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…

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…