Blaenavon Railway Steam Gala September 14th - 16th September

The planning is currently underway for the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway's Autumn Steam Gala, we are in the final stages of securing the two visiting locomotives.

Watch this space...

Regards,

Alex

 

The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway are very pleased to announce the first guest engine for their September 14 – 16 steam gala, ex GWR 2-8-0T 4247 courtesy of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. The big 2-8-0T 4200 tank engines were purpose built for the Welsh Valleys with a high tractive effort and good steaming capabilities and could be found working the trains to and from Blaenavon. The steep gradients on the line necessitating the biggest and most powerful engines. Built in 1916 4247 spent a lot of its career at Newport Ebbw Junction so would no doubt have frequented the route to Blaenavon. Recently restored and now running in BR black​

It will be good to see one of these back in the South Wales Valleys!

 

OK, we have 4247 confirmed, at last the echoes of a GWR heavy freight tank engine will fill the valley again, an exiting prospect indeed.

The big question is what to have to complement it?

This is where we throw it open to the floor, we know that the coal tank is booked up for September so thats one elimination. What do we think, mainline or industrial, big or small, we are currently stuck between a few engines and would like the rest of you to aid us in our decision?

So lets have it!

Cheers,

Alex

 

I'd rather see a few 16T mineral wagons hired in than another loco, but I doubt they would lead to an increase in passenger numbers.

 

A 56xx to compliment the big tank.

 

Super D would be a crowd puller, or a 28xx maybe?

 

I'd agree with that suggestion.

 

Doubt 6634 will be ready in time, but I think that there are several others in working order. Not 6695, please, far too blue :tape:, unless it's been repainted recently :smile:

 

Castle Donington would be nice and vocal?

 

Super D would be nice.

 

Definitely something small and noisy rather than a big mainline engine. Personally I'd like to see Jessie (as a saddle tank), it worked in Wales and is small(ish) and noisy. Alternatively, as ex BR locos seem to bring in the crowds a bit more, how about 1501 if it's ready?

 

1501 will be ready very soon, I understand. Jessie worked a fair bit at the Avon Valley Railway last year, so I suspect that many local enthusiasts would prefer something different......Darfield aka Holly Bank No3 looks splendid at present at Chasewater....

 

If Castle Donington doesn't tickle peoples' fancies, I'd like to add my second vote (STV style) for 1501!

 

I would go for another industrial and agree with those who want something noisy. The 42XX are not spectacular performers being so big and powerful. Given the length of line something like Darfield or a 56XX/66XX would be good. Last years Industrial gala was one of the best events I've been to for engines working hard.

 

Whilst I like the idea of a normal BR black Pannier tank, the sound of something like 1501 from the SVR would be very nice!, CD1 would also make a welcome sight, as said , its local to me as well

 

2nd that:rockon:

 

Thanks for your ideas guys, keep them coming, I have registered interest with the NRM for the Super D for 2013 as it is our 30th year of operation and deserves a bit of a bash.

A 56/66xx would be good. CD1 I have never seen in person so I am guessing she's a bit of a beast.

1501 has always been a favorite of mine, although the valley are pretty short themselves.

I look forward to your suggestions, I have a few irons in the fire.

Alex

 

STEAM STORMING THE INCLINE - YouTube not much I can add to that! :lol: