Blaenavon Railway Steam Gala September 14th - 16th September

See you on the Saturday, who do I bribe to delay the 09:50 off Blaenavon so I can make the -3 minute connection from the bus? :lol: Oh go on!

 

Try not to break any of the visitors before I arrive on Sunday again this year!

 

Which bus are you coming up on, 23 or x24?

And don't worry James, we only kill monsters

regards
Alistair

 

sorry, I mean the 30 not the 23!

 

Well I believe I am on one of the par twins so I guess that will be me! Ali, remind us to hang around for 3 minutes!

Al

 

Oh, you are good to me, makes the 0430 start a bit more bearable! :lol: Coming up on the X24, Forgeside Cemetery, Varteg Road, Forge Side 09:53 according to Traveline (09:20 off Cwmbran).

... I'll run!

 

If Phil 'the Bus' is driving he will get his foot down for you.

We will try our best pal.

Look forward to seeing you on the gala. It promises to be a good 'un.

 

I believe your on 71515 on Saturday unless you have changed the roster again!!!

 

Im losing the plot slowly, it can be arranged whatever!

I believe it is the first charter with 9466 in black, 71515 will also be in steam with adjacent line running, GCR eat your heart out!

Al

 

The x24 runs along the top road and drops down into Blaenavon passing the station on the way. There is no bus stop there but if you ask the driver nicely he might drop you off - save the dash up the hill

 

You'll enjoy Alfred and Judy; we've already had plenty of fun with them down at Swanage! Little engines are more fun!

 

After a long evening shunting forming the stock for the gala, we are looking forward to the preparations this week. Rosyth No.1 arrives on Tuesday and will be on static display this weekend before strip down for overhaul. Alfred and Judy arrive on Wednesday and 9466 on Thursday.

It's going to be a mad 10 days!

See you all there.

Alex

 

Alfred and Judy arrived at Blaenavon today, with 9466 due tomorrow, we are on track for the gala.

See you there!

Alex

 

It was good to spend a few hours at the gala yesterday. It was my first ever visit to the railway and it was very evident that the railway has made great strides in the last couple of years with two extensions, new station buildings and under cover accomodation also growing. The new station building at Furnace Sidings which was opened yesterday is fantastic and is a facility many larger railways would be envious of. The railway is set in a stunning location and while the running line still has a lot of growing to do, it clearly has immense potential. If the current rate of progress is maintained this is definitely one line to watch out for. I look forward to riding behind the railway's own pannier up to the highest standard gauge station in England and Wales in the not too distant future, riding behind 9466 up those gradients yesterday was definitely a glimpse of possibilites!
Nice to also finally catch up with Alfred and Judy who certainly pack a punch for their tiny size.

 

Probably the best gala I've been to since last year's event - particular thanks for the slight delay to the first train (whether deliberate or not) allowing a connection from the bus, and to Alfred's crew on Saturday for the footplate ride (donation duly made!).

 

Well, that's it for another year! Thanks to all who supported the event, for me the Bagnall Twins were the real stars, unbelievable power and noise.

George, it was deliberate, I had to heckle the driver of Alfred while they passed the shed to remind them

Alan, your comments make it worth while, we are immensely proud of our railway and are planning to keep are feet hard on the accelerator!

Regards,

Alex

 

Another fantastic event, one of the best of the year for me. The staff were friendly and helpful, the facilities were good, there was a lot of variety in the timetable and the locos were driven enthusiastically which in my book is a big plus. I hope it worked out well financially and I look forward to more of the same next year although I'll probably visit many times between now and then!

 

A few photos from Sunday afternoon and a lot more from Monday's Compo Club photo charter online here - Mick Rogers Photography | Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, 15th & 16th September 2012

There will also be a video available later as soon as I can get it over the ether to Zenfolio.

Galas at the P&BR get better and better!

Cheers,
Mick

 

There's a service not many lines provide! :lol: