Stars of the Mid-Hants Spring Steam Gala 2014 Part 4 – U Class 31806

This U class locomotive was one of three Richard Maunsell design’s running at the Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala 2014 (the others being 850 Lord Nelson and schools class 925 Cheltenham).  The U class is a personal favourite engine type of mine and are a well-built design, a typical product of Maunsell.  This particular example…

Stars of the Mid-Hants Spring Steam Gala 2014 Part 3 – West Country Pacific 34046 Braunton

It is strange to think that this locomotive is a classmate of 34007 Wadebridge, featured earlier in the week.  34046 Braunton is one of the rebuilt versions of the West Country class and more closely resembles the third Bulleid pacific to star at the Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala 2014 – 35028 Clan Line.  Rebuilding transformed…

Stars of the Mid-Hants Spring Steam Gala 2014 Part 2 – Metropolitan Railway E Class 0-4-4T No 1

The only small locomotive running at the Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala 2014 was also the most colourful and oldest.  Built in 1898 at Neasden Works for the Baker Street to Verney Junction service of the Metropolitan Railway, what is now part of the Metropolitan Line on the London Underground network, this locomotive is a rare…

Stars of the Mid-Hants Spring Steam Gala 2014 Part 1 – West Country Pacific 34007 Wadebridge

Although 34007 Wadebridge is currently the Watercress Line’s only operational Bulleid Pacific, it was one of three running at the Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala 2014.  The event provided all three (currently) possible mechanical variations of Bulleid Pacific – unrebuilt light pacific, rebuilt light pacific and rebuilt Merchant Navy.  Wadebridge is an example of an…

Hornby BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 Review

Locoyard’s 00 scale model reviews section (click here to read) nearly has all ready to run BR Standard class models reviewed.  Hornby’s version of the 4MT (75xx) 4-6-0 model is regarded as one of the best out there and has a direct competitor from Bachmann (click here to read the review).  Today we look at…

Bachmann BR Class 08 Diesel Shunter DCC Fitting Guide (Non DCC Ready)

Since last year’s Movember campaign, Devious Diesel from Thomas the Tank Engine and friends had become the fleet’s only non-steam locomotive, but it is now joined by a BR class08 classmate, albeit a more detailed main-range Bachmann version.  Not wanting to spend too much, I picked up this model secondhand.  Although Bachmann’s modern class 08…

Simon’s journey into the world of Volunteering – Entry 6

Nigel Kendall http://www.steamweb.net Following the bad weather the South of England is having at the moment I thought this photo of Canadian Pacific in the snow was well-suited. In the horrendous winter of 62/63 35005 thunders up through New Milton with a Bournemouth to Waterloo 2-hour express. The steam effect is enhanced by another fast-disappearing…