The day started ominously misty. Given the pretty amazing weather we've been having this left the awkward British summertime conundrum - to take a coat or not. Decided to throw caution to the wind and go without. I need not have worried, as by the time we were scudding over the levels the mist was already lifting, and we appeared to be in for a glorious day. Our first winner of the day was Advenza's recently recomissioned 66841 which was stabled on the former Bath Road spur at the back of Temple Meads. Plenty of time to wander over for a shot before getting much needed coffee and heading for the 07:00 Voyager.

The destination was the Dean Forest Railway, a location I'd visited years ago on foot but had never travelled on. Their small summer diesel event was competing for punters with some major tours to Cornwall and a couple of locos being out of traffic also kept a few punters away. However, arriving early due to the poor service to Lydney, we made a quick tour of the site and were encouraged by staff to have a good look at the locos undergoing refurbishment in what appear to be huge 'polytunnels' standing on what appears to be the course of the former line to the docks. Having spent almost an hour enjoying the sunshine and exploring the site, the first train of the day arrived with 'Teddy Bear' D9521 in charge. A swift loco change to get E6001 on the front and we were off.

The timetable was generous but not intensive, and featured the Class 14, E6001 and the DMU in addition to the star attraction for me, the recently repainted 31466. Our first move was to switch between the high and low level platforms at the unusually laid out Norchard station to get the DMU. Intelligence from previous galas indicated that this would stick around in platform 1 at Lydney Junction for most of the day as a sales stand and buffet. Thus this was a sensible way to get an arrival into the less preferred platform and to guarantee a ride on the DMU. From here, we settled into a pattern of trips back and forth the full length of the line. A decent gradient up from Norchard and some spectacular scenery made for some entertaining performance from 31466 in particular.

With the sun seemingly stronger by the hour, we took a mid-afternoon break for refreshments and photographs at Norchard before a final run on E6001. Much as I enjoyed this loco, it seemed to crop up on one too many trains, and it will be a real boost when the line gets either its resident Class 27 or 37 back up and running for a little variery. After some final shots of an absurd lash up of ED and Teddy Bear leaving Lydney we wandered over to the mainline station to find services heavily delayed. Hung around in the still intense sun and waited, speculating on the chances of a Class 60 hauled freight passing. Eventually, a mercifully well air-conditioned Class 175 arrived and took us to Gloucester, where the much delayed service terminated to head back to South Wales. Took the opportunity for a break in Gloucester, and arrived back in time to see 60013 curving into the station with a train of empty fuel tanks! An unexpected bonus. Worked our way back to Highbridge via a change at Filton Abbey Wood, arriving in time to position ourselves for a photograph of Spitfire's 'Kernow Growler' tour on it's return leg in fine early evening light.

I was sceptical about today's excursion given last weeks rather amazing trip, but the Dean Forest Railway produced some fine entertainment in a spectacular setting, despite limited locomotives in operation. Definitely a railway to revisit when a few more are up and running. As it turned out, a pretty good day out with plenty of surprises.

Movebook Entry

It's my custom here to try to comment on things as soon after they happen as possible, but this weekend has been extraordinary in a number of ways, and the need to get some rest and reflect on a fantastic few days has been welcome. I've tried to recollect the events of the past few days as accurately as possible, and probably included far too many pictures of Western Champion in the process. I make no apology - it was a remarkable weekend...

Day 1 - The Northern Lights

Friday started feeling a little chilly and apprehensive. There were a lot of variables involved in this trip, and lots that could go wrong. In fact I'd probably spent more time and money arranging this than some of my jaunts to the USA years ago! However, my fear that FGW might scupper me at the first hurdle were unfounded, and the 05:49 got me to Bristol in time to queue behind various Pathfinder stewards for coffee and breakfast. The stock was already in platform 5, with 'Royal Skip' 67005 at the helm as had been widely predicted the previous evening. Noted that we'd be at the back for the journey northwards, but some mental calculations based on the timings confirmed this would mean being as close as possible to the loco on the return trip.

An ontime departure followed, and as we picked up along the way it became clear that this was going to be an entertaining trip based on fellow travellers in Coach H. Sat back, enjoyed the decent weather and listened to the banter. It was clear that this trip had brought together a real mixture of people - retired bashers long since off the scene, people with a more current interest, preservationists, indeed given the 'long weekend' format of the trip a good few people had brought along significant others. Settled in for the ride up to Bescot Yard, with a real sense of excitement building as everyone waited for the star turn.

