Well after a roundup of all the model activity, steam activity and web site stats, it is now time to look forward into 2013.  Of course, this is dependent on things going to plan so I’m afraid none of this is set in stone.  With that in mind, here goes!

Steam Action!

One of the earlier events of 2013 is the Watercress Line’s Great Spring Gala.  3717 City of Truro is expected to attend as it did in 2011 (see picture above) as is T9 class 30120 – a locomotive I have long wished to see in steam.

Another early 2013 event will be the opening of the Bluebell Railway’s connection to East Grinstead.  This will truely be a massive milestone for the railway.  Although it may not be possible to visit the railway for the opening event, I certainly do intend to ride the length of the line and report it all here on Locoyard!

2013 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Mallard setting the World Speed Record for steam in 1938.  To celebrate the event, all six of the surviving A4 class locomotives (including one shipped from the USA and another from Canada) will meet together in York, July 2013.  I really hope to be able to report this once in a lifetime event to you all!

I managed a record 14 visits to the Watercress Line in 2012… I wonder if it can be beaten?!  Although I would dearly love to, we shall see, that’s a lot of visits!

2012 saw just four mainline sightings, hopefully that number will be increased this year.  That said, Railtours have a habit of running whilst I’m at work – so we’ll have to wait and see!

Model Reviews

As many model reviews will be conducted as possible, though it is unlikely that the figure of 35 reviews conducted in 2012 will be beaten, as there are only a few models left to review in the collection.  Unless, that is, any shop or manufacturer would consider lending models for review?  With 45,000 hits on Locoyard last year, it could be an effective and cheap way to advertise!  (If you are interested, drop me a line at LocomotiveYard@gmail.com)  In meantime I’ll review all I can – expect the next review to be a model of the locomotive above!

Movember!

The most worthwhile thing to come out of Locoyard in 2012 was it’s Movember campaign, raising awareness of of prostate and testicular cancer.  Last year, our campaign on Locoyard reached over 10,000 people.   If there’s one target that Locoyard would dearly love to break – this is the one!  It will definitely be happening again!

A Locoyard for everyone!

Last year, both the Movember and Christmas photo competition gave the opportunity for Locoyard Followers to have their work displayed and celebrated on Locoyard.com – such as the fantastic picture above (courtesy of Owen of Three Plank Media -please go to Twitter and/or Facebook for more).  This year there has been one request that a Guest Blog Post be written from twitter user @NigelGresleyA4 that has been gratefully accepted!  As a result; Locoyard.com opens it’s doors to any followers who may wish to write a guest blog post!  If you do, please get in touch (LocomotiveYard@gmail.com).  Your post will have to be railway/model railway related and generally non-offensive, other than that it will be great to hear from you!