At locoyard hq we are experiencing some IT issues, namely the PC has completely failed and with it access to photographs… Shock horror! So whilst a replacement computer is on order, I’ll have to be imaginative about content over the next couple of weeks, especially as it will involve writing blog posts on a smartphone.…
Latest news from Hornbys Engine Shed blog Hello everyone and let us start by saying a big Happy Birthday to the late great Frank Hornby, an innovator, visionary and without whom you and we would maybe not be involved in this wonderful hobby. On with the celebrations! You may have seen on our social media pages…
Today’s blog post looks at ex-GWR 45xx class small prairie tank 4566 of the Severn Valley Railway.
Today marks the 70th Anniversary of Rev W Awdry publishing the first of the famous Railway Series books, “The Three Railway Engines.” Interestingly this first book did not introduce the most famous character of the series – Thomas the Tank engine, but of course it is Thomas who became the star. Hornby are marking the…
How many diesel locomotives be given the title of honorary steam engine? The steam era GWR diesel railcars are usually included and early pioneering prototypes that could produce so much clag that they could be confused with smoke from a coal fire! For me (and this is definitely only a personal opinion!) some of the…
Next Weekend on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2015 Four Marks & Ropley Scout Group are holding their 11th Annual Model Railway Exhibition. In 2012 I visited this small but very friendly model railway exhibition (click here to read more.) As usual, on Sunday it coincides with the Watercress Festival in Alresford and so…
In the late 1960’s steam power was being obliterated in the UK. The iron king that had powered the industrial revolution and changed the world was at the end of its reign. As steam locomotives were being withdrawn and scrapped, something unusual was happening. A new 2-8-2 steam engine was being built…
Ask most people they’re favourite blue tank engine and you can expect one answer, Thomas the Tank engine. But after a visit to the Lakeside and Haverwaithe railway, you may have you swayed if you see Andrew Barclay 0-6-0T 1245 in steam.
Bellerophon was a hero of Greek legend, famous for riding Pegasus and slaying the Chimera – a fire breathing beast. Being one of the greatest names of mythology, it comes as no surprise that it has been used for a number of warships. A little more surprisingly though, is that is name of a quirky…
Although today’s blog post is the last of a quartet of heritage railways visited in a little over a week, it certainly is not the least. The Severn Valley Railway deservedly has a reputation as one of the leading lights in the heritage railway world. The line has featured here on this blog before, but…
Loco Yard 