Taking the high road
This job has a habit of throwing up some interesting situations – not least of which is the requirement to travel the length and breadth of the country in search of articles and features. Quite possibly the furthest north I’ve been, however, is Brechin while on a recent visit to the Caledonian Railway.
It’s a line that’s been on my bucket list for some time now, and one that I knew surprisingly little about. Despite the fickle Scottish weather, it was a worthy trip – you can read about it inside this issue
– and one that has made a very positive impression. We’ve read a lot of doom and gloom recently, so it’s exhilarating to be able to report on a railway that’s going from strength to strength – in terms of profits, ideas and planning. Sure, it’s not the longest heritage line in Britain, but it’s certainly one that absolutely embodies the spirit of what our industry was formed on, and it was a pleasure to see engaged volunteers pulling together with a smile despite undertaking a rather grim job. I’ll be back at Bridge of Dun soon – as a working volunteer – because despite the long journey, it’ll be a great experience to get my hands dirty and stuck in at the sharp end after far too long away. I just needed the right railway to find that motivation.
Staying north of the border, but this time venturing to Strathspey, it was interesting to read about their project to resurrect penultimate ‘9F’ No. 92219 from ex-Barry condition. The 2-10-0 has led a most nomadic life since it left Woodham’s scrapyard, but this latest move does look to be its salvation. One thing that struck me when reading about the history of the engine was its incredibly short working life – five years. It really brings home to you just how shamefully under-used Riddles’ most versatile design was, and it’s more power to the Strathspey’s arm that they’re giving the big engine a new lease of life. We wish them the best of luck in what will be a formidable task.
Finally, elsewhere in the magazine, you can read about our cover star – ‘Grange’ 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange. Now I’m not one for getting excited about GWR engines as a rule (I grew up in LNWR territory…) but there is something about the ‘Grange’ that’s very appealing. To me, it just looks right aesthetically, with very pleasing lines, and I have no doubt that it’s going to make its presence felt on whatever preserved metals it runs. Together with the recent unveiling of fellow new-build ‘Atlantic’ No. 32424 Beachy Head it promises to be an interesting summer ahead. Now… if only we could get that ‘Patriot’ further down the line…
Until next month, enjoy your magazine.