Pontypool & Blaenavon Annual Steam Gala: 9th - 11th September 2022

Visitors:
7714 From Severn Valley.
Second TBA.

Home Fleet:
"Jessie".
"Rosyth No.1".
"Wimblebury".

https://www.bhrailway.co.uk/events-and-experiences

 

SECOND VISITOR ANNOUNCED:
Hudswell Clark No.1857 From West Somerset.
Will be remaining as a permanent resident afterwards.
https://m.facebook.com/pbrailway/ph...709984035729403/?type=3&source=48&__tn__=EH-R

1219 "Caledonian Works" also joins the lineup.

 

FULL LINE UP!

VISITORS:
1857.
3839 "Wimblebury".
7714.

HOME FLEET:
1219 "Caledonian Works".
1385 "Rosyth No.1".
1873 "Jessie".

Webpage:
https://www.bhrailway.co.uk/annual-steam-gala

 

Someone recently posted on the Spa Valley thread, that the beauty of short line galas was that something was always happening. With a branch line thrown into the mix, today at P&BR definitely proved the point.

 

My mate Ally would have loved those photos, (using the past tense is still rather upsetting) thanks for sharing @City_Steam

 

The HC has had to be withdrawn with a blowing main steam pipe, however as it was mostly doubleheaded I dont think this will make a great deal of difference to the proceedings.
Yesterday was excellent, well attended and with some great performances from the locos and very helpful friendly staff.

 

Shame to miss the HC, but a fun day out today. It was quite quiet in terms of passengers until the afternoon, hope it was busier yesterday. But still, a lovely day with beers, Barclays, and track-bashing! Few mobile pics attached.

 

Just glad it was 1857 rather than Jessie as she is needed for a much more important event.
Still, nice to see 7714 proving what panniers are really made of.

 

What’s a much more important event?

In terms of intensive working, noise, entertainment and friendliness, I’d take the Blaenavon gala above the SVR (which I assume is more important?!) any day. I had a superb day on Saturday, as I always do at this railway.

 

Yes, I agree. Always a great day out. I'd like to see the railway break out of Blaenavon though for a slightly longer run, does anyone know how extension plans are shaping up?

 

I do apologise, just a bit edgy that's all.
I will say this, it's a bit of pain getting to P&BR especially if you don't drive.

 

As a first time visitor, what struck me was the state of the carriages....absolutely immaculate exteriors, lush spotless interiors, and classy inviting mocquette Surely some of the best looking MK1's running. A credit to the C&W team.

The volunteer staff on Saturday were surprisingly young (someone is doing something right), and everyone was extremely friendly, lending to the great atmosphere.

And it's not that hard to get to by public transport. After a 3 hour train journey to Cwmbran, I was straight on a bus, which is every 15 minutes to High Level.

The post industrial landscape, and the wild moorland scenery give the railway an absolutely unique atmosphere.

 

It was a really good, highly enjoyable gala, action everywhere and lots to see. I agree with the comments about the coaches, I was told one had been done at Williton and that the PBR has two members who can do upholstery. The PBR is a wonderful place to go for loco action and very encouraging to see so many young volunteers who were very helpful.

7714 made short work of the climbs on Sunday.
John Evans (driver) and Mike Morris (fireman) who were crewing Caledonia Works on Sunday made a superb trip, finishing with 130 lbs on the clock whereas the day before it was down to 80 lbs. Although it is only a 10" loco it really made a significant contribution to getting the train up the bank.

I particularly enjoyed the presence of Wimblebury, it took me back to my visits to collieries and the sounds of NCB steam.

Thanks to everyone at the railway you make superb galas.