VL17 10DC_NikonDf_AF-NikkorD50mm
The late running led me to make a decision about where to photograph the next up train, the 13:55 ‘Santa Deluxe’, from Loughborough. If the diner ran straight into the loop at Swithland then the 13:55 did not need to run late. I packed up and headed to Quorn arriving just before the 13:55 was due. The up signals were all ‘on’ but the down line was clear for a train. Checking with members of the public suggested that the 13:55 from Loughborough had not passed and the down train duly arrived hauled, of course, by 92214. From my position I could not take a photograph but I can confirm 92214 had been turned and now faces north! In due course BR Standard Class 2MT 2-6-0 78018 passed through Quorn and Woodhouse Station with the late running 13:55 ‘Santa Deluxe’ train from Loughborough on Saturday 17th December 2022, proudly carrying a “Santa Special” headboard. When did they turn the 9F? It would have needed all the elves, the Great Man himself and Rudolf and all the gang. Why don’t they simply fit the vacuum motor that was designed for the job?