Great Central Railway

Wednesday 29th December 2010, was the annual Christmas visit to the Great Central Railway.

A cold, grey, damp day with dense fog in some places concerned me because of the standard of photography would be difficult, however here are some shots that I do like.

The service was quieter this time with only a limited number of visitors.

The Pullman stock was being used for diners, but the ordinary traffic was provided by LMS Stanier 8F 48305 and the small Prairie 5526 with the 'Autotrain'

Here the LMS Stanier 2-8-0, built in 1943, 48305 approaches Rothley before departing for Loughborough.

This is the 'Autotrain'. One single carriage stock with controls at the front, and the small Prairie at the rear. This sort of service was for branch line traffic.

The small prairie tank locomotive, 2-6-2T, 5526, built in 1928 takes on water at Loughborough.

Finally, waiting at Loughborough for the last afternoon service to Leicester North and return. The Christmas lights provide some cheer under the canopy.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Can I wish all my readers a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Sorry, there will be no services today. My favorite station on my favorite railway in the winter. Levisham, an Edwardian station in a lovely but lonely location. The village incidentally is about 2 or 3 miles away at the top of a very steep road.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

I thought it would be nice just to reflect back on my recent trip up to North Yorkshire. This is a place I love, and would live there given the chance. Not only the railway, but the overall beauty of the wild and stunning countryside and moorland has to be appreciated.

Levisham station is an Edwardian structure. It nestles at the bottom of the valley in Forestry Commission land and this alone is a stunning feature. Only recently have the station lamps been converted to electricity.

LMS 'Black 5' 4-6-0 45212 approaching Levisham tender first from Grosmont.

45212, built in 1935 by Armstrong Whitworth. A mixed traffic locomotive widely known as one of the 'Black 5's'

Sir Nigel Gresley at Moorgates, having departed for Pickering.

A little novelty we found at Goathland station, a 'Fergie' on a flat bed carriage.

Sir Nigel Gresley departs Grosmont for Pickering.

Allelys Heavy Haulage

Maurice Allely, founder of Allely's Haulage Heavy, is not only an Honary member of the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club, but also a collector of vintage tractors and other vehicle and agricultural memorabilia. Here is a selection of photographs I have you might be interested in.

These three Lorry's appearing at the 2009 Astwood Bank Vintage Gathering more or less started the business. Now fully restored and kept at Maurice's farm at Studley.

'Tornado' en-route to a preserved railway, with escort vehicle behind.

The next series of photos I am not sure of their origin.

'Tornado' arriving at Quorn and Woodhouse on the Great Central Railway. The tractor unit must correctly line up with the rails, and notice the diesel locomotive behind that will hook up and take 'Tornado' back to the Loughborough engine sheds.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Although filmed in 2009, I can imagine the scene would be very similar now.
Oh how I would love to be up there now.
I just wonder what the road to Levisham is like, its not the best even in good weather, it would be a good test of driver skills to negotiate that road.

Warwick Victorian Evening

On the evening of Thursday 25th November, the Warwick Lions Club with the Chamber of Commerce, held the annual Victorian Evening.

On a cold crisp night the some members of the Warwick community and those from outside the parish assembled in the market square and adjoining streets for festive merriment.

Hog Roasts, fun fair, penny arcade, stalls and entertainers came from far and wide to extol their wares and products to all present.

All photos taken on a Canon PowerShot, unfortunately I was unable to gain an elevated vantage point.

This photo taken outside Lloyd's Bar, (yes we did venture inside) looking towards the museum. Stalls and Mick Rule's Savages Steam gallopers well illuminated.

Looking across the market square towards the gallopers.

Looking further down the square towards the decorated Christmas Tree

Moor Street Station

Over recent years Moor Street Station in Birmingham became run down and derelict. However expansion plans and investment from Chiltern Railways decided that the Grade2 listed building must be restored and put back into regular use and reconnected to Network Rails steels.

Not only has it been restored, but it has been brought up to present standards for public use in a tasteful and delightful manner.

