With apologies to Rev W Awdry, author of the Railway Stories (Thomas the Tank Engine) for the title.
Many people visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to have a ride on a train pulled by a steam locomotive, but sometimes they find a diesel locomotive at the front of their train. The reason for this last Saturday was the recent severe drought and the risks of sparks from a steam locomotive starting a fire in the lineside vegetation. It wasn't all bad news though. As you can see at the left of the top shot there was a steam locomotive behind the diesel, and in the bottom shot there was a diesel at the front of the train and a steam locomotive at the back.
These diesel locomotives are now themselves historical vehicles. Some 309 of this type were built between 1960 and 1965 and a few are still in use on the main line. These proved to be one of the most reliable designs of British diesel locomotive built in the 1960s. It seems remarkable to think that these locomotives are still doing important work despite being around 60 years old.
Apologies for another later than normal post. Saturday has become 'Moorsbus' day, so we haven't been home very long from our latest adventure. More on that to come tomorrow.
Nice capture and back story, we have not been able to get booked on the moors railway for a trip and a meal so we are going to have to book early next year to make sure of a seat’
Very wise indeed in the current circumstances. We all love Thomas and those books. Have you ever read the Peter's Railway books by Christopher Vine? Also an utter delight.
I suppose we will get used to chasing old diesels.
In this modern age of electric cars and ecology what do you think will go first the Steam Engine or the Diesel one?
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Good to see a few Thomas the Tank Engine fans amongs you. During lockdown Katharine and I made a series of video recordings of us reading the railway stories so they could be sent to our youngest grandaughter, who is quite a steam fan!
I think you were a bit unlucky. To provide crews for both a diesel and steam locomotive on each train, the timetable has been almost halved, so trains are quite busy. Hopefully we will have rain soon and the fire risk will be much reduced and the full timetable can be restored.
Yes, I have read Peter's Railway books by Christopher Vine, but somehow the stories haven't stuck in my memory in the same way the Thomas stories have. Perhaps I should read them again!
A good question Paul. There is an immediate threat to steam locomotive operation because of the difficulties of obtaining good quality steam coal. There are trials taking place with an artificial alternative which is more environmentally friendly, so that might remove the immediate threat, hopefully!
I like the way you juxtaposed these images
In this modern age of electric cars and ecology what do you think will go first the Steam Engine or the Diesel one?
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Good to see a few Thomas the Tank Engine fans amongs you. During lockdown Katharine and I made a series of video recordings of us reading the railway stories so they could be sent to our youngest grandaughter, who is quite a steam fan!
Ian
I think you were a bit unlucky. To provide crews for both a diesel and steam locomotive on each train, the timetable has been almost halved, so trains are quite busy. Hopefully we will have rain soon and the fire risk will be much reduced and the full timetable can be restored.
Ian
Yes, I have read Peter's Railway books by Christopher Vine, but somehow the stories haven't stuck in my memory in the same way the Thomas stories have. Perhaps I should read them again!
Ian
A good question Paul. There is an immediate threat to steam locomotive operation because of the difficulties of obtaining good quality steam coal. There are trials taking place with an artificial alternative which is more environmentally friendly, so that might remove the immediate threat, hopefully!
Ian
Thank you Nina. The bottom one was based at a depot where one of my uncle's worked, when it was brand new.
Ian
Thank you Vesna, glad you like it!
Ian