A Churnet Valley Railway picture report from rail37.com

CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY STEAM GALA - 4th April 2004

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The first thing I saw upon arrival at Froghall was 8F, 48305 - can't be bad.

41241 had been waiting to attach to the front of the train so it was time to board the 10.45 for Leekbrook and Cheddleton.

Passing through Cheddleton and its busy engine shed.

Back to froghall on the 11.30 behind O4 number 63601 where it detached to await its next turn. I used to see these locomotives working coal trains through Hale, Cheshire, when 63686 was a regular. The line was also used by 8F's hauling ICI limestone trains to Northwich. I photographed the plate on the engine and assumed it gave the build date until I looked more closely to see 1S12 (not 1812!). Does anyone know what this means? i.e. lot number.

The local pub sign depicts the station quite well.

Arrival of the 14.00 from Cheddleton with 1450 and 68030 in charge.

Tight runround timings were possible because the next engine was already waiting on the loop. A pointsman also helped..

Hooking up.

I rode to Consall and watched the O4 depart for Cheddleton.

Timeless!

The Churnet River was not in full flood but pretty close.

Rough water at Consall.

The 14.00 from Cheddleton arriving behind 41241 and 48305.

back-to-back running.

No comment needed.

Syncopated Steam .....

When looking at the shots I was interested to see the activity here. There was a work party installing signal cabling when the 14.30 from Froghall arrived. The driver was sounding the whistle to warn the party and a party member is acknowledging the arrival of the train. Active railway working.

Ready to leave.

Off to Cheddleton.

Back at Cheddleton and the Robinson O4 was in the bay waiting to attach to the next train. Much steam as the cylinders were cleared of condensation.

More steam and smoke.

41241 passing through with the 15.45 from Froghall.

Listing

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