into Princeton, with camera in hand. Over the next half an hour, the camera lost more and more functions before giving up the ghost on returning to base. Remarkably, a night in a bowel of rice fixed the camera by the morning and it was working as well as it ever has done for the rest of the day. As you will see from the photos, smoke was hanging around, creating a fantastic atmosphere but making it difficult to take clear shots. I did however enjoy the challenge of waiting for a window through the clouds of steam to take clearer photos.
Delivering the goods - South Devon Railway Easter Gala 30/3/13
The prospect of a London Transport liveried pannier and three different goods trains was the reason for yet another visit to Buckfastleigh. Despite the cold snap, bright sunshine made it much easier to wake up and get down for the first trains than it had been for Blazing Saddles. Unfortunately this bright sunshine didn't last long, and by the time I caught the first smoke box first goods trains at Caddaford curve, the clouds had rolled in and conditions became less than ideal.
There was a good variation throughout the day with the locomotives swapping trains several times. I felt like I wasn't having much success behind the camera, and a points failure at Bishop's Bridge threw the timetable out of sync so I decided to call it a day earlier than I had planned so missed the LT engineers train behind L92.
Aside from the fantastic paint job on L92, highlights included the mixed milk train and shunting at Buckfastleigh. Another great gala!
There was a good variation throughout the day with the locomotives swapping trains several times. I felt like I wasn't having much success behind the camera, and a points failure at Bishop's Bridge threw the timetable out of sync so I decided to call it a day earlier than I had planned so missed the LT engineers train behind L92.
Aside from the fantastic paint job on L92, highlights included the mixed milk train and shunting at Buckfastleigh. Another great gala!
Blazing Saddles - Peak Rail 10/3/13
It was a cold day, with snow on the ground and more threatened, but I eventually made it out of bed to visit my local line for the first time. It had been a rather spur of the moment decision having seen an advert for the event in a magazine only a week before, and with 5 locomotives in steam it was too good to miss.
Intensive two train running with engines top and tailing meant that there were plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day. Wilbert (Dean Forest Railway) and Mech. Navvies (Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway) worked together, as did Sapper (East Lancs. Railway) and Lord Phil (Peak Rail), with Royal Pioneer (Peak Rail) running the driver for a fiver courses at Rowsley South on the final day of its boiler ticket. Swiftsure was also on display on the turntable, until it was needed to turn Lord Phil in the evening.
The threat of snow meant that the penultimate two trains were cancelled and the quadruple header (with Wilbert bringing up the rear) moved forward by an hour. This did turn out to be a good move, as if it had run any later there wouldn't have been enough light in the valley to take a photo of it! Appropriately, Royal Pioneer headed the return journey of this train, as its last run before overhaul.
Everyone I met on the railway was very friendly, particularly the volunteers at Darley Dale station. The station itself is delightful, despite only being half restored at the present time, and it really would be fantastic to see a Jinty steaming through it one day.
Intensive two train running with engines top and tailing meant that there were plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day. Wilbert (Dean Forest Railway) and Mech. Navvies (Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway) worked together, as did Sapper (East Lancs. Railway) and Lord Phil (Peak Rail), with Royal Pioneer (Peak Rail) running the driver for a fiver courses at Rowsley South on the final day of its boiler ticket. Swiftsure was also on display on the turntable, until it was needed to turn Lord Phil in the evening.
The threat of snow meant that the penultimate two trains were cancelled and the quadruple header (with Wilbert bringing up the rear) moved forward by an hour. This did turn out to be a good move, as if it had run any later there wouldn't have been enough light in the valley to take a photo of it! Appropriately, Royal Pioneer headed the return journey of this train, as its last run before overhaul.
Everyone I met on the railway was very friendly, particularly the volunteers at Darley Dale station. The station itself is delightful, despite only being half restored at the present time, and it really would be fantastic to see a Jinty steaming through it one day.
