2009 - Down the Line update

Just because I've been quiet over the past few weeks doesn't mean I've been slacking! Far from it. It's been very busy here but we've just about got next year's timetable finalised (and we're about as prepared as we can be for any last minute additions).

There is a bit of a cross-section - as well as the "Great Little Trains of Wales" project that I've referred to in an earlier post, there'll be some "modern traction" and anniversaries including the anniversary of the opening of the Channel Tunnel, The Centenary of the Stephenson Locomotive Society and the Anniversary of the Railway Air Service. We are also hoping to get some covers carried next year, but we'll know for sure nearer the time.

The first of next year's covers (28th February) will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Midland and Great Northern Line (now The North Norfolk Railway, or "Poppy Line"). Apparently they are planning a "mega gala" over that weekend so we're planning great things for this cover, to tie-in with the gala.

The next cover will be celebrating modern traction (just so you don't think that we're a steam only club!). On the 3rd of March sees the 20th Anniversary of the introduction of the Class 91 electric locomotives. This link will take you to an illustration of it on our website http://www.buckinghamcovers.com/shop/productdisplay.lasso?product_id=893

I hope that this has whetted your appetite for next year. If you're not already a member of our Rail Club, and would like to know more, you can check the "Join a Club" section of the Buckingham Covers website http://www.buckinghamcovers.com/clubs/index.lasso?-session=shopper:5369223B1aee41EB0FyWFE25C374 or you can contact me via the Buckingham Covers website, sales@buckinghamcovers.com

If you have any ideas of your own, don't keep them to yourself. Let us know and we'll see if we can include them.

Best wishes,



Sarah

Tornado on TV

I've been looking at the A1 Steam Locomotive site today and they have some very good photos of last weekend's Gala. There is also mention of the programme shown last night on BBC4 (as part of their steam season), and a link to watch it again.

The programme, entitled "Well Chuffed: The Men Who Built a Steam Engine", told the story - so far - of the men who had the dream and the drive to build Tornado. Part of the story I already knew but it was fascinating to hear the story being told, from the beginning, by the men involved.

For me, the most poignant moment was when Tornado had left to start her journey to Loughborough, when they showed the empty shed at Darlington. From a hive of activity to silence....

Anyway, the Tornado "roadshow" (should that be "rail show"?) will be moving on to York soon, for painting and display, and then to start the Main Line trials. And I know that I've been wittering on about seeing Tornado for myself, but that is still at the very top of my to do list for this year. I still have some time off left to take so there will be no guesses as to where I'll be wanting to spend it (I believe that York is lovely at this time of year.....).

Have a great weekend,

Sarah

Caught up in the Tornado..........

OK, so the title of this post owes something to a headline in yesterday's copy of the Times, but the article that it headed was very interesting. It seems that the trials on the Great Central are coming to an end, before the move to York for painting and the mainline trials. If you want to read the full article, go to http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article4908980.ece

Tomorrow is the start of a Festival of Steam at the Great Central, and I have wanted so much to get to this but unfortunately, I've been let down by transport problems (a v-e-r-y long story and not worth boring everyone else with). If any of you will be going (and I've spoken to a few people this week, who've tormented me by telling me that they are), feel free to include any photos of the weekend in your replies - it will be the closest I get to being there..........!

On the subject of this weekend's gala, we received a call from the A1 Locomotive Trust a few days ago, asking us for things to send them for selling at Loughborough. Although the covers themselves aren't ready yet, we've sent up some of the stamps sheets to sell and some leaflets to hand out. We've also sent some covers up to Loughborough for carrying - but they will NOT be available for sale up there, as they've got to come back here to be finished!

I hope that everyone has a great time at the Great Central this weekend (and I look forward to seeing some great pictures next week!!)

Best wishes,

Sarah