Pontypool & Blaenavon 'Steam In The South Wales Valleys' Gala Sept 11-13 2015

The theme of our annual steam gala this year is Steam in the South Wales Valleys. The gala will run over 3 days Friday 11, Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September 2015.

• Two visiting locomotives Ex GWR 56xx 0-6-2T 5637 and Ex GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank 6435.

• Four locomotives in steam on Saturday & Sunday when home based locomotives Andrew Barclay 0-4-0st 'Rosyth No. 1' and RSH 0-6-0st 71515 'Mech Navvies' will join the visitors.

• Intensive two train timetable, with freight and vintage trains also in operation

Alex.

 

Second guest engine added Pannier Tank 4612.

 

Is there going to be a post-gala photo charter?

 

Might be tempted down for this, came first time for the Super D and Coal Tank and had a great time, compact line but plenty going on and multiple photography locations, plus not afraid of using the regulator on the Austerities in particular, just a pity there isn't a long rake of coal wagons to hang off the 56XX.

 

Photo charter with the Compo Club (Simon Hopkins) is on Monday 14 September using 5637 & 4612.

I will post further details when available.

Alex G.

 

David we would love a rake of coal wagons, we are looking into getting a short rake for the line but its still work in progress. Hopefully the main rake of coaches will be up to four MK1's this year for the gala, so should make the locos work a little harder up our steep gradients!

Alex G.

 

Guys, here is the link to the Charters on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th September -http://www.pbrly.co.uk/pages/news/NewsItem.aspx?item=157

 

4612 has sadly failed at Bodmin and is unlikely to be repaired in time. Bodmin have kindly agreed to lend us 6435 as a replacement.

Alex

 

There will be a chance over the gala to travel on our newly completed extension to Coed Avon, which is to the South of Blaenavon High Level station.

 

Working timetables for the Gala with loco allocations attached.

Trains will only be top and tail on the Furnace Sidings to Whistle in section with the MK1's.

Alex G.

 

5637 has arrived with us ready for the gala, picture earlier today on a test to check clearances.

 

Had a great day at the P&BR gala yesterday. A set of photos of the event can now be seen at my Zenfolio website here:- http://mickrogers.zenfolio.com/p1012984998
Thanks to all who helped in the running of the gala.



Cheers,

 

My footage of 5637 and 6435 in action yesterday.

 

My pics from this event on the Saturday: http://daviddepperphotography.zenfolio.com/p142066352#h5952e8f5

Thanks to the P&B, great experience coming off the branch while a 56XX hammers up alongside, how many other railways can offer that ?.

 

Thanks David, what shall we have visit next year? We have a couple of ideas in mind.

Alwx G.