Well not the original fab four of course but something different. Friday started quite dull and cool at our peak district cottages and we set off early for Chesterfield. We were aiming for the Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre where there was a steam gala weekend. I had been planning to visit Barrow Hill for a while as it has one of the last operational roundhouses but this weekend had the added attraction of a number of famous steam trains in action and I thought it was an appropriate time to go. Expecting large numbers we thought it easier to go early and its just as well we did as it was very busy already when we got there.Women were conspicuous by there absence so no queues for the loos! We took the dogs as they are allowed on leads and there were a couple of other dogs there to. They didn’t seem worried about all the noise and people although they did finish with dirty paws from oily tracks. First we had a look at the roundhouse and the turn table was in operation although they weren’t moving trains on and off and we had a look at the static train engines. Outside we had a look at ‘Tornado’ close up and then walked round to the elevated viewing platform where we were able to see the ‘Fab 4’ lined up. These were ‘Green Arrow’, ‘Blue Peter’, ‘Mallard’ and ‘Bittern’. They had been hoping for the ‘Flying Scotsman’ too but apparently it was not well enough to travel! We were able to get some nice shots of them. We walked back and visited the shed which houses the Deltic Preservation Society, which is the largest diesel (engine) preservation society in the UK. Overall there was plenty to see especially if you are interested in steam engines and also there were some steam train rides too. Barrow Hill is open most weekend with entry by donation and charges are made for special events such as this. Before we left we thought we would go and have a final look at the engines from the viewing platform and timed it just right to see a number of them in steam and set off along the short branch line. Later in the day they would be pulling carriages as I found a you tube video showing them in action with sunnier skies than we had! From Barrow Hill we went to B and Q and Screwfix in Chesterfield and also called in at Bookers so the dogs had to cosy up to each other on the way home to make room for all the toilet rolls! Back home sorted out some bits for Saturday as it will be a busy day. Enjoy the photos of the trains.