A great day at the Great Central Railway cab riding with the LMS 8f 

I like all LMS engines,but one item I don't like is the whistle on the Stanier engines.

This trip was more for Rosie,she is steam train mad,for me it was a chance to relive my younger days on the footplate of the 8f's. It was lovely that she could experience the power,movement and sounds of a steam loco from the cab,not forgetting the work that's needed to keep a beast like this in steam...You could say it was fun,no! it was an amazing day out!

It was very nice of the G.C for allowing us to ride on the cab of the 8F,she really did sound lovely.This was Rosie's first ride on the cab of a train travelling at speed,she loved it.Many,many years ago I have had the chance to drive and fire loco's on the mainline,many of them being 8f's..........Regards Chris

Glad you enjoyed it!.My pleasure Jo.

Yes Mark,Rosie was in her element,what a way to end one year and start another with steam all the way......Happy New Year Mark!......Chris.

No! we are busy enough now, we just have not got the time. But I did see and feel some track that needed some work doing!!! We both had a great day Steve,it took me back many years,great times!.........Happy New Year Steve.

We might need to be careful with inserting capital letters on here. Write the Bug as seen and I am reminded about the peculiar inspection saloon Dugald Drummond used to tour the L& SWR in before his fatal accident on the footplate, if accounts as to be 100 % reliable. It got split up and the rear portion was need up as a garden shed in the Pompey area ( apparently) life is full of strange twists and turns. But to return to the 8F, yes, she was enjoying the experience of being a guest on the footplate.

Rosie has always said when a steam train went through that she would love to be in the cab,so I asked if we could get her a cab ride and many thanks to Pete,he arranged it for us..Given the chance I think she would have fill the engine with water,drive it,she did put a few lumps of coal in the firebox.LOL!....If you have never had a trip on the Great Central rly,you should Dave, nice ride and double track as well........Best wishes Chris.

It was a fantastic day,Rosie loved every minute Tony.The last time I had a drive or been on a 8f was in the 60's,lovely loco's.. Happy New Year..........Regards Chris.

So pleased you enjoyed my video Bob,I was a bit worried it was to long, but just didn't want to leave to much out..Rosie has not stopped talking about her day,i'm so pleased that she enjoyed it......Happy New Year .........Best wishes Chris and Rosie.

@@wooltman I can fondly remember the footplate ride I had on a narrow gauge steam engine back in around 2004 it was my first time helping out at my local steam railway as I was allowed by the driver to put a few lumps of coal on the engine's fire

We both love the same things Kay,so it is easy LOL! She has always said she would love to be on the cab of a steam loco,I have been working on it for a while and finally we made it,thanks to Pete!.We loved every minute......How did your day go at the new track site?......Happy New Year..........Regards Chris

Well done, a great time you had. :-) Happy New Year. We didn't hold our Frostbite event because the land where the portacabin was to be placed was too wet (had a lot of rain) and the portacabin man thought he would get stuck with his delivery vehicle. But, 20 of us Evergreeners still ventured out and we discussed things and took some measurements and a bit of marking out. :-) Thanks for asking.

It was arranged for Rosie really,you know what she is like with loco's..It also reminded me of my times behind the regulator of 8's and 9's,lovely memories.

i think if I lived in the houses I would be out watching every trip as well. Nice that it's not just humans that like steam engines. I'm very lucky to have a wife that shares my hobby. It was a good day one she remember for ever Bob. Happy Christmas.

Hi Brian,Yes you got the mention.I recognised Alan from your trips, so I told him we knew you.Rosie enjoyed her trip very much but still likes the 7 1/4 she can drive them.....We were at the club with the Scot today,keep an eye out for the video.....Happy New Year.........Best wishes Chris & Rosie.

Great. Lovely trip.

Hi Dave. Sorry mate I didn't mean to upset you. Our good friend Pete the fireman arranged it for the most steam train mad woman on this earth. Great time! Also living my youth when I used to get my hands on the regulator of the many class 8f and 9f's that came into Ashwell yard, plus trips up to the Iron stone exchange sidings (now Rocks by Rail) so many happy memories. When the railway was a railway and everybody that worked on it was a brother or sister, not like now. I was glad to leave after 45 years. Regards Chris

@@wooltman excellent glad you had the opportunity and thanks for sharing.

I like the Scots Alistair,but having drove a few 8's, I have a soft spot for them as well.

All stanier locos are easily the best but in my opinion and experience you can't beat a jube

These Stanier class 8 loco were sent abroad in the war,so they could be like your K class...I love the class 8 one of the first loco's I drove....Merry Christmas ....Chris

It is Staffy and will be a lot better when they join up to G.C North,It will reach Nottingham then..It does now but they just need to finish the bridge. Thanks for commenting....Regards Chris

A lot of the LMS loco's did this when not under power/coasting.

If filming a modern train, they will give you a tote sometimes.. We used to wave to the children or groups of people watching our engine passing, Good days. Happy Christmas.

@@wooltman merry Christmas, my friend I had my dreams and I had my plans, I was gonna be a railroad man.

I'm glad you asked that as it made me watch and enjoy our cab ride again...To be honest I don't know what that was,very strange.Does the G.C have an Observation coach as that is what it looked like....Regards Chris

@@wooltman I thought that too but it dosnt seem to have any glass in it....

It's an observation platform for wheelchair users.

It is Pete Skinner fireman!

@@wooltman Thanks. He looks like someone I once worked with who used to fire locos at the GCR. His nickname was Bilko but his first name escapes me.. Maybe you know who I mean. Great similarity.

@@gb5uq No sorry I don't.

It was a birthday treat for Rosie, arranged by the fireman a friend of ours......Regards Chris

Ok

UK

The Great Central Railway is in England,it runs from Loughborough to Leicester.......Regards Chris

wooltman oh okay. Thanks.

@@wooltman I think my cousin volunteers on that railroad

@@rogerfrymire4695 Great! These railways need more like him.