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Special Guest Write-Up by ChrisTheXelent
The first SIF UK Meeting of 2008 could only have kicked the year off in fine style. The meeting point was the
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway during their Winter Steam Gala over the weekend of the 16/17th
of February. Not a Railway Series related railway, but famous for starring in the classic 1970 Lionel Jeffries adaptation
of E. Nesbits ‘The Railway Children’. Therefore, suitable for a group of people who are still kids at
heart.
Five members attended the event on the Saturday. Alaric and Loey Machan were attending University at nearby
Lancaster. Ryan was able to drive down from Scotland for the night before the big day. Then, when morning came the trio set
off in Ryan’s car to meet up with the other attendees. They reached Keighley station by late morning and met up with
the fourth member- Talyllyn, who had arrived by train much earlier. And before long, ChrisTheXelent, the fifth member due to attend arrived at noon, clashing video
cameras with Loey Machan in the process! Just in time to see the 12:05PM depart behind WD 2-8-0 No 90733.
With the final group now formed, they waited around for the next train; a two coach
shuttle service top-and-tailed by Ivatt 2MT class tanks Nos 41241 (KWVR resident) and 41312 (visiting from the
Mid Hants). But as the train left the platform, there was trouble afoot. The twins slipped to a stand on the steep curve
out of the station. So, running later and later, the train backed down into the station and charged at the climb. This time,
they made it with the visiting Ivatt was chucking unbelievable amounts of coal dust out of her funnel. Although this wasn’t
realised at the time, this engine was due to be cursed for the rest of the day.
The train soon reached Damems halt nearly halfway up the line before heading back to where
it had come from. On the return journey, the happy band disembarked at Ingrow West to explore the home of the Bahamas
Locomotive Trust. One of two museums on site containing many historic locomotives and artefacts.
But visit was all too brief. And so, it was back to the station to catch the next train up the line: this time
double headed by LMS Jinty No 47279 and Taff Vale Railway coal tank No 85 hauling suburban compartment stock. From here, the
group trundled up to the station which shot the line to nostalgic fame-Oakworth, which was constantly used in ‘The
Railway Children’. Once again, they decided to get off here and explore the area. This time, walking up the valley
to Mytholms tunnel (another film location from ‘The Railway Children) to watch a few of the trains pass by.
As well as tease Loey Machan about leaning over the tunnel mouth and CTX for re-enacting a classic scene from the film. “Take our love to father”…..and a charming hand gesture!
Eventually, the
group continued to walk up the valley and soon arrived in the picturesque village of Howorth to stock up on refreshments at
a nearby newsagent and glance inside the station’s giftshop. Although, CTX was more interested in filming Alaric gorging
on his frozen ice drink… only cost him 20p and it lasted for most of the afternoon. Good value!
At 3:05PM, the cavalcade caught another train to the end of the line at Oxenhope. Where there was another museum
to explore; the three road Green Shed Exhibition. Used as a storage shed for out-of-service locomotives and vintage carriages - including
LMS Jubilee No 45596 ‘Bahamas’ which is the pride of the Bahamas Locomotive Trust’s fleet…as
well as an irresistable object for someone to climb into the cab
and pretend to drive it off.
At 4:25PM the crew
set off for home behind visiting LNER K1 No 62005. It was a quiet journey until the train was passed by the visiting Ivatt
tank. By now, wheezing asthmatically from one of the cylinder drain cocks… a fault that would affect us later down the
line.
Soon, the train
reached Ingrow West, where Loey Machan suggested the idea of getting off again to visit the home of The Vintage Carriage Trust
– another museum full of historic railwayana. But, sadly this was due to make the day take a turn for the worse. Alaric,
who was due to head off to Disneyland Paris the next day, needed to get back to Keighley by 6PM to catch his train home. And
the engine which was due to take the next train back had failed…..yes, it was the visiting Ivatt. Inevitably, blame was due to be shifted somewhere. And according to Ryan, it had to be shifted onto the
person who suggested for us to get off the train. Needless to say, Loey Machan became the new scapegoat. Luckily, he was good
natured enough to take the joke (cheers mate!) and the group simply waited for
the next train back. But not before viewing the stunning sight of a night express thundering through behind the K1.
Eventually, the WD drew and took the group back to Keighley where they shared jokes, anecdotes and laughed about
life on the forums as they currently knew it. Alaric and Talyllyn managed to catch the next train to Leeds; hugs were exchanged
between the other members before the pair departed and Ryan, Loey Machan and ChrisTheXelent headed back to Lancaster University for food and a good night’s
sleep. With the latter two leaving for home the next morning.
It was an eventful and enjoyable day. A good start to the year and a good taster for what was to follow over
the Easter weekend!
Special Guest Write-Up By Fox
THE FUN AND FROLICS OF FRIDAY
The Wild Weekender began ultimately at Lancaster Rail Station, where Fox
was due to arrive in at around 3pm. The first meeting of SiF members came between Ryan and Loey Machan, who was carrying
his ever trusty video camera. Friendly banter was exchanged, prior to the arrival of a familiar face...
Was the start of this weekend break, and how else could a true
SIFer start it but in style - on the train! Somehow, yours truly was cruising towards Lancaster on a Virgin Pendolino in First
Class – all for the princely sum of £8.60. What a bargain. Keeping me company was a sleeping granny and my copy of Solo
Command...but once we got into Lancaster, things got hot quickly! Stepping off the train, I heard a yell in a very distinctive
Celtic accent -and hurrah, I was greeted by Ryan and Rhys. Greets were exchanged and we left the station almost dead from
laughing ourselves hoarse...after Ryan explained a rather odd seeming text concerning Snowdon, copper and whisky...!
A
trek through historic Lancaster [and H. M. Prison looming over us] later, we bombed it outta the carpark and upto
UCLAN’s miniature city – just how much of a city this campus is doesn’t strike you until you have walked
through it. Imagine Cloud City, from Empire Strikes Back - full of walkways, self-sufficient and very easy to get lost
in as well as compact - dorms above banks. SPARs teetering over halls of residence. Got the picture yet? I’d like
to go there for my masters...
