Pontypool and Blaenavon Steam Gala 14/15 September 2013

Just been announced on their Facebook page that 49395 and 1054 will be visiting.

Timeline Photos | Facebook

 

MAGIC!!! I'll be there

 

I might visit for the first time on the 14th since planning to travel on the Pembrokeshire Express on the 15th.

 

Beat me to it!

We are very pleased to announce that our guest engines this year will be the Super D 43935 courtesy of the NRM and Coal Tank 1054 courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society. Ever since it came into traffic everyone has been asking when we're going to get the Super D and with the Coal Tank back as well we just had to go for it.

To say we are looking forward to the event is an understatement.

And for anyone who has been before, we should have the run round loop at High Level in operation by then, which should make things more entertaining, less top and tail working.

 

I thought the Super D had been failed with a hole in one of the Flu tubes, given the age of the tubes are they going to patch it up to keep it going?

 

Yes. Already in progress I believe.

 

I'm not familiar with "flue tube". Boiler tube? Superheater element? Or something else? My money's on the first...

 

The larger diameter tubes that the superheater elements run through.

 

Ah, thank you!

 

A photo charter will take place the day before the gala details can be fond for this on the link below.

http://www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk/pages/pageitem.aspx?page=Photo Charter

 

Good Afternoon, we are just weeks away from our Gala, the yard is shunted, transport booked and we are ready for the off.

We are planning two passenger train operation plus a freight train between the services on the Furnace Sidings to Blaenavon Section. This may be the last chance to see the Super D and Coal Tank together in steam...

Please support this event if you can as it promises to be a weekend to remember!

We still have space on the photo charter, if you would like to join us please see the link above.

Regards,
Alex

 

I'm hoping to come down for the photo charter but waiting to be sure Arriva are running the Club 55 promotion this year, otherwise train+hotel+charter = too expensive. I'd come down on Thursday and leave around 18:00 Friday, want to call in on the transporter bridge in Newport also on Thursday. Will the charter incorporate a ride along the line? Can't afford to stay two nights!

 

Any idea yet when services will start on the Saturday morning? I'm planning to pop in for a while on the way back south west from the NYMR diesel gala on the Friday and want to judge how close to the PBR to stay, especially as I'm keen to be home in Totnes for the 7827 + 3205 double headers on the South Devon that evening.

 

The first train from Furnace Sidings is 9.45. I shall be uploading the timetable on here later today, and will also be on the website soon.

Alex.

 

Timetable with loco allocations available at http://pbrly.co.uk/files/Gala timetable 2013.pdf

 

Fantastic, thank you. Can definitely get a good early visit in. Will be my first trip to the PBR and the choice of visitors made it unmissable.

 

Are the sets the right way round on the timetable? The 3 coach rake seems to be on the big pit branch with the 2 coach set on the main line. The SLS special might look a bit odd with three locos and two coaches!

 

Well spotted! The sets should be the other way around!

The only trains top and tailed will be the main line trains between Furnace Sidings and Whistle Inn.

 

Coal Tank Update:

The Coal Tank will be displayed in Abergavenny prior to delivery at Blaenavon on Tuesday 10th from about 0930 - 1200. If you are in the area please come and see us, the loco will be displayed in Fairfield car park. The loco has strong links with Abergavenny being a resident of Abergavenny shed for many years.

Regards,

Alex

 

Both Super D and Coal Tank now on site. Coal tank went down well on display in Abergavenny yesterday -
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10665989.A_special_train_arrives_in_Blaenavon_ready_for_the_steam_gala/?ref=twtrec