The new season at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway got off to a flying start with the first of four diesel events this year. Record crowds visited Wirksworth on Saturday and a good turn out on Sunday for 33035 and D8001 taking turns on the Duffield mainline and the Ravenstor Incline. Both locos performed extremely well, with all services running on time, despite the attempts of several inquisitive lambs trying to get a closer view of the train from the wrong side of their fence. 31414 was on standby thunderbird duties, but there was no need to disturb its slumbers in the yard at Wirksworth. Its turn will come later in the year.
On Sunday, Simon took the helm on 33035 for his first training turns under guidance from Graham, and Jacob improved his skills with coupling and uncoupling. A group of trainee guards also followed the activities.
We were pleased to see so many of enthusiasts supporting the event, which is a great encouragement to the railway management and volunteers to organise many more diesel traction events. If you were able to visit us this weekend, we hope you enjoyed your stay and thanks for your support!
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- 33035 awaits the RA (Right Away) at Wirksworth for Duffield
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- A welcome for 33035 at Idrigehay (R Buckby)
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- The sort of picture that pleases the management – happy crowds alighting at Duffield
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- The barbeque is all fired up for the arrival of D8001
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- Cross platform interchange at Wirksworth
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- D8001 prepares to depart for Duffield while 33035 waits to propel up to Ravenstor in the opposite direction
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- 33035 shoves off from Wirksworth
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- Propelling away towards Ravenstor
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- The hottest place on the railway
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- Simon couples the vacuum hoses
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- The A-team pause for a picture in the afternoon sunshine
