Given that the version of 92220 Evening Star reviewed here has undergone a rather comprehensive make-over, it was never an intention to review it properly. However after acquiring a Bachmann 9F (click here for its review) , I thought it too good an opportunity to compare one of the best budget models with one of…
Certain prototypes capture the hearts and minds of many enthusiasts and the BR standard 9F is certainly one of them. The 9F was a unique standard class that unlike it’s cousins, gave British steam a locomotive type that was new. And it’s also regarded as one of the best performing types too, as discussed in…
Regarded by many as the ultimate and best British Railway Standard class, the 9F is also generally considered the finest
The Steam Diary on this blog has had several back-dated posts with the long term ambition of it being complete record from where the entries in my journey in becoming a steam enthusiast end on the About page. Despite the increasing number
Today we have a very brief glimpse at Bachmann’s BR Standard 9F class and find out how to fit
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…
This Friday 7th to Sunday 8th September is an important weekend for the Southern steam enthusiast as it is the Watercress Line’s Autumn Steam Spectacular. In antcipation of this; today we look at the planned steam locomotive line-up for the event, in order of build date. UPDATED 4th September – S15 class 825 has been withdrawn and…
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…
Following from my previous thread on my early steam locomotive experiences, here are a few more pictures of the Bluebell Railway from the 1990’s archive. Starting with the picture above of the Aveling Porter 2-2-0 geared well tank – a curiosity indeed! Now based at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, it was based for…
Loco Yard 