Decamping to Rhys’s room, the swagbag was opened for me from Ryan – a box
and a note: “I owe you a drink...or do I?  ” Ahh...but drink once drunk is gone. Power Rangers S.P.D. DVDs remain! [SPD is the only post Morphin’
series I’ve ever actually liked...and d**n is it good.] Sometime later, a friendly face knocked on the door and
was gladly let into the company – ‘twa s none other than the legendary bard Alaric! Settling down, we waited for
CtX to get there...and it snowed. IT SNOWED IN EASTER. Whisky Tango Foxtrot.
Watching the Keighley SIF video and having
a good snigger at the comedic value of “That’s my daddeh!”, we found something out: the reason the Ivatt
broke the day SIF went to the KWVR was because Rhys had licked the cab of Lord Nelson -a small green saddletank. How strange
this world we live in functions.
A time later, and a bedraggled and wet CTX crashes in -and happy birthday to him
too! The ‘Hoff of the SIF commune got something appropriate – a fully talking r/c KITT [yes – KnightRider!]
Chasing a car has never been so much fun...he liked it, and so did we. =D
At this point the gates of SiF Hell broke
loose...and the madness commenced. Woo yay! You recall how Monty Python used to have really berserk and bizarre, yet thoroughly
productive writing group sessions? Welcome to our world, and a major project in the works at the hands of Ryan and Rhys. We
ended up with human origami, a talking car dying as someone uploaded Micros*** Vista onto it, what really happened
to the Third Reich after we got into Berlin...and who got hold of said Third Reich’s goodies. Almost as twisted as Duckula,
I promise you...
Until teatime beckoned. Then the warcry of the Elder SIFers thundered through the corridors spelling
doom for all food, drink and booze within a 5km radius: ”TO THE PUB!!” [Sadly we had no tanks
on this occasion.]
Our target: the Wetherspoons in town. Small tip here: go to any town or city and there will
always be at least two WS’s. They work like Sith: the Rule of Two. One is the skanky one, for the drop-ins, football
hooligans and morons to trash. It’s also very, very prominent to attract custom.
On the other paw, you have then
the classier, tidier and often more pleasant pub – hidden away on a side street and quiet, keeping to itself in an A-Spoons?
Me? No-sir, I- assure-you-I’m-no-Spoons, I’m-tidy-sir fashion. Find this and you’re home and dry. As we
did. Pies, burgers and pints were quickly devoured, as plans for the Summer bonanza were hatched and either allowed to fly
like chicks, or smashed like eggs attacked by woodpeckers.
After, we headed back to the City of UCLAN [I’m
sorry, but you could be born, live and DIE in that place, for the love of the Force...] and tried out a local haunt:
the Furness Bar. A game of pool and a few pints later, we trod back tired, stuffed but content to our beds. I ended up in
Alaric’s room with the master of said room and Ryan. Even though we had a ten minute mountain trek to get there. ;-P
Cheers Alaric for the space!
THE ROCKETS AND ROYALS OF SATURDAY
Dawned cheerful, sunny and bright...so cheery it may well have ruptured
one’s spleen, it looked so ...disgustingly wholesome. Until yours truly stuck his paw out of the window and greeted
the courtyard with “AAARRRRRG F**KIT’SCOLD!” Up North...they only feel the cold when the beer pumps
freeze, I swear.
Breakfast was a highlight of the day – save for the flying frying pan. Yes
ladies and gents, Ryan had found his element and commandeered the kitchen in order to create yet another of his legendary
fry-ups! [And scrummy dey were too..but where were th’ delishioush bacon shandwichesh...? ;P] Much sausage,
bacon, eggs and beans were devoured, and after half an hour or so for Ryan to eat and relax [and for me to wake up XD]
we trooped off to...MANCHESTER!
Well, sort of. Bury’s like a satellite to the great Madheap afterall....right? We
drove, we slept and we conquered by arriving there.
And then it started snowing the moment we stepped out of the car.
I jest not. On the Easter Weekend, the traditional herald of chickens, lambs, and cocoaphile rabbits....it went Arctic. An
omen maybe? Not really – a walk later and we arrived at the centre of the East Lancashire Railway’s operations
- Bury Bolton Street, where we were greeted by a very authentic-looking BR 1950’s urban-design station.
The ELR get points for this, as it accommodates therefore, both the steam and diesel eras. Warming itself in the platform
was nothing more than a BR-liviered Cl 47 – it’s only a Brush 4, but in the blue and yellow it actually looked
quite striking. It was also a moving memorial to the Gateshead shed [as photographed]. Opposite was the 50
Valiant – and yours truly was swarming over these with his shiny new Nokia 6500 cameraphone – much better
results than the old Moto some of you may be acquainted with!
But...Five became Six...as a familiar friendly face
sauntered down the platform to our posse’ – it’s the Mayor! It was Truro, to be exact! Greets were
exchanged and we split once more – turns out everyone else went window shopping while this Fox went paparazzi.
Bad me. Although I did catch up with the guys...halfway through them filming their own episode of Thomas & Friends...
Soon
a little black Mogul thundered in – 76079 to be precise, aka the infamous “Pocket Rocket”! [Bad name,
we think we may know how it got its name...but I don’t care to divulge it here...think of the children!] This
was our train and away we went. The ELR is a strange railway by dint of it requiring a half up, full length down, and then
half up again train route in order to achieve a full return trip from its “Headquarters”, as opposed
to say Porthmadog of the Ffestiniog, or Bridgnorth of the Severn Valley. Coins were tossed and due south we stole to Heywood!