Tornado - Cathedrals Express 23/12/12
Just one shot of Tornado passing through Petts Wood woods on its way from Swanley to Bromley South, about 45 minutes late, and showing no signs of slowing down.
The quality isn't great and I'm not sure if this is due to the conditions or the camera! I'm quite happy with the timing and framing of the shot, particularly as it was through the fence on the footbridge.
The quality isn't great and I'm not sure if this is due to the conditions or the camera! I'm quite happy with the timing and framing of the shot, particularly as it was through the fence on the footbridge.
Dartmouth Steam Railway - August
I've put off going to the Dartmouth Steam Railway as I'm aware it doesn't really cater for the enthusiast. However, despite only one loco being in steam, it was a pretty good day out.
On the return journey back to Kingswear, my mother treated us to ride in the Devon Belle observation car. It was certainly worth the extra fee and I recommend it! The railway was very busy and they catered for this by adding on four extra coaches.
It was fantastic to see the 52xx in steam and it has convinced me that I'll need to buy the Hornby model when I can afford one.
On the return journey back to Kingswear, my mother treated us to ride in the Devon Belle observation car. It was certainly worth the extra fee and I recommend it! The railway was very busy and they catered for this by adding on four extra coaches.
It was fantastic to see the 52xx in steam and it has convinced me that I'll need to buy the Hornby model when I can afford one.
South Devon Railway - Rails and Ales Gala
6430 was visiting from the Llangollen Railway, enabling the SDR to use an autocoach for the first time since the prairie was withdrawn.
As I was driving I wasn't able to sample the ales and ciders and the weather was reasonably poor and so didn't allow for the best photography. However, the conditions were far better than the last time I saw 6430 in Wales!
As I was driving I wasn't able to sample the ales and ciders and the weather was reasonably poor and so didn't allow for the best photography. However, the conditions were far better than the last time I saw 6430 in Wales!
Bluebell Railway - August
I took what looks like being my last chance to visit the Bluebell this year on the only real weekend of summer so far! The railway hadn't published its intentions as to which locos would be running, so I had been hopeful that I could see the recently returned H class in steam. Unfortunately this was not the case, though with 3 locos in steam and Metropolitan, Bulleid and SECR coaches operating, I couldn't complain!
The day wasn't as good as I hoped photographically as, despite the heat, the sky wasn't particularly clear. It started poorly with the U class' run into Horsted Keynes so I decided not to spend too much time at the lineside, but for an hour or so around 2pm, the sun came out for long enough to get some better photos of Birch Grove.
I visited the museum at Sheffield Park for the first time since its reopening, and it really is very good! It was also the first time I had seen the new carriage shed in use.
The day wasn't as good as I hoped photographically as, despite the heat, the sky wasn't particularly clear. It started poorly with the U class' run into Horsted Keynes so I decided not to spend too much time at the lineside, but for an hour or so around 2pm, the sun came out for long enough to get some better photos of Birch Grove.
I visited the museum at Sheffield Park for the first time since its reopening, and it really is very good! It was also the first time I had seen the new carriage shed in use.
National Railway Museum - Railfest
The weather was dull and the conditions were poor for photography but the NRM certainly put on a fantastic show. Highlights included the spotless Sir Nigel Gresley and the Red LT pannier. The section for societies was a little cramped but still very good but the trade section was disappointing, but my wallet didn't seem to mind!
Wales - April/May
Sunday - Steel Steam and Stars 3
A great line up along with a model railway exhibition promised for a fantastic day, but the weather had other ideas. My first train, hauled by now familiar 80072 with the Super D was packed, the windows were steamed up and the wind was too cold to open the window, so I could really have been anywhere! I broke my journey to visit the model railway exhibition and then joined CR No.828 to complete the journey to Carrog. By this time I had really had enough and decided to join my family in the pub at Berwyn station to watch the trains go by for a few hours. I say it was disappointing but it was entirely out of the railway's control and I'm sure that in better weather I would have had a great time. Needless to say I took very few photos and even fewer were remotely good enough to be uploaded!
