It was a last minute, and therefore rather expensive, decision to head for Barrow Hill Roundhouse for their Diesel Gala. I'd read about it some months ago, and even planned to book on one of the mainline trains they were running to Deepcar or Toton - but somehow the whole event slipped my mind and I rediscovered it early this week. I'd often wanted to visit, but it seemed awkward to get to Barrow Hill. The availability of free buses from Chesterfield station hooked me in, and once again I found myself on the 06:33 off Highbridge on an overcast but promising morning.
The journey couldn't have been smoother - a quick switch onto 1S42 at Bristol - which once again had air-conditioning and buffet isues - then time for a late breakfast and a change onto 1E37 directly to Chesterfield. Slightly concerned to note little evidence of crank presence on the train. Checked my dates - the gala was definitely today! Chesterfield station has changed a great deal since my last visit, which due to the events of the day I can date exactly to 6th September 1997. The entire station area has been extensively remodelled, and its a fairly pleasant place to wait now. Headed for the short queue at the bus stop, and eventually boarded the preserved Leyland Lynx provided especially for the occasion.
After the short trip in a heavily loaded bus - which only just seemed to make it up some of the hilly roads around Staveley - we arrived at the site. Paid up, and was immediately greeted by the sight of 73138 at the rear of one of the shuttle trains operating in the yard, and 40013 outside the shed. Set about scouring the site to see absolutely everything. By now the sun was out, and the gala was pleasantly busy - not too crowded, with plenty of time to take photographs without being hussled on by others. There is a full gallery of pictures here, but a few favourites will brighten up this page:
Spent about three hours wandering the extensive yards, the roundhouse and the Deltic Preservation Society shed. There were very few areas which couldn't be accessed on site, and I'm glad I wore decent boots. Most fun, but also perhaps saddest part of the visit was being able to scramble along the lines of stored, decaying locomotives. There is something of a treasure trove of elusive traction here - but its fairly certain none of it will run again. If I'd had more time, I'd have spent a little longer just watching the shuttle and mainline trips (apparently 66709 arrived just as I left!). Just time to sample the food and beer before heading for the bus back to Chesterfield.
In the event, I could have stayed a little longer. With extra buses to cope with demand, and the 14:35 Bristol service cancelled, it would have easily been possible. Instead, contented myself with a pleasant wait in the sunshine at Chesterfield, watching activity on the freight lines including 66192 on a steel working to South Wales which popped up again later on at Gloucester!
The eventual route home was a Midland Mainline HST to Derby, followed by a longish wait for 1V65 which took me all the way to Weston. A fairly comfortable, if slightly warm journey, followed by a quick change onto the same unit I started the day on for a quick trip back to Highbridge. A fine day out which was well worth the trip. I'm impressed with how they opened up the site to visitors, and I think this is certainly an event and a project worthy of support.
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
