Our Society held a very successful joint visit with the local RCTS branch to David Buck's private railways on the afternoon of Mon 26 Jun. Monday is an unusual day for a Society fixture but there was a good reason for this... For those unaware, David owned, and was chairman of, Steam Dreams from Jul 2018 until he sold out to Jeremy Hosking's Locomotive Services Group at Crewe, along with his mainline steam loco 61306 'Mayflower' on 1 Jun 2022. Unlike the weekend, the day was not too hot, there were sunny intervals (with no rain), so good conditions for our visit. The very pleasant grassy site with trees was also dramatically quieter than during the annual public running (Fifield Charity Fun Day - this year on Sun 6 Aug) when it becomes very busy and crowded with many other family attractions available.

In total 68 people had booked and all but two made it by rail, foot, cycle (Stuart), car and/or bus; the village is served by hourly Windsor to Maidenhead buses. David's volunteers had helpfully put signs around the village directing us the correct entrance to his house (adjacent) and where we could park.

Attendees who, as usual, came from far and wide (and Ascot even) started to gather soon after 1pm. Proceedings started officially at 14.00 with David making a short speech, welcoming us to his house (bought partly because the grounds were flat, unlike the late Sir William McAlpine's nearby property with its marked Fawley Hill!), explaining what was happening and where we could and could not go! A free helpful summary booklet of the rolling stock on the site was available with postcards and a few other books were for sale. Complimentary tea, coffee, cold water and delicious homemade cakes were offered during the afternoon. David's daughter and wife were present assisting with these.

The highlight for many was the running of 91016 (Finnish 1016), in its new apple green livery along most of the length of 5ft gauge track available to it. A request to run nearer the end of line was understandably declined due to the fire risk from the adjacent dry wood - a small fire from the loco had occurred the week before. It had received its boiler certificate for 170 psi only four days before and had been used for two other (rather hot and sunny) group visits over the weekend. This is why our visit was this Monday; it is a massive loco requiring a large amount of coal to steam at £650 per tonne, so it will only run occasionally. Those present who saw the state of it on the Sun 7 Aug 2022 Fun Day were incredulous at the transformation since, let alone that it was now a runner. Its restoration took a long time but was primarily undertaken over the last 14 months in the charge of David's engineer.

It was initially delayed by 'Mayflower' understandably having priority, then Covid and other factors. The loco is named Lady Patricia (after David's wife, present for some of the afternoon), a plaque shows it was named in 2009! It is now clearly David's pride and joy and most people seem to like how it has been anglicised by removal of its many pipes and painted apple green. The purists may not agree but, as David said, it's his loco - he pays the bills - so he can do what he likes with it! Interestingly the 'other' side, hidden by the hedgerow and trees that the 5ft gauge runs along, is still rusty/black with the pipes in situ. The loco is large in all dimensions and required a tall step ladder to access; it was the first time that most present had ever ridden in a loco tender (mostly empty of coal) which gave a commanding, high up, view of the site - a few were able to ride in the cab too. This may be available again on 6 Aug.

In addition, standard gauge rides were provided by 'Sir Vincent' (Aveling-Porter 8800 of 1917) in an open wagon, with ex-GWR and ex-MR station benches to sit on, and brakevan B954171 on an old underframe (from DM236074). This ran frequently via the usual 'teardrop' route - a 'V' with a headshunt at the point for the train to reverse and the two arms of the 'V' connected with each other via a curve. This fitted the triangular site well and meant that the train is alternately propelled and hauled. When propelling, those at the brakevan reach the headshunt stop blocks. The 'teardrop' was broadly followed anticlockwise, with occasional parallel runs in the opposite direction alongside 'Lady Patricia' for the photographers. 'Swanscombe' (on loan) had also been in use at that weekend and was moved around later in the day, when various additional photographic opportunities were available.

A small part of David's elevated 5'' gauge circuit could be viewed near the engine shed but the rest was not yet available. Thanks very much to David Buck and his family for entertaining us. A generous coal fund donation was made. The four days used two tonnes of coal; a small pile of coal from Daw Mill Colliery was on site but doesn't steam well. A visit may be possible in 2024 to include the elevated line.