springs branch

Remember we have the 108 as well mate.

A couple of photos of getting her ready. Still being done until about 40 minutes before the unveiling and the paint was still wet!

Well done mate, it was a honour to work with you on this project and apart from still feeling knackered had a great time getting her ready and on the day.

Why do I let you talk me into these things!!!

Looking really good, started my railway career at Wallgate in 1990 before moving on to Springs Branch

How about back to 1984, go on you know you want to.....

Helped Simon with a bit more scenic work last night.

Dallam scenery coming along. Dallam scenery coming along. Dallam scenery coming along.

Dallam scenery coming along. Dallam scenery coming along.

Some more photos of Dallam. Not to sure why Simon talked me into this!

Looking good Mick, will you be bringing to Wigan so I can see it. Just needs a driver with a brew in the front with a load of office wallers sat around now.

97302 and 97304 went up on Monday. It was more testing, but nothing to do with ERTMS, it was standard rail testing with the Track inspection Coach. Went to Mach on monday and then a return to Pwllheli and back to Shrewsbury on the Tuesday. 97303 was due to take a tamper to Towyn on the Monday night but didnt happen. I think another Tamper move next week.

Not to sure of this statement, when the lady died, the line was under RETB at the time, the loco was not testing (route learning run). No problems wilh any calibration (running as i said under RETB, mph, etc). System as had teething problems, and will continue to have. With regards to the 97s, these are being sorted and have currently worked one charter, another running this Saturday. Numerous ballast and tamper moves been done (another move from Mach - Dovey - Coleham, being started in about 4 hours!). A top and tail move all over the line (Track Inspection Coach) running next mon and tuesday (day time). With regards 'calibrated' it's more than that. it's full fitment of equipment onto the loco/stock and modifications to the cab.

Steve Flints Kyle of Tongue, saw it at Manchester and had to do a scottish layout after that. (only took about another 20 years to do one!)