Castle Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Hi All, It's back! I have again agreed with our centre manager and Andy Y that we could have another day to meet at Didcot to have another one of my traditional 'access all areas' tours of our site. I have entertained people of all ages on these tours so it is open to my fellow RMWEB members of all ages! The date decided upon was Sunday 26th July 2014. Locomotives could include, Railcar No. 22, Railmotor No. 93, pannier No. 3650 or large Prairie No. 4144, which should be fresh from overhaul and nicely run in by then (the replacement front end steam pipes are being picked up next week and the paint is going on as weather temperatures permit...). I will update the loco roster as we know what is happening on site! Progress on our project locomotives including Saint No. 2999 Lady of Legend, County No. 1014 County of Glamorgan, Churchward Saddle Tank No. 1363 and of course, my personal favourite, Castle No. 4079 Pendennis Castle will be there to inspect as will the impressive output of the Carriage and wagon department. Amongst others, the rebuild of 1902 4-wheeler Dean 1st / 2nd composite coach to Dia. U is looking amazing in skeletal form and the the long awaited refit of the interior of 1932 Collett Super Saloon No. 9113 Prince of Wales to Dia. G61 is also underway. There are many upgrades to the infrastructure of the railway centre at the moment too and progress on building the new 'Controlling the Trains' exhibit building, in conjunction with the Swindon Panel Society is underway as are a number of upgrades to the Railmotor shed. The Ex Wantage Road bus garage is largely complete now and awaits fitting out. As before, I will do a proper modellers tour where I will take you behind the scenes and enable you to look in all the workshops and stored collections of vehicles. If there is anything that you specifically want to see, measure, look at, go inside of or crawl over then let me know and we will see what we can do. The only obvious restrictions would be on any stock or items on the running lines of course - squashed patrons don't go down well with management... However, if you don't mind waiting until after the trains are put back in the box for that vital item that needs measuring I am sure that something can be arranged. It's been done before! As per last time, the signalling box key will find its way into my pocket so there will be an opportunity to go and have a look at the box and the incredible level of authentic restoration achieved with this building. I will also steal a carriage key from somewhere so we can inspect the interior of some of the vehicles not normally accessible to visitors. The plan would be to get yourselves to Didcot and take any rides in the morning and I will take an early lunch and start the tour at 12:30hrs, meeting you at the entrance kiosk at the top end of the site. I would like to put a cap on the group size of 50 as any more than that and it gets a bit confined in the various works. I will rope in my fellow GWS tour guides again too! So then, who wants another look in the best GWR toy box in the world? All the best, Castle 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KGV Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Yes please. I came last year but my wife and little boy would also like to come too this time; so 3 if possible please. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 A thoroughly excellent day out thanks to Castle; it's even recommended if you're not a brass and copper fan! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold tomparryharry Posted January 22, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 22, 2015 Hello Castle, I missed last year, work-Aaaargh! Can I put my name down for this year, for 2 people, please? Many thanks, Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 57xx Posted January 22, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 22, 2015 I doubt I'll be able to make it but can thoroughly recommend it after being on the 2013 tour. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted January 23, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 23, 2015 Not 100% sure of my availability yet, but hopefully will be able to make it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Posted January 23, 2015 Author Share Posted January 23, 2015 (edited) Hi All, So that's a trio for KGV, a duo for Ian and a possible solo effort (?) for the Fatadder! All the best, Castle PS: another 2 spots taken via PM... Edited January 23, 2015 by Castle Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Posted January 23, 2015 Author Share Posted January 23, 2015 A thoroughly excellent day out thanks to Castle; it's even recommended if you're not a brass and copper fan![/quote Thanks Andy! It's true - you don't have to love brass and copper covered green locos to come along! We even have a few little diesels on site... All the best, Castle Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold grandadbob Posted January 23, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 23, 2015 Drew, I would love to come again if there's room but having been for the last two years would willingly step aside for someone who hasn't been. Perhaps you could put me down as a reserve? Regards, Bob. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted January 23, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 23, 2015 I shall again offer my services if needed - and my son would like to come as well please. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 4630 Posted January 23, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 23, 2015 (edited) If there are any spaces left may I request one, please. Edited January 23, 2015 by 4630 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Posted January 23, 2015 Author Share Posted January 23, 2015 Hi All, I shall put down Russ and Bob for a place each! Plenty of space as of yet! Mike - I kind of figured you were coming anyway! I think you and the family pretty much count as a guides on this trip now so we will expect to see you and Stationmaster Jr. Thanks for offering again good sir! I will count just Russ and Bob towards the total. All the best, Castle Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icknieldrobin Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 Hi Drew I missed last year [my fault entirely] but I'd like to take up your offer of a couple of places for a copper and green nut and myself. Thoroughly recommend the behind the scenes guide hence my urgency in seeking a couple of places. Thanks in advance Doug 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Posted January 23, 2015 Author Share Posted January 23, 2015 Doug - that's two for you good sir! All the best, Castle Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanbuttler Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi Castle, I'd love to come if there are spaces left, Cheers Alan 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium 3rd Rail Exile Posted January 25, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 25, 2015 Despite fitting into the category Andy Y describes as "not a brass and copper fan", I'd be interested in a decent tour round! Given it's within walking distance I ought to visit more regularly than I do! Just the one place for me please... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium phil-b259 Posted January 25, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 25, 2015 Having been to last years event, I would thoroughly recommend the day to all RMwebbers (regardless of whether they are a supporter of the Chocolate, Cream and Green team). If there are spare places going then I would be interested - BUT of course I accept that priority should go to those who have not been before. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Birks Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Two places for me if possible. Many thanks Stuart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Posted January 25, 2015 Author Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi Phil and Stuart, I shall put you down for 1 and 2 places respectively! All the best, Castle Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
County of Yorkshire Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 (edited) After being a lurking viewer of the tour thread last year, I think I would regret it if I didn't at least try to move heaven and earth to get down to Oxfordshire from Yorkshire. Could you put me down as a provisional 1 please? I'd be very grateful. Cheers, CoY Edited January 25, 2015 by County of Yorkshire 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted January 25, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 25, 2015 Going to be on my own again I think, though I must take wife and daughter to didcot some other time... Looking forward to taking a fully charged camera into the carriage shed, and getting up close to the Aero prop wagon with a tape measure, with its Filton branding, it's just too tempting 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Posted January 25, 2015 Author Share Posted January 25, 2015 (edited) Hi All, Alan B and 3rd Rail Exile (don't know how I missed you last post - sorry!), a place each is yours! One for County of Yorkshire (should you be 1030?) and the one for you as arranged mr Fatadder! By the way, the Aero wagon is a bit of a fake... It is the removable tank wagon chassis from the steam crane which was lightly modified for the wartime event we had a little while back! All the best, Castle Edited January 26, 2015 by Castle Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satan's Goldfish Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Hi Castle, Could you pencil me in for either 1 or 3 (depends if the wife's working) and I'll confirm for definate when I've had a chance to talk to her. Many thanks. I enjoy visiting Didcot, it'll be fun to see 'behind the scenes'. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Castle Posted January 27, 2015 Author Share Posted January 27, 2015 Hi SG, Down for three but open to adjustments... All the best, Castle Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kada33 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Hi Castle Will you put me down for a place please Dave 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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