I forgot I had a diary, time to write something in it.
Life has been pretty normal lately nothing too out the ordinary to warrant a diary post. I’m enjoying being a mentor and I am pleased to say my first trainee passed out yesterday.
Wednesday was an interesting day. Due to my job being canceled and my current trainee needing light engine experience my manager told me to arrange a loco and go out. It was a case of let control know where you want to go and they will arrange a pathway.
With my whole route card to choose from I decided that having just signed the East Coastway a trip to Brighton via Ashford, Rye, Hastings, Eastbourne, and Lewes would be a nice run. We managed to find an available 66 and off we went to Brighton. We had an hours lay over at Brighton and used the time to go out and grab some lunch. We returned via Hastings and then direct to Tonbridge via Tunbridge Wells, remembering to gives some tones as I passed my house.
I think it’s fair to say that we took a loco to Brighton to have some lunch. Private charter
On arrival back at Tonbridge I had to take the loco to Hoo Junction as it was required for a service later that evening. I was lucky enough to have another member of this server with me for his first drive.
Looking ahead the RHTT season starts on Monday. I’ve got my favourite 3W90 job on the Sussex circuit. These are long days and stressful jobs. the majority of the shift is yellow to red, so your concentration level has to be sky high. I’d compare it to spending 10 hours driving up the M1 on a normal day or 10 hours on the south circular on an RHTT service. To be honest in the season, for many reason my mental health tends to deteriorate a fair bit. I’m not ashamed to say that and I’m prepared for it. It’s best to be open about these things. I’m fortunate that I’ve got an excellent support network around me and I’m aware of my triggers.
As a reminder of the incoming slippery season I’m currently sat on a 375 heading to work and it’s slipping and sliding all over the place.
Anyways that’s all from me folks. I will try and be more frequent in my updates. I’ll leave you with a couple of pictures from my jolly to Brighton.
