Standard tank locomotive
number 80098 is currently on loan to the Churnet Valley Railway.
August presents an opportunity to ride the line on Wednesdays
so off I went to see the visitor. Usual shot, different loco,
as 80098 entered Froghall with the first train of the day.
One passenger was
asking, quite seriously, why 80136 had been renumbered - I didn't
hear the reply! The cab side numbers are larger on this baby
and the black seems to be more weathered. Otherwise......
I rode to Cheddleton
via Leekbrook and headed for the Boat Inn for some lunch before
returning to see the next service in from Froghall. 80098 appeared
round the water tank in dramatic pose.
Smokin'
The TVT128G
Group had turned up with a party of visitors for the railway
and 128 was parked up on Station Road. The vehicle attracted
quite a number of admirers to what was a dangerous spot and it
would have been much better if 128 could have been accommodated
in the shed yard.
The TVT128 Group
administrators holding an impromptu meeting en route down the
valley. On the left is Frank Santrian then Alan Hall, Keith Broomhall
and John Turner.
Returning from Leekbrook
to enter Cheddleton Station.
Another ride down
the valley to Froghall and a dash to shoot the train returning
to Cheddleton on its penultimate run of the day. 80098 is traversing
Bolton's works.
A somewhat hairy,
tractor evading, dash to Leekbrook in time to see the Standard
Tank performing its runround in preparation for return to Cheddleton.
Nicely framed by the
Leek Road bridge. I have always understood that this crossing
is the route of the original Leek-Cheddleton road before the
bridge was built. Standing by the crossing I have to wonder what
the incline was like in pre bridge days?
Leaving for Cheddleton.
Another look at the
mess formerly known as Leekbrook Junction, this shot is looking
South where the road bridge and signal box can be seen in the
distance.
Looking North is even
better, somewhere to the right, just past the right hand marker
board, is the line to Cauldon Lowe - find it if you can! Very
sad. Straight ahead is Leek.
