Well, not that quiet. OK, so the last cover was issued in February, and the next one's not due until next month (R38), but it's not been completely quiet. Aside from a little re-scheduling (fitting in one or two new covers into the timetable), and researching for ideas for next years covers, I've managed to fit in a little trainspotting of my own.
The weekend before last (5th/6th April) saw the arrival of 34067 "Tangmere" to Folkestone Harbour Station. Admittedly, the station is looking decidedly shabby now, but there was still a good turnout. Many of us had been waiting since mid-day, as the engine was due just after 1.00pm, but it was almost 3.00pm before it finally arrived. Apparently, there had been a fire on the line - I think after London but considering that this train had left Nottingham much earlier in the day, a few hours delay can be forgiven!
Last Saturday (April 12th) saw the final visit by ANY train to Folkestone Harbour Station, as I understand that the station has now officially closed for good (if anyone has heard different, could they please let me know?). The station itself has been closed to scheduled traffic since the ferry service closed some years ago, but the platforms are always full whenever there are steam loco visits. The "Tangmere" was the last to make such a visit and this time the train left from Taunton, instead of Nottingham. Also, it wasn't quite so late in arriving as the previous weekend - only half an hour this time!
Engines are powered by coal and the drivers by tea! Note the prominent position of the "mash cans"!
It's interesting to note that, when Folkestone Harbour was a working station, the trains were only pulled in to the station by tank engines - partly due to the weight of the Express locomotives (they would never have been allowed over the swing bridge to the station). As a rule, two, sometimes three, tank engines would have pulled the trains up the steep gradient that leads in and out of the station, presumably to the waiting express loco. The visiting steam engines are probably the only express ones to have been allowed to the harbour station itself (if any one knows any different, I'd be interested to know) and even then, they have to be diesel assisted, to get up the gradient.
It might be the end of an era down here, but the love of steam goes on.
Sarah
The weekend before last (5th/6th April) saw the arrival of 34067 "Tangmere" to Folkestone Harbour Station. Admittedly, the station is looking decidedly shabby now, but there was still a good turnout. Many of us had been waiting since mid-day, as the engine was due just after 1.00pm, but it was almost 3.00pm before it finally arrived. Apparently, there had been a fire on the line - I think after London but considering that this train had left Nottingham much earlier in the day, a few hours delay can be forgiven!
Last Saturday (April 12th) saw the final visit by ANY train to Folkestone Harbour Station, as I understand that the station has now officially closed for good (if anyone has heard different, could they please let me know?). The station itself has been closed to scheduled traffic since the ferry service closed some years ago, but the platforms are always full whenever there are steam loco visits. The "Tangmere" was the last to make such a visit and this time the train left from Taunton, instead of Nottingham. Also, it wasn't quite so late in arriving as the previous weekend - only half an hour this time!
Engines are powered by coal and the drivers by tea! Note the prominent position of the "mash cans"!It's interesting to note that, when Folkestone Harbour was a working station, the trains were only pulled in to the station by tank engines - partly due to the weight of the Express locomotives (they would never have been allowed over the swing bridge to the station). As a rule, two, sometimes three, tank engines would have pulled the trains up the steep gradient that leads in and out of the station, presumably to the waiting express loco. The visiting steam engines are probably the only express ones to have been allowed to the harbour station itself (if any one knows any different, I'd be interested to know) and even then, they have to be diesel assisted, to get up the gradient.
I've included a few photos - I thought it was a nice touch that the board on the front read "Folkestone Harbour". (Might not be seen that clearly but take my word for it, it does!)
It might be the end of an era down here, but the love of steam goes on.
Sarah
