A RAIL37
Churnet Valley Railway picture report
On 1st April
2001 I was at Macclesfield's Sutton Hall for lunch (as you do)
and, because it was the first real Spring day of the year, decided
to visit Cheddleton where an open day was being held. It is always
a pleasure to visit the site and meet friends from the early years
and today it was Brian Morris, Mike Rushton, Terry Essery and
Tony Hancock in attendance. We are all of the same opinion that
we could never have realised all those year ago, that our dreams
for the railway would come true. However, here it is a real live
operating railway - and what a railway!! The main car park was
full and, thankfully, MAFF had agreed to the opening of the overflow
car park so there was no problem. We were met by the sounds of
a barrel organ being played on the platform (complete with monkey!)
and this really gave the place a party atmosphere. Images of the
day herewith............
44422 was parked
outside the shed and looking somewhat forelorn after being withdrawn
for major overhaul. Funds are urgently needed to get this valuable
asset back into revenue earning service - any offers?
Inside the shed with the two
National Railway Museum exhibits was the boiler from LMS class
8F number 48305. It looked very big!
Outside was the
rolling chassis of the 8F with lots of work being carried out
on it. It really is a beautiful machine and built at Crewe in
1943.
A rear/side shot of the 8F
where a star can be seen underneath the number. Memory tells me
that this indicated that the driving wheels had been rebalanced
to allow higher running speeds.
My first glimpse
of the S160 - wow it looks very powerful and businesslike. The
Americans never seem to do anything in half measures.
A side/rear shot showing the
bogie tender.
While I was returning
to the station platform a diesel hooter sounded in the distance
and "Tamworth Castle" appeared on a service train.
There was a brief exchange of "warning devices" between
the class 25 and the S160 - those country folk who love to hear
that lonesome whistle blow will love this chap!
"Tamworth Castle"
passed straight through the station and headed for Leekbrook,
later to return to pick up another passenger load for the journey
down the valley.
Pure artistry!!!
Elton Crossing box has received
a makeover and looks good as a result.
08320 was one of
two diesel shunters on display.