Heywood’s quiet, and the highlight of the trip for me to there would either be trying the local ale onboard the train
– “Black Cat Ale”...it was alright. It was a very good “session” beer [light ABV, but very
dark, fullbodied taste]. Well, no, not the beer itself, but the guard and stewart winding me up by insisting they brought
me ‘top ups’ on the trip through to Bolton Street. I didn’t order any, I swear! [Though I
do believe it was payback for me taking me time and deciding, “carefully” between Black Cat and Blonde Witch beers....XD]
Or...getting some excellent photos of the ‘Rocket being watered as seen in the album, as it was a good sunny
day for photographic conditions. The return was better, as we tore up the valley towards the other end of the line,
set in a small country station at Rawtenstall and managed to snatch some pics of Princess Elizabeth Rose [‘Lizzie’!]
passing our road at Irwell Vale – but more on her later! Interstingly, Irwell Vale reminded me of Wellsworth –
and just like on Sodor, had a box of Bees... >:D
Rawtenstall proved to be a miniature goldmine, as we found stalls
with old railway magazines on it. Duly purchased, we decided on lunch and there went to the cry of “TO THE PUB!”
once more. I seriously cannot recall the place now, but I do admit it did good Guinness and oh Gods the food...! Yummy steak
pie and ice cream sundaes galore...glory be indeed, albeit interrupted by myself and Rhys fleeing the restaurant to go and
snap images of one of the Whistlers [Class 40s] which had vanished earlier – making me rather unhappy. Now
we got one – albeit at the price of freezing our bollocks off, d**n you diesels!
A march back along the trackside
path instead of the main road gave us a snap preview of the engine at the head of our train – none other than HRH of
the LMS! LMS crimson would have suited NWR no.4 I feel, after seeing it so proudly displayed on this beast of a Pacific....All
aboard!
On the return leg, we had the carriage to ourselves mostly...I wonder why? ;-P At one point I recall Rhys and
Ryan attempting to resurrect Spitting Image – and nobody famous was safe from the satirical rubberface of Ryan.
XD That was brilliant...shame about the Blair bit guv...
Before Bolton St yours nearly had heart attack followed by
nearly falling out of the carriage in a desperate attempt to get his master diesel pic of the day. That’s right, the
ELR had led me to temptation by parking the BR Whistler outside the diesel shed. I got it though...I GOT IT! And off
the train we fell, onto the platform and surrounded Princess Elizabeth. Cab shots, profile shots....that engine must have
felt just as popular as her real counterpart with all the photographs and line-ups we took with her in! Testament to this
is Ryan’s picture. Alas, a good day was coming to an end, and we had to say farewell! And see you in summer! to
Truro, and we drove like a bat out of hell back to Lancaster!
The idea to go to Blackpool was mooted; alas a heavy
hailstorm on the way home altered our decision. I wasn’t sure, but after being told that that having ice cream on a
pier on New Year’s Day in the rain is nothing, I was a little more prepared...but we went home instead to the warmth.
Cleaning ourselves up, we headed back to the kitchens and watched a couple of DVDs, including the first half of my Power Rangers
SPD, woo! While this happened, Domino’s dropped off their finest sewage-on-a-base [I’m sorry guys, but it
was either that or the Furness’ beer that gave me a bad stomach, and I’d put money on it being the former...]
and scoffed we did like hyenas after such a log day out. =) Later, another trip to the Furness was made, where bets were placed,
games were played [and lost!!!!] and pints were downed – shame they only had Hobgoblin and NO Guinness!! Most
disturbing. However, the big day out still beckoned, so we traipsed off home and hit the hay, tired but happy after a good
SIF day out...but good things come in threes, and number three promised to be the best of them all!
ROAMING THE RATTY ON SUNDAY
Yup, Easter
Sunday was upon us, and it dawned dangerously sunny and clear – and even chillier than the preceding day if that was
possible. It was almost like a diamond – cold and sparkly. Proceedings
were pretty quick if groggy – with the long drive ahead, it was an early get up – although memorable is the breakfast
for two reasons – firstly, it was the Guv’s cooking. If you have never sampled this, then you are missing out.
Seriously. His bacon is –just right-...okay, enough of the salivating there. Secondly was sitting round later on –
when poor Ryan finally got to eat and for some reason, l was still half asleep
like a zombie at the table. Mrrrraarrrgh...
Somepoint later, we bombed it out of Lancaster – and headed off into the near-vertical hills of the Lake
District on the way to the Ravenglass and Eskdale. An odd distraction was the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway...cue a skidding 90 degree turn to
go in and have a peek round. What did we get for our free five minutes? Well,
I was observant to spot a J94 Austerity parked in the car park equipped with a Giesel ejector -and a shunter. However, turned
away were we quickly by an attendant – turns out they were having a special event and were charging to park! Urgh,
time to abandon ship methinketh. But...you could say we visited not two but three railways that weekend :D
It was almost midday when we crashed into the car park of Ravenglass railway network – and went straying
off at once, after buying the tickets for the day trip. Even at this point it was becoming clear that the Ravenglass staff
are a pleasant bunch, and much credit due to them!
We missed
the train being hauled out by River Esk [aka “Rex”]
which left us with half an hour or so to roam round and basically clamber all over Ravenglass Yard – which, perhaps
due to its size, we were allowed to do so freely! Shots of “outside Arlesdale Shed” and inside “the
Works” were hastily snapped up, as we roamed across the wooden-floored bridge towards the carriage sheds and diesel
depots...but yours truly had caught a sneak peek of the under-overhaul ‘Bert’ [River Irt]’s
tender sad and alone in the works shed... The carriage
shed was open; cue a photo opportunity for the rarely-seen ‘Blisterus Dieselus’ - even clambering aboard it!
We were even
kindly invited to take a gander into the signalbox – for such a small line they put a lot of detail into it –
and worthily so! Even better was the gift of a pair of footplate passes for CTX and myself! [Personally I wanted to tear
through the country on the ‘little red demon’ affectionately known as Mike...but we cannot have our cake
and eat it...;)]
We got bored
and roamed round the station, admiring its neat structure until the harsh sound of a whistle roaring in announced it was time
to wake up: none other than the elegant Northern Rock was bearing down on us at high speed, fresh out of the Dales
and no mercy on its cylinders! An impressive site and once more a credit to the R&ER – as it tore into Ravenglass,
it immediately gained a herd of new fans – around the turntable it was turned and all but yours truly stood above it
on the mound, taking pics. It was a magnificent sight, as though the tired many had clambered the hill to behold the next
coming... Where was I...? I was in the turntable pit getting close-ups!
