Rob
@hopeoverexperience.bsky.social
Rail enthusiast (though mostly 70s and 80s), part time volunteer. Also interested in history, environment and some elements of politics....sorry, forgot to say, Baggies fan too.
@bsbibotany.bsky.social
Taken in the garden today. Not sure I've seen a cowslip flowering in November before.....
Taken in the garden today. Not sure I've seen a cowslip flowering in November before.....
November 6, 2025 at 5:07 PM
@bsbibotany.bsky.social
Taken in the garden today. Not sure I've seen a cowslip flowering in November before.....
Taken in the garden today. Not sure I've seen a cowslip flowering in November before.....
#DFR
The headshunt got quite crowded as 9681 also required coal. In the background were D9521, which took the year off, though does seem to have had some paint done, and 'Salty' (aka 6688). 'Wilbert' 3806 was also just visible. Again, the forest backdrop, though, was impressive.
The headshunt got quite crowded as 9681 also required coal. In the background were D9521, which took the year off, though does seem to have had some paint done, and 'Salty' (aka 6688). 'Wilbert' 3806 was also just visible. Again, the forest backdrop, though, was impressive.
November 2, 2025 at 5:43 PM
#DFR
The headshunt got quite crowded as 9681 also required coal. In the background were D9521, which took the year off, though does seem to have had some paint done, and 'Salty' (aka 6688). 'Wilbert' 3806 was also just visible. Again, the forest backdrop, though, was impressive.
The headshunt got quite crowded as 9681 also required coal. In the background were D9521, which took the year off, though does seem to have had some paint done, and 'Salty' (aka 6688). 'Wilbert' 3806 was also just visible. Again, the forest backdrop, though, was impressive.
#DFR
Dean Forest Railway is definitely one of the more scenic railways in the UK, esp at this time of year.
Visitor 'Newstead' adds colour to the snap taken at Norchard. The coal was being loaded in readiness for Day 2 of the steam gala.
Dean Forest Railway is definitely one of the more scenic railways in the UK, esp at this time of year.
Visitor 'Newstead' adds colour to the snap taken at Norchard. The coal was being loaded in readiness for Day 2 of the steam gala.
November 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
#DFR
Dean Forest Railway is definitely one of the more scenic railways in the UK, esp at this time of year.
Visitor 'Newstead' adds colour to the snap taken at Norchard. The coal was being loaded in readiness for Day 2 of the steam gala.
Dean Forest Railway is definitely one of the more scenic railways in the UK, esp at this time of year.
Visitor 'Newstead' adds colour to the snap taken at Norchard. The coal was being loaded in readiness for Day 2 of the steam gala.
Reposted by Rob
British Railways Class 2 2-6-0 78019: Visiting the Dean Forest railway today and guesting at the Steam gala this weekend. #Railway #HeritageRail #Trains
October 29, 2025 at 3:01 PM
British Railways Class 2 2-6-0 78019: Visiting the Dean Forest railway today and guesting at the Steam gala this weekend. #Railway #HeritageRail #Trains
Reposted by Rob
Class 56 locomotives set for South Devon Railway gala https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2025/10/class-56-locomotives-set-for-south-devon-railway-gala.html #class_56 #DcRail #SouthDevonRailway
Class 56 locomotives set for South Devon Railway gala
The South Devon Railway has announced that two Class 56 locomotives will be visiting for their upcoming diesel gala. Class 56s 56045 and 56103 will be visiting courtesy of DCRail and will be first ever 56s to work the Totnes to Buckfastleigh line. The Class 56s are usually seen hauling…
www.railadvent.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Class 56 locomotives set for South Devon Railway gala https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2025/10/class-56-locomotives-set-for-south-devon-railway-gala.html #class_56 #DcRail #SouthDevonRailway
Reposting this as, again, not widely advertised, and quite last minute, but Rodney is still at DFR…..and 50008 Thunderer will also be there 18th October. Two 50s at DFR.
It's not being particularly well publicised, but I can see 50021 Rodney is down to run at the Dean Forest Railway both days this weekend. Here he is 'warming up' last weekend.......(08769 was failing in the foreground, though was 'fixed' later in the day. Falling bridge damage just out of view)
October 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Reposting this as, again, not widely advertised, and quite last minute, but Rodney is still at DFR…..and 50008 Thunderer will also be there 18th October. Two 50s at DFR.
