In order to rearrange the two saddle tanks, and to get ‘Henbury’ over the inspection pit, it was necessary to do some shunting using the Ruston diesel shunter, not often seen on the line.
The Ruston itself was in the ‘Barn’, behind the line’s self-propelled crane.

The crane shunts the coal wagon back out of the way.

With a growl and a puff of smoke, the Ruston creeps out of the barn, collects the two vans (Which double up as a good way of preventing people falling into the pit), and deposits them back outside the shed before heading down to M Shed.

Dragging the two steam locos out, Portbury deposited in the siding while Henbury heads to the pit.

Henbury is pushed back into the shed first….

and Portbury basks in the sun

This week, she’s been treated to warming fires to test the boiler for any leaks. Sunday saw her courting attention on the quayside.