15th May 2012

Waking to a wet and windy morning we decided to stop over and visit The Nene Valley Railway's main yard which was just ahead of us. Although it is nearer to the village of Sibson it is called Wansford Station and is the home of most of the rolling stock and engines, and has a grand turn table.

It is also the home of the (must be) world famous Thomas the Tank Engine who we saw sat in his shed, just behind another engine who's number was 44422. I imagined Thomas calling to the engine in front of him and saying "come on 44422, move out of the way or I will be stuck in the shed all day".

They run Thomas on special occasions as he is in need of an overhaul and there are collection boxes scattered all around the station trying to raise enough money to get him fighting fit again. I am not a train buff but I have to say the they have a good collection and many volunteers who help to keep the system running. The only real bit I know about is that the railway was used in the making of a James Bond film, staring Rodger Moor.

After our walk around we went into the station cafe for a cup of hot chocolate and a look around before setting off back to the boat, who was patiently waiting for us by the side of the field, in view of the signal box and bridge.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying a few jobs, however I did effect my repair to the cleat I knocked off at Fotheringhay bridge. We were lucky really as when it was snatched off it sheared the bolts, so all I had to do was get the studs out and re-bolt it down. I got two out by cutting a slot in the top of them and screwing them out, the other I had to drill out and re-tap the hole, but it went well and now we have the much needed cleat back in its place.