Black fives to Winchester Monday 9th December

I have commented before about the lack of whistles with West Coast crews. Forget having other more important things to do, they just don't whistle very often, unlike DBS drivers who do enter the spirit of the occasion. You have only got to compare the summer Sunday Torbay Expresses (DB) and Royal Duchy and the comparison is stark.

For those families who come to view steam trains the one thing that they all want to hear, yes you know it, is the whistle of a steam train. Young and old love it. It is hair on the back of the neck. Sorry West Coast there is an element of "show Biz" with steam tours, so come on, play to the gallery every now and again and don't be party poopers.

When Bittern backed out of Kings Cross on Saturday after the 90mph special, what was everyone waiting to hear? The wonderful chime of an A4 and Wayne Thompson (DB of course) did not disappoint. It was lovely to hear and made a lot of people of all types, very happy.

 

There are so many areas where the steam charter industry could do more to safeguard its own future. Sadly - many are blind to it...