73. 'The Cheshireman'-20.11.21

On a ridiculously dull and dark morning, I took a quick dash in my Combo van up to Watford (Northamptonshire as opposed to Hertfordshire) to capture the outward leg of 'The Cheshireman' charter. I wanted to try out a spot that I have been meaning to visit for a few years, an isolated foot crossing where I expected no others to be present. However, ten minutes prior to the train's arrival I was joined, in an amazing coincidence, by a former pupil of mine Damien Le Maistre and his friend Hayden Legge of HomeMoviePerson fame who had both ridden to this spot from Wellingborough leaving way before first light! After being almost bowled by a unit heading south the steam passed but it was not working particularly hard with the diesel on the back appearing to be giving it a good old shove!