Our First Steam Train Visit

Jacob was first introduces to Thomas at Lakeside Railway, at Eastleigh at the beginning of May 1999, when he was 17 months old. This was shortly before the arrival of Philip and Rebecca.

The trains at Lakeside our miniature, so we felt it was the perfect way for Jacob to enjoy his first steam train ride.

Our Meeting with Thomas and Gordon

We went back to visit Thomas and his friends at Lakeside during the Christmas holiday's in 1999, as Jacob's birthday treat.

This time Philip and Rebecca came too, they were 7 months old. We can see Philip and Jacob meeting Thomas and Rebecca and Jacob meeting Gordon the big blue engine.

This time we met a very friendly Fat Controller and got to ride behind Thomas and Gordon. It was a bit cold, but Jacob had a lovely day and Philip and Rebecca enjoyed the treat too.

Meeting Thomas and Douglas

In February 2000, we decided to visit Swanage steam railway to meet a big Thomas, ride on a Double Decker bus like Bertie, and ride on Douglas (one of the Scottish Twins).

It was a real family outing with Philip and Rebecca in Back Pack's on Dad and Mum, with nappies, drinks, a picnic, and everything!

It was a real back breaking day, but Jacob, Philip and Rebecca all seemed to have a really enjoyable day. They loved watching the engines, and enjoying the scenery pass us by.

Philip and Jacob even got to chat with Daddy to Thomas's Driver and look in the Engine Cab, which made the day really special.

February 2001

We must be mad... back again to Swanage for another visitor - a year on and yes Jacob is still wearing the same trousers! No chance of Philip having them yet.

Anyway it was another great day out - check the photo!

February 2002

Another year... another visit, this time Thomas, Donald and Douglas and Daisy were waiting at Swanage for us to discover.

Trouser update - hard to believe but Jacob is still wearing the same checked trousers, now with a hole in the knee - but still going strong!

But will we be back in 2003?