Skegness Steam 25/09/16?

Passing Elton and Orston great sound running well

 

Sounding well through Spondon, mass crowds there too, must of been about 40+ on the platforms & bridge ! Maybe they were expecting Scotsman !

 

Action from Derby's double tours ! Enjoy

 

Cruising nicely through Swineshead at 17:40. No sound from the diesel.

 

Well, three of the usual suspects managed to get on this tour. Our fellow stalwart Roy was spotted linesiding at Sleaford and Ancaster.

We had an excellent day out to the coast, 46115 was faultless, and the stewarding by Ecclesbourne Valley Railway volunteers was excellent. The atmosphere on the train was one of general bonhomie because it was a charity event. We had just the right amount of time in Skegness, and a sensible itinerary on the road. This would be a good trip to run on a more regular basis. We all discussed the trip before disembarking, and came to the conclusion that we were really pleased to participate.

There were plenty of empty seats, so a minor issue might have been over-reliance upon the Derby Telegraph for publicity. If it had got into the railway press, the train would have been full. No matter, everyone, including the civilians, seemed to enjoy it.

 

46115 hauling the "DCHC Holiday Express" at Beeston

 

One of my mobile phone efforts was this unusual view of 46115 at Skegness. Because of the occasion, the signalman kindly allowed access to the signal box, and patiently answered questions.

 

A little whinge for me on this. I was aware of this tour long ago and e-mailed the info to appropriate website read by everyone here and .... nothing. I assumed it was embargoed or something, but there seemed curious secrecy on this tour until the last minute.

 

A couple from Hubbert's Bridge on the return.

 

Roy Holland by any chance?

 

The problem with this hobby is that you tend to get away with not knowing people's surnames! I believe it was Roy Holland; I seem to recall that you would know him from the BBLS.

 

It might just have been due to the fact that it wasn't organised by the normal sources, so was harder to verify. It ended up on the site in the end, but it was true that those wanting to do it had to do a fair bit of spadework. I just phoned through my details whilst on the Buxton trip last weekend.

 

It was certainly pushed in the Derby Telegraph and we had a flyer in our post office. The fact that it was shown as "Excursion" with no promoting company in "Main Line Stem Tours" didn't help. It suggested that it was a closed shop.

 

No you won't be attracted to Weston Super Mare. Having lived in Taunton as a lad, the 24 mile trip up the road to Weston Super Mare was a no no, and Burnham On Sea, even more so. It puzzles me how people can spend their hard earned vacation for a couple of weeks at this place. We always headed South or East, to Dawlish, Torquay or Bournemouth and happy to travel the longer distances. Why? Because you cannot swim in the sea at Burnham or Weston Super Mare. The water quality is dreadful. Not the case at the other resorts where swimming is safe and appealing. Here endeth the travel bulletin.

 

I certainly don't think there was any embargo or secrecy intended but the promoters were a charity, Derby Children's Holiday Centre, rather than a usual rail tour provider. Both NR and ourselves were pleased to support them in their 125th anniversary year.

To run as it did required the assistance from the NR signalmen, who readily agreed to open the manual boxes (12 of them) early, in support of the cause. It was a little disappointing to see empty seats but gratifying to know that nonetheless it made some money for the Derby Children's Holiday Centre and that those that did travel enjoyed themselves. I saw a number of regular faces through the train, who seemed pretty happy!

If any linesiders (of which there appeared to many) would care to donate or contribute their efforts to DCHC, I'm sure it would be much appreciated.

JS

 

Very much so. A real grafter during 34081's restoration.

 

Yes, a decent chap who always seems willing to put up with my ramblings whenever I bump into him!

 

Well worth a watch !

 

Noticed the stare I gave as the camera went past my seat...