A day out with the Earl

...a trip to the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. The weather could have been better, though most of the rain fell while we were on the train. Yes, we had a ride - might have thought twice about it, had we known a "Great Little Trains of Wales" coach party was on board. They filled three reserved coaches, leaving just one ex-Hungarian bogie coach for the rest of us.

Quite a load for the Earl, bless him - 2 bogies and 2 4-wheeled ex-Zillertal, and a damp rail. But he did well - just a brief slip by the first level crossing out of Welshpool, and arrival at Llanfair more-or-less on time.

I'll put up a "Rail Diaries" entry in a day or two - meanwhile, here's a preview.

Apedale at last!

Just published to "Geoff's Rail Diaries", the illustrated account of our visit to the Moseley Railway Trust's new home at Apedale, Staffs. Visit "Apedale" - and when you've done that, visit Apedale...

Flounders' Folly

It's Heritage Open Days weekend - and after the fun and games yesterday, a change of focus - Flounders' Folly, the recently-restored tower which has for many years been a Wenlock Edge landmark. 

The view from the top of the tower (78 steps) is tremendous - and would have been even better if the day had been clearer - perhaps another day...

Visit the Flounders' Folly website for more details

Apedale

Saturday 13th September - the date's been in the diary for some time - the first public open day at the Moseley Railway Trust's new home at the Apedale Heritage Centre near Newcastle-under-Lyme. 

And what a great day it was - their collection of 2' gauge equipment is immense - I don't think I've seen as many Motor-Rails, Rustons and similar at a single gathering - and they're not all there yet.

A Rail Diaries entry will follow in a day or two, but in the meantime, a couple of snaps as a taster...

Rhiw Valley Rainway

Just published to "Geoff's Rail Diaries", the illustrated account of our visit to the somewhat soggy Rhiw Valley and its super little railway. Visit "Rhiw Valley Rainway" now!