Out of the dank and depressing month of November came forth Sir Alan bearing wonderous sights of sunny days, green fields and trees and spine tingling sounds of smoke belching beasties from the northern lands echoing around the western counties (not the defunct building society!!) showing off their marvellous blues, greens and blacks to the adoring crowds (well, those that bothered to turn their heads from their 99s and mobiles) and making the hairs on our neck stand up with their whistling, chiming and hootering (if that's even a word!!). This is the very best of the very best and it was a delight to see that Steamclips name pop up in my subs. Thank you Alan for brightening up my day, missing you while you hibernate in your lovely county, always hope for a winter cutting room floor episode and I've not been disappointed. I'd like to think there may be more but in case not I hope it's not to early to wish you both the compliments of the impending season. Stay safe and well down there.
Hi Bob, thank you for such heart warming words from my favourite Clan Chieftain, I can honestly say you brought a tear to my eye when reading your comment. I have something on the go at the moment which I should post after a couple of finishing shots on Friday & Saturday, inspired by a previous comment of yours and therefore dedicated to you dear friend. Kindest regards, Alan
Hi Andrei. I was blessed with sun just at the right time after a whole day of cloud as you will see in the original. What did you think of the Black 5 at half speed? I hated the fact that it was being pushed so hard in reality. Best regards, Alan
Alan Steamclips is usually chasing trains. This time, he was thinking about his family. Christmas was (and is) on the horizon. Instead of trainspotting, he decided to do something to make his wife and children happy. After all, it pays to think of the other person first. With the help of kind neighbours, Alan managed to organise a surprise family holiday in a place where magic lives. The missus and two children were wondering what the surprise was. They found out the very next day. Alan had them up and at 'em at 5am. A taxi took them and their suitcases to an airport far away. Eventually, the family of four found themselves standing outside a very posh hotel. They happened to bump into Sam's Trains and his girlfriend Chloe, on the way to the hotel room. Another new day dawned. "Where are we, Daddy?" asked the little girl. "Look out of the window and tell me what you see," answered Daddy secretly. Girl and boy looked out of the hotel room window, and gazed in wonder and awe at a castle, which beckoned them towards it. "Disney World!" the children chorused excitedly. "But why did you bring us here?" "You wished you could both come here," replied Alan smiling. "So, with the help of our neighbours, here you are. Who says dreams don't come true?" The holiday went by all too quickly. The children were a bit down when the last day came. "Cheer up," said Mummy, grinning cheekily. "The fun ain't over yet." "Hello there, pals," uttered a familiar voice. "Wanna join me and my friends in our Christmas Parade?" The children jumped for joy as they recognised Mickey Mouse. They also jumped at the chance of some Disney fun on the last day of their holiday. The parade was everything they had ever dreamed of. As Alan had rightly quoted, who says dreams don't come true?
