Hi,

With alot happening with Hythe Parkway over the past 6 months, I have somewhat negelected Bigporth! But never fear, here is an update!

The Layout hasn't been used much since it was 'reopened' a while ago, but there's going to be a pick up in activity with engineering works on Hythe meaning most freight traffic is being diverted to Bigporth.

The First such service was 4O92, The 10:00 Birmingham - Hythe Parkway (diverted to Bigporth) Marsh Distribution intermodel train. This brought a first for Kent, the first Class 70 hauled service, even through it was a light load (1 KQA, an FLA pair, an FEA pair and an FTA pair). It was a bit odd to see such a modern loco in a preserved setting.

Frieghtliner Class 70, No. 70006, stands at the goods reception road at Bigporth with 4M94, The 13:00 return Hythe Parkway - Birmingam (diverted to Bigporth) Marsh Distribution Intermodel Train:

Of course, the above is entirely fictional. The 70 was purchased at the Alexandra Palace show on saturday, I have been waiting for a class 70 seen they came out, but it is finally here! It's a superb runner and the detailing excellent.

While waiting for it's train to be loading, Freightliner Class 70 No. 70006 goings looking for some fuel:

Here some other photos from todays short operating session:

A view overlooking the Shed area:

The Goods Yard with most of the SESR's freight stock in attendence. The rake of Iron ore wagons in the foreground is usually seen running on the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society's Hinton Parva layout

Comments welcome!

Simon