Blaenavon Railway Steam Gala September 14th - 16th September

If you're going for Charter success as well as vocal altitude, CD No.1 isn't the way to go. A bright blue power station shunter is a tad inappropriate for the dark welsh hills...but at the same time I suppose 2962 in Devonport Dockyard maroon is inappropriate too...!

I do agree however that a tank/industrial appropriate is the key to follow - last years visit by the South Wales mob was very enjoyable, and although a 57xx would tick the boxes for a charter, it's definately a lack of lion and wheel that i'd like to see, as the PBR seems to excel at it.

 

Exciting stuff...will you be contacting the KWVR over a certain LNWR loco too...? There is nothing I would like to see more than those two double heading with the appropriate headboard on the PBR...

 

You and me both.

 

Well, I have registered interest with the Bahamas lads too, just waiting a response.

Fingers crossed.

Alex

 

There isn't a suitable emoticon, so I want you to imagine me making a high-pitched 'eeeeeeee!' of delight whilst shaking my hands like Wallace from the animations!

 

well theres always 4247 to use for charters, for the gala a nice load 4-wheeler like castle donnington would be brilliant, would definately get me to the gala!! not many places can use that sort of a loco to it's full potential and i dont think its got that long left on its ticket? gives a nice comparison of the different types of locos used for similar work - between them and mech navvies theres something to be had about contrasting forms of heavy coal trains!

 

Completely agree. 4247 can handle the charters but for entertainment value a small industrial working hard is difficult to beat. I've never seen castle donnington so can't vouch for it loudness but I'd definitely like to see it.

 

A loud 4 wheeler? I am sure Blaenavon resounds particularly well to an Andrew Barclay, now there is an idea!

Alex

 

Could be interesting, as long as it steams well enough! ;-)

 

All, I am please to announce that subject to agreement we should be taking delivery of J72 number 69023 the first week of August. The early arrival is to cover boiler washouts, bank holiday and of course the gala. She will stay with us until at least the end of September to partake on the driver experience course along with the Austerity.

Thanks to the NELPG for lending us there lovely little Loco.

Alex

 

Oh how wonderful! Joem is a gorgeous little thing, really took to her at the SVR's march gala this year! Might have to make a special visit for this - will you be able to publish a roster?

 

Yes a full working timetable showing locos, freight and passenger trains will be available on our website and I'll put a copy on here when it is completed. Now we know the visiting locos I will get on with it, anyone got any special requests for the timetable?

 

Plenty of Bagnall action please!

 

I would like to see wsr's 7f which would be in black for 2013.

 

... Why?! :lol:

 

Bad News I'm afraid, due to the slower than planned overhauls of 4612 and 6435 Bodmin have had to withdraw 4247 from the gala. We appreciate Bodmin's position and would have done the same I am sure, I have put out the feelers for a replacement and should be able to announce this within weeks. We are obviously disappointed but we hope to reschedule the visit for a future gala.

Regards,

Alex

 

4277!!! haha

 

We are very pleased to announce not one but two of our gala visitors (subject to agreement), the diminutive Port of Par Twins, Alfred and Judy. The Bagnall built twins come courtesy of our friends at the Cornish Steam Locomotive Preservation Society (CSLPS)and Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

The locomotives will be working over the 3 days of the gala (14th, 15th and 16th of September) and will see the first steaming of all three CSLPS locomotives in one place together with No.19.​

 

Think it's fair to say they tick the "Loud 4 wheeler" box! :lol:

 

Excellent stuff!