A successful afternoon at 'Dartbridge'

Arriving at 'the track' at midday we were faced with several spectators and also members of the South Devon Garden Railway Group taking advantage of the weather.
Whilst Sheila went off armed with her sketch pad and paints I was tasked with testing my safety valve, not personally you understand!
All new 'steamers' are required by the Club to have their safety valves tested and verified and this I dutifully did with the kind assistance of our Treasurer No charge either!!!!

Nervously I relit the fire under 'Pheonix' and gingerly opened up the regulator - nothing, more regulator - nothing - then she was away!! Obviously being very much a novice with these engines, and this one not having any radio control I was somewhat nervous but after a few minutes and lots of effort chasing 'Phoenix' around the perimeter to continually 'tweak' the regulator valve she settled down quite smoothly.

'Phoenix' - not rising from the ashes thank fully!

Meanwhile in the siding 'Doris' (named after 'Doris Day' who died the day we purchased this little railcar) was prepared for her first outing at SDGRG and being battery powered and with a radio control we were soon away. Very sedately of course as she has a bit of a rear end wobble (mmmm, less said) but entertained the crowds well.

(Above: 'Doris' burnt up by the 'Pheonix' !!!!)

So by the time the artistic director returned for a late lunch both new acquisitions and accompanying new rolling stock had all performed well. Also Sheila had produced another excellent sketch - so well done all concerned.

Next stage will be to continue work on laying the remaining BLL track and with a good few days weather forecast hopefully we can get stuck in.