September 2016 Update
At the risk of sounding repetitive, the BLR has done it again. The 2nd October marked the end of the main operating season, although there is a lot of activity at the end of October and early November over the Halloween and half-term period (more later). The passenger numbers for the year reveal a very satisfying increase of 14% over the same period last year. Indeed, last year’s figures, which had proved to be the best for over 20 years, were actually passed on the 15th September.
Impressive as it is, work still carries on over the winter, and we will list several dates later where visitors and volunteers alike will be welcomed at various events, such as Wednesday Gang and Working Weekend.
The Locomotives on the BLR fleet have performed beautifully this year, a sign of the thoroughness of preparation enjoyed on shed, thus we will not dwell on the ‘regular’ motive power this month. However, as may have been seen at the Gala on static display, and read about briefly last month, George B now moves under her own steam. That first short expedition to Pentrepiod revealed that she is fit and ready, but a few minor details need completion, such as pipework and the lubrication system. Over the winter period, she will be painted properly, as she wears only a primer coat at the moment. Of more importance, she is scheduled to run in a photo charter during this month (October). Details can be obtained by contacting the BLR, and we will be happy to put applicants in touch with David Williams who is organising the event.
George B is owned by Alan White, who bought her in 1965, and the loco did not run from 1968 until late September this year. Alan, together with his brother, Frank, decided to strip the loco down to the frames and repair or renew anything that was deemed unsatisfactory, such is their attention to detail. Originally, work was carried out in South Wales where they live, but 12 years ago, the loco was moved to Llanuwchllyn, and the brothers have been visiting once a month or so since then to work on her. Progress was slow, as they were doing most jobs themselves, albeit under BLR Chief Engineer Rob Houghton’s watchful eye. But it reached a point where some heavy-duty input was required, and Rob has recently made enormous progress with re-tubing the boiler and re-fitting it on to the frames. The water tank proved to be in good order, thus the next steps to get her ready for boiler and steam testing fell into place easily.
After her initial test run to Pentrepiod, Alan and Frank came to Llanuwchllyn at the end of September and steamed her along the station loop several times, to the obvious delight of not only them, but all those present that day. A major and truly memorable milestone was passed. After over 50 years, she has been brought back to life.
It also meant that, for a very brief period of just a few days, the railway had six resident operational steam locomotives – a notable first, that is, until Rob started to dismantle Maid Marian in preparation for her 10 year overhaul this winter.
News of the diesel fleet is that our faithful maid-of-all-work,Trigger, is to be taken out of service over the winter for some overdue care and attention, and her duties will be taken over by Chilmark, now that her starter concerns have been eradicated completely. Any other light stock movements can be handled by our other Ruston, Lady Madcap, which has to be hand-started but does so easily and every time.
The Carriage & Wagon Team has spent as much time as possible on the cover for the bigger water tank at the end of Llanuwchllyn platform, and as the photo shows, it is nearly ready. However, it is not quite what it seems, and this is why it is taking longer to complete. What will look like steel when complete is actually of wooden construction, done to the team’s usual excellent standards. What has proved decidedly time-consuming is the fitting of over 200 coach bolts, thus giving the appearance of traditional metal rivet construction. As with all their exercises, this will be appealing visually as well as totally functional. The BLR is most grateful to the Bala Lake Railway Society which has funded the entire water tank project.
The Penrhyn Coach progresses and we will bring you the latest news next month. A visit is to be made in the next couple of weeks, where we will see the completed roof covering in place. Tenders are to be put out for making the elaborate buttoned-leather seats, an extremely skilled task.
We mentioned Dates, so let us deal firstly with the Wednesday Gang, that intrepid band of volunteers who meet to undertake various necessary tasks, usually adequately fuelled by copious amounts of tea, plus flapjacks supplied by Bob Greenhalgh. Please note these dates; 12th and 19th October, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th November. Any help is gratefully welcomed, and apart from doing something seriously worthwhile, these working Wednesdays are always enormous fun. As for the weather, what weather?
A Working Weekend is to take place over the weekend of 15th and 16th October, and again, apart from the fun aspect, there are a lot of varied jobs to be done, a lot of tea to be consumed, and a lot of pleasure to be found in a location that all agree is unique. Again, pay no attention to the weather, as the forecast is usually inaccurate.
Half-term holidays fall at different times this autumn, and while the railway will be operational over the usual period, 22nd to 29th October inclusive, the railway will also be running on Tuesday, 1st November, because this year, half term varies from area to area.
Halloween returns to haunt the railway on the 28th and 29th October, the specials running at 4.30, 5.30 and 6.30 each evening. Please click here for further details.
And finally….. there has been much comment in the heritage railway press about the success of our August Gala, particularly the intricate and varied scheduling of locos, as we mentioned last month, by BLR General Manager, David Jones. Favourable mention was also made about the all-female rostering onMaid Marian, thus silencing anti-female crew bigots. It should also be mentioned that his quip about the ‘Three Little Maids’ was also noted! The photo says it all.
