East Anglian Railway Museum - Last Fling of the Season and Classic Car Show

Last Sunday, my Dad and I decided to head to Chappel for a car show in a railway museum.  It sounded like a great combination of interesting enginey things.  We were also excited by the prospect of a ride on a steam engine.

We had been to the East Anglian Railway Museum before for the Chappel Beer Festival, which was great fun but it was the first time I had been there when the trains were moving.

When we arrived, the weather looked ominous and everything seemed eerily quiet.  However, once we got out into the museum itself, the atmosphere was great. 

As soon as we got in, these beauties greeted us.


 








 

As we walked around the corner, we saw an array of buses. 

These two buses were great.  We had a walk around the red one, which was put into service in the late 1930s and served until the sixties.  It is believed to be the most original example of its life.  The man we spoke to told us that the bus has probably done over a million miles in its existence.



This bus brought back memories for my Dad, of growing up in Colchester in the 60s and 70s.

I was impressed to see an old Eastern National single decker, which took me straight back to my early years, when I used to go on the bus with my Mum before she passed her driving test. I even got a bit emotional, seeing it.  I also acknowleedged that this might mean I am becoming old! 






The car show aspect of the event was also brilliant.  

I have never seen a Trabant before and I was thrilled to see three of them!  


 
Along with the Trabants was this bus from East Germany.  How old do you think it might be?  














There were lots of other interesting cars.  

These two impressed my Dad simply by the fact that they still exist.  Apparently, most of them were already rusting by the time they left the factory!





 
Here are some other cars which were on display.  The cars, which turned up for this show were different from the sorts of cars which appear at most car shows - more unusual.

 

  This Jaguar was particularly beautiful and I loved the bonnet ornament. 


 

These two tractors were both interesting and different.  I particularly liked the one on the left, which has the engine mounted to the left hand side.  Apparently these tractors were able to pull a twin furrow plough.

The owners of this Bedford Camper Van only bought it a year ago.  It was in a bit of a state but they restored it well and quickly.  It looked really comfortable and can sleep four people!

 I liked the Zebedee ornament on this kit car.

 

Here, Dad is standing next to the 'Jubilee' - one of the engines providing rides for the day.












I am standing outside the signal shed, having just been inside.  Dad and I were amazed by the complex and serious task, which the signalman undertook.  He was impressive and generous in taking the time to explain the procedures to the people inside the shed.



Next, we jumped onto the next train scheduled and had a ride.  It was exciting.  I enjoyed hearing the steam whistle being blown.  It evoked a different world.

Here we are in the brake van of the steam engine.  The shelter was much appreciated against the sideways rain which was now falling. 

The engine was from the 1920s and used to work in a cole mine. It was based on a design from around 1890.  It was great!

Below is a picture of the brave driver, exposed to the driving rain and doing a grand job!
Even though the rain came crashing down, it didn't dispirit the lovely volunteers driving and working the trains.  It didn't put the spectators off either.  They still seemed to be having a great time in spite of that oh so British liquid sunshine!  It was a lovely day out and we had a great time.  If you get the chance or have the inclination to visit the East Anglian Railway Museum, it is worth a visit.

For more information, have a look at their website www.earm.co.uk