150 002 near Idridgehay

Then new "Sprinter" class 150 unit 150 002 on the branch platform at Duffield, heading for Wirksworth

150 002 enters the platform at Idridgehay, on the outward journey to Wirksworth

The "Sprinter" neras Idridgehay Station, bound for Wirksworth

What a brilliant little station - Idridgehay has always been my favourite on the line, nestling in a little hollow - a real time capsule

I know you can't see a railway here but I had to show this shot, the idyllic view across a field of Buttercups, towards Idridgehay Parish Church, taken from the station. What a superb location for a railway and it's coming back to us thanks to WyvernRail and the EVR

150 002 enters Wirksworth Station, or Wusser as the locals know it!

150 002 with "Wirksworth Phoenix" headboard emblazoned on the front, after loading at Duffield branch platform, the only intermediate stop after leaving Derby Midland, where the special services started

A view at Wirksworth, looking up the line towards the terminus

"You can't beat the vertical format"! 150 002 waits at Wirksworth, with a lovely view of the hillside so typical of the area

Passengers waiting to board at Wirksworth. Note the wooden steps provided by crews to enable people to get on. The track height was fine for stone trains but no passengers had alighted here for many years until now!

150 002 approaching the branch platform at Duffield, after its scenic journey from Wirksworth

What a queue! No shortage of takers for this memorable ride back in history, as droves of people waited patiently to board at Wirksworth for the return to Duffield and Derby Midland

Almost unbelievable queues built up at Wirksworth for this rare treat

Passengers alighting at Duffield Junction, by way of the special wooden stepladder. Mind the gap that lady!!

Waiting for the off at Wusser. My friends the elder statesman Pete Yeomans, whose cousin Godfrey took many rare railway pictures in steam days in the area and Rob Nicholson, the young pretender. PETE YEOMANS R.I.P. 1933 - 6 Dec. 2005 - I shall miss him.

A member of staff secures the "Wirksworth Phoenix" headboard at Derby Midland as we wait to board the special

150 002 winds its way beneath the A6 overbridge at Duffield, as iot approaches the branch platform enroute back to Derby

I think this is around Barnsley Lane in the delightful Ecclesbourne Valley

Barnsley Lane area again

Around Barnsley Lane again I think - am I right?!

150 002 near Idridgehay, or Ithersay as the locals call it

150 002 near to Idridgehay Station