And so, D1015 took over the train. After a smooth, swift loco change we were soon heading north, rejoining the WCML at Bushbury and making very quick progress northwards. It's been four years since I've had the pleasure of a run behind Western Champion and I'd forgot just how quick and effortless it all felt. Occasionally we were brought to a stand, and even nine coaches from the engine there was an audible growl from the loco and a gust of smoke as we moved away. It was all so effortless in fact that the hours seemed to disappear along with the miles, with neither Shap nor Beattock presenting any problems for Champion. In Quintinshill loop, Dick Unpronouncable set a trend for the weekend by making an announcement about the terrible rail crash of 1915. He repeated his unfortunately disaster-focused commentaries at Bannockburn, Culloden and even a particularly treacherous level crossing at Murthly - which lead to cries of "how many died here then?" every time he announced further points of interest. Once we'd skirted the southern suburbs of Glasgow and worked our way around via Law Junction, Mossend and Cumbernauld, we gained the line north, and began to climb into really wild country. Despite the dire warnings, the promised bad weather hadn't really made an appearance at all - and only in the perpetually grim and forsaken Pass of Druimuachdar did it begin to rain a little during a brief wait at Dalwhinnie.

Soon on our way again, as as we descended from Slochd towards Inverness, the sun breached the clouds and the Moray Firth appeared with the distant mountains in Sutherland bathed in light despite the late hour. There was something quite inspiring about the sight - and fittingly someone quietly, almost reverently, pointed out "bloody hell - a Western has made it to Inverness!". Nobody seemed to want to leave the platform after we'd arrived, with Champion gently ticking over on the buffer stops it certainly felt like we'd all been part of something special. Eventually everyone began to drift off to hotels, pubs and restaurants to celebrate a fantastic day out.

Movebook Entry

Day 2 - How The West Was Won

After a well-earned sleep in a very nice hotel in Town, wandered down early to do a little shopping and enjoy a coffee before the off. It was strange to have plenty of time to make my way to the start of a railtour for a change, but couldn't resist heading for the station early and found plenty of others had felt the same way. Lazed around in fantastic sunshine, chatting and watching units coming and going. There had been much debate about the arrangements for the trip today, but I'd stuck to my guns on this - Champion would lead the stock into platform 1 or 2 - being the only suitably long ones for the train. It then seemed we'd be propelled back to Welsh's Bridge to take the Rose Street Curve to reach the lines heading for Dingwall. This meant the bonus for me of picking up this otherwise hard to get bit of PSUL track. With this manoeuvre completed as planned we made a cautious crossing of the swing bridge at Clacknaharrie before picking up speed as we headed alongside the Beauly Firth towards Dingwall. Had breakfast on the train, and also sampled a few of the ales on board as we turned west onto the Kyle line. There were a mixture of people on board - some hadn't been this way for many years, others had never ventured this far north. However, as we slowly climbed towards the formidable outpost of Raven's Rock, everyone seemed somewhat subdued by the frankly awe-inspiring scenery outside the train. A brief pause to let a unit pass at Achnasheen before we pressed onwards, hugging the shores of Loch Carron as we descended towards the coast.

Eventually, after a fairly swift run we curved into the terminus at Kyle of Lochalsh under amazing blue skies. An emotional moment here, as those responsible for making this trip possible assembled in front of the loco for an impromptu seminar. The last two days had displayed admirably the fantastic efforts which have been undertaken to keep D1015 in tip-top condition. After the obligatory photographs, the crowds went their separate ways in order to fill a long afternoon stop here. For my part, after exploring the village - something I've not had time to do before in the short turn-arounds between trains - I took the bus over the Skye Bridge soaring high over the narrow straight that formerly required a ferry journey. Spent a little while exploring tiny but attractive village of Kyleakin and actually found myself relaxing and not thinking about work for the first time in a very long time. Instead pondered how tricky it must have been to sustain these communities which relied so heavily on the ferry, now that the bridge takes the traffic flying past them.

