Annie

For many years, one of my regular contributors to Garden Rail was Dave Skertchly, with the tales of his Vale of Weedol tramway. Dave's stuff could be a bit off the wall occasionally, but always interesting, practical and amusing. Each article would sign off with him ruminating over a pint of Auld Phagbut beer on the latest escapade. 

Dave was always a pleasure to work with, and his hands-on style of modelling appealed to the practical part of my brain. No kits, no fancy tools, and apart from a diversion into carbon fibre, no weird materials. This was budget modelling, showing that if you were willing to get your hands dirty, a line full of character, was within your grasp. 

Sadly, the Vale of Weedol is no more. Dave and Mrs Dave have downsized to an apartment. The railway has been dismantled, and disposed of via Facebook garden railway groups. When I first spotted this, I enquired about owning one of Dave's locos for old time's sake. I don't have a 32mm gauge line to put it on, but that doesn't matter. I have some track, so maybe one day...

Anyway, Dave was obviously keen to find good homes for his models and knowing my love of the Groudle Glen Railway, offered me Annie. A Bagnall loco that is due back to the railway anytime soon. 

A few days ago, Annie arrived in here nice wooden box. Apart from the driver having lost his footing on the footplate, she's perfect. 

Best of all, she's the result of a friend tinkering in his shed, and making something wonderful. I'm proud to own her.