Ruritanian Railways - 2011

[whatlep]

Thirteen years of quietly squirrelling away!

You've got squirrels too???!!!!!!!! :crying::crying::wits::wits:
[/quote]

Yep. Plus wabbits, an occasional deer or badger, across the road's ruddy peacock (if it doesn't see me advancing with shovel first) and, today, mallards.

I believe you can get cream for mallards. Or is it sauce?

 

[whatlep]

Only a brief running session today. Had to be quick in case Mrs W caught me testing what's supposed to be my birthday present (for May....). You just have to check that a chip has been properly installed, don't you?

The foreman at the goods shed came out to see the unusual loco:

One of the locals cast an eye over things too:

 

[whatlep]

Not all trains in Ruritania are crack expresses. The Wednesdays-only parcels working from the border to Zenda is being loaded. Passenger accommodation is available, but rarely used....

 

[Steve]

Brilliant pics , and the new addition fits in very well

 

[Nemo]

Brilliant pics , and the new addition fits in very well

I disagree, just doesn't look right on that line. Will look much better here, if you want to send it on..........

 

[whatlep]

Brilliant pics , and the new addition fits in very well

I disagree, just doesn't look right on that line. Will look much better here, if you want to send it on..........

Hmm. Let me think about it...... :thinking:

Thought about it.

NO!

 

[Steve]

I agree with you Peter dont send it , i will collect it and deliver it

 

[whatlep]

I agree with you Peter dont send it , i will collect it and deliver it

Remember you'll need your rabies and distemper vaccinations.

 

[whatlep]

Mallet spotters were greatly disappointed by some early running in Ruritania today. Only diesels on show.

"Mighty Mouse" pauses with an engineer's train.....

....awaiting passage of The Ruritanian express in its usual short weekend form.

Ruritania - land of surprises!

 

[duncan1_9_8_4]

Love the railway!!!!! nice and challenging by the looks.

 

[whatlep]

Ruritanian Mallet spotters were much happier today. The hoppers were back in traffic, full of invisible ballast for export, led by Mallet 99.201. It is about to be passed by a semi-fast hauled by ex-Brohltal Mallet number 2 at a location near the border station:

 

[mike]

mallets... drewl:love:

 

[Dave Hub]

Always a pleasure, to see Peters railway, makes me jealous how it seems to have survived winter so well. My railway has been decimated due to weather and a crazy dog. still It gives me someting to aspire to.

P.S. Peter make sure the track is all nice and shiny for the visiting locos to stand in the shadow cast by mighty mouse.

 

[CoggesRailway]

I think we could be looking at 0-4-0 pootank contest. This chap is pretty handy...

 

[whatlep]

Always a pleasure, to see Peters railway, makes me jealous how it seems to have survived winter so well.

I learned my lesson from the December 2008 flood and winter 2009/10! Everything is now belt, braces and an extra belt just in case. Much better this winter than last, despite worse frosts. The trick for me has been 38mm thick wood, lots of Postcrete and rail clamps.

 

[whatlep]

Back into the garden this weekend as the week's winds have abated. A nice time had until the rain came this afternoon. April showers: who needs 'em? :'(

Yesterday saw Mighty Mouse at the goods shed with a short van train:

The hoppers passed by with one of the Brohltal Mallets in charge

Today was Sunday, so no freight, but passenger services have been enhanced due to the crowds lured out by our small, yet perfectly formed nation's spring weather. The usual railbus was replaced by a coordinated train of spring greens:

Even Pootank Pass halt was served, though it looks like some of the vegetation could do with taming:

 

[MR SPOCK]

nice to see you outside as well Pete,like that mallets and the rake of hoppers,​

 

[whatlep]

HSH Prince Rudolf returned today from a brief visit to Princess Katerina at her Swiss finishing school. Rumours that the rest of the Royal train has been pawned to pay for the princess's shopping bills were described as "utterly improbable" by palace sources.

Due to a near miss, the hoppers were put into a siding at Zenda to await examination. The near miss was - astonishingly - caught on camera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJrTF5Xjrro

Some visitors forget that Ruritanian Railways operates many local services for the benefit of our nation's population. A railbus to serve stops along the scenic and fragrant Pootank Pass is captured awaiting departure from Zenda.

 

[whatlep]

Ruritanian Railways was pleased to supply a special train today for Ruritania's Mallet enthusiasts. The train departed Zenda intent on traversing some rare trackage for a passenger working:

RR's Managing Director abandoned his heavy workload to join the enthusiasts:

As a special surprise, arrangements were made for our crack express The Ruritanian to be stabled early at Zenda and hauled by a pair of ex-Brohltal Mallets, instead of the usual 2095 class diesels:

First unusual stop was the invisible ballast terminal, where the enthusiasts were invited to observe the process of crushing invisible boulders:

Passengers on the special also thrilled to the sight of The Ruritanian at speed down Pootank Pass:

Before departure

 

[Phil]

Wow! I bet there was some weigh there!!
Lookin good!