ebay Mike’s expedition THE PICTURES. - Just the pictures please.
- Thread starter dunnyrail
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Mike has been on his Holidays to Somerset so a few odd locations have been visited including a couple of big railways. First up on a visit it is always important to visit the local Loco Shed to see what may not be working. Thus a trip to the Bonsai Boston Lodge was in order. Sadly the WofR loco was incapacitated due to non running over some 10 or so years. The batteries were shot but a new set has put them in order but still did not get run due to lack of time once new ones fitted. Surprisingly Swiss trains can be seen from this location.
After that Mike felt in need of a beer (whats new) so checked out this location, it turned out to not be a pub!
However this location proved a better bet.
Then a trip to the local Quarry appeared in order, fortunately a Train was present busy loading stone.
Then back to wales to view some cottages and Welsh Rolling Stock
Then to the Swiss part of the line for a trip around the station, bridge sites and on the ICE and Open Car.
Needless to say essential supplies were sorted. 
After that Mike felt in need of a beer (whats new) so checked out this location, it turned out to not be a pub!
However this location proved a better bet.
Then a trip to the local Quarry appeared in order, fortunately a Train was present busy loading stone.
Then back to wales to view some cottages and Welsh Rolling Stock
Then to the Swiss part of the line for a trip around the station, bridge sites and on the ICE and Open Car.
Needless to say essential supplies were sorted. 
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While in Somerset a 16mm Garden Railway was visited, this line to 32mm track is possibly not on the normal size we accept. But as ever always of interest as the following pics show. As ever Mike like to say hello to the local ladies!
But then gets on with the nuts and bolts of the visit.
A very interesting Home built Shay was demonstrated utilising Camden Ephraim plans. Mike notes that many of the people seen on this Railway are somewhat larger than the norm.
With many thanks to Haydn for the visit including Coffee and Cake.
Whilst in the area a new under construction line was spied at Woody Bay.
More about Mike’s trip to the LnB later.
But then gets on with the nuts and bolts of the visit.
A very interesting Home built Shay was demonstrated utilising Camden Ephraim plans. Mike notes that many of the people seen on this Railway are somewhat larger than the norm.
With many thanks to Haydn for the visit including Coffee and Cake.
Whilst in the area a new under construction line was spied at Woody Bay.
More about Mike’s trip to the LnB later.
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The owners and operators of the Finchdale Light Railway (FLR) were delighted to hear that Mini-Mike had kindly agreed to pop in for a visit. The railway has fallen on hard times over the past couple of years and is just starting to get back on its feet again, so having a celebrity like Mini-Mike come and travel on the line was a greet morale booster.
Pic 1
First port of call was Sue's Kiosk for a morning cuppa. Fortunately, the Kiosk has managed to remain open throughout the FLR's hard times!
Pic 2/Pic 3
Tea drunk, Mike found time for a chat with Fiona, the daughter of Sue the Kiosk Manageress.
Pic 4/Pic 5
Mike's chat with Fiona was interrupted by the arrival of the day's test service - a mixed train hauled by the FLR's recently overhauled Krok which now runs on either battery or track power. (Today was a battery power day.)
Pic 6
Despite the less than ideal weather, Mke decided to travel in one of the open Observation Wagons - obviously he is made of stern stuff!
Pic 7/Pic 8
Crossing the first bridge erected on the FLR, Mike's two travelling companions (a couple of the FLR volunteers) can be seen enjoying the ride in the Observation Wagons.
Pic 9
Rounding "Bottom Bend", the Krok runs past some lovely blue foliage.
Pic 11/Pic 12
The train stops at Langeveld halt to allow Mike to pop in to the Signal Tower and then "avail himself of the station facilities". (After all, it was a chilly day and he did drink a few cuppas!)
Pic 13
For the next part of his trip, Mike gets a chance to ride in the cab of the Krok
Pic 14
The Krok makes an unscheduled stop to allow Mike to check out the station buildings at Clearwater, part of the FLR given over to old-style US traffic.
Pic 17 (suggest putting this pic before Pic 15)
Whilst visiting Clearwater, Mike also took a look at the new solar-lit bird house which will form part of a new FLR attraction later this summer.
