The steam train now arriving at Pickering . . .

It was a fine sunny day when I arrived at Pickering. I put a two hour parking ticket on the car, that should be enough for a mooch around. First stop of course was the railway station. Can't go to Pickering and not go looking for a steam train. I spoke with one of the volunteers who checked the timetable for me. Yes there is one due in, and it is a steam train. I am in luck. 

People started gathering on the platform, cameras at the ready. Not long now. The wooden steps are set out along the platform edge so passengers can safely alight from the carriages. Tension is mounting, more people arrive to join the queue to get on, ready for it's departure. 

I was ready for it and started filming a few seconds before the arrival. But who is this person coming towards me with a big grin on his face?  Why, it's Andrew Ditton, of motorhome and caravanning fame. I didn't expect to see him again after our meet up yesterday. What a nice surprise. I stopped filming because I didn't know if he wanted to be on my video. A coincidence that he arrived just before the train did? Probably not. Out came his camera and we both pointed at the incoming train.  

A short and sweet video. 

I hung around to watch what happens next, and take some photo's. This is the end of the line, so the engine uncouples from the carriages, moves over to the empty track, and there it is in reverse going to the other end.  

Passing all the stationary carriages, they begin to hook it back up to what is now the front end. 

The train will now travel back to Whitby in reverse. 

Chuck a few more shovels of coal on the fire to get the steam up. 

Driver waiting for the guards to wave the green flag to signal all doors are shut and it's ready to go. 

Looks good, all safely coupled. 

By by train. See you next time I am in Yorkshire. 

A blast of the whistle. Love that sound. 

I had time for a bimble around Pickering, while enjoying my favourite icecream, a Magnum of course. A look at the church, and explore the nearby shops. 

Time to set off back home. It's a very pleasant drive through the North Yorkshire countryside. Malton and Norton, the B1248 through Wetwang and Bainton, to Beverley and the Humber Bridge. 

Ah well, back to normal now, and thinking about where to go next. It's sunny outside. I have a Billy dog walk this afternoon, and I might spend some time in the garden. Enjoy your Easter whatever you are doing. Toodle pip.   ilona