Monday - Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert
We drove to Porthmadog with the intention of riding on the Ffstiniog with a family friend, but the bad weather over the weekend had felled trees along both the FR and WHR, so trains were only running the Beddgelert. Unfortunately, this is where we were staying so we needn't have driven to Porthmadog! It was great to travel over the new section of the line, and after the return trip, we walked the dog along the Cob, at which point I had a look around Boston Lodge (with permission).
Tuesday - Ffestiniog Railway
This was another family outing, with the standard return trip up to Ffestiniog. The weather was reasonably good to start with, until we reached the top, where the heavens opened. It was particularly interesting to see the number of trees that had fallen over the weekend and the obvious amount of effort require for the railway's staff to get the trains running again. On the way back to Porthmadog, the L&B rebuild 'Lyd' passed at Tan y Bwlch - I was surprised to see that it is capable of hauling full-length Ffestiniog trains up the steep gradients!
Wednesday - Talyllyn Railway
Another round trip, with the train hauled by an immaculate Talyllyn. Whilst I have travelled behind this engine before, I was too young to remember it - so it was fantastic to see the engine in steam.
Thursday - Llanberis Lake Railway
The aim of the day was to climb Snowdon and reach Llanberis in time for the last round trip. On the descent, I had been hoping to see some of the Snowdon Mountain Railway's famous steam locomotives, but unfortunately all 3 trains were in the care of diesels. We made it down in time for the last train on the lakeside railway, which is a lovely sedentary journey.
A few of these photos were taken from areas that are usually out of bounds to the public. I must stress that I had permission from railway staff.
A great line up along with a model railway exhibition promised for a fantastic day, but the weather had other ideas. My first train, hauled by now familiar 80072 with the Super D was packed, the windows were steamed up and the wind was too cold to open the window, so I could really have been anywhere! I broke my journey to visit the model railway exhibition and then joined CR No.828 to complete the journey to Carrog. By this time I had really had enough and decided to join my family in the pub at Berwyn station to watch the trains go by for a few hours. I say it was disappointing but it was entirely out of the railway's control and I'm sure that in better weather I would have had a great time. Needless to say I took very few photos and even fewer were remotely good enough to be uploaded!
Monday - Welsh Highland Railway to Beddgelert
We drove to Porthmadog with the intention of riding on the Ffstiniog with a family friend, but the bad weather over the weekend had felled trees along both the FR and WHR, so trains were only running the Beddgelert. Unfortunately, this is where we were staying so we needn't have driven to Porthmadog! It was great to travel over the new section of the line, and after the return trip, we walked the dog along the Cob, at which point I had a look around Boston Lodge (with permission).
Tuesday - Ffestiniog Railway
This was another family outing, with the standard return trip up to Ffestiniog. The weather was reasonably good to start with, until we reached the top, where the heavens opened. It was particularly interesting to see the number of trees that had fallen over the weekend and the obvious amount of effort require for the railway's staff to get the trains running again. On the way back to Porthmadog, the L&B rebuild 'Lyd' passed at Tan y Bwlch - I was surprised to see that it is capable of hauling full-length Ffestiniog trains up the steep gradients!
Wednesday - Talyllyn Railway
Another round trip, with the train hauled by an immaculate Talyllyn. Whilst I have travelled behind this engine before, I was too young to remember it - so it was fantastic to see the engine in steam.
Thursday - Llanberis Lake Railway
The aim of the day was to climb Snowdon and reach Llanberis in time for the last round trip. On the descent, I had been hoping to see some of the Snowdon Mountain Railway's famous steam locomotives, but unfortunately all 3 trains were in the care of diesels. We made it down in time for the last train on the lakeside railway, which is a lovely sedentary journey.
A few of these photos were taken from areas that are usually out of bounds to the public. I must stress that I had permission from railway staff.