Pic 15/Pic 16
Back at FLR HQ, Mike pops up to the main signal box to get a clear view of the Krok as she departs on her second journey of the day.
Last words
So farewell Mike, safe travels, and thanks for dropping in to the FLR and hopefully you enjoyed your visit to our modest railway. Hope to see you again at some point.
Pic 1
First port of call was Sue's Kiosk for a morning cuppa. Fortunately, the Kiosk has managed to remain open throughout the FLR's hard times!
Pic 2/Pic 3
Tea drunk, Mike found time for a chat with Fiona, the daughter of Sue the Kiosk Manageress.
Pic 4/Pic 5
Mike's chat with Fiona was interrupted by the arrival of the day's test service - a mixed train hauled by the FLR's recently overhauled Krok which now runs on either battery or track power. (Today was a battery power day.)
Pic 6
Despite the less than ideal weather, Mke decided to travel in one of the open Observation Wagons - obviously he is made of stern stuff!
Pic 7/Pic 8
Crossing the first bridge erected on the FLR, Mike's two travelling companions (a couple of the FLR volunteers) can be seen enjoying the ride in the Observation Wagons.
Pic 9
Rounding "Bottom Bend", the Krok runs past some lovely blue foliage.
Pic 11/Pic 12
The train stops at Langeveld halt to allow Mike to pop in to the Signal Tower and then "avail himself of the station facilities". (After all, it was a chilly day and he did drink a few cuppas!)
Pic 13
For the next part of his trip, Mike gets a chance to ride in the cab of the Krok
Pic 14
The Krok makes an unscheduled stop to allow Mike to check out the station buildings at Clearwater, part of the FLR given over to old-style US traffic.
Pic 17 (suggest putting this pic before Pic 15)
Whilst visiting Clearwater, Mike also took a look at the new solar-lit bird house which will form part of a new FLR attraction later this summer.
Pic 15/Pic 16
Back at FLR HQ, Mike pops up to the main signal box to get a clear view of the Krok as she departs on her second journey of the day.
Last words
So farewell Mike, safe travels, and thanks for dropping in to the FLR and hopefully you enjoyed your visit to our modest railway. Hope to see you again at some point.
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After we visited Phil we travelled to Watchet in Somerset, two of the railways visited have already been posted. But inevitably Mike had to have a look at the full sized trains on the West Somerset Railway. Suitably imoressed with the Large Prairie and Manor he moved on to another Railway, but that is a story for another day.
CAN WE PLEASE USE THIS LINKED THREAD FOR RELATED DISCUSSIONS OTHER THAN THOSE IN THE POST DESCRIBING HIS WANDERINGS:-
CAN WE PLEASE USE THIS LINKED THREAD FOR RELATED DISCUSSIONS OTHER THAN THOSE IN THE POST DESCRIBING HIS WANDERINGS:-
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MiniMikes adventures in Somerset included a trip to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, here he started out by checking the sundry places that are awaiting the return of the Railway. He was pleasantly surprised to see how much Railway was already present at some of these sites.
But first having fought through the traffic and missing signposts in Barnstaple, Snapper was finally reached. Navigating to the Station was a little tricky but a pul-in was found and this section of uncoordinated track found. Not on the original trackbed, perhaps an enthusiasts house?
Access to the track bed was possible here and a very short walk took Mike to where he wanted to be, yes Snapper Halt is certainly worth a visit.
Then a little drive took him to Chelfham, much of interest is still to be seen on this drive, old Bridges still in use and the Trackbed clearly visible.But Mike had a busy day so Chelfham was to be the next stop.
The Station site has been superbly restored and awaits track on the main line, but as this is likely to be some time off a short siding with wagons can be seen as well as the signals expectantly waiting to signal that first train. Indeed though the line sleepeth, there is a feeling of anticipation at these 2 sites.
Finally a look over the viaduct, closed to Mike sadly. But what a magnificent site it will be once trains return.
But first having fought through the traffic and missing signposts in Barnstaple, Snapper was finally reached. Navigating to the Station was a little tricky but a pul-in was found and this section of uncoordinated track found. Not on the original trackbed, perhaps an enthusiasts house?
Access to the track bed was possible here and a very short walk took Mike to where he wanted to be, yes Snapper Halt is certainly worth a visit.
