45407 & 44871 on the Central Wales

A few shots of 45407 and 44871 today:

Crossing Knucklas | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Steam And Industry | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

Another one:

Arhoswch | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

Just back from Barry Rail Centre (23.20hrs) - a very interesting day acting as Line Controller for the Barry Tourist Railway. The 26038 event went very well, and in addition, the icing on the cake this evening was the arrival in steam of 45407 and 44871 (+ 2 support coaches) off the Crewe - Pengam (via Central Wales Line) Special.
We were asked at short notice if we could arrange stabling at Barry Rail Centre for these steam locos as the normal stabling point at Cardiff Canton was not available. This is the first time that steam locos have used the main line connection to access the depot at Barry from the main line since 1965...and the first use of the connection by preserved steam.
As we have plenty of covered accommodation, we are able to keep the two locos and support coach under cover in our Main Depot Shed.
We are hoping that more passenger tour operators will use our excellent facilities at Barry n the future as we can offer full servicing facilities. When we get our 70ft turntable installed in 2014, the last piece of the jigsaw will be in place at Barry to enable us to offer 'on-site' turning rather than tender locos having to turn on the triangles at Newport or Cardiff.
The steam locos will be staying with us till Saturday and will be coaled on Friday.
John Buxton