
We've put a lot of effort into revitalising the training regime for members at Apedale; just like the pilots in Top Gun, they feel the Need for Speed. Unfortunately, we gave them the Pikrose battery loco to drive, but life's full of disappointments, isn't it? Tragically, Kelly McGillis failed to turn up as the Instructor, which would doubtless have resulted in significantly more attention being paid to what was being said. Yesterday saw the first fruits of training regime, with two new drivers achieving the much coveted Yard Driver wings. In the photo, we see one of these elite individuals, who is also the MRT Head of High Energy Particle Physics. You will note that he is trying to tame the fearsome swing-wing, after-burning Pikrose, newly renovated and looking very smart indeed (the loco that is, best not say about the driver). The requirement to wear white gloves and carpet slippers when driving it is causing some resentment.
Meanwhile, the Black Smoke Working Group were also active at the workshop, the Ruston "Pluto" saw the bodywork essentially complete; you will recall that this project was primarily the responsibility of our younger members - three of whom are in the team photo below. One of them either lied about his age or has had a very tough upbringing. As ever, get in touch here.