Then a little drive took him to Chelfham, much of interest is still to be seen on this drive, old Bridges still in use and the Trackbed clearly visible.But Mike had a busy day so Chelfham was to be the next stop.
The Station site has been superbly restored and awaits track on the main line, but as this is likely to be some time off a short siding with wagons can be seen as well as the signals expectantly waiting to signal that first train. Indeed though the line sleepeth, there is a feeling of anticipation at these 2 sites.
Finally a look over the viaduct, closed to Mike sadly. But what a magnificent site it will be once trains return.
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Next we took the trip to Blackmoor where the original Station serves as a busy pub / restraunt. While Mike would have loved a bite to eat and beer there was still much to see on the day. But he did find time for a couple of views of pending treasures. The original Station is mostly to the left, the add-on is the bit to the right. The site is the theme of a Share Bid to buy the Pub / Restraunt for the Railway that will keep on working with a new Station site to the right. This will be a very expensive site to deal with as there needs to be a Road Bridge replaced, the way the Government Agenciew work in such circumstances by gold Plating things will be a real challenge for the Railway. However the local authorities are supportive of the Railway so some common but safe sense may be applied to the Bridge project.
Next stop was Parracombe Halt. Here the mini waiting room has been used as a Garden Shed for this Bungalow for many years (small building to the very right by the road).The bungalow is now in the ownership of the line and rented out. Thus we took care to not disturb the residents privacy over much.
From the bridge the view towards Woody Bay (our next port of call) and the trackbed also now in the ownership of the Company after being gifted that house on the left in a will. The land for the Railway was removed from the curtilage and the House sold on, lucky new owners will be getting a Railway back pretty soon as funding for the extension from Killington Lane is being requested now.
Next stop was Parracombe Halt. Here the mini waiting room has been used as a Garden Shed for this Bungalow for many years (small building to the very right by the road).The bungalow is now in the ownership of the line and rented out. Thus we took care to not disturb the residents privacy over much.
From the bridge the view towards Woody Bay (our next port of call) and the trackbed also now in the ownership of the Company after being gifted that house on the left in a will. The land for the Railway was removed from the curtilage and the House sold on, lucky new owners will be getting a Railway back pretty soon as funding for the extension from Killington Lane is being requested now.
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Finally Woody Bay to complete this little episode. Not a lot to say about this site as it is just the most wonderful place and has been sympathetically restored to its former glory. The only thing that perhaps grates is the Temporary shed, but needs must and it will be removed once Blakmoor is reached with a more extensive facility in a site that will be generally out of site to most views. A superb cup of Coffee and Cake were indulged in before exploring the site. He decided not to take a trip as the Loco Axe was not that interesting, Axe below resting between duties. Southern 762 Lynn was securely locked away in the Shed out of site sadly.
But much to be seen including 4 of the superb rebuilt carriages.
Oh Woody Bay was not the final site, the original Station at Lynton still exists owned by an enthusiast, but sadly due to further building on the trackbed a new site for Lynton Station will be used.
But much to be seen including 4 of the superb rebuilt carriages.
Oh Woody Bay was not the final site, the original Station at Lynton still exists owned by an enthusiast, but sadly due to further building on the trackbed a new site for Lynton Station will be used.
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This weekend was a busy one for the little fellow. But with no further waffle on to the first visit. MiniMike has a hatred of Flying, thus he was a little concerned to find out that he was off to Spain. But no worries, his journey in the Smart Car took to to a part of Bedfordshire where a small part of Spain has been created. Thus the trip around the FVM ‘Ferrocarril Val de Martyn’ begins.
As ever it is always instructive to look at how things are operated, here there are a set of switches and things that would honor an Electric Power Station. All superbly laid out in a pull out draw. Lights, Track Sections and Points are all concentrated here. MiniMike looked on bewildered.
A trundle along the platform discovered some more traditional analogue equipment (ok handrolik if you like) for his mini counterparts to use.
An overview of El Boixar Station Building lovengly hand carved from Plastic Coated Foamboard.
Then if course whilst hunting for a train he got up to his usual trick of waylaying one of the local ladies. I sincerely hope the guy who was chatting to her before MiniMike barged in did not get too agitated.
Unfettered and unmolested, well by Manuel anyway Mike continued his exploration of the Station. Here in the Goods Yard he encountered Ernesto the official spokes donkey.
