Ian Smeeton

An unexpected 12 hour shift meant that I could cycle home after work in the sunshine instead of the thick fog which was lying at 05.30. 6X13, the Dollands Moor to Toton Toyota car train, headed by 66076 cuts through the early morning mist at Wymondham Crossing at 8.30 this morning. And a little closer Regards Ian

I see the signs for ticket office. Is that built in obsolescence as the Government seems keen on abolishing ticket offices? PS I much prefer the traditionally styled building. Regards Ian

@big jimSorry to have missed you yesterday. Finish time is 13.30 for us at the crossing on earlies. Glad you had good weather for the trip. Regards Ian

The last day of the season at Rocks by Rail is fast approaching. Sunday 16th October (engrave the date on your memory bank) will be the last day of operation for our two Barclay 0-4-0 Tank Engines, Sir Thomas Royden, and 1931 before their respective overhauls take place. We will be running both steam and diesel trains on the day, using the quarry branch and demonstrating the Dragline and Face Shovel working, too. Freight trains will run the full length of the Main Line, mixed in among the passenger trains, so there will be plenty to see for the photographically inclined. Our nature trail has had large areas cleared along the lineside, giving excellent views of the trains working up the bank. Even the weather looks reasonable (no promises though. Never trust a smiling weather forecaster) Extras on display are likely to include vintage tractors and other vehicles. So come along and join us from 10.00 a.m until 4.00 p.m. at Rocks by Rail. Regards Ian

Still can't get used to seeing 73s off the Southern Wymondham Crossing, Leics. 24th September Regards Ian

If you are in Leicester, a run out to Wymondham Windmill seems to be the go to ride for Leicester based cyclists. As a bonus, there are two MCG crossings at Wyfordby and Wymondham (I am on early shift at Wymondham this week MTW) And some nice signal boxes. Rocks by Rail isn't too far away either. I plan on doing some mowing on Monday afternoon, so if you fancy a private look round, let me know. Regards Ian

I Love the early mornings for the changing light show. Not this early, though!3 Wymondham Crossing, Whissendine signal box in the distance A Few Minutes Later Regards Ian

Hands still not steady this morning at Wymondham Crossing. Well, it was 06.36 (HOW EARLY)! 170 397 on 1L26 speeds towards the dawn Same unit a few seconds later Whissendine signal Box a beacon of light to steer by(?)

Lincolnshire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-63131739 Regards Ian

There is a film somewhere on YouTube of the building of a dam in the Highlands of Scotland. Cement comes in by rail, bagged, is handballed on to lorries, then transported to the dam some miles away. The Lorry crews are accommodated in a railway vehicle, providing messing and sleeping facilities. There are some good interior views, but I can't find the film. Anyone? Regards Ian

If only one of the readers (not necessarily the respondents) of this thread does a bit of volunteering and enjoys it, then I have achieved my goal. Every little helps. We have recently recruited a 95 year old. An ex Dragline and excavator driver, and although he took the controls of our RB22, he was quite happy to say that while he can still do it, he'd rather not. He is much happier wielding a paint brush, a polishing rag, or talking to visitors about his time on the Ironstone. It is never too late (or too early) to start. Regards Ian

Nothing new to see here, MOve along, please, Regards Ian

170 101 disappears into the pre-dawn light. Hand held phone shot, sorry about the shakes!! Regards Ian

Disused hand crane on the platform. Road crane (Iron Fairy) for regular use. Easier to reposition a road crane than shunt wagons individually up to the fixed crane. Regards Ian

First day of RHTT operations through Wymondham crossing thus afternoon. 66 111 Leading. Just too dull to get it on the way back, but '111 was no longer clean!! Regards Ian

Last Driver for A Fiver day for '22 Sunday 2nd October. Your chance to get your hands on a 325 HP Rolls Royce- engined Sentinel for a run down the main line at Rocks by Rail. 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. tomorrow. Betty will be strutting her stuff under YOUR control. And the Bacon Butties are pretty awesome, too!! Regards Ian

These figures are quite frightening. We use 10,000 kwh per year 2 bed end terrace reasonably well insulated, 2 adults, one home all day. Economy 7, but we have no gas. Solar Thermal panels for hot water (really only makes a difference April to October. Electric central heating boiler, which we use rarely, heating one large room with a fan heater when needed.. Expecting the 12 months from tomorrow to cost us c. £3500. Effectively 3 times the cost of 12 months ago. Regards Ian

Try this: https://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/EAW020888 Regards Ian

Take the dog to work, for some company, says the Boss. Not much company, was he? Regards Ian

My assistant at Wymondham Crossing was not the most alert. Jim, Hard at Sleep! Fortunately, I was more awake as these came through No alert enough to not the numbers, though (there was anther one on the other end.) Regards Ian

It is great to see our younger members getting stuck in. But schools, colleges and universities have all gone back now, putting pressure on what few hours our youngsters have to spare. Evenings are out, as the nights draw in. The burden now falls on the older members, some well into their 70's (one recent newbie is in his 90's!!) as we move in to the closed season when a lot of heavy maintenance takes place. Heritage railways and museums need all the help that they can get. At least as a volunteer, there is no compunction to be there. We (and most other heritage attractions, not just railways) will happily accommodate whatever time someone can give. For me, an unexpected day off means that I can get a few hours in. I'm 58, no spring chicken, but I want to do my bit where and when I can. However, the weather can put the knackers on things. A couple of spare hours this afternoon to get on top of the mowing, lost due to rain. Pray for a dry day on Wednesday for me, please. Regards Ian

Before dawn in Lincolnshire... Even earlier than my last, Almost the New Moon Regards Ian

Lincolnshire dawn Very early yesterday morning (dog walking after a night shift) Regards Ian

Barclay Sand box lids, for your detailed delectation.... Forward Rear From 'Sir Thomas Royden' a 14" Barclay 2088/1940. I hope that these are useful. Regards Ian

Sentinel Sunday (Part 2) Over the last few years, Jean and Betty have been stalwarts around the Museum. Graham has spent the last 10 years or so awaiting electrical work and the addition of Vacuum brakes. While not original, the lack of AVB has limited operations to steam only. At least now, if we have another steam ban, voluntary or otherwise, we will be able to continue passenger operations. All 3 line up ready for a runpast. Our curator has a stock of nameplates, some original, some replica, and was chopping and changing identities all day. Graham and Jean shunting the yard to turn the train ready for another trip to the quarry. No faces on locos, no Thomas the Tank Engine here, posh in Rutland we are. In stead, 'Sir Tommy' climbs the bank with the Shark while Graham waits the next shunt-release in the headshunt. One of our younger members doesn't have a car licence yet, but he can drive a tractor. His own Leyland sits alongside a Fordson Major belonging to a local visitor More to follow, Regards Ian