Returned by bus to Kyle and had a late lunch sitting on the station platform and reading, while waiting for the stock of our train to be shunted. This was a complex process, involving the entire train being propelled out of the non-preferred platform 2 and into the more often-used platform 1 which allowed the loco to release and run around the coaches. Once reattached, D1015 propelled the train back to the buffers - and ended up making a second attempt due to a problem with the RETB signalling. Joined the group on the road bridge to watch and get pictures of these manoeuvres - which are strange and unusual now in the age of a multiple-unit railway.

As people drifted back to join the train for the trip back, a piper turned up and busked for the the crowds on the station. For the first time though, we were at the front of the train and the only music I was really interested in hearing was from Western Champion's twin Maybach engines as she made the long ascent back to Luib Summit. First though we had a photo stop - originally planned for Strathcarron, but rescheduled to take place at Stromeferry to prevent the train blocking a level crossing. This proved to be a very fortunate choice as, once we'd stopped we were beckoned across the line to photograph the train. It's a very long time since this has happened on a railtour, and it contributed to the sense that this was adding up to a very special event.

Treated myself to a further sampling of ales which had been procured on Skye to replace the stock which had been drunk dry on the outward trip. Some very unusual beers almost unheard of on the mainland too. After a storming, noisy run back to Inverness we again used the Rose Street Curve and backed into the platform. Lots of very happy and slightly sun-burned faces as the assembled crowds dispersed to various venues around the city to celebrate a successful day.

Movebook Entry

Day 3 - Taking The Long Way Home

Another decent night's sleep - a rare thing lately - and soon checked out of the hotel and into Inverness early. Always interesting to watch a city wake up on a Sunday, and managed to make myself the first customer of the day at the coffee shop. Joined the assembling crowds at the station, again in glorious weather, and awaited the arrival of our train. Once again propelled in from the yard, with our coach as close to the front as possible. Away on time, and a twinge of regret as we watched Inverness disappear into the distance as the line climbed to Culloden and turned south. Our first stop was after the fairly brief journey to Aviemore. Took the opportunity for a photograph here, where the crowds across the platform managed to persuade a piper waiting for a train south to pose beside the train and play the pipes briefly for us all. The rather bewildered and admittedly hung-over piper explained that he'd played at a barbecue the previous evening and was heading back to Pitlochry. He seemed genuinely bewildered by the arrival of Western Champion and all the activity, but was soon offered a lift to Perth where he could easily double back to get home. He accepted, and this meant that our next brief stop at Perth also included a performance. As we left the station, with an outrageously loud performance by Champion the piper stood at the end of the platform and piped the train on it's way. A fitting farewell to the Highlands!

From Perth we took the Ladybank line, then the little-used link at Thornton North Junction to follow the Fife Circle through Dunfermline, as the more direct route was closed for works. Eventually made it to the very brink of the Forth Bridge, where there was something of a slip-up with the loco and we ground to a halt. After a brief, worrying moment, things were back underway and we thundered over the immense structure triumphantly, arriving only a few minutes late at Edinburgh Waverley. After a short pause here we set off with an explosive departure through Calton North Tunnel, before slowing at Portobello to take the Suburban Lines. Another bit of required track for me as we curved west again at Niddrie West Junction, then took the line from Craiglockhart Junction to Slateford Junction to access the line to Carstairs and eventually the WCML homewards. With the afternoon proving to be very warm, and a good range of beer left on the train, it was a sleepy trip back to the Midlands. Lots of banter, and plenty of congratulations for the team from the DTG and Pathfinder for the successful weekend. It was around this time that people - some of them very old, experienced hands at this game - started to talk about this being "the best railtour ever". High praise indeed.

Hopped out at Birmingham New Street to watch D1015 detach and head off into the sunset. It had been such a spectacular few days that no-one even managed a disparaging comment for 66206 which DBS had supplied for our journey back to Bristol, perhaps helped by this being a particularly rare example of the class as far as passenger work is concerned? Arrived back at Bristol and made the short trek to my base for the evening, tired but very happy indeed. Well over a thousand miles later, and having been blessed with excellent weather, good company and most of all, fantastic running from a fine locomotive, it's easy to see why even the organisers were considering this one of the best ever. This trip will be remembered for a very long time by those of us who made the trek up to Kyle for the first time with a Western!