The decision
was made: myself and CTX would split the journey, making sure we basically got a full line trip, albeit in alternate directions
– I elected to go for the second half of each trip – meaning I got both the beautiful woodlands uphill and the
sweet sky sceneries of the sunset coming downwards home.
Before we
departed, it was a good idea to inspect the steed -as is customary on these SiF
outings. Rhys made an acute observation that Northern Rock has quite a colonial-era look to it; I personally hadn’t
suspected it until it was mentioned – but to be honest, he does have a point when you look at it objectively,
with the square features, elegantly tall cab and funnel, and outside frames...Bollywood
moment, anyone?
Nah. Turns out as the ‘Fab Five’, we were more like Oasis
with our gurnings, scowls and smirks as well as our huge winter coats draped over us like sullen Mancunians [ joke!
;)]
All aboard,
as we four passengers [Chris X had already leapt aboard NR (Jock) ] crammed into one of the older carriages
and had a good lounge about – for 15inchers, it’s amazing that one can travel in such vehicles...but still. We
were able to laugh, relax and even have a small singalong as we chuffed up the line behind a very famous engine [the only
Small Engine I believe, with a book named after itself!]
At this point,
let me tangent off the railways, SiF and all things Railway: there is a very good reason that the Lake District is listed
as a Site of natural beauty: even in the chilly tail-end of winter, albeit in the sunlight, it is easily appreciable that
this area is simply stunning. The majestic rolling hills, the gentle sleeping dale hamlets, the herds of quietly content sheep - this, my friends, is what England is truly about. The trees were bare but starting
to bud and some parts of the line were already shaded in leafy avenues – and the fields were turning emerald and viridian
with the oncoming approach of Spring. All in all, even if you can’t go railway-riding, visit the Lakes. I implore you.
Halfway up
the Ratty is a very famous landmark – the track curves on a station at Irton Road. At the one end of the station on
the curve is a very familiar looking stone arched bridge... [insert a dual pic of DTLE and SRE
era scenes at the Green, Ryan?]
If
you don’t happen to know why, allow me to explain henceforth: Duke, Peter Sam and Sir Handel’s
old railway [the Mid Sodor Railway] ran from Arlesburgh, through Arlesdale to King Orry’s Bridge. When this
closed down [as related in Duke The Lost Engine], the Small Railway was built exactly on the trackbed of the old
railway – until where it curves off sharply to roll into the village of Arlesdale instead of going upto the ‘Mountain
Road’ of the old railway. The R&ER, as inspiration for the Small Railway thus is akin to being a real life
section of Sodor -as life imitates art, or art imitating life? – bugger
the philosophy for now, methinks ;) - there is even more on the eerie similarities
later.
Irton
Road – the crossover. Now I leapt from my seat and bundled my way into the quite cosy cab of Northern Rock
– and for a wee engine, it was extremely warm [no bad thing on such a chilly day]! Chuffing up the Dales in
a steam engine is pure bliss. Eventually, we reached Eskdale terminus and were greeted by – a giant water vole! Turns
out that the ‘La’al Ratty’ was having one of its ‘Ratty Days’ whereby its
own children’s mascot meets and greets visitors – the R&ER’s being a giant furry – how droll!
J
For us SiFers
however, someone else was also awaiting our arrival – the second feature star of the weekend – Eliot,
longtime RER volunteer and SiF agent! Turns out that the younger members had created a rather large model railway downstairs
in Eskdale terminus....
Downstairs?
Eskdale terminus
is deceptive – it looks small on the railway approach but is infact a double decker - meaning
that the cafe is the ceiling for the mess room downstairs – which was now awash with track, stations and shiny model
locomotives ranging from 37s to 9Fs and more! They were fun and reminded one of one’s own model railway currently in
stasis – but enraptured Rhys from our own company, who sat there, enchanted by the wee engines buzzing about the layout.
Yours truly left the boys with their toys and went to go and take some more pictures – especially as his favourite ‘beastie’
River Mite [aka ‘Mike’] was in with its train and turning about quickly. ;)
Lunch was
summarily gained and a sample of the local produce [Ratty Ale] sampled by myself and CTX. Eskdale’s cafe is
a joy to eat in, but a pity the same cannot be said of the ale! I’ll say no more but it is one for those who have an
acquired taste.... soon we left it behind and wandered out into the high and lonely hills of Eskdale...
Recalling
the ‘Sudrian equivalent’s history, it didn’t take us long to walk down the lane the R&ER goes on departure
from Eskdale and discover where the old 3ft gauge track went – bounding over a small mound and a path led us to a sleeper
laid [left?] down in memorial of the old railway. Following this slowly and taking in the scenery led up further
up the valley – leading to an eerie revelation for your author: the layout,
hue and atmosphere of the hills here is very similar to that of the valley of Ffestiniog! Wandering up this haunting track
took on a new relevance – one could be forgiven to believe that they had
padded through an invisible gate and wandered onto Sodor itself – with the Small Railway below them, the hills looming
overhead akin to that of another railway heavily featured in the Railway Series – the Ffestiniog. Eventually a dead
end was found, but not before the remains of what may have possibly been a station platform and railway shed was examined
thoroughly by our group.
Slowly [and
with great difficulty!] our expedition left those forlorn hills, leaping over marsh and bog and bounding over wily brook
and mound to loop back down into the pretty village of Eskdale itself. One memorable highlight is the sound of the Wombles
Theme [Undergorund, Over ground etc etc...] being warbled as we paced along the main road back to Eskdale terminus!
Back at the
station, we bade our goodbyes to the R&ER youngsters and went to meet our train, once again hauled by Northern Rock - a happy coincidence as it meant we would have been able to cab it on the downward
journey to boot! Before then though was the photo opportunities – first with River Mite and the “master
shot” [which I got, unbelievably!] followed by a good old group picture of the six of us SiFers with Northern
Rock as the centrepiece. Farewells and promises to return were made, and we cruised down the valley once more upon the
La’al Ratty. We crossed at Irton Road with a diesel – Douglas Ferriera crossing us. No wonder Eliot keeps
talking about it, it really is a fine little machine!
