Having recently completed a review of the Hornby terrier, I was a little disappointed to have it sitting at the bottom of the list of models reviewed, especially as despite it not being a great model, I enjoy running three in my collection. There are many models that I’ve owned in the past that were…
Yet another fantastic steam gala was held at the Watercress Line this weekend. The whole line was constant hive of activity, with seven locomotives (and one crane) in steam; working a variety of services, some double-headed plus demonstration freight services. There was also plenty on static display too; including a visitor from the National Railway…
Continuing on my theme from last week’s post in this series; is a round-up of my steam memories of the 1990’s. We start with two pictures of industrial locomotives, included here simply to state that a steam enthusiast is ever vigilant! The picture above of is of 0-4-0 saddle tank “Ajax” at Chatham Dockyard in the…
After looking at Ex-LBSCR E4 class B473 and Southern U class 1638 we now complete the round-up of locomotives that were in steam when visiting the Bluebell Railway on the 26th August. In my opinion we have left the best to last – South Eastern and Chatham Railway’s C class 592. If you have enjoyed…
The biggest and only significant criticism that the review of Hornby’s super-detailed schools class found was the problematic front bogey. It isn’t alone in this respect and I have two other
As promised in yesterdays post, today we will see the Watercress Line’s home fleet in action at last years Autumn Steam Spectacular. As mentioned previously, the weather was terrible, but it made for some great photograph opportunities. All three locomotives illustrated here will be running at this weekend’s Autumn Steam Spectacular 2012 – the full…
As promised yesterday; in anticipation of the forthcoming Autumn Steam Spectacular we have a brief look at last year’s event. My wife and I visited on the final day (the 30th October) of the three day event when the weather was terrible. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the reason why it is being…
This Friday 7th to Sunday 8th September is an important weekend for the Southern steam enthusiast as it is the Watercress Line’s Autumn Steam Spectacular. In antcipation of this; today we look at the planned steam locomotive line-up for the event, in order of build date. UPDATED 4th September – S15 class 825 has been withdrawn and…
Part 9 concludes a long series of posts looking at experiences during my childhood of steam on preserved lines. These have included watching small tank engines working hard up Tenterden Bank on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, having a cab ride on an Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 on the Lavender Line, being astounded by the historic Bluebell…
In a change to the scheduled post, tonight I wanted to share with my followers my first proper look of recently restored Schools class 925 Cheltenham, that I was fortunate to catch today in a rather sunny Ropley loco yard. Restored to working order in Eastleigh works (the locomotive’s birthplace) in just two years; it…
Loco Yard 