© Ian Bowskill - Battle of Britain Locomotive Society
No 22 with a rake of steel hopper wagons
"W.S.T." (resplendent with a bespoke Battle of Britain headboard, thanks to Malcolm Young) provided the motive power, ably crewed by Alf Gascoigne and Stuart Race. Our visitors requested some shunting in the yard with the steel coal wagons - on their previous visit they took photos of No 22 with a rake of wooden trucks. Alf and Stuart duly obliged, managing to raise a fair head of steam and smoke.
Most of the photographers opted for a liquid lunch at a nearby hostelry (the Wagon Inn, I believe) while the engine crew took a short, but well deserved, rest after topping up W.S.T.'s water level. Then it was up the hill to Blackham's, bearing right at Pelaw Main Junction for the extension.
The weather was somewhat changeable with short sunny spells in between the heavy rain. This gave us the opportunity to please everyone (at least the photographers) as some preferred the brighter weather for clearer shots while others felt that the overcast skies added an air of gray industrial realism.
© Ian Bowskill - Battle of Britain Locomotive Society
No 22 with a rake of steel hopper wagons
The day closed with the, now traditional, spread in the Kip and Dish - and very nice it was too. Just what was needed after a cold, wet, but enjoyable day. Thanks, Ruby.
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This page last updated 30 November 2002 |