This weekend should have seen another South Oxfordshire Area Group meeting but, with the UK "lockdown" still in force, it inevitably had to be cancelled. However, the weather was perfect, so here at the MVR we decided to make the best of things by staging a "gala day" of our own - and we didn't need to bring in any visiting engines!
Since Auric joined the fleet in 2017, I have never found an opportunity to take a "family photograph" of all five MVR locos together; today offered a perfect opportunity. For comparison, I have delved into the archive to find a couple of photographs of the last occasion when the entire MVR fleet was lined up together, shortly after Lyn was acquired in 2008. The Rutton station area has, of course, been rebuilt and remodelled since then.
Since Auric joined the fleet in 2017, I have never found an opportunity to take a "family photograph" of all five MVR locos together; today offered a perfect opportunity. For comparison, I have delved into the archive to find a couple of photographs of the last occasion when the entire MVR fleet was lined up together, shortly after Lyn was acquired in 2008. The Rutton station area has, of course, been rebuilt and remodelled since then.
Once the photos were taken, all five engines took turns to run on the line. I have added a selection of photos to the photo gallery, but I am afraid I neglected to photograph Nos. 2 or 4 at work - you will have to take my word for it!
Sadly, this will probably be the final MVR appearance for Lyn. With two-rail electric traction soon to be phased out on our railway, I am planning to sell No. E762 to fund the conversion of No. 2 to battery power and radio control. In any case, the MVR is primarily a steam railway so, with Auric now available, three non-steam locos seems like rather excessive provision! However, this event was a fitting way to say goodbye to a loco which has brought some welcome variety to the MVR fleet over the last twelve years.
Sadly, this will probably be the final MVR appearance for Lyn. With two-rail electric traction soon to be phased out on our railway, I am planning to sell No. E762 to fund the conversion of No. 2 to battery power and radio control. In any case, the MVR is primarily a steam railway so, with Auric now available, three non-steam locos seems like rather excessive provision! However, this event was a fitting way to say goodbye to a loco which has brought some welcome variety to the MVR fleet over the last twelve years.