Sunday 4th November 2007
Without doubt this has been one of the most colourful Autumns for some years. Today's "Farmers Market Special" operating  did not let us down. The colours of the leaves that had fallen onto the ground and those still on the trees in the park were very colourfully picked out by the warm Autumn sunshine. Today four locomotives were in operation, two electrics and two steam locomotives, but first David in our top photograph had some leaves to rake off the tracks. No doubt the whole process will be repeated again next Sunday for our Remembrance Sunday operating day on Sunday 11th November.   

Remembrance Sunday November 2007
The nation fell quiet at 11 am and in the park the train service was suspended whilst our member James New attended the service at the park's War Memorial. I too attended in my role as a representative of the Thorne Moorends Community Radio project. After the service it was full steam ahead for the train service. Did I say full steam ahead? It took a little longer as the blower that we use to draw the fire gave up the ghost. One of the fan blades became detached and decided to take about another six with it. Anyhow Ron put it back together again but minus six blades. A replacement fan complete with a motor was obtained from the VW breakers yard (Volk's Haven) just a quarter of a mile from where I live. Back to the train service, so as result of the delay in raising steam I took the first train out using the electric locomotive "John L Stokes"
The sun had shone for the service but some clouds came in from the North as the colder air moved in bringing quite a chill to the park, certainly no worries of the chocolate bars and Kit Kat bars melting. Fortunately the sun came back out after the weak frontal system had passed over so some of the chill was taken off. I confess we were all glad to start packing up at 3 pm as the sun was now heading towards the horizon.     

The wreath laying at the park's War Memorial for Remembrance Sunday. James Newton (with the long black coat) laid  the wreath for the railway and myself (Bob Ashton) representing the Thorne Moorends Community Radio group. (Photograph by Mr Chris Newton)

The first train of the morning with a full load of passengers . At about 12.45 pm David is ready to take over the service on the inner circuit with Remus after getting full steam on Remus which took a little longer due the fault on what we call a blower that draws the fire when the locomotive is first steamed in the steaming bay. 

Above left: The first view of the new Wheel Chair Access Coach being built for us just prior to it being dismantled to go into the paint shop.
Right:  The replacement motor and fan from a VW an air-cooled T1 campervan that will soon be adapted for the blower for Remus.