Too right Northender,. There is not much I can hide. Anymore.
I was born into the Mespot.Most of the folk I knew are dead or in homes.
If anyone has a spare moment .
cje49 youtube.

I am the chap in the white shorts.
ce

I went to see this, I find these old beasts fascinating to watch.

There was one old sod shouting at a few rambling old souls in the middle of the train track, "people like you are going to get these events stopped." At first I scowled at this gobby chap, and then I saw who he was shouting at. Indeed, a few senseless individuals decided to take a leisurely walk over the trainlines to photograph the steam train. This shows total abandon of common sense. A train is not going to stop for an old bugger with his point and shoot, so can we keep to the designated and safe areas to stand?

I expect many of you have seen this but it serves as a reminder to those daft people who will risk anything to get that "best shot".
And yes, when someone is killed doing it that will be then end of steam on the railways.

There has been an unfortunate number of deaths on the preserved railways this year. The Light Railway Authority/H&SE are becoming ever more strict and this is producing a whole raft of new proceedures to be followed.
Director 7903 Ltd.

Steam this evening - Newbury at 18:23 (booked time).
LNER A4 Class 4-6-2 no 60019 Bittern [4464]

Also same loco Wednesday 15th August Newbury at 11:54 - 12:07 (Booked time water stop).
Return at 21:01

Oliver Cromwell went west through Newbury this morning. Shiny shiny and looking wonderful in the sunshine.

Heard it.

Yeah, but he's been here before....(27 October 1644) I do believe.

Yes, sorry I omitted to notify of that one.

Funny thing is, on the way back it was signalled into the through line at Newbury so passengers wanting to alight could not.
It was then stopped at Newbury Racecourse station so that they could get off there instead!!

Different sort of chuff chuff, nice though. I was at RAF Benson last week at a family day and these rolled in. Hot oil, steam, coal, the smells the same, great.

We used to have a steam fair - would be great to see that come back.

I went with a group to a fair on Hungerford Common.
The cross my palm with silver lady said I would marry someone.
TallDark She left out the handsome bit,,, I did meet one, but she offed it to the family business in Hong Kong.
Jardine Matheson. So I was happy with the next, short blonde and a pretty girl, for the next 35 years.

Back to the leviathons. There is a 2 day steam fair in Weeting ,Norfolk.
I have never been but many park up outside The Ram Pub which has a huge forecourt carpark.
A great sight. I am sure it is just to take on water!!!
ce

Not a chuff chuff as such, but the Crofton Beam Engines are hosting a steam gala on the 29-30 September. New for this year is some vintage ploughing. I'll try and post some more details.

Also not a chuff chuff, but I saw a lovely diesel (Northern Belle I think) go through Crofton yesterday afternoon. The carriages looked fantastic with the tables set for dinner.

Any steam enthusiasts that has a couple of days to spare could do no better than attend the 40s weekend on the Sherringham-Holt railway this coming 15th 16th Sept. Always a great weekend that can invoke lots of memories.

http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/page.php?pid=7

Yes, I've never been to that railway but would like to do so.
Bit of a long way for a day trip unfortunately.

It is a terrific line.After many years they managed to link up with Sheringham halt again.Mainline.
so they are able to get "Guest" trains on their lines. The long term plan is to restore an orbital network.
A few gaps will be difficult to fill.. roads etc., All the landowners are behind the idea. It just takes hard work.

The village of Weybourne used to be the end of the line,(by coincidence John Major's retreat)They managed to move it on to the next town Holt where you could get a horse drawn charabank into town and the nearest pub.That doesn't seem to run or canter anymore.

There was something in the local paper about why it became known as "The poppy line" but I have forgotten.
ce

Three of the four that were on duty at the 40s weekend.

A steam train through Newbury this Saturday 29th Sept. At the racecourse for water at 9:45 then on to the Newbury station at 10:15, departing at 10:27. Headed by either Tangmere or Britannia Oliver Cromwell.

Returns to Paddington through Newbury, scheduled for 21:11 with a four minute stop.

One on Sunday as well!
Not sure of times yet but will post when I have them but should be hauled by "Tornado".
EDIT : Is Tornado and scheduled to pass Newbury at 10:23.
Scheduled to return pass Newbury at 21:25

It was Tangmere and spot on time. Didn't look as if the train was fully booked though.