The season draws to an end!

After missing going to the Rocks by Rail Museum for two weeks following Covid and then the sickly cats saga (they are all recovering) I managed to get there today. It was my last day being there whilst the Museum is open to the public. It closes after the last event on Sunday until next year. Wow! where did that summer season go - it only seems like a few weeks ago that it opened for the 2022 season?

Anyway it was a quiet day - very quiet! However I had a chance to get round and have a look around at a few things.

First thing was in the main shed where the three Sentinels were parked in line. I am not aware of any other museum that has three near identical locos so this is a fairly unique thing to see.

Graham is getting a repaint at the moment and should look good next year.

Going into the restoration shed I was shocked to see a large open space.

I need not worry though! Elizabeth, the steam loco under restoration had been moved outside to be over the pit. She now has her reversing gear on and handbrake workings.

Being over the pit I could not resist the opportunity to have a look at the underside which was an interesting view especially of the fire box and its grate. Not many have seen these views of a loco at first hand.

It all looks very clean and shiny but that wont last long once she is back in steam!

Out in the sidings this little 0-4-0 is soon to leave the Museum. Its owner is moving it closer to home to restore it back to operational condition. Although looking in a sorry state it is in quite good condition and is restorable. Hopefully next year it will be finished - its owner has the resources to make that happen!

Although the season may be drawing to a close over the Winter there will still be things going on at the Museum so I will be kept busy!