Welshpool and Llanfair this weekend

What can I say.

The Pickering rake looked superb,
Chevallier looked and sounded good
Plenty of photo opportunities,
Helpful staff
Great bacon butties and beer.

A pity there did not seem to be many people around this morning, but by mid afternoon, the trains were packed.

Well done Welshpool and Llanfair!

 

I spent a really great day linesiding today

Best part, however, was racing Chevalier up the bank towards Welshpool from Sylfaen on a bike, can't believe I beat her and got a chance to photograph the superb loco...highlight of my day!

My praises go to all at the WLLR

Lewis

 

And here are my efforts, enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf34tU4QN7c&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDfjC7rNGoc&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTHR0kN5d9k&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx9CiTG_8pg&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYz-0Hq5WG4&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p8_kRwWQ6c&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3_tju6-uMs&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEyAmmkyFaY&feature=channel

Cheers,
Lewis

 

Did sound good even though the timing's well out and it seemed to clank quite a lot for a recently overhauled engine.

 

Ah but it wasn't recently overhauled but JUST overhauled. It only passed its boiler test on Tuesday and we had very little testing time before Gala. Problems emerged over the weekend mainly with hot boxes but considering the timescale we were very pleased with how it went - a tribute tot he team at the Flour Mill.
Andrew Charman
W&LLR Press Officer among other things...

 

How far did Chevallier go on its test run on Friday evening? I saw it leave Llanfair about 18.20, but had to dash off to try and find somewhere to stay. My usual place never got back to me regarding availability, and my back up option was fully booked, so I ended up in a pub a few miles away. Still, managed to get back to Llanfair at 7am on Saturday to see the first train, so not all bad.

823 looked brilliant on the Pickerings on Friday, I'm just disappointed I didn't manage to get a sunny shot of her with the mixed train on the Saturday. Plenty of more opportunities in the future, so not all bad. An excellent gala, as always. I wish I could've got more time off work, as I had to leave at 3pm on Saturday.

 

5944. Thanks for those pictures, true narrow gauge magic.

 

I called in briefly, during the rain, on Sunday http://chappers.fotopic.net/c1893561_61.html

 

Wow They are some amazing pictures...