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Post by mikkel on Apr 4, 2008 16:37:26 GMT
Ever since I was about five years old, I have had a Love for Steam Locomotives and my favourite has been the 'Mallard' ever since I first set eyes on it when on display in the Clapham Museum back in the late 1950's. Since then I have been able to actually work behind its brother/sister locos of the same class and Sir Nigel Gresley and Union of South Africa, both on Main Line duty as well. I have worked behind others, but they are now sadly normally found on Preserved or Heritage Railway Lines and as I am involved in one, we just might get one along our line in time.
In June, one will be passing within two miles of where I live and yes, I will be going to see it.
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Post by mikkel on Apr 17, 2008 21:14:26 GMT
I learnt tonight that there is a Famous steam locomotive stabled at Peterborough and I am not going there until Tuesday, by which time it may well be gone.
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Post by Admin on Apr 25, 2008 9:44:17 GMT
Thats a shame if you miss it. i would like to take my grandson on the thomas train but thats very expensive especially when their are a group of you.
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Post by mikkel on Apr 29, 2008 22:36:02 GMT
Sadly, I never got to Peterborough, nor to see the steam loco and the same one is coming from London on Sunday and through Cambridge, on route to Norwich, but yet again, unless it rains, I am doing something else, so wont see it.
As for 'Thomas' events, when we finally get the Bramley Line reopened, we will Not be holding these events unless the license holders relax their pathetic rules.
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Post by tamarine on May 20, 2008 20:54:15 GMT
Mikkel, you are like my hubby, he is a steam loco enthusiast. Did you know we have to arrange our holidays round these steam engines. When I first met my hubby I told him heres the deal whenever you want to go to see steam locos I would like to visit garden centers. No ifs and buts the deal was done. 28 years on and I am still visiting garden centers. I get to ride on the trains sometimes.
There is a lot going on in Loughborough with steam locos. Its always packed out most weekends.
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Post by mikkel on May 23, 2008 22:19:56 GMT
Tamarine, if you like gardens and your hubby likes steam trains, then you both need to visit (if you haven't already), Bressingham Gardens, Near Diss, Norfolk. If look on the net, you will find their website and directions.
Seriously, if you can get there, neither of you will be disappointed. I last went just last year and was in my elements for both the railway and the gardens themselves.
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Post by tamarine on May 25, 2008 13:56:50 GMT
We went there a few years ago but hubby says its time we paid another visit. thank you for that Mikkel. if ever you come down to loughborough please let us know, we will have to meet up. My hubby is onto a few steam engine forums and is in his elements.
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Post by mikkel on May 26, 2008 16:17:20 GMT
I have been wanting to visit the GCR for some time now. This I must do and as soon as possible. I will sure let you know when I plan and with pleasure, thank you.
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Post by mikkel on Jul 11, 2008 16:30:35 GMT
Taken at Cambridge in 1990's and Yours Truly at the controls.  |
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Post by kedigato on Jul 11, 2008 17:52:28 GMT
I'm not into trains, be they steam or anything else, but it is nice to finally meet you, mikkel. You cut a good figure at the controls.
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Post by Admin on Jul 11, 2008 17:53:34 GMT
Oh mikkel, that must be the same locomotive 70000 that I have drawn in ink (on my website), none other than the 'Britannia' I think! Was always my favourite locomotive.
Were you really driving it?
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Post by mikkel on Jul 11, 2008 19:57:41 GMT
Oh mikkel, that must be the same locomotive 70000 that I have drawn in ink (on my website), none other than the 'Britannia' I think! Was always my favourite locomotive. Were you really driving it? - Sadly, No. I would have Loved to, but it was on Main Line duty. |
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Post by Admin on Jul 11, 2008 20:46:45 GMT
The old chap who used to live next door to me was maintaining steam engines all his life and both his father and grandfather were engine drivers. As you know to get a job on the railways in those days, if your father didn't work there you had no chance!
His greatest moment was during WWII a loco broke down in a tunnel and blocked the main line. The worst possible thing had happened, a key had broken in the keyway of the main driving axle, so the motions were out of control and working against each other causing the engine to be imobilized. So the whole line was blocked until he got there and had to fit a new one! Just imagine what a good fit that has to be with a few thousand horsepower behind it! Can't rush a job like that, so they had to wait! I am a retired toolmaker and did some similar work on a much smaller scale but can appreciate just what an undertaking that must have been!
Oh happy steam days!
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Post by tamarine on Jul 11, 2008 23:00:52 GMT
My father-in law was a steam engine driver and my brother-in-law not long retired from first a guard on the steam engines and then on the modern engines. My hubby never worked on the railways because he did'nt want to but it didnt stop him from train spotting, even at 61. Yes I have always said it is a crazy hobby. Now he is into old buses.
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Post by DAG on Jul 12, 2008 6:27:18 GMT
Oh tamarine, looks like there is no escape for you then!
Old buses, well it could be a lot worse! Ha ha!
Now did I tell you that my grandfather was tram driver before the first world war.................zzzzzz
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