Okay, so I haven't posted in god-knows-how-long, but I thought I'd do it now because I actually have something to write about. :)

Oh, on the health front, I've had an intestine infection, been on and off for the last couple of weeks. Augmentin is rapidly putting paid to that, which is good. I think I may have said this before, but anyway.

So, to the subject up there (*points to title*). It begins with me going to the MOTAT Military Weekend, wombling around the vehicles and chatting to the re-enactors and soldiers (including Reuben and one of his mates, with the nickname of 'Nightie' :P ) and so on and generally having a ball. I then went over to the rail-shed, intent on getting a squiz at the trains, because, y'know, they were there.

I chatted to one of the guys for a while, and (after a ride in the cab of the train), he told me that you could volunteer with the Rail Section. Naturally, I leapt at the chance. So, last Wednesday, I went along.

It was excellent, all-in-all. I was fully expecting to get dirty, and boy, did I ever! I cleaned out the firebox and smokebox on the Y-Class, and polished it up with a mix of oil and kerosene. I came out black as can be, but grinning fit to burst (which, it was remarked, looked very odd, teeth very white in a soot-stained face). I then helped with rolling the wheels under the latest train that's being restored, and then attaching them. Went home feeling very satisfied with myself.

Only when I got home did I discover exactly how 'sticky' coal dust is. It took the best part of twenty minutes in the shower, with heavy-duty soap and exfoliating scrubs and pumice to get most of it out - and even then there were still some stubborn sections that refused to shift! Barrier cream and overalls shall be purchased for next time.