Penrhyn Hunslets reunion?

Since 'Edward Sholto' returned to steam last year there has been an example of each of the different Penrhyn Hunslet classes in operation in the UK for the first time since the 1950s.

Currently operational are Blanche and Linda (Main Line Hunslets at FR), Lilian (Port class at Launceston), Edward Sholto (Large Quarry class at Statfold), Alan George (Small Quarry class at Teifi Valley) and Lilla (at FR).

George Sholto (Large Quarry class at Bressingham) and Margaret (Small Quarry class at Vale of Rheidol) should be operational in the next year or two as well.

Would there be interest in getting a number of ex. Penrhyn Hunslets (say one of each type) together for a reunion event at some point in the next few years - and would it be something you would travel to see?


Charlie

 

I would Charlie, and where better than at Penrhyn?

 

You forgot Hugh Napier as well. If the money can be raised to finish it a return to steam could be quite swift.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mai...ppeals_and_campaigns/w-donate-hugh-napier.htm

Why restrict it to just Hunslets go all out and have the likes of Eigiau, Stanhope and Felin Hen as well.
Tim

 

A firm assurance was given in a recent Penrhyn journal that the first phase of the railway will be complete sometime this year.

 

Certainly count me in but needs to be somewhere where slate trains can be run. Penrhyn would be lovely but may have to wait a few years yet. Perhaps the Ffestiniog would be best for punters but Threlkeld would look the best!

 

Sounds like a fantastic idea to me. Love to see that.

I missed out on the celebrations at the FR, when they had Charles out of the Castle too, would be great to see some of these loco's together again.

Rich.

 

Interesting - I had a similar thought not that long ago! Perhaps the 120th Birthday of Linda and Blanche would be a good excuse? I think including the non-hunslet Penrhyn locos would be a good idea too. As for where? Well I'm a little biased but surely there is only 1 venue for such an event!

 

I went to the last Penrhyn Quarry Hunslets Reunion, and to be honest, I found it all a little bit depressing.
Just seemed to be a lot of Hunslets standing around saying how much their lives had changed since they'd discovered Passengers, that sort of thing. No-one likes to be reminded they were born into a smoggy urban landscape, or that their formative years were spent in a depressed mining community. Locomotives, like people, have to move on, to focus on where they are now, how well they've done for themselves, the beautiful parts of the country in which they now live. Let them forget the restrictive horizons and strictly-stratified society in which they once dwelt. If they are inclined to roam free, then let them!

Oh, and by the way, it's a brilliant idea!

 

ellenbee, have you been sniffing steam oil again?

I agree with that though!

I don't suppose it would be possible to recreate a horse-drawn slate train these days, would it? That would be an interesting feature to add.

 

Anyone for the Nantlle Tramway Preservation Society? ;-)

 

There's enough waggons to do it. And I'd join...

 

...and I don't suppose there would be a shortage of volunteers to look after the ponies - a whole new group to get involved in railway history!!

 

When was the last time you saw a double-flanged 3ft 6inch gauge slate wagon?

 

reminds me of an addendum to the weekly notice

something to the effect that 'would the iron horse drivers take care that their steeds did not upset the real horse', which was shunting slate (empties in the station sidings).....

and, IIRC there are a lot more slate waggons about now, and more due to re-appear......

I'ld certainly be interested......

 

2 weeks ago at Tywyn...

 

and theres a fair few at Gelerts farm

 

15 years ago there were at least 5 at Pen Yr Orsedd too, but they had all lost their wheels...

 

If you like Penrhyn Quarry locomotives it might be worth keeping your autumn diary fairly free.

Watch this space.



Charlie

 

Re: Penrhyn Hunslets reunion

This is in the early stages of preparation...

Back from scrap

To the narrow gauge enthusiast the Penrhyn scrap line evokes feelings every bit as strong as those created by the lines of engines at Barry in the 1970s. Happily all the Penrhyn engines have been saved.

Now in 2012 just about every locomotive from that scrap line has a current boiler certificate and can be seen in steam. This means that 50 years on there is a chance of a wonderful celebration by bringing back together the Penrhyn scrap line but this time with them all in steam - Jubilee 1897, Lilla, Lillian, Edward Sholto, Eigiau, Stanhope, Sgt Murphy and Bronllwyd. Plus F&WHR regulars Britomart, Linda and Blanche.

This year will also see the return to steam of another Penrhyn engine in the shape of Hugh Napier. This locomotive has had a fairy tale existence having not even made it to the scrap line. However, with the help of the National Trust and the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, the elusive Penrhyn engine will steam again this Spring.

Plans are at an early stage and sponsorship to cover costs of transporting locos to a gathering in north Wales is sought. The date is set or the 14th – 16th of September when the Welsh Highland Railway's popular SuperPower weekend will become 'QuarryPower' and the Penrhyn Scrap line will reappear at several locations of the F&WHR with the added attraction of moving the locos in a cavalacade over the course of the weekend.