Chiltern Railways are looking to the future of rail travel and there has been a number of useful changes that can be adapted for future requirements.

On Saturday 11th December, Vintage Trains will operate 'The First Moor Street Express'. Departing at approx 8am for Paddington, London and return. (schedule to be finalised subject to Network Rail) The First Moor Street Express excursions due to depart 11th December 2010 from Moor Street will be hauled by 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. A 4-6-0 Castle Class locomotive built in Swindon in 1936.

The 8th Newark Tractor Show

The 8th Newark Tractor and Heritage Show was held on the weekend of 13th & 14th November at the Newark Agricultural Showground.

This was the largest show yet with over 900 exhibits.

Although this event is hosted by the Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, it is organised by the members of the Notts Group National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club.

This is the 7th year we have been attending this show.

As is previous years the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club was well represented by a number of members and our club stand (pic below) was set up by me, Jon Boyce and the Bisp family. Jon Boyce, myself and Matt Bisp were also official stewards at the show.

This is the North Worcs. Vintage Tractor & Engine Club Stand with the Ford 2000 Pre-force tractor from 1966 owned by me, then we have and International Cub, Ford 1200 and a Wheelhorse all owned by Matt Bisp.

On Sunday 14th, a Remembrance Service was held in the George Stephenson hall and here you see me and Jon Boyce on poppy duty.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

Oh dear, this is a typical hedge row tractor, sadly in need of TLC

Next selection of photos are some of the many exhibits present.

Bonfire Party

Ah Ha you might be saying, at long last he updates the Blog. Sorry folks, its been a difficult few days, and this last weekend we were at the Newark Showground for the 8th Tractor and Vintage Show. I will come back to that later.
However, the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club, to which I am Chairman held a bonfire party at Haydon Way Farm, Spernal Ash on Saturday 6th November.
This farm is home to Maurice and Janet Allely of Allelys Heavy Haulage fame. The old red top club stand was being decorated in readiness for the pig roast. Young Matt Bisp cleaning the table tops of dust and bird droppings. The barn was cleared of the combine and other harvesting tackle in order to make room.

I suppose we had 50 to 60 friends attend the bonfire and some of us stopped over for the night in order that we may consume some booze! The steam boys from Astwood Bank were invited down and here is a selection of photos of them on the way, negotiating the Slough with the A435!

Dave Smith's Burrel road locomotive 'Keeling' being driven by Daz Cave. This engine manufactured in Thetford, is over 100 years old.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

Miles Banks seen here in full control of the S.E. Davis's Marshal road locomotive.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

Mark Jones steering here with Chris Beale driving the Fowler K7 Ploughing Engine complete with living van.

photo taken by Matt Bisp using my Nikon D90

The morning after. Sunday morning steam up before the return to Astwood Bank.

Yorkshire Break part 2

On Saturday 30th October we caught the 9am train from Pickering to Whitby. What a difference a day makes. The sun was out, the wind had dropped and a good time was had by all. From some of these shots you can see just how bright and sunny it was in the harbour area. Whitby is a town a really do like, but don't go on Halloween weekend, the place is full of 'Goths'

This is the old lifeboat, no longer in service doing that, just simply now for pleasure.

This is Elizabeth the steam bus in service. A Sentinel built vehicle was originally a flat bed lorry. For a small charge this bus takes you round the town, and a jolly good ride she is!

Ah, now we have just returned from Whitby, and here is our train standing at Grosmont. This is 45428, a 'Black Five' 4-6-0 locomotive named 'Eric Tracey'. This loco has a main line ticket.

'Sir Nigel Gresley' at Grosmont awaiting departure for Pickering.

And here is 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on her way up towards the Grosmont Motive Power Depot, and on to Pickering

At the Grosmont Motive Power Depot, we have her locomotive 76079 at the coaling tower. This a BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0

Awaiting our departure for Pickering. Not a pleasant journey this time. The service was very busy, and despite out efforts we were joined by a family with an uncontrollable child. I am not a child lover!!