On the way to catch the bus to Harrogate on Tuesday I stopped to chat with a friend that I met by chance. Then the second chance encounter, when a low loader with two narrow gauge locomotives approached from the direction of the railway museum. Quickly, out with the camera, and a few shots before it was gone.
This locomotive is a Simplex 40hp 'Protected' petrol locomotive, as used on the western front in World War I. There were apparently three levels of protection on these locomotives - open ones (ie no armour whatsoever), protected (as seen) and armoured, which looked a bit like a tank. The protected and armoured ones earned the nickname 'Tin Turtle' for obvious reasons.
This example was built in 1918 and is unlikely to have seen active service. Instead it worked from c1922 to 1980 at Knostrop Sewage Works in Leeds, assisting with 'sludge' removal and renewal of filter material, before becoming part of the national collection. It can usually be found at the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway, in Bedfordshire.
Fabulous what a great find. An old RAF friend of ours used to own a house that backed onto the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. He was a mad train enthusiast as you will have figured.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and fav, they are most encouraging!
As most of you will have guessed, I'm fascinated by our railways, both as a subject for photos and as a way of exploring. I was particularly pleased to get a shot of this vehicle. Although it belongs to the National Railway Museum in York, it has rarely been here in York, so I was pleased to catch it as it was leaving town.
Ian, this is super. I heartily applaud the serendipity that invariably leads you to interesting shots and encounters. We all benefit enormously from their regularity and variety.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and fav, they are most encouraging!
As most of you will have guessed, I'm fascinated by our railways, both as a subject for photos and as a way of exploring. I was particularly pleased to get a shot of this vehicle. Although it belongs to the National Railway Museum in York, it has rarely been here in York, so I was pleased to catch it as it was leaving town.
Ian
Paul, it's very rare for me to go out without the camera, since there is always a chance of finding the unexpected!
Ian
Thank you Margo - York seems to be one of those places where the unusual happens!
Ian