Steam-powered fun on a rainy day…
Statfold showers
© Geoff’s Rail Diaries 2023
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
18 March 2023
trundled up and down his own line beside the
tram line
I decided I ought to take a look at the new
Mease Valley Light Railway, a 12¼” gauge
miniature line, operated by (today, at any
rate) a diesel and a rather attractive
Exmoor-built steam locomotive, Victoria. I
ought to be able to get a good photo from
the top off the bank as she left the station. True - but it
began to rain. Perhaps it will ease off - it’s looking
brighter to the south-west. In any case, it
would be a long walk back to shelter.
Suffice it to say that I didn’t take any more
photos, and brought home more water than I
took with me. After an overnight stay in the
airing cupboard, the camera seems OK…
Links:
Statfold Barn Railway
Sam’s World
I’m sure the forecast said the showers would be
light! I was in the archives at Oak Tree when I
heard a low rumble (that wasn’t a passing train).
The building had suddenly become rather
crowded - the rain was hammering down
on the roof!
It cleared, as forecast, and for a time
there was some good light. As ever, there
was a wonderful selection of steam locomotives in
action. In no particular order: Bagnalls Isaac and Isibutu,
Fowler Saccharine, Krauss Sragi No 1,
Corpet Minas de Aller 2, Hunslets Howard
and Statfold, Kerr Stuart ISC 2, Peckett
Liassic and Harrogate, Hudswell Clarke Alpha,
and Beyer Peacock No1 - the first Beyer
Garratt. Also in action were the fine matching
pair of Avonsides Marchlyn and Ogwen, but
somehow I failed to get a photo of them (sorry,
Sam! See link). 18” gauge Hunslet Jack
