January 2015 Update
The first month of a new year could be presumed to be a quiet time for some, but as you will read, there is much happening behind the scenes on the BLR, even if there are no scheduled trains running. Apart from the Wednesday Gang’s activities, sometimes in distinctly uninviting weather, (more later), many varied tasks have been undertaken. Work on Winifred’s boiler continues, Holy War has been stripped down for routine inspections etc. and we include a photo of Chris Scott steam-cleaning her frames. A refurbished carriage wheel-set has been received, timetables are finalised and Flag Halt has had a makeover, making it ready for the season (and the Halloween Specials, where it is an infamous location for eerie occurrences!).
Carriage & Wagon
Scroll back in this News Section to August and you will see what the restored Penrhyn Coal Wagon looked like at that time. We now include a photo of the latest progress after the C&W team actually benefited from some dry weather in which to get on with their task. You will recall that space is of a premium when working on this wagon, thus much access all around is needed. The boards for three sides have now been cut, and this was followed by fettling the joints and belt-sanding the faces to ensure a very tight fit. Regular readers will recall that the new and very tight axle bearings were eased to great effect at the end of 2014 by simply including the wagon in a private train.
The Wednesday Gang
In the light of numerous reports this month, the team has been very busy with the continued maintenance programme, and in all weathers too.
Their first day back (7th) was spent on culvert duty, and ensuring that all drainage was clear, a considerable task. Near the Bala end of the line, where the road crosses the line, the side ditch was cleared of leaves and other arboreal detritus, particularly relevant here as there is much foliage around the cutting before the station. On their way back, they stopped at the delightful little halt at Pentre Piod, where a blackthorn bush and other overgrown photo-obstructions were removed, thus making this location a most promising photo spot.
The next three Wednesdays were spent on the continuing task of fish-plate greasing. However, on top of all this, the team has had to deal with other excitements, such as fallen trees and the need to change the odd sleeper that does not meet their exacting standards. Nevertheless, the fish-plate job is now up to the famous BLR lakeside embankment, that wonderful open vista beside Bala lake, although their work on that particular day coincided with the arrival of Arctic winds.
After a testing day, one member of the team simply remarked; “Roll on next Wednesday”.
The Penrhyn Saloon Project
David Hale continues with this epic solo undertaking which began last April, this time completing the wooden structure on to which will be attached the vertical framework, the whole eventually being mounted on the metal frames. As David describes; “The headstocks are now bolted permanently to the underframe, the solebars are glued in place, as are the bearers for the floor. It is beginning to look like something”. Soon, when the lateral framework is married to the side- and end-frames, it will, like an intricate jigsaw puzzle, suddenly change from numerous beautifully crafted pieces to the carcass taking shape. After that, of course, comes the equally detailed job of the exterior and interior woodwork.
Driver Experiences
As we have mentioned during the latter part of 2014, the beautifully restored Winifred is to feature in our Driving Experience roster in 2015. However, such was the almost immediate take-up of places, that only a few are still available as this is written. Driving a steam locomotive is one thing, but to take the regulator on a piece of living history is unique. If the idea of an unforgettable day appeals, please go back to the BLR Homepage and look at the Driving Experience section. It would be a truly unique day.
Presentation to Roger Hine
We show the photograph of the presentation, to Roger Hine, of this wonderful Pauline Hazelwood painting, and attach the following from our new Chairman, Dr David Gwyn.
"At the end of 2014, to mark their gratitude to Roger Hine at the end of his long and outstandingly successful stewardship of the Bala Lake Railway as General Manager, his fellow directors presented him with a beautiful painting of the railway’s four Hunslet ‘Ladies’,Maid Marian, Winifred, Holy War and Alice, by the renowned artist, Pauline Hazelwood. Our outgoing manager leaves the railway in great shape, and we will still have the benefit of his counsel as a member of the Board".
And finally…..
One volunteer always notes that, when sunrise can now be seen through one particular window in his house, he knows that spring is almost upon us, and the torpor (for some) of winter is dispelled. The Bala Buzz is increasing, the restoration of Winifred is nearing completion, and The Red Dragon Project, the extension back into Bala, is well under way. Like the Penrhyn Saloon recreation, it is all gradually coming together.
More importantly, in order to raise funds for the extension, The Bala Lake Railway Trust website is now up and running, so if you would like to make a donation to help us with our quest to reach Bala, or simply to keep an eye, for now, on how it is progressing, please have a look at the website,www.thebalalakerailwaytrust.org and, as always, watch this space. Even better, join us!