Just a quick post today, as my daughter has hi-jacked her father’s laptop to complete her dissertation…..

From the Daily Telegraph:

Eurostar train ploughs into wild boar causing delays for passengers

Eurostar passengers were delayed after a train ploughed into a wild boar, holding up services behind it.  The 14.22 service travelling from London to Paris hit the animal near Huate Picardie, roughly halfway between Calais and Paris, causing delays of around an hour.  Speed restrictions were put in place after the incident…..

The wild boar in the area can “take it upon themselves to roam from their area onto the track”, a spokesman said…..

Wild boar are related to domestic pigs and have thick, bristly coats. They weigh around 20 stone – although some males can reach double that – and live for approximately 30 years. [Unless they are hit by a train, of course. Ed.]

Elsewhere a Grand Central train hit a herd of cattle between Peterborough and London Kings Cross, causing delays for passengers. Eleven cows died in the incident.

Not sure I want to meet one of those in a bad mood (the boar that is) on a dark night.  Now I’ve just been complaining about the lack of movement on our layouts.  Perhaps here’s a little cameo – train derailed by wild boar or herd of cows?  I’m sure the ESNG junior members would like to operate the boar – Derek, can we fit a mechanism in one?