August 2014 Update
There is nothing as fickle as the British summer, especially where passenger numbers are concerned. The railway carried almost as many passengers as during the same month last year, but the Bank Holiday was an oddity, to say the least. The Saturday was good, Sunday was manic, necessitating the addition of an extra coach to the usual rake of five, a rare occurrence, but Monday was quiet, as the weather resorted to its traditional temperament. Nevertheless, the Station café did good business, and benefited also from groups of cyclists dropping for some light relief. Another source of passing traffic may be the consequence of the publicity surrounding the Red Dragon Project for the line to re-enter Bala Town itself. It is thought that some visitors, who have not visited in many a moon, are coming to see what the railway is up to.
Locomotives
Our three Hunslets have been busy, Alice especially so because of the mainly good weather favouring her open footplate. Being ‘old ladies’, they are carefully checked on a daily basis, so that problems are not allowed to build up. Work on the other two Hunslets, Winifred and George B, progresses well, with the former’s ‘chassis’ showing the result of some fastidious work. It is hoped that Winifred will be complete and in steam some time next spring, and what an occasion that will be. Watch this space.
Carriage & Wagon
While work continues on a weekly basis, holidays naturally mean a slight slowing down in this department, thus there will be more news next month. In the meantime, the Directors’ Saloon framework progresses well, but photographs simply cannot do justice to the accuracy and intricate detail work. This really has to be seen at close range.
The Penrhyn coal wagon reached a milestone when the two remaining bearings were fitted, and it was pushed out into the sunshine. It was reported that the bearings were such a good fit that a period of ‘running in’ will be needed. This success received a charming seal of approval when Sam, our railway dog, who actually belongs to Rob Houghton, our chief engineer, saw the wagon outside, barked his approval, jumped up on to the wagon and then went to sleep on it.
As mentioned last time, Liz Partridge, one of our new volunteers, has done a fine painting job on the steel slate wagon. She has an ethos of ‘it has to be right’, and her keenness is much appreciated. She also has an uncanny knack of getting covered in coal dust when on firing duties, to a degree hitherto unseen. This is taking enthusiasm to new heights.
In conclusion, there is a lot happening behind the scenes, and this brings a distinct tingle of expectancy to the railway. With much in the pipeline, so to speak, the autumn and winter months promise to be a memorable period.