Llangollen Railway 1960's Weekend 30th & 31st July

Make that 2

 

My pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevepurves/

 

Many thanks to everyone that turned up to support us, what a weekend! Anyone with a camera got a proper treat.

Foxcote Manor was prepared specially for the 60's weekend only and has already been cleaned up to return her to the usual pristine condition. Believe it or not, that amazing effect was achieved using only kids water-based poster paint - so should not be difficult to recreate IF a sufficient quantity of bookings were to approach us for a photo charter AND the owning Group were to approve of her being treated in this way again.

All credit to Mr Ross and the others who helped to get her looking like an unloved 60's wreck. Several "normals" actually remonstrated with staff as to "why are you scrapping this lovely steam engine??"

Watch out for the advanced date for next year's event.............

 

Good to hear that it washed off ok, possibly paving the way for the same treatment on other locos in the future?

 

I really enjoyed the event, I have some feedback below if that is useful?

All but one of the trains I travelled on ran perfectly to time and there was a friendly atmosphere.

We easily managed a run on everything that was out so a good timetable as well. We also felt the diagramming was well balanced. You could have as much Steam/Diesel/DMU as you wanted, so we were able to change trains and enjoy what we wanted - which is just what a gala should enable you to do.

7822 also looked great, it seemed to look closer to those old colour images from the 1960s than some previous preservation attempts have.

Adding the box vans to one of the rakes was a nice touch and it would seem appreciated by photographers.

Only one negative (aiming to be constructive not offensive here) - at Carrog in the absence of a footbridge please hold the departing train 2 minutes to give us chance to walk over the road bridge! We were arriving on an incoming service and planned to go straight back out (a +10 connection) but the J94 had lost some time (coincidently, also about 10 minutes). However with the advantage of a barrow crossing the token made it across the tracks faster than we could and our 31 roared out bang on time. Of course I know time has to be made up but I'm sure a minute or two could have been spared especially given the enthusiastic driving style of the diesel locos that day

We thought the "rail replacement" bus services were great fun. We travelled on one and enjoyed it so much we had another ride in the afternoon! I think for those who sampled it the buses really added another dimension to the event which you don't always get at all galas.

And finally - not directly related to the gala but we had our first run on the Thompson buffet and what a vehicle! Enjoying a drink from the 22ft bar in the "saloon" with a 31 on the front has to be a highlight! I hope the event proved a success for the railway because it was clear a lot of effort had gone in.

 

Thanks for the detailed and constructive feedback Chris, glad you enjoyed the day.

Your point about Carrog is noted - my Folks were visiting the Railway for the weekend and experienced a similar problem at Glyndyfrdwy. The headways for the timetable we were operating were tight - but that doesn't mean a train can't be held to ensure those making the most of the variation get their leap!

 

There wasn't. The fares we charge for the 1960's weekend are 'event' prices, i.e. £13 for an adult rover, rather than the 'gala' price of £16.

It wouldn't be worth doing an evening fare anyway, because the evening runs consisted of 2 round trips to Glyn, then Llan to Carrog only for the final run, with an Empty coaching stock return.

 

All enquireys for photo charters should be directed to the usual organisers for these things. Or if you'd like to organise your own, please contact Llangollen Railway, contact details are on the website.

 

Provisional date for next year is 28th and 29th July 2012 Folks. Plenty already in the pipeline as to how we better this year's event. ;D

 

Although my attendance for the railway is due for next year it is a shame I will not be there for this. I will however be there for the 2012 DMMU gala in which I believe to be the end of June

 

Video from me featuring each of the locos in operation over the Saturday... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN0-2THwiw4