Movebook Entry

So, having recuperated and reflected today - was it the best railtour ever? It's hard to say because there are always surprises around the corner. Certainly, there was a palpable sense of history being made over the weekend which added to a celebratory atmosphere. Great weather, a stunning location and fantastic motive power made for a very special event indeed. Trudging back home this morning, feeling knackered and a little bit miserable that it was all over, I came to the conclusion that this will definitely take some beating!

Movebook Entry

It's not often I do any work on the underlying code of this website. Since I wrote Areopagitica four or five years back, I've done just enough tweaking to keep it working or to add features which have been deficient. But the core of this is much what was written back then, in all it's sprawling and messy glory. It's for this reason I've always resisted allowing it out into the wild - although a recent deployment elsewhere which was fairly simple has convinced me it wouldn't be quite so hard to package.

Today's work started as an effort to tidy up and improve the Movebook code to cope better with heritage engines - and sort of spiralled from there. Mainly as a marker for me, the following bits and bobs have seen work:

• Search highlighting/Permalink display bug fixed
• Search on both article content and title implemented
• Movebook now knows about most heritage engine class numberings
• Stock Reports also take into account heritage class numberings
• Generated error pages (404 etc) improved and working with secure areas of site

If I can keep up the momentum in spare moments, I'll try to fix one or two other irritations over the coming weeks. It's certainly reminded me that at times when things are, shall we say a little fraught in the workplace, the mental effort of solving programming problems is a rewarding task.

I've always sort of regarded the South Devon Railway as my 'local' preserved line. Yes, there are some closer, but the attitude of some lines to diesel traction leaves something to be desired. Somehow, this neat little line with two active diesel preservation groups always manages to turn out a good showing - and their gala weekend is always entertaining. So, onto the first train south for a fairly quiet trip to Totnes. The weather brightened, and I enjoyed a pleasant walk from the mainline station to Littlehempston for the first working of the day - a special using the line's Class 122 railcar taking us to Buckfastleigh in time for the first loco-hauled service back down the line. A good, noisy start to the day's proceedings with the staff clearly enjoying the trip just as much as the few early-bird punters!

This time around, the South Devon had elected to use just their home fleet. This meant plenty of action for their pair of Class 20s, and the next trip down saw 20110 handling a set of clean, tidy and comfortable stock with no problem at all. Plenty of people seemed to be arriving too, which gave proceedings a little more atmosphere. Real Ale bars on both active sets was a nice touch too. The big event of the weekend though, was the return to traffic of 33002 'Sea King' which had recently returned from display at Eastleigh 100 following four years of extensive repair and refurbishment. Still looking pristine in 'Dutch' livery, 33002 joined the train at Buckfastleigh and made a speedy and noisy departure. Fantastic entertainment and bound to produce some interesting photographs from the many lineside camera-folk.

Settled into a pattern of heading up and down the line, enjoying a bite to eat and coffee, and generally enjoying the day. Still somewhat bewildered though, by the vast collection of garden gnomes which cluster on the embankment shortly after leaving Totnes! Gnomes appear in various spots around the railway, but not nearly in such an abundance as here. I'm not sure of their significance at all. In any case, the timetable was arranged perfectly, allowing the discerning enthusiast the opportunity to travel on all of the various combinations of stock and loco, including the DMU which did some in-fill services to Staverton. The loco changes were accomplished very swiftly, and delays were kept to a minimum despite the tight turn-around times. After the less effective arrangements at the Mid Hants a couple of weeks ago, this was a refreshing change. Managed a trip along the line on all of the participating locos, including D7612 and the absolutely storming D6737 which has provided many entertaining runs on the South Devon.

As some serious looking clouds were drifting over, decided to call it a day after a few last pictures at Totnes. Soon back to the station and heading homewards on a busy Voyager full of holidaymakers. Another excellent day on my favourite preserved line - but most importantly the staff were fantastic, interested and not at all snobbish about the diesel weekend displacing more family steam heritage traction. Add the decent weather for most of the day and the rather good food served on-board, and you have a recipe for the perfect gala. I'm much looking forward to the next diesel event, where they hope to feature some guest locos too.

