First in Laverton Loop

John Cruxon, Locomotive manager of 7903, Foremarke Hall has kindly provided this update on a post winter maintenance test run:

"With work still to complete and with the assistance of Neil Carr, on Monday 25th Feb Foremarke took a proving run to Laverton stop board and back to Toddy a few times before entering the loop to do some shunting for the Permanent way team. This took place following the overhaul of the valves and piston rings, what is known as a Piston & Valve examination."

Once again, interesting variations on hi-viz styles this season

"This is Foremarke’s third occasion of going to Laverton but the first for her and any ex BR mainline steam engine’s to enter Laverton loop, an industrial steam loco has already been there. As can be seen from the front there is cladding to be fitted as well as a buffer beam to paint. In addition there is the usual list of odds and ends to finish. My thanks go to the team who helped make Monday a success."

It almost looks like we've got a section of double track again