The Pines Express

It’s a blustery showery Wednesday, as the heavy north bound Pines Express heads back to the grim north from Bournemouth West, its load of holiday makers being slightly downbeat as they return to toil in the many mills, factories and pits. But at least the beer is far cheaper in the grim north, though much of it is just foam of course.

Here we are near Masbury at almost 1000 feet high up on Mendip, the two engines holding their own on the slippery wet rails and steep uphill grade. But soon they’ll be over the top, for a while anyway, and the loco crews will be able to take it a little easier as the train glides down through the North Somerset mining towns of Midsomer Norton, Radstock and beyond. 

But the respite will be short lived, for our train will then have to head up over the hills in to Bath via the infamous unventilated steeply graded single bore Combe Down and Devonshire tunnels - the ultimate badge of honour for any rooky and even experienced crew. 

Once at Bath Green Park, our two locos and crews will head for the shed, and another just single loco and fresh crew will haul our heavy train forward on its next step north towards Manchester, the final destination. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you enjoy these posts, feel free to send some almost new year joy www.buymeacoffee.com/Nevardmedi3