Reposted by Rob
It's October, which can only mean one thing... the Autumn Steam Gala is right around the corner!🍂🚂
There is still time to book your tickets for the 3rd - 5th of October, complete with break van rides and driving experiences.
Book now!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
📷 James Cummins
#WatercressLine #AutumnGala
There is still time to book your tickets for the 3rd - 5th of October, complete with break van rides and driving experiences.
Book now!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
📷 James Cummins
#WatercressLine #AutumnGala
October 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
It's October, which can only mean one thing... the Autumn Steam Gala is right around the corner!🍂🚂
There is still time to book your tickets for the 3rd - 5th of October, complete with break van rides and driving experiences.
Book now!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
📷 James Cummins
#WatercressLine #AutumnGala
There is still time to book your tickets for the 3rd - 5th of October, complete with break van rides and driving experiences.
Book now!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
📷 James Cummins
#WatercressLine #AutumnGala
Reposted by Rob
We're counting down the days until the Autumn Steam Gala begins!🚂
We are looking forward to seeing 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' and 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on our line.
Driving Experiences on 1788 Kilmersdon and Brake Van Rides are now available to book!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
#WatercressLine
We are looking forward to seeing 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' and 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on our line.
Driving Experiences on 1788 Kilmersdon and Brake Van Rides are now available to book!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
#WatercressLine
September 20, 2025 at 5:02 PM
We're counting down the days until the Autumn Steam Gala begins!🚂
We are looking forward to seeing 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' and 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on our line.
Driving Experiences on 1788 Kilmersdon and Brake Van Rides are now available to book!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
#WatercressLine
We are looking forward to seeing 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' and 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on our line.
Driving Experiences on 1788 Kilmersdon and Brake Van Rides are now available to book!
buff.ly/dam8LUl
#WatercressLine
'Shunter Rodney' removes 08769 from the platform before propelling it back into the yard and onto the 'naughty siding' for subsequent repairs. Shame it couldn't have shunt the sun a bit further around beforehand.
September 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
'Shunter Rodney' removes 08769 from the platform before propelling it back into the yard and onto the 'naughty siding' for subsequent repairs. Shame it couldn't have shunt the sun a bit further around beforehand.
It's not being particularly well publicised, but I can see 50021 Rodney is down to run at the Dean Forest Railway both days this weekend. Here he is 'warming up' last weekend.......(08769 was failing in the foreground, though was 'fixed' later in the day. Falling bridge damage just out of view)
September 15, 2025 at 11:50 AM
It's not being particularly well publicised, but I can see 50021 Rodney is down to run at the Dean Forest Railway both days this weekend. Here he is 'warming up' last weekend.......(08769 was failing in the foreground, though was 'fixed' later in the day. Falling bridge damage just out of view)
The return of 26043 meant GWSR diesels were back to full strength (not counting the Fowler!) for a time this year.
September 13, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The return of 26043 meant GWSR diesels were back to full strength (not counting the Fowler!) for a time this year.
Is Ropley missing an 08? I found this one hiding behind a signalbox....#Watercress @thewatercressline.bsky.social
September 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Is Ropley missing an 08? I found this one hiding behind a signalbox....#Watercress @thewatercressline.bsky.social
Reposted by Rob
We are pleased to announced that we have resumed operating steam locomotives along the full length of the line as of today!🚂
Please see the loco roster on our website to find out which locos we plan to run in the coming days.
buff.ly/SXLUvo4
#WatercressLine
Please see the loco roster on our website to find out which locos we plan to run in the coming days.
buff.ly/SXLUvo4
#WatercressLine
August 22, 2025 at 9:16 AM
We are pleased to announced that we have resumed operating steam locomotives along the full length of the line as of today!🚂
Please see the loco roster on our website to find out which locos we plan to run in the coming days.
buff.ly/SXLUvo4
#WatercressLine
Please see the loco roster on our website to find out which locos we plan to run in the coming days.
buff.ly/SXLUvo4
#WatercressLine
Reposted by Rob
We are excited to announce the second visitor for our Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of our friends at Bluebell Railway, is the magnificent Battle of Britain class pacific, 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’!
