Hello

The summer holiday away from my modelling desk has caught up with me and although I have finally sorted the front windows (hopefully!) things have slowed down to a very very slow pace.

I do have one excuse though, it all happened yesterday and I am still smiling because of it.....

Some of you might be aware of THIS POST I made a (short) while ago. This was the result of myself and a friend going over to the railway to see a pannier tank being 'delivered', we were kindly invited onto the railway to see it being off-loaded up and close which was great. After talking to a few people we were then invited to come back on the weekend to see it in steam which was fantastic.

On Sunday myself and my friend walked round to the railway (I live next door to it) and were met by a guy called David who promptly invited us onto the footplate of the pannier tank. Hopefully the pictures tell the rest of the story...

This is the engine I am talking about. Pannier Tank 6430

About half way between Cholsey and Wallingford, its not easy to take good photos on moving steam engines!

Time for a quick break at Cholsey before the trip back.

Leaving Cholsey on the return to Wallingford.

At Wallingford there isnt a run around loop so they have to use a shunter to release the pannier tank from the end of the line. This was amazing as I ended up driving (with expert guidence) it and shunting the coaches around!!

Walking from the parked up shunter back to the train to repeat the trip again. My friend, David the driver and 'Norm' the fireman.

It was an amazing day, something that was an absolute surprise and something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I must say a big THANK YOU to David, Norm and the rest of the C&WR peeps for a fantastic time.

Now, is that a good enough excuse to have not done any modelling?

Missy