Today’s Bad Weather has given a good excuse to publish a few pictures taken in 2011 of Ropley on the Watercress Line, in terrible weather conditions.  Rather than snow, it was torrential rain on the day which made for some great

photographs, although at the time of taking them there was much cursing!

The beginning of 2011 marked the last weeks of BR standard 5MT 73096 operating on the line, before its’ boiler ticket expired.  The locomotive was a very popular machine on the line as it provided an ideal compromise between efficiency and performance on the heavy grades, as well (in common with BR standard classes) as being a relative comfortable and simple machine to maintain and run.

Fellow Riddles BR Standard class locomotive, 9F 92212 was in the engine yard.  This locomotive is currently on loan at the Bluebell Railway.

Meanwhile, Bulleid unrebuilt West Country class 34105 Swanage was parked next to  classmate 34007 Wadebridge, which was a great sight.  Swanage is currently in the engine works being overhauled.

The final photograph is of Pete Waterman’s ex-GWR 2-8-0 tank 5224.  These fantastic heavy tank engines will shortly be available in 00 scale model form from Hornby.

Don’t forget that voting is still open to choose your favourite colour that 60163 Tornado has run in (click here for more).  Also, please make sure you have signed the petition (click here) to stop the proposal for removing the cap on charges for mainline charters, so that we can continue to see mainline steam in action in the future.