After the
pub sadly, we had to get going -I sincerely wish I hadn’t booked that train
ticket for that night. The bombing through the Lakes District and the Lancaster
country in the dark [I swear I saw flames coming off the body of Ryan’s car!] was a hectic trip, but one merrily
shared until our destination was hurtled into like a bat out of Hell – Lancaster rail station. We beat the train to
the platform narrowly – waves were given, hugs swapped and oaths to meet again solemnly made.
Leaping onto
my train ended my odyssey in Lancaster and another part of the Island of Sodor – but the adventures are far from over,
as the Wales 08 Holiday still loomed large ahead in the distance...and beyond! I missed out on this due to circumstances,
but I know that I’ll be atop Snowdon in 2009, flying the flag for SiF alongside the regulars and newcomers alike –
the SiFamily grows ever large and long may it prosper!
After Fox left, takeaway was ordered and Alaric's video camera
came out for a spot of work. Ryan, Chris The Xelent and Loey Machan were to be the visual representatives of OaSiF -
part of the Fat Controller's latest monologue for Toby and the Stout Gentleman. Ryan also lended himself quite nicely
to demonstrations of what a good wife should be like - and the differences between a kettle and a steam tram (no wheels
or means of creating motion...)
Morning came and the last of the grub was served up prior to saddling
up and rolling out for home again. It was a nice, lazy and relaxed morning, all of us trying to either wind down or
psyche ourselves up for the long journeys out of Lancaster ahead of us. Sadly, it marked the last time Loey would be
able to host us in Lancaster as this was his Graduation year - so a slightly sombre moment, but it had been a wonderful way
to bow out.
The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway was to be the host site for the first
ever proper SiF Meeting in Scotland. Ryan, Chris The Xelent and Professor Vengeance all decided to meet up there prior
to the Week in Wales 2008 trip planned for August to provide a prelude for CTX and the Prof to get to know each other prior.
The day began at Glasgow Central Station, where Ryan and CTX met with
Professor Vengeance prior to heading on to Bo'ness, the headquarters of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society,
with a wide range of locomotives, stock and exhibits on offer for viewing. Among the delights was the sight of Morayshire,
who would be pulling our train up to Birkhill in the early afternoon following a spot of lunch in the station's cafe as well
as a trip over to the Scottish Railway Exhibition, just over the footbridge at Bo'ness. This is home to a number
of artefacts relating to Rail life in Scotland such as industrial steam locomotives, signage, posters (We found one advertising
Saltcoats, which gave us a chuckle!) and examples of Scottish Railway engineering such as Maude (Who appeared
in the more recent adaptation of The Railway Children on the Bluebell Railway in the late
90s or early 00s) and Glen Douglas. After a jovial, one-sided discussion with a wooden Guard in his van,
we opted to head for our train to take us to Birkhill and capture her for video.
At the other end of the line, we were then led on to the Railway's other
attraction - the Fire Clay mine, which was to be led by a guide called Sheena. There, we were led around the mine, learning all about Fire Clay and the day in the life of a Miner - what they'd
see, what they worked for, how they did it and numerous stories and anecdotes to aid our understanding of the situations and
processes they engaged in, as well as the history and other things of note and interest.
All too soon, it was time to trudge back up the 110 steps back up the
incline, which in all honesty, made me realise how badly I'll need to go back to the gym when I go back to Uni in September,
and then back to Bo'ness to head back to Glasgow Central, once we had listened to a Diesel engine darting up and down the
length of the station yard at speed for the best part of fifteen minutes! And sadly, this was to be the last time in which my old trusty video camera would be used, as it would later pack in completely
at the Mid Hants Railway when an attempt to get footage never happened...
The SiF Didcot Meeting was the biggest "day out" meeting we've
had since 2006, and even goes as far as to surpass York's numbers. Ten of us descended upon the Didcot Railway Centre
in Oxfordshire for a day surrounded by the Great Western Railway and it's wonderful achievements and contributions to the
British Railway network. In attendance were Chris The Xelent, Ryan, Chris, Knuckles, Blue Pioneer, Davey, Fox, Stuart7
(and his father), Falcon, and all the way from Miami, DealAjani.
Arrivals were staggered, and we stood outside the entrance to the Centre
for the best part of an hour and a half waiting on the rest of the members putting in an appearance. There, those in
attendance already chatted, laughed and anticipated the arrival of the others, but when 12.30 rolled around and there was
still no sign of DealAjani or Falcon, it was decided to go on without them and start exploring anyway. One quick train
journey later from the entry point to the other end of the centre, (In the First Class seating compartments no less!)
we made our way down to the meeting point of the Broad Gauge and Standard Gauge demonstration lines, which both ended at an
old goods shed, which has been converted into a station.
The Southern sunshine was building up a treat. As we headed for
the carriage works, some of us were already beginning to feel the effects of the rays turning us from a pasty white to pinky-red.
After a quick look at the Broad Gauge Fire Fly replica, which would be carrying us later, we continued on to the carriage
sheds where exhibits were lined up inside for viewing purposes, and further behind, a man in an overcoat was working away
feverishly on a brand new Broad Gauge coach for running on the demonstration line behind Fire Fly, and give further insight
into the experience of the times - as not all passengers would take kindly to being conveyed in open carriages!
And so, the group reunited after having spread ourselves around the Carriage
Workshops and opted to head over to the other end of the yard to get a spot of lunch prior to carrying on the day's outing.
Enroute, some of us opted to muck around on a turntable, whilst the rest of us took the more sensible option and wandered
away up the path watching the trains passing by on the demonstration lines, and the High Speed Trains passing by on the Main
Line route adjacent to the Railway Centre. However, as we headed off toward the shop and cafe, we were called upon by
two stragglers - Falcon and DealAjani had finally made it and were now coming forward to greet the rest of the group.
With the formalities out of the way, it was over to the shops and the
cafe to have a short break prior to continuing our exploration of the Great Western Heritage. Lunch was as ever, a great
time to chat about the events of past and present on SiF and in the Thomas world in general, as well as chilling out and relaxing
before more walking in the ever increasingly warm sunshine commenced again.
