STEEL, STEAM & STARS II - Llangollen Rly - 18 to 26 April 09

Had a reat day also yesterday with my five year old, think his highlight was either the Hornby trade stand or being able to ride on the footplate of "Irish Mail" at Carrog but that's to be expected.
Tried to take some pics but wasn't really a photographing day, feel pleased being able to pay an entrance fee and help the 6880 crown hopefully break evan and make a few quid. On this subject I was astounded at the number of line siders- hundereds at least. Every field seemed to have 20-30 photographers of videographers (is that a word?). I know it has been mentioned before but how many of these chaps will pay en entrance fee?
Anyway, some of my efforts here:




If the links don't work as usual, see: http://www.pbase.com/merseyphotographic/trains
dan www.merseyphotographic.co.uk

 

Seemed to be quite a few of the "18" sticky labels in the field i was in after having a ride.

 

Thats good, I have heard figures as to the cost of laying the event on and they are frightening so I do hope everyone can contribute!

 

Yes, I'm sure most photographers will be contributing either with a ticket ,or some way. I've got 3 days of tickets to collect at Lian this Friday, A couple of us are coming down from the WSR.
There's absolutely no doubt they'll get the Grange built, what great publicity ideas they have, they ought to join forces with the A1 team!!

 

Its actually jimbo. gripjim is my email add. Looking forward to some vids on utube.

 

There are a couple up already

 

yes indeed, I spoke to a few members of staff who gave me some indication of the costs involved, quite incredable really and one which must have involved certain risks. Wwhat an achievement though to run a 9 day event of this type, I sincerely hope the railway do make a significant profit from the event, they certainly deserve to do so, nothing was too much trouble for the staff, what lovely and friendly people they are.

 

http://lewis-maddox.fotopic.net/c1684751.html

Some pics from a beautiful Saturday the 18th

 

A small but important point to note - the Llangollen Railway is NOT running this event.

The Betton Grange team has hired the railway for the whole 9 days, has arranged the event, hired the engines, organised the timetable ( L'il Bear has spent the last 18 months organising it and the last month fine-tuning it including liaising with staff to ensure full cover ), paid the monies out up front and is keeping every finger crossed and every orifice open.

The team has listened to what people wanted from a Gala and provided it - now it up to you - the punters - to enjoy what is being provided and help bring a Grange back into existence.

But note - it's the Betton Grange team who have done it all and the Betton Grange team which will deserve all the plaudits.

 

Might be best to rephrase this or I may come in for a lifetime ban from NatPres...

Indeed yes, and masses of praise they deserve for such a well organised event. So much so that I will be parting with a further £8 for an evening return on Tuesday.

 

Sorry I've been out of contact but i haven't been able to get to a computer what with helping out at the gala and all.

 

What a GREAT day I had there today ! Well done to everyone involved. Great value for money and the brochure is superb!
I'll be back on Friday/Saturday next week for more

 

A few of my offerings from the last two days. A great weekend and thanks to all involved =D> More pictures to follow and I;m back next Sunday as well
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What a great couple of days so far, kicking off with the working members special on friday night, great spread at Carrog which I think was much appreciated by all. Weather glorious, hope it holds out for the latter half of the week and of course the final day

 

Some fabulous photos already appearing, also the weather seems to have being in everyone's favour so far!

Just being watching a couple of clips from the last Cavalcade at the first gala and noticed that a 2nd run past was done into Carrog, is there the intention of doing this again?? Also hope the drivers are going to be as enthusiastic with the whistles as the last one, it sounded awesome!

Hope to be around on Sunday, rather looking forward to it now having just watched those couple of clips.
Come say hello if you see us around!

 

What a brilliant gala,can't wait till next Sunday,had a fabulous half day today and copped 3 new locos for haulage too,can't complain at that! Those been:1306,246 and 9017

Photos from today at: http://mark-walker.fotopic.net/c1685148.html


My shot of the day:




Well done 6880 team/Llangollen railway for putting on such a well organised event!

Cheers,
Mark

 

Just a reminder but not everything is happening at Carrog we also have a shed load of model railway engines of all sizes plus vintage traction and stalls at Glyndyfrdwy. There is also better parking at Glyndyfrdwy and not a minute walk from the station. The same can be said at Carrog although Carrog carpark closes at 6 the same is not true for Glyndyfrdwy carpark.