Elf Express headboard construction

 Over the past two weeks Cameron has been painting a pair of new headboards which were constructed by joiners, John and Bob. 

Cut out of MDF, the boards have been layered and designed to emulate the traditional lettering design of LNER headboards of the 50's and 60's.

The two separate designs with the letters fixed to the main headboard. Each one is to be displayed over the Elf Express running period of December.

Now fully painted, the lettering, edges and perimeter details will be painted.

Cameron painting the edge and letters.

Then a sprinkling of glitter was added to add a bit of sparkle.

A final layer of varnish is sprayed on the front and back to protect from the weather when installed on the front of the engine over December for Elf Express.

Last day of Santa Specials

Photos from the last day of Santa Specials 2019

Trainee Fireman Katie lighting up 401

From L to R, Driver Tom, Cleaner Katie and Fireman Steve

Working back up the hill toward Middle Engine Lane with Tom on the regulator

Lunchtime

At Percy Main

At Percy Main with the final train

Firemans view whilst departing Percy Main

Katie firing on the run

On shed for disposal

More from the weekend

A fantastic selection of photos from Saturday of 401 and 08915 in service on Santa Specials, taken by volunteers.

Photos below were taken by Joe Stuart

401 on the climb out of Percy Main

Getting ready to depart Middle Engine Lane with the next service, with 08915 at the helm

Green flag from the Guard

Up the bank

Photos below were taken by Adam Saunders

Penultimate Santa Special

Photos from the penultimate Santa Special running day of 2019

08915 shunts the coaching stock away whilst 401 heads off down onto the coal road

08915 joins the back of the SLO carriage to take it off 401

First day of the final weekend of Santa Specials

Photos of Santa Specials today on the first day of the last weekend...401 seen here steaming up during prep

On the back of the train

08915 at the helm down at Percy Main with the first train

Fireman Tom (L) and Driver Norman (R)

401 reverses back to re-join the train after taking water before the final departure

Third weekend of Santa Specials

Photos of the third weekend of Santa Specials with both 401 and 08915 in service

Down at Percy Main with the first train

08915 on the south end

Drivers eye view on the climb out of Percy Main

Christmas dinner cooking, smokebox style!

Unfortunately the tin foil on the potatoes and parsnips ripped so they got slightly charred...still tasted great! Compliments to the fireman

Pano shot of the train in darkness at Percy Main

Back on shed

Underneath, the fireman hoses down the ash in the ashpan before opening the hopper doors in order to keep the dust to a minimum