However there was much more to see so MiniMike boarded a typical set of Spanish Coaches headed by a decidedly German looking Locomotive. However the driver was very friendly and stopped to allow MiniMike an inspection of the Bridge.
Somewhere along the line MiniMike changed to a more important train headed by a main line tender engine, here he is on arrival and then inspecting the High Street at Monasia.
A trip to the Signal box is always appreciated, plus more of that superbly executed detail.
Then it was to the engine shed where a very French looking locomotive was present. Perhaps the FVM is scooping up Metre Gauge Motive power from wherever they can to keep this impoverished line running. A quick view from the tunnel roof gave MiniMike an impressive view of the departing Correro. MiniMike then decided to trundle round the Country side to do some train watching and was rewarded with a heavy coal train dragged by a former German Diesel. Plus another view of that Correro at the junction.
The final view is of the branch that steeply drops down to join the main line from the terminus, this so reminded me of Woodcock Loggings side line. Perhaps MiniMike will get a visit that line sometime in the future?
As ever it is always instructive to look at how things are operated, here there are a set of switches and things that would honor an Electric Power Station. All superbly laid out in a pull out draw. Lights, Track Sections and Points are all concentrated here. MiniMike looked on bewildered.
A trundle along the platform discovered some more traditional analogue equipment (ok handrolik if you like) for his mini counterparts to use.
An overview of El Boixar Station Building lovengly hand carved from Plastic Coated Foamboard.
Then if course whilst hunting for a train he got up to his usual trick of waylaying one of the local ladies. I sincerely hope the guy who was chatting to her before MiniMike barged in did not get too agitated.
Unfettered and unmolested, well by Manuel anyway Mike continued his exploration of the Station. Here in the Goods Yard he encountered Ernesto the official spokes donkey.
However there was much more to see so MiniMike boarded a typical set of Spanish Coaches headed by a decidedly German looking Locomotive. However the driver was very friendly and stopped to allow MiniMike an inspection of the Bridge.
Somewhere along the line MiniMike changed to a more important train headed by a main line tender engine, here he is on arrival and then inspecting the High Street at Monasia.
A trip to the Signal box is always appreciated, plus more of that superbly executed detail.
Then it was to the engine shed where a very French looking locomotive was present. Perhaps the FVM is scooping up Metre Gauge Motive power from wherever they can to keep this impoverished line running. A quick view from the tunnel roof gave MiniMike an impressive view of the departing Correro. MiniMike then decided to trundle round the Country side to do some train watching and was rewarded with a heavy coal train dragged by a former German Diesel. Plus another view of that Correro at the junction.
The final view is of the branch that steeply drops down to join the main line from the terminus, this so reminded me of Woodcock Loggings side line. Perhaps MiniMike will get a visit that line sometime in the future?
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Brilliant pics, thanks - you managed magnificently to hide all the seriously unfinished bits. I hope Mini Mike brought you back a nice little bottle of duty-free, for your efforts.
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A couple of points on MiniMikes visit to Spain and ViaEstrecha’s line. I think that I should keep each post to 10 pictures and where necessary do 2 posts. I have been wanting to edit a couple of typo’s to the post and keep getting errors. Could well be that it is a big post and I added a fair bit of text. So this is an EDIT that I need to make plus the last 2 pictures not shown in full even though I added as full size. So Monasia it is actually Montsia as clearly shown in one if the pictures. I also tried to amend any instances of Mike to MINIMIKE to save any confusion. Sorry about that. So here are the two pictures with the 4-6-0 departing Montsia and the rear line that reminded me of Woodcock Loggings bit of line in his drive. I think on Martins’s line it is known as the Hedgehog run?
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Another day another MiniMike write up. This time we returned to the nits via Stevenage on Sunday to visit Mark’s line in a fairly modest sized Garden. Mark has fitted a great deal if track in to use for out and back running, no loop here as he just likes to predominantly shunt trains. His task is at times made a bit tricky due to a very large tree in the adjoining park dripping sap on his track with all the attendant cleaning issues to keep his Massoth DCC running working.
So without further ado or waffle, how MiniMike got on. As ever the Loco Shed with an impressive A/B combination and Signal Box are quite early on his agenda.
