The enjoyable shenanigans on the 'Drax 50 Years' (we still hope to bring you a report) meant an even later start and finish (I had guessed 01.30). As my car was at Derby, I could relax and enjoy the fun only these BLS and Martin House Tours can produce. In fact, everyone either had to have accommodation booked or road transport, as we were due to be the last arrival of the day there anyway.

The late arrival into York P5 from Drax didn't matter too much, as most of the 125 passengers were already aboard and we became 1Z60 due out 55 mins earlier but were held as the 21.30 to King's Cross - a 125mph Azuma - had priority; we only had 75mph 'Choppers' so had to wait! I know which I prefer…

As we were waiting, 66730 ran past light engine - was this for us? The effects of the multi-traction weekend had kicked in but it was just a light engine from Millerhill to Doncaster. After a spirited departure main line out of York at 21.41 (68 late), we were slowed by a signal fault until leaving the ECML at Hambleton North Jn on the curve to Hambleton East Jn, making us now 84 down as we squealed round Selby Canal Curve heading south. The Buffet and Real Ale bar was exceptional on all three tours - bargain prices and delicious locally made Sausage Rolls and tasty Pork Pies but, speaking as a lifelong connoisseur of the Pig Pie, never, ever, have them hot - are you mad? Sausage rolls and any other meat pie are fine hot but pork, never. Walkers of Leicester produce undoubtably the UK's finest Pork Pie.

Back on the 'Merry Go Round' - with the aid of mobile phone apps and by noting the level crossings, we traced our route heading south. As we crossed into Doncaster P4, we were still 86 late, setting off on the Down / Up Slow No1 then the Up Flyover to St Catherines Jn, joining the Down / Up South Yorkshire Joint Line and on into the darkness, until we arrived at Maltby with just ghostly semaphore signals for lighting. No one seemed certain of what track remained here or if the driver was up for it. It was now nearly midnight and totally dark, luckily 69011 at our rear gave a shove and we set off up the notably steep branch climbing alongside the Joint Line, with the Class 20s up front sounding like they did on heavy freight trains of yore. We passed the remains of the loading pad on the Bunker Line to stop four feet before the buffer stop (at 0m 43ch) - TRACKmaps 2 p34A 2020.

Returning to Maltby Loop, we began our journey south, passing the lights of Laughton around midnight before Shireoaks where we crossed onto the Robin Hood Line. Beyond Sutton Parkway, the line has a fascinating history crossing to the Great Northern Railway line through Kirkby-in-Ashfield then back to the Midland Railway into the reopened 198yd Kirkby Tunnel. North of Newstead, the driver stopped to query our route but Newstead Loop (as booked) was denied to us, so we continued on. Passing Hucknall at 01.15, nearly two hours late, surprisingly, there were photographers - very patient, mad or both!

The adjacent tram stops lit our way to Moor Bridge where we did take Bestwood Park Loop on our way to Lenton Curve, which joins the bidirectional Down Nottingham Slow then the Main Lines just before Beeston. Once past Sawley Junction station - Long Eaton since 6 May 1968, a quick dash brought us into Derby P3 at 01.58, almost two hours late but who was complaining after such an interesting, bizarre adventure. We should remember and thank the organisers and GBRf, as it could have been just an ECS move, also the tireless stewarding and catering teams who still had an hour to go after that. Some on the tour queried if Derby station would be staffed, at that hour - it was, the man said that as we had paid to have it staffed it would be (Oxenholme station staff please take note - BLN 1459.2616 refers).

The station clocks clicked 02.00 as I walked along the platform after a great weekend and the 'Merry Go Round' topped it off. I for one really enjoyed it. Any chance of Heywood Jn - Thorpe Marsh Jn in 2025?