I wasn’t able to stay at Sunday’s meeting, but there were five or so members present, who had a quiet afternoon playing trains. Allan channelled his inner Brian, and took this short video….
I was rather taken by this photo, by WJ Naunton, of a WD 2-8-0 headed by a Peak 1-Co-Co-1 and two brake tenders. Very much a ‘prototype for everything’ picture, and no one would believe you if you ran it on your layout.
And another ‘prototype for everything’ video to finish.
When Allan suggested this title, I thought that he had been trainspotting with Lucas, but it actually referred to a trip down to the Kent & East Sussex Railway, to see its visiting Spam Can.
I’m having a nice time down here on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. 257 Squadron sound great coming up the bank on its return to Tenterden.
Think there were at least 3 film crews down here doing whatever they do. Should be on the South East news tonight.
Here’s the large bit….
And here’s the little….
It looks a great day out.
A little experiment at this week’s meeting – running trains from 2-9pm, with a pause for fish and chips early evening. We were also going to do some wiring, but Mr Atfield wasn’t able to get to the meeting with the boards to wire.
Not sure whether this was a success – just the five members attended, with only one extra for the afternoon session. But the five who were there had a very pleasant afternoon running trains and chatting. The usual layout was set up and the fiddle yard populated.
Some Swiss trains from Allan….
Michael was testing stock ready for the Open Day…..
I seemed to have had a Western Region bias to the trains…..
Derek’s goods….
And Simon ran some old American diesels….
And the final batch from Mainz….
Last two days of German pictures are from Allan trainspotting at Mainz. A good variety of passenger and goods trains, and some impressive graffiti!
Now for some monorail fun on the Wuppertal. A definite challenge for the modeller!
A few of the better efforts….
I’m sure Mr Atfield could build these, even if Bulleid would turn in his grave….
A new model announced?
I prefer Kato’s offering….
Or maybe this one? I’m waiting for the other liveries!
Not from April 1, but a worthy contender as a new model?
And by the way: On 1 April 1656 Oliver Cromwell issues an edict banning ‘All Fool’s Day’, for “the greater protection of public order and worthy humour”. This was not repealed at the Restoration and is still technically statute today. So beware!!
No jokes for Brian in Redhill, but a surprising amount of freight.
Elsewhere, this would look good on a model….
And if you are visiting Essex today….
Today’s post returns to Cologne. I love the variety of liveries – rivalling the post-privatisation UK.
For the next few days I’ll post some more photos from Allan & Ron’s Cologne visit. We’ll start with the Drachenfels (Dragon Rock), including some long-distance trainspotting from the top of the hill!
Second half of the Dawes’ visit to Cologne….
Overcast with occasional spits of rain. Did a round trip by train along the Rhine to Mainz. On return took walk through town and back along the Rhine
Mainz….
Photo was taken from Köln Messe/Deurz Bf. Looking back at the Dome and the Rhine bridge. The bridge is called Hohenzollernbrüker (useful word for future use!)
Cologne….
And trains in Cologne….
Along the Rhine to Mainz….
Homeward bound, Allan reports….
Just as we were about to board our ICE to Brussels, these two turned up.
And….
Our ICE3 in Brussels.
And of course, there had to be a picture of some delicacy (where’s the strudel this time, guys?)
A perfect end to the trip – Trappist beer in Brussels.
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