The point operation system is a neat handrolic one. No complex wiring via DCC Point Modules with all that attendant wiring here.
Then of course at the Station he manages to meet a lady to chat to while waiting for his train. Note we have a German Loco now. Mark likes a variety of Locomotives with a Bachmann 08 lurking in one of his many boxes.
At this point he took an lovely out and back run from St Mary’s Bay.
Back at the Station it was time to get off the train to explore some more.
So without further ado or waffle, how MiniMike got on. As ever the Loco Shed with an impressive A/B combination and Signal Box are quite early on his agenda.
The point operation system is a neat handrolic one. No complex wiring via DCC Point Modules with all that attendant wiring here.
Then of course at the Station he manages to meet a lady to chat to while waiting for his train. Note we have a German Loco now. Mark likes a variety of Locomotives with a Bachmann 08 lurking in one of his many boxes.
At this point he took an lovely out and back run from St Mary’s Bay.
Back at the Station it was time to get off the train to explore some more.
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The last 2 pictures did not take to full size so here they are.
Having set off for some exploration we get a look at tye extensive goods facilities at the Bay. Then on to a viaduct with tunnel.
He then found another Signal Box at Quay Sidings where there are extensive facilities for shunting wagons, oh and another lady to chat to!
Thus ends another happy visit on MiniMike’s Travels, with Many thanks to Mark and his good lady for their hospitality.
Having set off for some exploration we get a look at tye extensive goods facilities at the Bay. Then on to a viaduct with tunnel.
He then found another Signal Box at Quay Sidings where there are extensive facilities for shunting wagons, oh and another lady to chat to!
Thus ends another happy visit on MiniMike’s Travels, with Many thanks to Mark and his good lady for their hospitality.
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After my mini scare with Covid which cancelled the trip to Rushden for him to visit Paul’s (Palstig) line, he managed the trip today. This is an overview of the main Station with a visiting Locomotive shunting a TL Buffet Car.
He chose an unusual form of transport and was surprised to be greeted by a Dalek when exiting the Doctor’s Tardis.
As is his want he did his usual trip to the Loco Shed to find a Tram present, apparently the Fat Controller of the line deamed that one of these was required.
On arriving at the platform to wait for the next ttain the inevitable lady had to suffer fate of Mini Mikes charms till the train arrived.
Whilst on the platform Mike was very surprised to find a gentleman who looked to be almost the same as he did. Perhaps a different set of clothing but so much was familiar. Was this a hazard of using the Tardis he wondered?
Still in no time at all his train arrived and he was invited in the cab for a ride by the very friendly driver. The ride round the line was indeed very pretty with another station being passed en route.
But what is this another line? This will warrant further investigation.
Indeed another Station to explore.
And another lady to chat to before boarding the visiting Swift16 Railcar
All this chatting is thirsty work so a visit to the local Pub was deemed in order.
Before a good by from the Fat Controller saw Mike enter the Tardis to whisk him away to new adventures.
I wonder where Mini Mike will be going to next, will he even be in his normal Time Zone when he arrives. Stay tuned for the next adventure with Mini Mike.
He chose an unusual form of transport and was surprised to be greeted by a Dalek when exiting the Doctor’s Tardis.
As is his want he did his usual trip to the Loco Shed to find a Tram present, apparently the Fat Controller of the line deamed that one of these was required.
On arriving at the platform to wait for the next ttain the inevitable lady had to suffer fate of Mini Mikes charms till the train arrived.
Whilst on the platform Mike was very surprised to find a gentleman who looked to be almost the same as he did. Perhaps a different set of clothing but so much was familiar. Was this a hazard of using the Tardis he wondered?
Still in no time at all his train arrived and he was invited in the cab for a ride by the very friendly driver. The ride round the line was indeed very pretty with another station being passed en route.
But what is this another line? This will warrant further investigation.
Indeed another Station to explore.
And another lady to chat to before boarding the visiting Swift16 Railcar
All this chatting is thirsty work so a visit to the local Pub was deemed in order.
Before a good by from the Fat Controller saw Mike enter the Tardis to whisk him away to new adventures.
I wonder where Mini Mike will be going to next, will he even be in his normal Time Zone when he arrives. Stay tuned for the next adventure with Mini Mike.
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