With Lockdown rules relaxing it was a chance to have a steam up and take Marshall no.37690 Old Timer to a local wood yard to pick up some slab wood for home firewood, report Ben Brown and Fred Cooper.

With two trailers in tow the route through busy Newbury town centre was navigated on what was to prove the 3rd hottest day on record with 37 degrees recorded. It was one of those days where the safety valves can be heard but not seen.

Once on the south side of Newbury we felt more at home in the countryside.The yard was about a mile down a single track unmade road probably much like the roads the engine travelled on with a threshing set when new in 1902.

After turning the trailers and loading the wood a pause for lunch and then ready for the road back, stopping at a brook halfway down the track to lift some water. The track steepened considerably when approaching the main road, providing some fine chimney music.

On return to base we decided we hadn’t had enough yet so decided to drop the wood off and head off back out to the pub for a meal and a well earned pint.

A thoroughly satisfying day’s steaming that was much needed after the last few months.

Old Timer pausing after arriving at the wood yard

The first load being dropped on to the trailer

Loaded and ready to go a quick pause for a photo

Stopping for a drink from the brook

Marshall no.37690 Old Timer after arrival back at base