Firstly, no jokes about locking Potter in cupboards or even making him sing ABBA songs… Poor bloke has been rather poorly, but thankfully he’s on the mend. As soon as he’s better, then the endless ribbing will begin again. The Chairman* needs reminding that the railway is essentially a comedy night with lots of heckling…
Right, so what’s happened since the last update? Um.. quite a lot actually…
We went to Derby. There was this little gig called the ‘Greatest Gathering’. You might have heard about it? 3417 was dragged to the frozen North (alright, it was August and the weather was decent) to stand proud representing the Southern Region. We were happy to be attached to the LUL’s 4TC unit and there was a lot of interest, even if we spent a lot of time explaining what the third rail was and how it was far superior to the evil 25kv knitting. Accommodation for the team was ‘interesting’ and we’re learning that you really must read AirBnB reviews before booking.
Overall, the Derby trip was an absolute blast – lots of engagement and chats with old and new friends… Lovely to see the newly formed ACEMU group, the Merseyside 507 Group, Heritage Traction and many other industry figures who popped over for a chat, coffee, tea and much merch.
Quick on the heels of Derby was the Bluebell’s Diesel Gala. What a weekend! With a man down in the Driving Department, we had to send out a call.. and the call was answered… A solid collective of Drivers (still trying to work out what a group of Train Drivers should be called…) booked on and did their duties – we received high praise from many and once again confirmed that the Auto brake is nothing to be scared of. Many Thanks to Fin, Ian, James, Callum and Cat who stepped up to help. The Sales Stand at Sheffield Park did a roaring trade and we again made some wonderful contacts and said hello to longstanding friends.
And guess who managed to break the train on the first Friday? Yep… I cannot tell you how horrifying it was, until it turns out it wasn’t my fault, so I did what every good Driver does.. walk away and wait for Buckie, Dan, Darren and Matt to fix stuff…
Following the Diesel Gala – on the Monday we were tasked with an important job. In March we were saddened to hear of the passing of ‘the Boss’ – our friend and Mentor, Gordon Pettitt. His family had suggested that there needed to be a celebration of his life and career following his funeral. Myself and Potter were engaged in much planning and were instructed to ensure that following the Bluebell Gala, 3417 was to be the centrepiece of a celebration of Gordon’s life and career. When you get phone calls and emails from Alex and Chris Green… You go old school and deliver what’s been asked, no questions.
From a personal point – I have to admit that when I called on the GTR railway family for a *few* favours – I was amazed at the reaction and effort everyone put in.. We had the CIS screens at Victoria showing a lovely tribute, the staff at Victoria and East Grinstead were commended by those who attended Gordon’s event, Control at Three Bridges ROC did their upmost to keep everything to time – a proper reflection on how we on the railway can do good things.
We were all very proud to show off 3417 and answer the many questions about the unit and our work. I was very proud of the team and I’m sure Gordon would have been full of praise.
*During the speeches (of which there were many) – Potter was mentioned as ‘Chairman’ of the SETG and has now forever been anointed as a Soviet-style Chairman of the SETG Politburo.