Lunch adjourned, it was time to head over to the Locomotive Sheds
and Workshops where the Centre's many main attractions were stabled.
Among them, was the rather peculiar spectacle of a blue Pannier Tank Engine - an engine which had spent the majority
of it's working life as an industrial locomotive, and painted in it's parent company's (Stephenson-Clarke) full
regalia colours. Needless to say, it became the subject of a lot of attention from members of Sodor Island! Meanwhile,
a few of us snuck next door to the Workshops where more of the Centre's locomotives were either in pieces or in the process
of restoration for return to full service in the forseeable future, such as the repatriated Pendennis Castle, which spent
a great deal of it's life in Australia prior to being bought back to the UK, being a large and important part of our railway
heritage.
A quick wander across the line lead us up to a little signal box, where
the Signalman inside was giving tours and informative talks about the every day workings and dealings of life working in a
"box" and taking responsibility for the section and trains that ran in them. Then, it was a quick trip in an auto-coach
back down the Standard Gauge demonstration line back to the other end of the Centre where it was time to finally board Fire
Fly for the unique experience of travel on a Broad Gauge line - in an open coach! Afterward, Chris The Xelent and Knuckles
boarded the footplate for a look around - only to be told to "Get off!" by a little girl... to which the Xelent one replied,
quite simply... "No!"
There were other plans afoot for the remainder of the day on a "smaller scale",
so it was decided that the delights of Didcot had come to an end for the day and it was time for us to leave, so we rejoined
the engine which had brought us down to this end of the centre to begin with - only to be jolted by it quite heavily when
it buffered up to the train to take us back! One last picture was taken in front of the Didcot Railway Centre's entrance
sign prior to us heading on to a rather unique experience a few miels away.
Pendon - Railway Modelling At It's Best
Didcot done, we all hopped into the numerous cars available to us (Davey
having thankfully passed his test the day before...) and headed over to Pendon, home to a very special model railway
layout, which Knuckles had highly recommended visiting to the rest of us. One of the members explained the painstaking
research and attention to detail that the modellers had gone to in order to create the theme, even going so far as giving
the specific year, month, week and day that the layout was intended to represent going by the visuals laid out in front of
us.
The layout takes up all of the top floor with a viewing gallery on the
perimeter of the glass which allows visitors to look inside and see the vastness of the whole layout. There are also
smaller layouts on the ground floor of the museum where you will be most likely to find narrow gauge representations, one
such representing a small Harbour setting.
Most of us left Pendon feeling very positive about our experience there
and would recommend it to anyone who wished to know more about Model Railways. The people who work there are very knowledgeable,
interested and dedicated to providing as high a level of detail to their layout as possible in order to create something
truly incredible. However, I can't help but feel that Chris the Xelent and myself left rather an indelable mark on their
minds as we broke into character as the legendary Toad and Acrosstherode from the SiF Audios when we caught sight of a vintage
car. At the time, neither of us realised we were being watched by people in the mess room... I can only hope they enjoyed
the "show" as it were...!
Ending The Day In The Usual Way - To The Pub!!!
And so, in true SiF style, we decided to adjourn the day at
the pub across the road from Didcot Railway Centre, with some of us getting dinner there prior to going our seperate
ways. In turn, the group began to ebb down one by one as the others began to slip away back to their ports of call,
while Chris The Xelent, Fox, Knuckles, Davey and I carried on for some time afterward in The Beer Garden outside in the warmth
of the evening sunshine.
Friday - Arriving At Arthog
The week had began as it meant to go on as a comedy of
errors. In July, difficulties had occurred that had put SiFox's attendance in jepoardy, and in spite of fighting them
to the last breath, he still couldn't attend. So that was a sadness to us all. In New York, Evan's flight was delayed, meaning that Chris Burrell and Chris were held up waiting for him at Birmingham
New Street on the first leg of their journey. Then, to make matters worse, their direct train to Fairbourne was cancelled,
and so a range of other measures had to be taken in order to get the boys there, which meant several changes of train and
six hours of delays...
However, this year, we had booked the Lap of Luxury and ditched the caravans
in favour of a cottage and a caravan up the hill. And once everyone was assembled and in the house, it was a night of
premieres and presentations. The first presentation being to me - a token of appreciation from all the members
of my staff team to me, a crew vest from Series 6 of Thomas and Friends handed out exclusively to those who made
the series at Shepperton in 2002 with Thomas and Jack embroidered into the fleece. I was overwhelmed by the generosity
of my friends and could barely believe it. After which, we all sat down to watch the Thomas The Tank Engine Man
Documentary, courtesy of Nicholas Jones the producer, and listen to Chris The Xelent's brand new audio feature, The
Great Chase Of Sodor with a big slice of SiF In Wales 2008 cake each. An almost perfect end to the salvaged beginning
of a wonderful week. ;)
Saturday - Return to the Rheidol
Saturday was the first proper day of the trip and again, our first day
out took us down to Aberystwyth to run on the Vale of Rheidol. The weather started out as it meant to go on - wet
and cloudy. First order of business was to get to Aberystwyth, and given that those in the caravan hadn't needed the
hostel accomodation, they had to go down to Borth to hand their key back to the people there.
Meanwhile, the others ventured through an unfamiliar road to get to Aberystwyth down
a single-track road which cuts through "Happy Valley", which to be perfectly frank is not an entirely appropriate name
for such an infuriating stretch of road. Shortly after we rejoined the main road, we happened upon a traffic jam, caused
by a road traffic accident further up with a huge tailback which saw us getting nowhere. Thankfully, armed with a road
atlas, we were able to realign our route and head for another one which would take us on a detour through Borth, which when
one sees it, is very much a sleepy seaside town which is reminiscent of what we imagine Beachingtown On Sea from the
SiF Audio Adventures to look like...