Movebook Entry

Realised with some surprise that I only really have a couple of spare weeks left this summer where I haven't planned some sort of trip or event in advance. No bad thing in many ways, but even so it's nice sometimes to make some sort of spontaneous trip to unexpected parts. Using another set of the cheap tickets First Great Western have made available to season ticket holders, decided to head for London. Specifically I wanted to head into North West London - revisiting the Chiltern Lines and covering bits of the Metropolitan Line which has always lain in the mysterious 'extra zones' which made Day Travelcards so expensive!

To maximise the value of the day in the capital, we set out on the 05:50 and travelled via the customary change at Weston onto a London-bound HST. Diverted again via Filton and Hullavington as per last week's trip. A fairly quiet, uneventful journey spent trying to puzzle out exactly what FGW buffet staff had been told they could hand out to First Class passengers these days! On arrival at Paddington, straight on to the Underground and a slow journey to Baker Street. Started to think my guess at getting the 09:18 from Marylebone was a little optimistic. In the event, made it and rebooked and dashed for the gate in time to settle into the rather comfortable Class 168 seconds before departure. Having been pretty consistently rained on since leaving the house this morning, noted things seemed to be clearing a little as we headed into the suburbs and eventually began to speed through open country. Next stop was Princes Risborough where we changed for the short single-line branch to Aylesbury. I recalled very little of my previous visit here, and not much more from a railtour which did this branch in reverse on a pitch dark evening back in February 2007. Sadly, Chiltern Railways aren't using their bubble car on this part of the network anymore. However, as we curved towards Aylesbury a line up of no less than five departmental numbered bubble cars, presumably acquired for spares and training, were lined up near the station.

A brief wait and a refreshment stop at Aylesbury as we awaited the next service to Aylesbury Vale Parkway. This station, opened in 2008 on a loop off the line to Quainton Road, was little more than a shell and a platform when I last saw it photographed. Happily, the modular building has taken shape and now a buffet counter, toilets and ticket machines are in evidence. The station and it's vast car park were perhaps unsurprisingly deserted on a Saturday morning. It was so quiet that the member of staff on duty was opening the automated doors for passengers as they walked in, and the buffet staff appeared to be greeting everyone individually. Felt somewhat uncomfortable in this very isolated spot! Eventually back on board for the run back towards London, this time using the branch which is shared with the Metropolitan Line from Amersham onwards. Stayed on the train as far as Harrow-on-the-Hill, where some confusing mucking about eventually saw us back on the platform, Oyster card's duly swiped and heading for the next Uxbridge train. These branches off the Metropolitan confuse and intrigue me in equal measure. Having done a little research into their origins and service patterns I was even more curious. A pleasant surprise too to have my memory jogged on arriving at the wonderful art-deco period train shed at Uxbridge. Could happily have spent some time examining the place, still packed with authenticity - including it's hanging globe lighters. Hard not to imagine Betjeman stalking these halls, and I'll confess to a little quotation being uttered, much to others' disdain.

Back to Harrow again, then on to a Watford train. A rather too warm, lazy trip to a terminus practically in the middle of nowhere. Whilst it could have been possible to walk to Watford Junction, the journey seemed extremely pedestrian unfriendly. Hence reboarded, and headed back to Moor Park to complete the plan by visiting Chesham via a change at Chalfont & Latimer onto a four-car Metropolitan set departing from the short bay platform here. On route, managed to finally figure out which were fast trains, and after the briefest of visits to the rather neat old station with it's signal box, made our way back to Moor Park, then onto a fast train making only a couple of stops before Baker Street. Another TFL line completed!.

Having struggled through the amazingly large crowds blocking platforms on the half-closed Circle Line, finally found my way to Euston. Here the plan was to head out on a fast train and back by the slower DC lines. Booked a ticket and just made the 16:24 which made short work of the WCML and soon deposited us at Watford Junction. Watched trains for a while at the busy and always interesting spot, before boarding a Class 313 heading back to Euston. After the curve out to the High Street (and the former Croxley Green line, perhaps one day to become the Croxley Link) the lines closely hugged the WCML, crossing underneath a little before Wembley Yard. Soon back in Euston, and heading for the Underground once again.

Again caught the 17:00 Taunton train which brought me directly home, after an expected diversion via the Berks & Hants line. Interesting to watch a micro-soap opera developing with a small group of apparently very drunk young women on board - which included theft, break-ups, money and men. Otherwise, the journey was pretty odd - with a malformed HST set including coach B locked out at the end of First Class and a missing buffet. Indeed the buffet steward didn't want to budge from Coach A at all an practically announced this! A relaxing trip nonetheless, after a busy and tiring day.

