Today we have the last normal services before the Santa trains start.
We have a railcar service today.
With the first Santa trains next Saturday, Christmas is just around the corner.
Last services before the Santa trains.
Not much happening now until the Santa’s. Who are they kidding?
Well yet again I have heard comments that the railway is quiet at the moment until the Santa trains start at the end of November.
How wrong a statement that is!!
Let us take the coming week shall we.
Saturday starts with a steam driver experience day with 92 Squadron, an event that never ceases to be popular. There is still a big appeal in driving a steam locomotive.
Sunday brings us a running day with the Swedish Railcar, doing four runs each way. The railcar is popular with visitors, if only perhaps because of it being so unusual.
Monday to Friday brings something a little different. The crossing gates at Wansford are due to be replaced, and the new gates have been constructed in-house by some very skilled members.
Thursday brings us a private charter up the line,.Charters like this are popular with people who for a variety of reasons want their own train.
This brings us back to Saturday and another four each way railcar service.
So there you have it a week in the life of the railway heading towards Winter. So much for not a lot happening!!!
Jason’s Picture of the month November 2022
92 Squadron backs onto its train Remembrance Sunday 11th November 2018.
Last chance before New Year’s Eve.
This weekend sees the last steam services until the winter warmers on New Year’s Eve.
As per usual first service leaves Wansford at 10am.
Hopefully we will be busy, so if you want your last steam fix travelling this side of Christmas pop along to have a ride.
656 in Peterborough for the first time
Today 656 has done a run to Peterborough. The last time the locomotive ran there was no line past Orton Mere.
The small loco group are to be congratulated on their excellent work.
The last cream tea train of 2022.
The Polish tank engine hauling the last cream tea train of 2022 back into Wansford Station.
The Departure of the Royal Scotsman
Many thanks to Phil Venn for sending this video of the trains departure on 2nd October.
Please note the video is quite large. If you’re having trouble playing it then I would suggest you right click on it and save for off line viewing.
Jason’s Picture of the month. October 2022
Masquerading as the first member of its class no. 73000, 73050 City of Peterborough pulls up to its train during the Autumn Steam Gala of 2015.
656 in steam back in 1976
I have been sent the following images by Kevin Mcelhone they were taken on 28th March 1976 when 656 was steamed for the first time.
All the images are Kevin’s copyright.
A nice day today.
Well here we are awaiting the last two returns from Peterborough and I must admit I have enjoyed today.
Lovely to see both services having steam on the front. The main service had 92 Squadron and the cream tea service had the Polish tank engine.
As near as makes no difference all services have been to time, and to top it off the sun has even shone from time to time.
it’s running days like this that keep you going when you have days where nothing seems to be right from start to finish. when no matter what you do nothing gets better, and to top it off it’s normally pouring with rain.
Would you believe it no sooner had I posted this than the second cream tea service arrived back late, Around 50 minutes to be accurate. no idea of the reason and I NEVER speculate.
So onwards and upwards as they say.
Normal steam service tomorrow so we shall see what that brings.
Hopefully tomorrow (Sunday) will run smoothly on all services..