Good afternoon all.

Happy new year for a kick off, hope you all had a lovely time.

2011, done and dusted.

Best moment? Firing 45407 York-Scarborough with 11 coaches on. Injector on the whole way, flap up the whole way. Magic.

Worst moment? The uncertainty of if/when I would get to the Isle of Man last month. (I did in the end)

And to summarise, I would have to say that this photo



IS 2011 for me. 9 weeks at the NYMR with 45407 is the way to spend a summer

And so, to 2012. I believe our two engines will be busy as ever. They're out on the 28th January with a winter Cumbrian Mountain Express. No involvement with the Great Britain V as yet, but when something fails I can see us getting a phone call The Cathedrals Explorer, Time at the NYMR again (though how long for is still up in the air) and of course The Jacobite. Hopefully with some Scarborough and Tin Bath/Woolwinder action too.

We hope to out shop 4472 "Flying Scotsman" in the next few months, as well as the newest edition to the Riley fleet, 37518 in Intercity Swallow livery
Teaser! Also Imminent is L.M.S. Fowler/Hughes 'Crab' 2-6-0 No 13065, B12 No 8572 and the boilers of 7820 "Dinmore Manor" and Caledonia Railways No 419.

On a more personal level I'll be on the Isle of Man three times this year, and trips to Shap, Ais Gill, The Ravenglass and Eskdale, Keighley and more.

Anyway, lots to plan so I'd best get on with it. Excuse my ramblings.

May 2012 be as prosperous as 2011 for you all.