The Thomas the Tank Engine Connection; My Journey in becoming a Steam Enthusiast, Part 7 (chapter 1)

A set of posts reflecting on my journey in becoming a steam enthusiast would not be complete without Thomas the Tank engine!  As a child, I adored Thomas the Tank engine and it is without doubt one of the reasons that I love steam engines today.  My Hornby model (above) is the longest-serving member of locoyard, although it is currently…

My Journey in becoming a Steam Enthusiast, Part 6 – The Watercress Line (1997)

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…

Hornby LNER A4 class review

Last week, Locoyard followers were given the opportunity to vote for the next model review.  The Bachmann N class and Hornby A4 won with the same number of votes.  Today see’s the Hornby A4 class go through the Locoyardometer! Class: Gresley A4 Pacfic Use: Express Passenger Region: London and North Eastern Railway Era: 1935-1966 Preserved examples: 4464 (60019) Bittern – mainline certified, based at Southall Depot 4468 (60022)…

A day out on the South Devon Railway Part 2 – Staverton and Totnes

Following from the previous post is a continuation of the journey along the South Devon Railway from Staverton to Totnes Littlehempston.  We start with the very picturesque rural branchline station of Staverton. Staverton is a smal rural atation with a short platform, so if you wish to get off, make sure you are in a correct carriage (usually the first two…