Preview

I have just found this preview clip for the forthcoming Cranford eposides. If you don't blink you might spot a familiar location!

And here's a local newspaper report from the Sentinel

Will we be running 2nd/3rd January 2010?

The railway has publicised 2 extra operating days just after the New Year on January 2nd and 3rd, the intention being to capitalise on the Cranford exposure over Christmas. However to really do this justice it would be ideal to have Bellerophon in steam as people coming to the railway would no doubt be hoping to ride in the same train as they have seen on the TV. Unfortunately we cannot offer them the coaches so it would be imperative to have Bellerophon available but at the moment a big question mark hangs over her as the ongoing investigations into finding a suitable jointing material for the odd inspection doors set in the foundation ring. Very recently Bellerophon's information on the loco availability board has been updated to read 'withdrawn from service'... just about the time that the two 'Cranford' days in January were announced. I won't draw any conclusions from this, only to say that the will is there to get Bellerophon into traffic in time but the co-operation at some levels seems to be sadly lacking.
The question I therefore ask is, what will the public think if they come to ride on the train seen on Cranford but they get something completely different. Will they return again in the summer? Will they come at all?

Final Weekend with the Peacock

It was the final public weekend at Nantmawr on the Tanat Valley Railway for the Beyer Peacock this weekend, and also one of its final steamings as its 10 year boiler certificate runs out on the 14th. I went over on the 5th to spend the day loking after her for John Allman and had another most enjoyable day there. We were well looked after with copious cups of tea, a fantastic burger and some good warming hot pot made by the wife of one of the group. The photo shows the Peacock being prepared in front of the shed specially erected for her which is on the old loading spur for the Lime Kilns which you can see behind the loco. Thanks to Ian from the Llangollen Railway (seen in the photo) who was fireman for the day and good company on the footplate. Look forward to seeing him at Foxfield at some time in the future.
We also did a double header with the Planet diesel currently based at Nantmawr, although it managed to slip out of gear on the second run and had to be pushed back to the platform. John Allman doesn't think it has ever moved as fast before!

Now we know....

According to the BBC press office Cranford is to be broadcast on Sunday 20th December (Part one) and Sunday 27th December (Part two) from 9pm to 10.30pm on both days. So make sure you have your video set to record (or your sky+ if that's how you like to do it!).

Canford posers!

Well we're still waiting to hear the transmission times and dates for Cranford Christmas Special, so far there's even odds on a Boxing Day episode one and 2-1 on Christmas Day! But I thought I would give you a taster of two of the 'characters' you can look forward to on your TV!