Steel Steam and Stars III

How busy were the trains today?

 

First 2 trains look fairly reasonable in this video.
First passenger trains on the new extension 21.4.12 - YouTube

 

All trains appeared packed!

Thanks,
Lewis

 

Few pictures from me today, including the two LNWR locos in the rain outside Glyn...

 

The beer train is very well loaded this evening.
Considering the weather the turn out is good.
828 did the last stopping service back, 60163 is getting ready to take the rest of us back ..

.. Posted from the Thomson bar!

 

Take it you've had a beer or two seeing as its Thompson ;-)

BBC News Item
BBC News - Steam gala runs on Llangollen Railway extended line

 

We've had a couple of good days so far, firstly setting up at the campsite at Carrog yesterday we managed to see Tornado on the new extension at around lunchtime. Then had a mooch round, met up with a couple of the 6880 guys to see what we could help out with then a couple of pints at the Grouse at Carrog before meeting up with Glyn and Ally as it went dark at the campsite and another couple of beers before turning in.

Overnight it dropped to -2C in the valley and the sleeping bags we took were as much use as a chocolate fireguard, probably warmer lying naked in the frosty grass (no, I didn't try that...:crazy: ). I decided to give up trying to sleep as a bad job at around 5.45am and went for a short walk along the river to defrost.

Most of the day was spent on manning the carpark at Carrog before travelling down to Llan behind 70000 and 44806 then returning back to Carrog on the beer train which as John said earlier was well loaded. It was nice to meet up with a few forum members and have a catch up this evening on the way back from Llan over a beer :thumb:

Anyway that's days 1 and 2, I shall report in again on Tuesday.

Neil.

 

The Coal Tank looked superb yesterday!

This is my first photo of many more to come:


58926 by Teenage Steam Photography, on Flickr

For more: Flickr: Teenage Steam Photography's Photostream

Thanks,
Lewis

 

1st train of the day to stop at Berwyn.

 

No offence, but not many knew the first train didn't stop seeing as no public timetable has been released. Only those who have the souvenir guide know what is running and when.

 

The times of the trains from Glyndyfwy would also be useful to know as I believe the recommended car park is here.

 

A very odd way to organise a gala. No timetable available unless you buy a programme in advance.
I also understand that some of the railways staff didnt know what was happening when asked. They did produce a print out of times off Llangollen but nothing else.

If someone wants at short notice to go then there is not enough information...and because of that they might decide to go else where....

Hey ho...that what the organisers have decided and I hope it works out for them..

 

Yes it would be nice to know in advance - I'm dragging my old man to this next Sunday and it would be good if I/we could plan the day in advance instead of on the hoof on the day!!

 

One hour and still counting, unfortunately the delays are stacking up, been sat in the platform at Llan for an hour and 15... No initial reasons given from staff as yet...

 

Sounds like the same chaotic shambles as yesterday then!

 

70000 waiting in Llangollen

 

As per Tanfield, I would've been interested, but without a timetable etc I can't justify going half way across the country on spec...

 

Much the same for me. I was tempted to go to Llangollen this weekend but before committing to a 400+ mile return trip, which with petrol and accommodation would be a not inconsiderable cost, I would have needed a timetable and loco roster, for which I would have been happy to pay for in advance.
Probably just as well I did not go, I could have just imagined my wife#s reaction to being stuck on an immobile train for over an hour.........................................

 

Very enjoyable day yesterday, the timetable started to slip from the second train as the coal tank struggled with load and water capacity, having to top up at Glyn and subsequently blocking the line. I found it very odd that there wasn't a print out of train times available, there were some on display at Berwyn but that was about it. Someone had put some times on a chalk board at Glyn, but the rain soon washed them off! Not all of us could afford to fork out an extra £5 for a souvenir booklet and knowing the train times has always been a standard requirement when buying a ticket?! I wasn't that bothered as the timetable was pretty easy to guess in terms of what was due next and by the afternoon the trains bore little resemblence to advertised times anyway!
Certainly the gala was very well attended yesterday with standing room only on Tornado's trains. I enjoyed my runs behind the A1 and the Brit, but for me the auto train was the star. The new extension looks excellent with a very high standard of trackwork.Getting to Corwen really will complete this railway. Well done to all organisers and volunteers, it certainly is a lovely line you have there, I hope you raise plenty of dosh towards 6880.

 

Looked to see how to book in advance....advance tickets now not available...

SSS3 Tickets | Betton Grange 6880