Austerity coming soon…
Just a very quick post to show you a new addition to the yard, that will be put to service very soon!
4464 Bittern – Cathedrals Express
Just a quick post today. En-route to visit family I stopped at Basingstoke to see 4464 Bittern arrive. Originally 6201 Princess Elizabeth was scheduled to take the service, but she failed yesterday. Fortunately her super-sub was more than capable of taking its spot. I had hoped to meet Simon of Brookes Castle at Eastleigh, but unfortunately…
Namespotting – Southern Names
Todays post is a reflection on the names given by Southern Railways to their top-link express locomotives. As the names are so evocative and well-thought out, I wanted to discuss some of the reasons why they work so well. I’ve illustrated the piece with locoyard fleet locomotives; both past and present. King Arthur Class Although…
Royal Scot visits the Yard (and a layout update)
As promised yesterday, a Royal Visitor has arrived for the weekend. Usually confined to the display cabinet, 6100 Royal Scot has been given a run around the yard. This was another model rescued from the repair/spares section of ebay. It’s original owner dropped the model – hence the reconstructed front Bufferbeam. I also replaced the
The Power of the Merchant Navy Class
One of my fondest steam train memories is watching 35027 Port Line pull out of Sheffield Park station in 1995. This locomotive didn’t stay at the Bluebell Railway, as they found it too expensive to run, but it’s shear size and power left a lasting impression on me that would last a lifetime. I’ve included…
Loco Yard 