📷 James Cummins
buff.ly/TkgWL4N
#SteamGala #AutumnSteamGala #WatercressLine
📷 James Cummins
buff.ly/TkgWL4N
#SteamGala #AutumnSteamGala #WatercressLine
August 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
We are excited to announce the second visitor for our Autumn Steam Gala, courtesy of our friends at Bluebell Railway, is the magnificent Battle of Britain class pacific, 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’!
📷 James Cummins
buff.ly/TkgWL4N
#SteamGala #AutumnSteamGala #WatercressLine
📷 James Cummins
buff.ly/TkgWL4N
#SteamGala #AutumnSteamGala #WatercressLine
Reposted by Rob
🚂We are very pleased to share that 30506 has had a repaint and a livery change, marking the first time an S15 has carried the early BR crest in preservation.
Conditions allowing, she may be back in traffic within the next two weeks.
buff.ly/hlzcQoU
📸 A. Woodroffe
#WatercressLine #HeritageRailway
Conditions allowing, she may be back in traffic within the next two weeks.
buff.ly/hlzcQoU
📸 A. Woodroffe
#WatercressLine #HeritageRailway
August 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
🚂We are very pleased to share that 30506 has had a repaint and a livery change, marking the first time an S15 has carried the early BR crest in preservation.
Conditions allowing, she may be back in traffic within the next two weeks.
buff.ly/hlzcQoU
📸 A. Woodroffe
#WatercressLine #HeritageRailway
Conditions allowing, she may be back in traffic within the next two weeks.
buff.ly/hlzcQoU
📸 A. Woodroffe
#WatercressLine #HeritageRailway
Reposted by Rob
Have you bought your tickets for the Autumn Steam Gala?🤩
The roster is shaping up nicely, with 'Sir Nigel Gresley' 60007 visiting The Watercress Line for the first time since 1996! More announcements are coming your way soon.
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Karl Heath
#WatercressLine #AutumnSteamGala
The roster is shaping up nicely, with 'Sir Nigel Gresley' 60007 visiting The Watercress Line for the first time since 1996! More announcements are coming your way soon.
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Karl Heath
#WatercressLine #AutumnSteamGala
August 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Have you bought your tickets for the Autumn Steam Gala?🤩
The roster is shaping up nicely, with 'Sir Nigel Gresley' 60007 visiting The Watercress Line for the first time since 1996! More announcements are coming your way soon.
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Karl Heath
#WatercressLine #AutumnSteamGala
The roster is shaping up nicely, with 'Sir Nigel Gresley' 60007 visiting The Watercress Line for the first time since 1996! More announcements are coming your way soon.
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Karl Heath
#WatercressLine #AutumnSteamGala
Reposted by Rob
Taking a trip down memory lane...✨
Take a look at these lovely photos from the last time 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley" visited The Watercress Line in 1996!
More visitors to be announced soon! Book now:
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Tony Storey
#WatercressLine #SirNigelGresley
Take a look at these lovely photos from the last time 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley" visited The Watercress Line in 1996!
More visitors to be announced soon! Book now:
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Tony Storey
#WatercressLine #SirNigelGresley
August 7, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Taking a trip down memory lane...✨
Take a look at these lovely photos from the last time 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley" visited The Watercress Line in 1996!
More visitors to be announced soon! Book now:
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Tony Storey
#WatercressLine #SirNigelGresley
Take a look at these lovely photos from the last time 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley" visited The Watercress Line in 1996!
More visitors to be announced soon! Book now:
buff.ly/QUcBcMj
📷 Tony Storey
#WatercressLine #SirNigelGresley
Reposted by Rob
We are very pleased to announce that the first visiting locomotive for our Autumn Steam Gala is 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley".
We are extremely grateful to the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust and to Locomotive Services for the loan of this iconic locomotive. 🚅✨
buff.ly/NXPuWHp
We are extremely grateful to the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust and to Locomotive Services for the loan of this iconic locomotive. 🚅✨
buff.ly/NXPuWHp
August 1, 2025 at 11:01 AM
We are very pleased to announce that the first visiting locomotive for our Autumn Steam Gala is 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley".
