Perhaps the most exciting part of my engineering training was studying locomotives at Crewe Works. I was really looking forward to getting up close and personal with actual locomotives! … [More...]
Recent Posts
Top UK Steam and Diesel Train Trips
Steam train trips in the UK are offered by an abundance of heritage and tourist railways. We are very fortunate to have the choice of visiting a steam railway in most parts of the country. Indeed, the Heritage Railway Association report that an incredible 185 … [More...]
Learning to be a Locomotive Engineer at Crewe Works
My engineering training at Crewe Works continued. You can read about my earlier time there here. I was assigned to the Metallurgical Lab which involved spending time in the Steel Foundry. … [More...]
How to see the Best of Britain with a Railcard
The average Brit has seen just 32% of Great Britain, according to new research. Researchers commissioned by Railcard, which offers a third off train travel, looked at the areas of Great Britain and found most of us have seen less than a third of the country we … [More...]
Just how much luggage can you take on the train?
How much luggage can you take on the train? Most passengers have no idea! The National Rail Conditions of Travel sets out passengers' rights and responsibilities when traveling on rail services provided by franchised train companies. The vast majority of … [More...]
Luxury Travel On The Dartmouth Steam Railway
For a recent birthday treat, we decided to take a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The train arrived in the platform behind a Army USA Army Transportation Corps S197 locomotive. I observed the former Devon Belle observation car directly behind the … [More...]
Somerset and Dorset Railway Anniversary Event
In March 2017, the Somerset and Dorset Railway Midsomer Norton marked another year since the railway closed on the 6th of March 1966 with a Gala. Two locomotives were rostered: Steam Sentinel 7109 Joyce and British Railways built Class 08 diesel D4095. … [More...]
North Norfolk Railway Review
I recently visited the North Norfolk Railway with some railway friends. I hadn't been to this heritage railway since the early 1970s although I always follow its progress in the media. … [More...]
Let me introduce you to my model railway
Starting to build a model railway layout from scratch is quite a daunting task! Decisions have to be made which will shape the model railway forever. Events from your life and favourite full size railways can all play a part in shaping the final layout. Here's … [More...]
An Enthusiast Reviews The Epping Ongar Railway
I paid an interesting visit to the Epping Ongar Railway on Sunday 23rd April 2017. History of the Epping and Ongar Railway The Great Eastern Railway built the branch from Loughton Junction to Ongar and it opened in 1865. Before World War II, plans existed … [More...]