Talyllyn Railway all night steam - 4/5 June

Did anyone from the Nat-Pres community attend the all night steam over the weekend?

 

yes, long day, only missed the 1-3 am trains, well, I saw them as well from the car in the rain while trying to get some kip.

 

What did you think of it?

I was around for the weekend (and a few days beforehand) and thought it went pretty well; I was firing No.1 on Sunday afternoon.

Wharf on Saturday evening was packed whenever a train arrived (and not just by TR members who always travel a lot on the railway!). I was up at Abergynolwyn from about 2300 - 0000 and there were a few people about there when the bar was on.

 

Awesome weekend! Best visit to TR I've ever had, though the visit of Welshpool's megaphone last xmas comes a close second as it was entertaining.

Got there about 6pm Sat left 2pm Sun having never left the line. Attempted to sleep on the trains, and enjoyed a fair few number of pints plus had burger n chips from Wharf in the evening and then got breakfast come the morning. The highlight for me has to be No3 on the 11pm train, its a noisy loco for narrow gauge anyway but the driver let her chuff and it impressed a lot of non enthusiasts sat in the same coach as me.

Overall, I thought it was a well thought out gala. Having the beer tent at Aberg was good as it gave you a reason to travel, and with the tearooms open all night at least we could get something warm as it did get cold after about 4am. My only complaint would be that it did take time to get our food once ordered at Wharf and that they ran out of Pioneer Ale seemingly early on the Saturday. However they are only small gripes, and tbh they do not detract from what was a highly enjoyable weekend.

My only other complaint would be that No2 was kept in the shed all weekend. I can understand her requiring work hence her non participation, but this event was part of the celebrations of TR over the last 60 years which she is a huge part of. To have her shut away hidden from public view all weekend was slightly disappointing IMO.

 

I was on that one and i would be interested to see the timings from Pendre to Brynglas!

No. 3's always had a decent bark to her and with the large diameter of her wheels I think if given the chance, track and regulations permitting, could shift a bit. Certainly well over the TR speed limit

 

It used to be louder before the multi-jet blast pipe was put on in 2004.

 

Likewise! During the night I think I managed three trips from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and back, and one from Tywyn to Nant. I'm guessing I went to Nant, I woke up at Aber and had time for a cuppa before going back to sleep!

The morning photo charter was good too. Only about 15 people and a dog on it. No. 3 on the Corris coach and wagons looked good. I've just started sorting out the photos, I'll post some in a bit.

 

I saw it back at Pendre when we arrived LE with No.1 to pick up 3 of the original TRs - looked a nice wee set to photograph.

 

I believe that I was on all of the 8pm, 11pm, 1.57 off Aberg, 3am, 6am, and 1030am trips. I know I went to sleep and woke up in the wheelchair coach lol. Same with Nant, can't remember going there but must of done at some point. The service from the guys/girls in the cafe was appreciated, as they did look tired come the morning. Felt kinda sorry for them as at least we had been able to enjoy the beer and the trains!

The Corris set did look nice, was asleep when it went up the line but got pictures of it at Dolgoch whilst she watered on the return. Overall, defo a nomination for gala of the year.

 

[video=youtube;oa6mczUjLtY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa6mczUjLtY&hd=1[/video]
Verry well run gala, we had a long two days, bit of fight getting back home after spending most of the night up, but it was well worth it.

 

Lovely video Kenneth. It was a beautiful evening.

 

Quality video as always Ken, and it was nice to meet you on Saturday.

 

Nice to put face's to name, as usually Penny enjoyed the extra attention, I some times wonder if I am just the Shofer.

 

One from the Sunday morning photo charter.