The time wasted waiting in traffic and getting lost meant we were later
than anticipated getting to Aberystwyth, and given that the Vale of Rheidol only runs two round-trips per day, we either
got there, or we missed the train. Thankfully, we made it by the skin of our teeth once we had parked up and got ourselves
sorted. The departure was late in leaving anyway, but this thankfully wasn't due to our hindering. However,
given our late arrival, it meant we weren't spoilt for choice in terms of seating arrangements and were sadly scattered throughout
the train in our own little groups, reconvening at Devil's Bridge after entertaining ourselves through starting what would
become a popular fixture of the week by creating warped sing-along-songs...
Upon arrival at Devil's Bridge, we decided to venture down into the Falls
that had made it so popular. After a reading from the information guide, we went for a hurried walk through the strenuously
pathed walkway, which proved a little too much for some to handle, and showed a lot of us up in terms of our physical ability.
Thankfully, we all beat the clock and managed to make it back in time for the train departing back to Aberystwyth, relaxing
as we caught our breath on the way back home.
And after such a long and exhausting day, the last thing on a man's mind
is the thought of cooking a meal, and so the decision was taken to go up to a small Hotel / Restaurant on the outskirts
of Dollegau. It was during this particular dinner that something rather peculiar happened, and Ryan felt a strange
whack on his shoulder, which could not have been administered by a human hand. After a discussion with the owner prior
to leaving about the paranormal activity of the building it was confirmed - this particular gaffe was haunted by ghosties...
could one have them given the SiF Admin a slap on the shoulder? Hmmmm....
Sunday - Wandering In Welshpool
On Sunday, we decided to go somewhere we had never been before, and opted
to go to the far off town of Welshpool for a trip on the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. On this day in particular,
we had the best weather of the entire week and even a spot of sunshine in patches. From observation, the weather seemed
to have some of Welshpool's occupants in a state of confusion as to the season. On the way back from a cashpoint
in the town centre, I couldn't help noticing that one of the buildings was still covered in Christmas lights. Was
going to go and ask "Why?", but decided not to - they might have been out buying Easter Eggs.
Welshpool Station is delightful with a number of adorable garden gnomes
of Disney, Looney Tunes, Fairy Tale and other various characters of every shape and size which brightened up the appearance
of the station's garden. There was also a vintage car which CTX and myself got into and pretended to "drive"
for the sake of memorable photographic moments. The train was pulled by one of the railway's numerous
foreign locomotives, with us being fortunate enough to travel behind their Romanian engine, 764.425,
however, before we could get underway, the number of passengers necessitated another carriage being shunted onto
the end of the train, which presented us with a fantastic new vantage point for filming the journey from the balcony of the
back of the carriage.
At Llanfair, the group split up and went in different directions - some
to get food and drink, others to soak up the atmosphere, and the rest of us to wander around the engine sheds and look at
the locomotives being prepared, maintained and in the case of the line's two original locomotives, The Earl and The
Countess, and their smallest, Dougal, resting in the shed ahead of being pressed into service in weeks
to come. The railway seems in an enviable position managing to have motive steam power to spare...!
And then it was back to Welshpool for a spot of dinner at the adjacent
pub before completing the day with a trip to the cinema to see Batman: The Dark Knight.
Monday - Back to Blaenau
On Monday, we took a trip to the world famous Ffestiniog
Railway. However, first and foremost, we decided to mix things up a little with a short trip "down the mine" into the
slate caverns of Blaenau for a special tour to see how deep slate mining was carried out. We were fortunate enough to
travel on both the tramway and listen to a set of lectures about the mines by one of the staff, and then the Deep Mine tour, which had spectacular natural lights of colour in it's underground lake, and well worth taking the
time to walk around.
Then, it was off to Harbour Station to take a trip behind the Ffestiniog's
oldest and newest locomotives, Prince and Taliesin. Before which, we took a bit of a browse around the station shop,
and I appropriately bought a T-shirt celebrating a railway icon who has brought joy to millions over the years - Ivor the
Engine, and wore it with pride for the rest of the day.
However, sadly, it was impossible to acquire a footplate ride on either
locomotive owing to new health and safety legislation that had been put in place in the twelve months since we last visited.
But along with the poor weather, we made the best of it on our way to Blaenau and sang songs all the way along the line
with warped versions of Old McDonald Had A Farm and She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain to keep ourselves
entertained, and I'm sure no-one will deny that it was nice to be together for the duration of the journey, and we made the
best of the trip as we always do.
However, on the return leg, we spotted something rather surprising, a
Chris Signore lookalike working on our train! Several attempts were made to get a picture unknown to the gent (and
I managed it at Tan-y-bwlch! :D) on the way back to Porthmadog in the midst of another sing-along and carry on among
the group.
Rhodri's car was tempramental as ever, and even a jump-start wouldn't
ignite the dying battery, and the AA had to send out reinforcements to get him back underway whilst the rest of us went for
chips to substitute for a proper dinner - thank goodness for my proper breakfasts!
The day was rounded off with a special guest appearance from a plastic gay
icon - Cher... or rather, me in a curly black wig with an apron and a dishcloth shoved up my shirt at chest level, prancing
around singing "If I Could Turn Back Time" - while I'm sure the others were wishing they could fast-forward...! XD
Tuesday - Come Hell Or High Water
Tuesday was our Snowdon day, which always entails an early rise for an
early start on the road to Llanberis. This time around we had hoped to take it easy on the road up and enjoy the spectacular
views of the sun rising over the mountains... however, the rain and cloud did nothing for atmospheric lighting the likes of
which we enjoyed in 2007, but there were some spectacular waterscapes created by the rain.
However, we were relatively happy as this time we were guaranteed
the chance of steam up the mountain - and for some of us, the chance to grab a (pricey) sausage or bacon roll
in the cafe at Llanberis before we ascended the dizzying heights of Snowdon Mountain. Sadly, the views we had enjoyed
from a clear mountain the year before were shrouded in mist, and we were denied a trip all the way to the Summit owing
to the continuing works being done running behind schedule. It was also freezing cold owing to the mist - and Evan had the presence
of mind to wear a pair of shorts to go up a mountain... nothing I'm sure that the Mountain Rescue people aren't familiar with
when they're co-ordinating a rescue... :P We also found something rather humorous on the side of
our engine's cab, (No.2 Enid), where a canny artist had painted an image of Homer Simpson onto the shutters of the engine's
cab, with Homer pulling the whistle chord with his trademark "D'oh!" in a speech bubble.
