After the cancellation of 30777 Sir Lamiel, 43xx 5322 provided a last-minute fill-in at the Watercress Line’s Autumn Steam Spectacular 2012. 5322 is usually based at the Didcot Railway Centre and although it did not quite fit in with the steam Gala’s Southern theme, it none-the-less was an interesting addition to the loco line-up. 5322…
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…
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…
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…
Today’s post has taken inspiration from fellow Tweeter Nick Littlewood (@NickPLittlewood) who very regularly posts interesting exerts from publications, pictures, posters that are railway related. If you have an interest in railways, Nick is a fantastic person to follow on twitter! He manages to find a large range and quantity of interesting railway material to share. With this…
Fittingly after yesterdays blog post we move forward in time to the 22nd July and to another character from Thomas the Tank Engine and friends; 5 James! This is in reality the sole surviving Maunsell N class (31874) that was painted as the Thomas the Tank Engine character towards the end of its last stint in…
1997 was a significant year for the Watercress Line, as it marked it’s 20th anniversary as a preserved railway. My father and I visited the line twice that year. The line’s impressive home fleet was supplemented by some very special visitors. Continuing from last week’s post, here are a selection of photographs of the Watercress…
Regular readers of this blog will no doubt be very familiar with the Watercress Line! It is a railway I visit regularly now, but when growing up one that I visited relatively infrequently. However, these early visits nevertheless were regular and enjoyable enough to go a long way in sowing the seeds of becoming a steam enthusiast! Going back…
Today’s post is a catch up on another visit to the Watercress Line, this time though it was not raining, thank goodness! I visited the railway last Sunday. Upon arrival at Alresford I managed to get a few shots of U class 31806 before it departed. This locomotive really is a credit to the railway’s…
Loco Yard 