Thursday, October 27, 2011
Coal-powered steam train
We've been invited to be part of the celebrations for the re-launching of the Kingston Flier this weekend. I'm oiling up the ol' bicycles in preparation; banging in Cotter pins and replacing valves as well. The Triumphs and BSA's need tender care when they reach the grand age these ones have. There'll be six of us, dressed in our heritage finery, astride our 28-inch classics. They will be blow-outs, lost nuts and bolts and dresses caught in chains - it'll be great!
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4 comments:
Is it Southland lignite she burns, Rg?
It won't be soggy, low-grade lignite, Fred. More like anthracite from the Coast, but I don't know. I do know though, that black smoke billows from her, the way it does from the Coalslaw (Earnslaw - Lady of the Lake) and catches the track-side dry grass afire and covers nearby cribs in smut.
Ah! The good old days. We live near the railway, and the track climbs 400 feet in 5 miles. Downhill is a doddle for steam but uphill...... serious smoke. The memories coming flooding back!!!!!
I'm taking a ride on the flier at the weekend, Fred. I'll take photos for you. Some of my family aboard their bikes as well, plus, we're running a series of traditional children's games; hula hoops, quoits (the fat rubber ones), skipping rope, sack races (Burlap sacks, naturally) and other such fun from bygone days. It'll be a hoot! Hoo....oooooooooot!
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