On the right tracks

Out to enjoy some sun and fresh air so I went to Northiam for a cup of tea and to have a read while the world gently flowed around me. And how busy the world was! I was torn over which image to use as the main one and I've bunged a few in the extras bin.

On Sunday the Wealden Pullman collects diners from Northiam and gentle wafts them through the weald of Kent as they dine on a roast lunch, with full silver service. This train is also responsible for delivering roasted potatoes to Tryfan if he's working in the signal box at Wittersham Road. the train is loaded on platform 2 and the passengers are taken along platform 1 and across the tracks. As they are generally dressed up for such a treat it's incongruous watching ladies in heels negotiating the crossing.

In the extras you'll see the Admiral in charge of the waiting staff (I'm assuming that's his role, I've never seen waiting staff wearing so much braid and I spent a long time working in the catering industry). You'll also see what might have been my main shot - it's a member of the kitchen team grabbing a bit of a break before the trip starts and kitchen service ramps up. Another extra shows a member of the footplate crew of 4144 enjoying his lolly as they were held at the station and the last one is the DMU coming to a halt at the signal box so that the driver could get out of his seat to carry out the token exchange.

So, in all, three different trains, a lovely cup of tea, a few pages of Pratchett and, after the trains had gone, some lovely peace and quet.