Battlefield Line, early 2018: Relaying south of Headley's Crossing.
Whilst the railway was closed, in connection with testing work for an outside client, I did drive the single unit diesel railcar on a few days. This was confined to running between Shackerstone and Headley's Crossing. My first passenger turn at the Battlefield line in 2018 was on Wednesday, 4th April, just after Easter, when the 2-car Diesel Multiple Unit was rostered. That day didn't go quite to plan and I ended up operating with the single unit diesel, as described here.
Then, I was overseas for a few weeks in Myanmar (Burma), as described in a series of posts starting at Travelling again.
So my first steam 'turn' at the Battlefield Line in 2018 wasn't until the Fish and Chip Evening Special on 9th June 2018. The popular 'Fish and Chip' trains operate on a number of dates during the year and I described an earlier 'Fish and Chip Special' (using 'Cumbria') here.
Events of 9th June 2018
Carl was rostered as driver for the five service trains during the day but he asked if I'd care to take the last round trip as he was Signalman for the evening 'Fish and Chip' train. So I was waiting on platform 2 at Shackerstone when the 'Light Prairie', 5542, arrived after the fourth round trip.
Battlefield Line, 9th June 2018: 5542 drifts into Shackerstone on the 4th service train of the day.
Carl turned the engine over to me, Tracy uncoupled and we ran around the train, pausing for water before coupling onto the train ready for the 4.15 p.m. departure to Shenton.
Battlefield Line, 9th June 2018: Carl dismounts from 5542 on arrival back at Shackerstone with the 4th service train of the day.
We operated the last round trip to Shenton and on arrival back at Shackerstone were routed into platform 1 where the main station facilities (tea room, museum and toilets) are located. There was then plenty of time to uncouple and run round, stopping to fill the side tanks at the water column on platform 2. Now hooked onto the south end of our four coach train, the engine simmered as we waited for our 80 guests to arrive.
Battlefield Line Fish and Chip Evening Dining train, 9th June 2018: Waiting for our guests to arrive.
Slowly, the train filled with our diners and at 7.00 p.m. we received the 'Right Away' from the Guard. I gently started the train away, complied with the 5 m.p.h. speed restriction on the crossover leading to the single line and collected the Single Line Staff from the Signalman. There's a 10 m.p.h. speed restriction passing through the cutting to Barton Lane road bridge but once clear of the 'slack' I only let the speed rise a little - we were in no hurry on this trip as we trundled down the line and the tantalising smell of fish and chips wafted towards us from the train.
We were not booked to stop at Market Bosworth but we slowed right down when passing through the platform, allowing staff on the train to pass a portion of fish and chips to one of our Volunteers waiting on the platform. Once the delivery had been safely made, I let speed rise a little as we passed into the gently uphill cutting section spanned by three successive overbridges which took us towards Shenton. Once clear of the cutting, the line became gently downhill on Shenton Bank with views across the Leicestershire countryside on both sides of the train.
Near Shenton's fixed distant signal, I brought the train to a gentle stop so that our diners could admire the peaceful spot as they enjoyed their meal. Whilst at a stand, the locomotive crew were also issued with fish and chips - a welcome treat!.
Tracy enjoys her fish and chips.
After ten minutes or so, we received the about 'Right Away' from the Guard and trundled into Shenton station. There was then a few minutes of activity as we uncoupled, ran round and coupled back onto the train ready for the journey back to Shackerstone. It was a warm evening, still light and many passengers came onto the platform to take photographs or simply admire the locomotive. After a while, the train staff persuaded everybody back on board and the Guard gave the 'Right Away'. We were told to take it gently to Market Bosworth and then complete the journey at Line Speed, so we were able to have an enjoyable 'romp' to complete the trip. We were routed into platform 1 and, as our happy passengers made their way back to their cars, Tracy uncoupled to the final time. It didn't take us long to shunt onto the shed and complete disposal.
Related posts on this website
Battlefield Line Fish and Chip Evening Special (an earlier 'Fish and Chip' train).
To see all my posts about the Battlefield Line, select Label 'Battlefield Line' or click here.
My photograph albums
Where necessary, clicking on an image above will display an 'uncropped' view or, alternately, pictures may be selected, viewed or downloaded, in various sizes, from the albums listed:-
5542 GWR Locomotive
Battlefield Line, 2017-2018
All my Battlefield Line albums
