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D9524 was ready for traffic on Sunday - just. For what had seemed a straightforward "secure tank, hose up, change filters, bleed pump and start" became the more complicated because (a) certain volunteers were not in favour of it being started within the shed (nor for that matter it being dagged out to be started in the rain!)  and (b) "youthful exuberance" resulted in a bleed nipple being sheared at the pump body. The latter neccessitated the entire injection pump coming off, the offending bit of nipple extracted (the "spare" ex Port Talbot DV8 yielding a replacement) and - to prove the bit about clouds and silver linings - flushing a  surprising amount of dirt and  water-contaminated fuel out of the pump. At about 4pm, D9524 condescended to start for the first time since August 31st, and although a little ragged,  performed some brief shunting ready for Sunday morning.

With the weather cool and a little dubious, cautious counsels prevailed and D9524 was coupled to the Swindon-built Toad brake van but as the noon departure time loomed, too many people presented themselves for the 'van and a carriage rake had to be substituited.  As there wasn't time to re-form the rake, the 3 carriages being made ready for EHR's Santa trains had to be utilised, and as the Railway's Safety Case stipulates  top-n-tail when over 2 carriages,  EHR Hunslet 0-6-0DH "Louise" took over at the top end. This was possibly just as well,  as D9524 was not pulling especially  well  and emphasises the need for the transmission oil change planned for early next year.  The last train of the day (4pm) reverted to D9524 alone with the brake van and was in the charge of EHR Chairman George Beautyman. The loco finally returned to shed without any incidents.

The EHR took triple its normal daily take for a November Sunday, and at least one visitor had come from as far away as Devon specifically to ride behind D9524.