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And was then due to come out of traffic for overhaul.
I checked my records and discovered that it was required! So a plan started to form
First I arranged for my substitute to play the MoonDance gig on the evening of the 21st of December.
then recruited two others to make the (somewhat desperate) leap with me
The move was Jules & Phill made their way to my place on the 20th.
Then all three of us would go to the Ox Inn at Stanley for the MoonDance gig that night.
So far so good.
It was a good gig & both Jules & Phill found the Charles Wells Bombardier in fine form & going down rather well
The only problem at this point was as the gig progressed several inches of snow had arrived!
After getting back to base in Heighington. The decision was taken to set our alarms anyway.
And check for snow in the morning.
Well 04:45 came around & there was no sign of snow so that was it.
Off we set in hope that the A68 would be clear & open all the way.
Fortunately it was with the only snow we came across on the way up.
Being a small amount at the side of the road just south of Edinburgh.
We had a good quick run up and made a stop in Dundee to stretch our legs.
And thanks to Phill's eagle eye have breakfast next to the Tay bridge
Once we were fed & our legs stretched we then pressed on to Brechin.
Arriving with an hour before the first train
This gave us time to have a look at the locos stabled in the platform.
And For Ross McGregor (of the C.R.D.G) to give us a quick tour of the Shed at Brechin to see how 25083s restoration is coming along
The 26 was due to work 4 round trips top & tail with a steam loco
And after a discussion between several members of the railway staff.
A deal was sorted out for us to do all 4 trips.
The first & last trips were relatively uneventful in clear weather.
But during the second & third trips the weather was quite extreme.
With it snowing almost horizontally at one end of the line and part way down.
While it was still being Bright & clear at the other end.
Between trips at Brechin we made use of the Buffet coach.
Which was offering some rather nice soup that hit the spot & kept the cold at bay.
The day done at the railway we said thanks to the lads and took their advice of visiting the Caledonian Hotel for a quick pint.
Before setting off for a nights B & B in Perth.
All in all a good day. Even if it was a desperate move.
And last but by no means least a Big Thank You to
Jed, Blair, Ross & Ken of the C.D.R.G.
And all the railway staff (sorry I don't know your names) who helped 3 desperados who had done a 200 + mile leap.
For a low mileage move off 26014
And made us feel welcome