A beautiful winter day of glorious sunshine, and a real treat for SJ and myself as we take the morning train down from Rudyard to Hunthouse Wood, hauled by the impressive, underused, rather loveable "Rudyard Lady" diesel locomotive, driven by Lewis Goodhew.
This loco has hardly ever been used on passenger trains, so it was brilliant to see it and even better to ride behind it and film the journey.
The sunshine brought out plenty of visitors to the area, and many took a ride on the 10 1/4" narrow gauge railway. Extra trains were organised in the afternoon for the large crowd who were no doubt thrilled at such a sunny day in January.
With the future of the railway in much doubt, one hopes for many more days, but it is yet without a buyer, and the present owner can be seen later in the film taking away the display of builders plates from the station cafe to send to auction.
We do catch a glimpse of the noon train heading out towards The Dam, filmed from the main road, and one wonders how the old NSR trains would have looked from the same vantage point.
A stunning day, the whistles (and horns) of the trains echoing through the trees and across the water. A truly breathtaking railway that thrills thd senses.
Rudyard Lake Steam Railway has a special place in my heart.
Big thanks to Henry and the rest of the crew for their warm welcome and hospitality as usual.
And thanks to SJ for company.
Happy 2024 to all our viewers.
1 янв 2024
