First Train - First Passenger
Well, after waiting since their last service train last year, the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway started their 2018 on a cold and dreary 10th February. The weather was terrible which was a shame really as the social media team there had done their very best in order to get lots of people excited and "keyed up" for the weekend - so it was a shame to have, at least at one point, sub zero temperatures, howling wind and endless amounts of pouring rain.
That being said, I arrived at Lakeside station for the first train of the 2018 season well ahead of time and purchased the first ticket of the year - perhaps a BLS record! I had expected "Effie" to haul the service given that the first day might not have a lot of people, but the railway put on a rake of 5 coaches and a miniature LNER 04 Class No.6284.
After talking to the driver and guard and catching up with all the new things they had done during the closed period, the pair of them vanished and returned minutes later with boxes and cartons of items which they stowed in the rear two compartments of the leading coach. After a joke about how they didn't need to cater to me quite like this, they explained that Kingsway station was empty and so the first train was going to take the snacks, drinks and other items down there. Now, surely this has to be a bit of a rarity with a miniature railway doing a mixed freight and passenger run!
Upon arrival at Kingsway, some pictures were taken whilst the crew unloaded for a another member of staff to sort out and stock up before setting off for the first full line run to Humberston station. Over the course of the next few hours, the train carried just me and the guard before a family from the south joined for a full line return at Humberston and back.
Despite the fact the driver was putting in more coal and was steaming happily, the mother of the group asked what the engine was running on... Clearly what they say about Southerners is true! Afterwards, the train remained more or less mine for the rest of the day until the end of service. Apart from the terrible weather, some great runs were achieved with a spot of wheel spin first thing in the morning, sparks coming out of the loco's chimney in the afternoon and good humour from driver and guard who were impressed I managed to complete the entire day's operations despite conditions that would have challenged the most hardened of Arctic explorers!
The only thing I was expecting, that was not there, was the line extension to the caravan park which I have been informed may be built this year perhaps in time for the end of season this year which may prove popular. The only other thing to note is that there is a slight increase in the price for All Day tickets from £10.00 to £12.00, though it is still excellent value for money. There is also the Annual Pass which allows unlimited rides as well as early access for special events and much more...
All in all, a rather good day
That being said, I arrived at Lakeside station for the first train of the 2018 season well ahead of time and purchased the first ticket of the year - perhaps a BLS record! I had expected "Effie" to haul the service given that the first day might not have a lot of people, but the railway put on a rake of 5 coaches and a miniature LNER 04 Class No.6284.
After talking to the driver and guard and catching up with all the new things they had done during the closed period, the pair of them vanished and returned minutes later with boxes and cartons of items which they stowed in the rear two compartments of the leading coach. After a joke about how they didn't need to cater to me quite like this, they explained that Kingsway station was empty and so the first train was going to take the snacks, drinks and other items down there. Now, surely this has to be a bit of a rarity with a miniature railway doing a mixed freight and passenger run!
Upon arrival at Kingsway, some pictures were taken whilst the crew unloaded for a another member of staff to sort out and stock up before setting off for the first full line run to Humberston station. Over the course of the next few hours, the train carried just me and the guard before a family from the south joined for a full line return at Humberston and back.
Despite the fact the driver was putting in more coal and was steaming happily, the mother of the group asked what the engine was running on... Clearly what they say about Southerners is true! Afterwards, the train remained more or less mine for the rest of the day until the end of service. Apart from the terrible weather, some great runs were achieved with a spot of wheel spin first thing in the morning, sparks coming out of the loco's chimney in the afternoon and good humour from driver and guard who were impressed I managed to complete the entire day's operations despite conditions that would have challenged the most hardened of Arctic explorers!
The only thing I was expecting, that was not there, was the line extension to the caravan park which I have been informed may be built this year perhaps in time for the end of season this year which may prove popular. The only other thing to note is that there is a slight increase in the price for All Day tickets from £10.00 to £12.00, though it is still excellent value for money. There is also the Annual Pass which allows unlimited rides as well as early access for special events and much more...
All in all, a rather good day
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