I wonder if those girls ever made it to Exmouth last night?

Movebook Entry

Following some fairly well-documented issues, the Mid-Hants Railways stopped having diesel galas around four years ago. It was encouraging to see then, an announcement that an event would be held this weekend. Having watched a fair amount of commentary on the web over the last few weeks, it was fair to say that some doubted the sincerity and the commitment of the line's management to a diesel based event, given an outspoken preference not to get involved in such things in the past. The lack of involvement of those in the industry who had previous supported the organisation of diesel events was also notable. However, having not been to the line since a brief end-to-end trip in 2006, I was keen to visit and to see how things worked out for myself. In particular, the reported presence of both 56098 and 37905 from Shackerstone were a huge bonus, having been elsewhere during the Battlefield Line's own gala earlier in the year. So, set out on the early train, connecting at Weston into the 06:24 in the time-honoured fashion and travelled as far as Reading, unusually via Filton Bank and Hullavington. A quick leap here onto a Gatwick-bound 166 as far as North Camp where we made the short walk to Ash Vale and a 450 into Alton.

As we arrived it was clear that the Mid-Hants organisation had likely underestimated the patronage. Already, there were queues building for tickets, and notably the glossy and well-produced programme and timetable had been reduced from £5 to a more reasonable £3. Even more surprisingly, the first train off Alton's platform 3 was to be formed of the line's single car Class 122 bubblecar! We crammed in, but others decided to flag this for the following departure. They displayed some foresight in doing so, as on arrival at Medstead & Four Marks our train was declared a failure with an air leak. Off the train with some difficult due to the number of out-of-use doors on the unit, and time for a coffee in the bright sunshine while we awaited 56098 and 33053 which were following.

Things seemed to go awry here, and to be honest never really recovered. Our plan had been simple - try to get some haulage behind each of the locomotives on offer, and ensure that we managed to end up on a service using the rare track into the Cattle Dock at Alresford along the way. In the event, just finding trains to run up and down the line on became an exercise in itself. Stayed on the 56 hauled set for a full run back to Alton, then via a solo run with 33053 managed a switch onto the impressively noisy 37905 somewhere along the way. With mounting delays, the timetable and roster were apparently discarded in favour of letting people watch the various demonstration freight trains passing by. Frustratingly, we spent more time on platforms at the admittedly well-kept stations with their very good facilities, than we did on trains. Spotting one of the DMUs lurking outside Ropley station we bailed and soon found ourselves onboard the now working bubblecar once again, which managed the required track into the Cattle Dock. Time for a few pictures of an impressive departure from 37905 too.

Perhaps watching this departure rather than hopping on board wasn't the correct plan however, as it soon became apparent that there was no hope of anything hauled by the two Class 73s from this end of the line now. A long, but not unpleasant wait eating ice-cream and drinking ginger beer followed, before 33053 crept out of the sidings with the stock of the 15:20, delayed by well over an hour. We boarded as a desperate move to get back to Alton, literally not knowing when the next train might arrive if we didn't!

Finally back at Alton to find 73201 arriving suspiciously quickly after us. No hope of a complete round trip now before the close of the event, and a risky change at Medstead didn't feel at all sensible. Instead, flagged the train for a wander into Alton, and eventually the 17:44 train back to Ash Vale which seemed to be conveying mostly expectant-eyed young clubbers heading for Waterloo! Another quick move on foot to North Camp for a relaxing run into Reading. From here, another diverted HST home, this time via the Berks & Hants and Hawkeridge Junction to reach Bristol.

Despite things not going to plan, today was a decent day out - helped of course by some fine guest locomotives, stunning weather and the pleasant surroundings of the Watercress Line. However the organisation, and some of the staff with their clear anti-diesel sentiments, let down the MHR badly. The proliferation of non-passenger workings, the lack of contingencies when failures occurred and the quite oddly constructed timetable made for a frustrating day which just wasn't good value - even when compared to more expensive events elsewhere. It's a 'must try harder' from me for this weekend - but I sincerely hope they do, and that there are future diesel events worth visiting on this otherwise interesting preserved line.

Movebook Entry