Kent and East Sussex Railway - Footplate Experience
My 21st Birthday present from a family friend was another footplate ride. This time on the K&ESR. I had an absolutely amazing day - possibly the best I've had visiting a preserved line. I received a warm greeting from both platform staff and train crew, there was plenty to talk about during the journey and I was given an extensive tour of the carriage works later on in the day. I recommend this experience to any railway enthusiast as it really was fantastic.
The locomotive for the day was BR built 16xx No.1638. I have become quite familiar with this loco over the years but had assumed that its boiler certificate would have expired by now so it was a nice surprise to see it running light into Tenterten. The crew kept me updated throughout the journey, and upon arrival at Northiam, I helped fill up the Pannier's water tanks. At Bodiam I was allowed a few goes with the fireman's shovel under close supervision, before spending a few minutes taking photos at Rolvenden when we stopped for water on the return journey.
I stayed with the train for another return trip before my guided tour of the carriage works which was much appreciated and very interesting. It wasn't a very good day for photography but that doesn't detract from how good a time I had. Thank you to Liz for taking me and getting me this present, and the Kent and East Sussex Railway for being so welcoming and ensuring 100% customer satisfaction!
A few of these photos were taken from areas that are usually out of bounds to the public. I must stress that I had permission from railway staff.
The locomotive for the day was BR built 16xx No.1638. I have become quite familiar with this loco over the years but had assumed that its boiler certificate would have expired by now so it was a nice surprise to see it running light into Tenterten. The crew kept me updated throughout the journey, and upon arrival at Northiam, I helped fill up the Pannier's water tanks. At Bodiam I was allowed a few goes with the fireman's shovel under close supervision, before spending a few minutes taking photos at Rolvenden when we stopped for water on the return journey.
I stayed with the train for another return trip before my guided tour of the carriage works which was much appreciated and very interesting. It wasn't a very good day for photography but that doesn't detract from how good a time I had. Thank you to Liz for taking me and getting me this present, and the Kent and East Sussex Railway for being so welcoming and ensuring 100% customer satisfaction!
A few of these photos were taken from areas that are usually out of bounds to the public. I must stress that I had permission from railway staff.
South Devon Railway Easter Gala (Friday)
The visit of a 4MT and 2MT to the SDR was too good to miss during my Easter holiday. 80072 was visiting from Llangollen and 78019 from the GCR. I have always been a fan of 4MT tanks and had thought it would be nice to see one in Devon. I hadn't really paid much attention to the 2MT before but it won me over, looking right at home, particularly on the railway's crimson cream stock.
An early start, but not early enough, meant that I was at the line for the very first trains. I had planned to park in a popular lay-by near to Buckfastleigh, but upon arrival, despite not being full to capacity, I couldn't park in said lay-by due to inconsiderate parking of others. I decided to move up to Hood Bridge to catch the 2MT's first movement on the milk. With the sun on the other side of the line at the time, this wasn't ideal but it was all I had time for in the circumstances.
I walked back down to the lay-by in time to catch the milk's return, producing what I feel were the best photos of the day. Following this, I moved onto Staverton, but a mishap regarding a token led to some timetable confusion with the goods running out of sequence. I had missed the 4MT's earlier light engine run-past, and I was buying my parking ticket when it passed again with the goods.
After this, the timetable settled down, albeit running a little late throughout most of the rest of the day. I spent the rest of the morning up the line towards Napper's Halt, exploring some new locations suggested by other line-siders. By 1pm, I had been at the railway for a good few hours and realised I hadn't yet bought a ticket so I headed down to Buckfastleigh where I explored a couple more locations before finally boarding a mid-afternoon train headed by the 4MT, which was then joined by the Class 25 as it ran round at Totnes. This was a disappointment somewhat as the 25 lead, and made a considerable amount more noise than the 4MT.
I alighted at Staverton again and headed back towards Totnes to capture a couple more double headers, but as the light fell, I caught the train back to Buckfastleigh, exhausted after a fantastic day. Thanks to the South Devon Railway for putting on yet another fantastic show!