© Geoff’s Rail Diaries 2011 Caledonian Railway 0-6-0 no. 828 has been in preservation a long time - the former BR 57566 was purchased soon after withdrawal in 1963. I met it in December 1975, “stuffed and mounted” in the Glasgow Transport Museum at Coplawhill, a former tram depot - but hadn’t seen it since... Unlike the other steam locomotives in the museum, no. 828 has led a much more active life since those days, and is a star attraction on the Strathspey Railway - a long way from Bridgnorth... Nevertheless, it was billed to appear - even if A1 Tornado, in its new BR green livery, hadn’t been visiting, a trip to the Severn Valley for its autumn gala was clearly a must. Friday looked good - shouldn’t be quite as busy, and the weather looked promising. I decided to concentrate on the two stars mentioned, and was able to photograph them in action twice in the day, on their morning and afternoon runs to Bridgnorth. The first shots are taken at Eardington - is it the only closed station on a preserved line? Closed is perhaps the wrong word - I realised that, not only was there a place to park, but also refreshments - hot drinks and (good choice!) an excellent piece of fruit cake. Apparently it’s opened up just for the gala events. Links: • Severn Valley Railway • caley828.co.uk