I’m afraid our main blog contributors were absent from duty on Saturday and consequently we have no report on the hard work of those that were there! (now superseded by the report above!)
For my part I was on a much needed (and enjoyable) break in Cornwall. I always try to fit in a visit to the nearest heritage railway (In this case it was to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway) for a whiff of steam and see what locos are in action. As with so many heritage railways it survives on the enthusiasm of its volunteers and this was much in evidence as staff on duty made sure the visiting holiday makers were well looked after.
It is a line full of charm and character. The B&W offers a 13m round trip between Bodmin General (the home station) and Bodmin Parkway, which has the great advantage of being a Mainline Station. The star attraction is a very well preserved SR footbridge, with reverse steps.
Class 5700 Pannier Tank 4612 was on duty on the day of our visit. It looked and sounded in fine fettle. It did, however start to run out of puff returning with a well laden rake of 5 coaches up the 1:40 gradient back to Bodmin General!
A good day out !
Bill
