Today has seen a number of the ungalmorous, but very necessary, winter maintenance tasks taking place at the Apedale Valley Light Railway.
Meanwhile, the Joffre steam loco has been undergoing preparation for boiler exam; this involves – amongst other things – removing the firebars and fusible plug, then cleaning the firebox.
We are therefore now placing Sam on a carefully-monitored, calorie-controlled diet, since it is clear that the steam loco maintenance programme critically depends on Sam not eating any more pies.