One group photo and a wander around the freezing cold Clogwyn later, Enid
began our descent down the mountain back to Llanberis. From there, we went on to Pete's Eats in honour of our absent
friend, SiFox, who had introduced us to it the year before as the place to be for a good breakfast when in Llanberis.
It was on our way there that we heard the bad news that our trip on the Welsh Highland Railway (C) would be cut in half owing
to the flooding between Waunfaur and Rhyd Ddu which was preventing K1, the world's first Garratt and a Welsh Highland resident,
from running services that day, leaving No. 143 to hold the fort herself.
Upon arrival at Caernarfon, we decided to go for a wander around the town
and see the sites before heading back to the station in good time for our departure to Waunfaur. A lot of us were despondent
about the absence of K1, but good things come to those who wait. Upon our arrival at Waunfaur aboard the last round
trip of the day, there at the adjacent platform was K1, ready and waiting to be brought home with our train. Thus followed
an impromptu Super Power Event where K1 performed as the "Middle Engine" in our train as far as Dinas.
After that, we took a short detour home through Beddgelert to get a taste
of what to expect in 2009, and took advantage of a drink in the local hotel before heading back to the cottage and caravan,
via Porthmadog, where we watched Blanche run past Boston Lodge and return home to be settled in for the night...
Wednesday - Talyllyn Trainspotting
After a chaotic day the day before, we opted to take it easier
on the Wednesday - making it our chill-out day prior to Duncan Day. The morning was squandered doing absolutely nothing
bar eating, watching television and recording more Railway Stories on the video camera. Rhys and Rhodri had opted to
take their car down to the Garage across the road from the house and get it mended at long last...
Once they had, they met us in Fairbourne where we had decided to stop
and watch the trains go by. Still cloudy and overcast - it wasn't beach weather at all, so we had to find something
else to do. So, we decided, why not go down to Dolgoch Falls station on the Talyllyn and watch the trains go past, filming
them as they do?
Upon arrival, it was decided to take a trip down to the legendary falls
themselves - cascading white water thundering down through the rocks, and quenching the thirst of these quaint little engines
that run nearby. But it wasn't too long before we noticed an old tunnel near to the platform of the falls - a few of
us wandered through, only to come upon a lifeless, hollow hole where tree branches and debris had fallen into many years
previously. We imagine it may have been an early attempt at finding good slate in the valley, which went nowhere.
We left the tunnel again and informed the Station staff at Dolgoch about it - in case someone got hurt through venturing through
it, and if it were supposed to be closed up at the other end as a health and safety risk.
Very soon, we were on the lookout for engines as they came to the station.
We filmed and photographed Talyllyn, Sir Handel and Dolgoch approaching from all angles we could manage - and etched
SiF into one of the slates in the side of Dolgoch Station's shelter.
We then decided to venture down to Tywyn Wharf station to see what we
could see. Knowing that the following day would be the busier Duncan Day, we were keen to get a browse in the shop when
it was relatively quiet. And so we filmed and messed around there, before engaging in conversation with two of the Talyllyn's
Railway staff, one of whom was kind enough to offer us advance tickets on the Duncan Day - and our own private coach.
But before we parted company with him, he told us a very amusing anecdoate about a time when No.4 Edward Thomas was
in Peter Sam guise, and a cleaner inside his tank spoke to some children, frightening the life out of their mother...
After that it was back to the house to prepare for a barbeque and a Movie
Night - courtesy of Chris The Xelent and Evan, who introduced some members of the group to the concept of Spam Burgers...
Thursday - Fun Times With Sir Handel &
Friends
Thursday morning at 10.10am we were piled into our own
private Talyllyn Railway carriage ready for our journey up the valley to be hauled by none other than Peter
Sam. The Talyllyn Railway had organised for three of their engines to be carrying name plates relating
to the Rev Awdry's famous characters, with No.4 wearing Duncan's former face with the hat, and in her Talyllyn green
livery... or could that be a nod to the old Mid Sodor Railway? For the first time in the railway's history,
one of the original engines was guised as a Skarloey Railway engine with No.2
simply carrying a Rheneas nameplate on her side, but sadly no face (perhaps to pacify the purists).
We broke our train at Nant Gwernol in order to take a walk along the footpaths
which had once been the tramway up to the Bryn Egwlys quarry. Again, it was another exerting walk as we ascended the
old incline to the top and round the beautiful pathways that once carried the slate trucks from the Quarry for transhipment
all over the world. However, again, we were concious of time and needed to be back in good time to catch No.2's return
trip to Tywyn Wharf so we could clean up the house / caravan before we headed home the following day. We fortunately
made it back to the station by the skin of our teeth and caught the train back to Wharf Station.
Timing was everything on Thursday as we also had to shoot scenes for this
year's music video, which meant Ryan had to turn Director and co-ordinate the others as a crew in a lay-by to film Chris The
Xelent as he drove past on the coastal route, and then back to the cottage to film scenes for the song's recording and Dennis
The Menace and Boris the Black Bird's scene behind the wall, hailing him in...
And to round the day off, it was time to partake in this year's farewell dinner
at the hotel in Fairbourne, which had been the subject of debate as to whether or not it was in operation - fortunately for
us, it was. After a lovely meal and equally wonderful dinner conversation, we went through next door to watch the festivities
going on as the hotel held it's Karaoke Night. However, our hopes to get up and bring the house down were dashed as
the list of folks singing was far too long for us to wait around with an early start the following day.
Friday - Home At Last
Everything packed and ready to go, we sat and watched Thomas and the
Stinky Cheese on Channel 5 before a rousing verse of Auld Lang Syne saw Evan, Chris and Chris Burrell off to their train
at Fairbourne Station.
Then, with the cottage locked up, the remaining members of the group stood
around in a circle for ten minutes and said their goodbyes individually. One successful group photo later, the
2008 trip was over. At Dollegau, one car headed for the north, and the other for the south... but they knew they'd be
heading back the same direction twelve months later...! :)
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