Christmas Jumper Day on 03078

 The crew of 03078 helped spread a little Christmas cheer for the passengers of the Elf Express by all wearing Christmas jumpers.

Cameron, Joe and Aaran show off their Christmas jumpers.

Elf Express Day #9

    Driver Rob Kitching on the regulator...

...and trainee fireman Katie Wright on the shovel.

Fireman Cameron filling the tank up.

Rob sounding the whistle on the approach to the Rising Sun underline bridge.

Atmospheric scenes at Percy Main before the last Elf Express departure of 2024...

Katie tends to her fire...

The last Elf Express of 2024 arrives back into Middle Engine Lane...

401's crew (L-R): Cameron, Katie and Rob.

The day concluded with a shunt involving 401 and the 08:

401 propelling wagons (which have been stored in Middle Engine Lane loop for the past month) into the south headshunt...

08915 moving 'Pony' and the NTSRA's tank wagon to allow for a coal delivery.

Pony on the move.

Coal delivery...

Elf Express Day #8

The 03 ticking over after hauling 401 out of the museum.

Michael lighting the stove in the NTSRA's brake van.

Adam cleaning 401's tank.

The first train of the day at Percy Main.

Driver Michael watching Fireman Adam on the shovel.

03078 at Percy Main.

Michael on the shovel...

...and Joe driving.

An afternoon Elf Express arriving into Middle Engine Lane.

Joe building up his fire at Percy Main.

401 at Middle Engine Lane.

Waiting at Percy Main as the light fades...

The view from the footplate on the journey back to Middle Engine Lane.

Elf Express Day #7

Driver Rob oiling up.

Trainee fireman Robert coupling 401 to the carriages...

...and later having a go on the shovel.

Today's diesel crew, Paul (L) and Nev (R), on 03078.

Elf Express Day #6

Driver Steve oiling 401's rear horn guides before it is pulled out of the shed.

401 ready to join the carriages in the platform after being polished to perfection by this morning's cleaners.

Waiting for passengers.

Aadil carrying out some last minute polishing of the cab controls.

Elves entertaining passengers whilst Santa hands out presents at Percy Main.

The new First Class seats looking superb.

Aadil on the shovel...

...and filling 401's tank after the second train.

The 03 leading the train around Rising Sun curve.

Aadil fits the lamps for the return to Middle Engine Lane.

The fourth train of the day waiting at Percy Main.

03078 on the south end.

Steve firing.

Joe topping up 401's tank...

...whilst passengers for the last train enjoy the Elves' performance.

The last Elf Express of the day ready to welcome passengers onboard...

401's crew (L-R): Trainee Fireman Aadil, Fireman Joe and Driver Steve.

With the passengers onboard, Guard Dan checks the doors in preparation for departure.

Waiting in the dark at Percy Main...

The view on the footplate.

Aadil firing and Joe driving on the way back to Middle Engine Lane.

401 returns to shed after a busy day.

The 03 shunts the carriages away.

Clearing out 401's ashpan during disposal.