free2grice's Recent Activity

free2grice replied to the thread Avon Valley Railway End of Season Gala 2&3 November.

Unfortunately, the AVR volunteers are not kept up to date with news of the railway. If you ask a volunteer a particular question inevitably the answer will be "we're the last to find out". Why should the public be treated in any other way. [BJ]

free2grice liked David likes trains's post in the thread Vintage Trains 2024.

A pair of pictures from yesterday. [img] Coasting past the footbridge at Shrewley on the outward leg. [img] The lunchtime trip to Birmingham at Tanworth-in-Arden.

free2grice liked Jamessquared's post in the thread Swanage Railway General Discussion.

The Southern used a mix and to an extent shopped around to get the best price. The general picture though was that to a large extent, the LSWR used Welsh coal. Much of it was brought by ship across the Bristol Channel to Fremington Quay in North...

free2grice posted a new thread.

SRPS Railtours 2025

News from SRPS Railtours. <BJ> ''Coming Soon! Where would you like us to go? 2025 will see SRPS Railtours, the longest established operator of day excursions by heritage train, celebrate our 55th Anniversary (1970-2025)! Our 55th anniversary...

Forum: What's Going On

free2grice replied to the thread Saphos 2024.

A loco at one end only? Ah, those were the days ;). <BJ>

free2grice replied to the thread Swanage Railway General Discussion.

....or obviously, Yorkshire coal. :) <BJ>

free2grice liked Pete Thornhill's post in the thread West Somerset Railway General Discussion.

They seem to know what they are doing - https://www.sdrt.org/progress-with-53808-and-its-overhaul/

free2grice replied to the thread Swanage Railway General Discussion.

The quality of the coal must be considered. I'm sure that most of our preserved railways have similar problems due to a lack of good quality welsh coal. <BJ>

free2grice liked flying scotsman123's post in the thread GWSR Autumn Showcase. 26th - 27th October, 2024.

It was certainly an excellent weekend, thanks to everyone that came and supported! Good to put a couple of names to faces too as always with these things. Was nice to give the DMU a good send off, and welcome 3850 properly and 2807 in its new...

free2grice liked 35B's post in the thread West Somerset Railway General Discussion.

Regardless of the rights and wrongs with 4422, I'm struggling with the idea that 53808 didn't "suit the needs of the WSR" given it's long and successful history there.

free2grice liked Britfoamer's post in the thread GWSR Autumn Showcase. 26th - 27th October, 2024.

Echo everything free2grice says, couldn't have said it better. Add my thanks to all concerned for an excellent weekend in good weather throughout. My wife settled down in coach Mary (the first class one!) for a good portion of each day whilst be...

free2grice replied to the thread Tornado.

News from the Nene Valley Railway. <BJ> ''We have had an amazing few weeks running with 60163 Tornado, we hope that you have enjoyed the locomotive as much as we have. The fire is now being dropped and the locomotive will enter the shed whist...

free2grice replied to the thread GWSR Autumn Showcase. 26th - 27th October, 2024.

From the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. ''As the sun sets over the Cotswolds, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for our Autumn Showcase this weekend. Special thanks go to the dedicated organisers and...

free2grice liked mattspencer's post in the thread Vintage Trains 2024.

[img]Stanier Power by Matt Spencer, on Flickr [img]Autumnal Jubilee by Matt Spencer, on Flickr Two of Bahamas in action today

free2grice replied to the thread Avon Valley Railway End of Season Gala 2&3 November.

1450 was hauling service trains yesterday. It hauled 4 coaches top 'n tailed with NCB no.7. The sound was wonderful. The final train of the day was double-headed between Riverside and Bitton. [BJ]