Damaged locomotive

Last year, there was an unfortunate incident whilst unloading imported freight locomotives from the USA.

70012 was dropped during this procedure. It was decided to retain the locomotive on Allely's loader unit for assessment purposes.

Finally the decision was made to return the locomotive to the USA on the Allely's unit.

Great Central Railway Easter Vintage Festival 2012

Easter can be notoriously cold, wet and damp, more so when it is early in April. It was this in mind that I decided to visit the Great Central Railway's Easter Vintage Festival on Saturday 7th April 2012. Most of the festivities were held in the station yard at Quorn and Woodhouse.

On arrival at Loughborough, parking is easier there and FREE, I went straight down to the platform after purchasing my senior citizen's ticket.

After light refreshments of tea and sausage bap, I boarded the next train to Leicester North.

46521, BR built LMS Ivatt Class 2 Mogul moved under her own steam for the first time in 11 years just prior to Christmas 2011.

On arrival at Quorn and Woodhouse, this was the scene that greeted us.

The Great Central Railway acquired a turntable from somehere in Lancashire some two or three years ago. It has now been restored and placed in a suitable position. Demonstrations take place from time to time in operating this equipment, MANUALLY!

A fine example of a 1950's AEC. Look how the load was secured in those days!

A Leicester County Council Marshall single cylinder S Type NHP 5, 10 Ton Road Roller. This was built in the mid 1920's.

A Burrell 8 ton Double Crank Compound road roller from 1926.

Two interesting exhibits. A Fowler of Leeds R3 Road Locomotive built in 1917 HO 6420 along side a Allchin 7HP single cylinder traction engine from 1917.

Now this was an interesting exhibit. An Aveling & Porter DR14, 14 ton road roller, built 1913. It has a single cylinder open crank diesel engine, rated at 29HP, 13173CC, 8 Inch Piston with a 16 Inch Stroke, plus twin flywheels.

Taxi. Yes the good old London taxi from the 1950's

Foden steam lorry of 1928. This unit was still working until 1956 and is chain driven.

Sentinel steam lorry built in 1928. This engine finished work in 1950 and was finally condemed for scrap in 1960. Now well preserved.

This is an interesting exhibit. A Ruston and Hornsby single cylinder road roller, converted after an accident in 1953. Unilever purchased the engine and after several attenpts, finally converted it with a Nuffield Universal tractor engine; ex WD Morris Commercial gear box; ex RAF reduction box and an ex Bedford transmission box.

A liitle history about this locomotive. Built in Leeds in 1956 by the Hunslet Engine Company. It worked for a time with the National Coal Board in South Wales, This type of locomotive was a standard shunting engine during WW2.

A final look at the station yard at Quorn and Woodhouse before departure on a cold, damp miserable April day.

Classic Mini Show

Sunday 1st April 2012 at the Three Counties Show Ground was the Classic Mini Show.

A wonderfully sunny day brought out cars, vans and pick up's of all different colours and interesting restoration projects.

There were however a number of Mini's in original 'factory' condition.

Please enjoy the photographs I took from this event.