A RAIL37 Churnet Valley Railway picture report

CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY 26th May 2002

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Rain! Don't talk to me about rain....we went to ride down the Valley to find that the duty steam engine, 68030, had failed with a hot connecting rod bearing and the service was diesel hauled. As I waited under the canopy the Class 20, D8154, crept round the bend towards the station in monsoon weather. I had never ridden behind the 20 so this was to be a first but, of course, the return service from Froghall does not stop at Cheddleton so we had to wait a while longer.

D8154 returning from Leekbrook with an impressive canopy backdrop.

An uneventful run to Consall with a nice view of Clifton Signal Box as it rapidly takes shape. Do you remember when this box featured on Blue Peter all those years ago?

Froghall and the usual runround before setting back onto the train for the penultimate return journey of the day. No shots from the bridge today - too wet.

The lonely Station Master peddles his wares!!!

Consall Forge and there is just no end to the scenic beauty of this valley.

Return to Cheddleton and a passing shot of the failed locomotive in the yard. Is that it's owner beside it in the pouring rain? Can we fix it? Yes we can.

The "Chopper" made ready to leave with the last service of the day.

Passing the stock in the yard and, yes, it was still raining.

Another shot of "Josiah", sorry, 68030, as it undergoes repairs.

The offending item, the trailing right hand bearing had run dry and picked up on the journal. A touch of Wolstanton Magic will soon see it right and back in service.