We are extremely grateful to the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust and to Locomotive Services for the loan of this iconic locomotive. 🚅✨
buff.ly/NXPuWHp
We are extremely grateful to the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust and to Locomotive Services for the loan of this iconic locomotive. 🚅✨
buff.ly/NXPuWHp
31130 at Oldland Common
July 27, 2025 at 1:48 PM
31130 at Oldland Common
Flying Scotsman? Better still.....Caerphilly Castle.
July 9, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Flying Scotsman? Better still.....Caerphilly Castle.
Reposted by Rob
Our Diesel Gala is back for 2025! Join us as our home fleet & visiting locomotives take over the line for a three day weekend.
📅11 - 13 July
🕘 9am - 8pm (Fri & Sat), 9am - 6pm (Sun)
👉 More info & tickets: buff.ly/6WVGUD8
#DieselGala #WatercressLine #RailwayEvents2025 #HampshireEvents
📅11 - 13 July
🕘 9am - 8pm (Fri & Sat), 9am - 6pm (Sun)
👉 More info & tickets: buff.ly/6WVGUD8
#DieselGala #WatercressLine #RailwayEvents2025 #HampshireEvents
June 17, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Our Diesel Gala is back for 2025! Join us as our home fleet & visiting locomotives take over the line for a three day weekend.
📅11 - 13 July
🕘 9am - 8pm (Fri & Sat), 9am - 6pm (Sun)
👉 More info & tickets: buff.ly/6WVGUD8
#DieselGala #WatercressLine #RailwayEvents2025 #HampshireEvents
📅11 - 13 July
🕘 9am - 8pm (Fri & Sat), 9am - 6pm (Sun)
👉 More info & tickets: buff.ly/6WVGUD8
#DieselGala #WatercressLine #RailwayEvents2025 #HampshireEvents
Reposted by Rob
We are very pleased to announce that D821 “Greyhound” will be attending our Diesel Gala this July, courtesy of our friends at Diesel Traction Group Ltd.
📷 Severn Valley Railway
Find out more about D821 and our other visiting locomotives on our website.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
📷 Severn Valley Railway
Find out more about D821 and our other visiting locomotives on our website.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
June 12, 2025 at 5:02 PM
We are very pleased to announce that D821 “Greyhound” will be attending our Diesel Gala this July, courtesy of our friends at Diesel Traction Group Ltd.
📷 Severn Valley Railway
Find out more about D821 and our other visiting locomotives on our website.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
📷 Severn Valley Railway
Find out more about D821 and our other visiting locomotives on our website.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
Reposted by Rob
We are delighted to announce that 46045 will be attending our Diesel Gala next month, courtesy of our friends at Peak Locomotive Company Ltd. 46045 is currently based at the Severn Valley Railway.
Stay tuned for more.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
📷 Mike Kerry
#WatercressLine #DieselGala
Stay tuned for more.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
📷 Mike Kerry
#WatercressLine #DieselGala
June 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM
We are delighted to announce that 46045 will be attending our Diesel Gala next month, courtesy of our friends at Peak Locomotive Company Ltd. 46045 is currently based at the Severn Valley Railway.
Stay tuned for more.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
📷 Mike Kerry
#WatercressLine #DieselGala
Stay tuned for more.
buff.ly/7M3Bhts
📷 Mike Kerry
#WatercressLine #DieselGala
Reposted by Rob
🚂"Volunteering has helped me boost my confidence... The railway has honestly created a second family." – Megan, Traffic Dept Volunteer🌟
Discover how you can get involved too👇
buff.ly/IolpEu2
📷 Megan Landale
#VolunteersWeek #WatercressLine #VolunteerWithUs #HeritageRailway
Discover how you can get involved too👇
buff.ly/IolpEu2
📷 Megan Landale
#VolunteersWeek #WatercressLine #VolunteerWithUs #HeritageRailway
June 5, 2025 at 4:01 PM
🚂"Volunteering has helped me boost my confidence... The railway has honestly created a second family." – Megan, Traffic Dept Volunteer🌟
Discover how you can get involved too👇
buff.ly/IolpEu2
📷 Megan Landale
#VolunteersWeek #WatercressLine #VolunteerWithUs #HeritageRailway
Discover how you can get involved too👇
buff.ly/IolpEu2
📷 Megan Landale
#VolunteersWeek #WatercressLine #VolunteerWithUs #HeritageRailway