November 2015 Update
Much happened in November, but if ever an update merited the codicil ‘weather permitting’, it was the month just passed. However, persistent rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of staff and volunteers. After all, they were damp enough already, so a little extra went completely unnoticed.
The Wednesday Gang continued with their tasks of fishplate greasing, as well as tree trimming, even if conditions were less than favourable. Nevertheless, much progress was made and tea consumed.
The Working Weekend, in the middle of the month, could have been a literal wash-out, such was the quantity of rain that fell almost continually, but again, jobs had to be done and everyone just got on with them. The Saturday was spent doing more pruning to the foliage that grows lineside, an essential aspect of maintenance that ensures that the views along the line are kept so appealing. However, it was ‘stair-rod Sunday’, thus after very heavy rain overnight, the first tasks were to help in the higher areas of the village of Llanuwchllyn, in order to prevent the torrents that were running down the hill from flooding some of the cottages. Villagers and volunteers worked together to divert water into the river above the top bridge, plus off the road further down, across a car park into the river rather than down the street. BLR Director Julian Birley’s old tractor was pressed into service, bringing big sand bags, while at least a dozen people shovelled gravel and anything else solid to make diversions. The result of these efforts was that several cottages in Station Road were spared any water ingress, (a couple were within half an inch or so of having a major problem). It was widely agreed that the level of the river (and indeed the lake) had never been seen so high.
The rain was obviously producing torrents all along the line, so a team set off later to check culverts, which had become blocked with rocks, grass and anything else the deluges could dislodge. Any evidence of a ‘wash-over’ across the track-bed was dealt with by the team in pouring conditions, spades and long lengths of rod being the preferred weapons. Indeed, one culvert grill was so badly blocked that it took several visits to remove the detritus and eventually get the grill out. But the atmosphere was undeniable, everyone doing what they could, even though they were soaked through. Julian Birley, working on the biggest blocked culvert, muttered ‘blow this’ (or something similarly unequivocal) and leaped into the water up to his thighs in order to remove otherwise inaccessible rocks and stones.
Another task of the weekend, and subsequent days, was to re-align platforms to accommodate out latest, and largest, arrival, namelyDiana, about which we have commented before. She is only an inch or so too wide for BLR platforms, but an inch is an inch. Dealing with Bala was relatively easy as the track could be slewed over, but Llanuwchllyn platform needed more thought, particularly as there is major point-work involved. Thus the decision was taken to re-align the platform edge itself, which will not only achieve the desired result but will also correct the slight waviness of the decades old edge-stones. Yet again, the weather was unkind, but this will be completed very soon.
The Locomotive Fleet is now being prepared for hibernation over the winter, the recently arrived Diana being the first to be drained, oiled, greased etc. Even all bar one of the diesels have been tucked away. However, both the ‘fixed head’ locos, Maid Marian and Holy War, are being kept operational for the Santa Specials in mid-December, more of which later.
However, at the beginning of November, Winifred visited the Ffestiniog Railway for a week of photo charters, initially with her delightfully pottering about with a slate train between Boston Lodge and Minffordd, but later she travelled up the line to Glan-y-Pwll, almost under the slate tips at Blaenau, where the junction with the spur up to Llechwedd used to be.
Her minders, Russell Prince and Rob Houghton, were on hand when she was in steam, and she was posed with Lilla and Hugh Napier around Boston Lodge works. She was also to be seen shunting Blanche into the sheds, a very special moment as both these lovely locos worked together at the Penrhyn Quarries, and this was the first time they had been seen together since the 1960's.
During the liquid working weekend, The Red Dragon Project Directors hosted newly recruited Steve Davies and colleagues, when they walked part of the proposed extension north of the River Dee bridge (in the rain), to establish in more detail what is needed. Later, Steve joined Julian Birley and one of Steve’s colleagues on a trip down the line on Alice, together with the Penrhyn stock of gunpowder wagon, bolster wagons and the newly restored steel slate wagon. All three returned from their 90 minute expedition totally soaked but grinning.
Another key arrival for the Red Dragon Project is Roland Doyle, who has been brought in as Project Manager. Roland has vast experience in projects such as ours, as he was responsible for the first three (of four) phases of the building of the Welsh Highland Railway. A full topographical and ecological survey has been undertaken for the proposed route into Bala town, and from this, a detailed and accurate plan and specification will be produced. This will form the foundation upon which the project will be developed.
And finally…..
Preparations are well in hand for The Santa Specials, to take place over the weekend of the 12th/13th December, elves are furiously busy wrapping presents and tickets are selling fast for these fun trips – in fact the Sunday is now fully booked. As with most things, the weather is academic, the Bala atmosphere and splendid views overruling such minor distractions. For tickets, please use our on-line booking service which is accessible 24/7, and which will have the latest availability.