February 2016 Update
We break with tradition and start with And Firstly because of some wonderful news received at the very end of February.
When we were presented with the opportunity to acquire from the MOD the rail needed for the extension into Bala, it spurred on and created greatly increased interest in the whole Bala extension project. Substantial donations have come from supporters all over the country, and we have now received generous donations of £5000 and £10000 from two particular supporters. This belief and support in what we are doing will not only enable us to acquire the rail needed, but also puts us in a position where we are tantalisingly close to being able to buy the first plot of land in Bala where the new station will be built. We are now making a big push to raise this money, so please support us and, likewise, spread the word to friends and family alike.
The other inspiring piece of news this month concerns the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) Awards evening, which was held at Grand Station, formerly Wolverhampton Low Level Station, on 6th February. The BLR was joint winner of the Steam Railway magazine award, together with our friends/colleagues in the Great Little Trains of Wales. This highlighted, in particular, how well this group of railways exists in an atmosphere of co-operation and assistance, rather than in outright competition. The railway’s other ‘gong’ was as runner-up in the HRA Special Meritorious Project award for Julian Birley’s repatriation of our 1885 Hunslet, Winifred, and her subsequent restoration to quarry condition, with our own Rob Houghton getting a very special mention! Copies of Julian Birley’s fascinating book on the whole Winifred adventure, from start to finish, are available from the BLR.
Half Term Weekend saw the first operational working this year and, in conjunction with St Valentine’s day, proved very popular. Passenger figures were up by 4% over the first week last year. As a bonus for passengers, the first weekend was also a working weekend, so passengers passed the works train and could see our volunteers hard at work as well. A number of sleepers, laid over the last few years and which were changed as part of the recent track re-laying, were only given a few weeks’ respite before being re-used near the halts of Flag and Llangower. As well as the ongoing track-work, a lot of tree and foliage trimming was undertaken, in order to open out the line’s famous vista.
The St David’s Day specials at the end of the month carried 374 passengers, and every piece of coaching stock was used. It was most encouraging to see a 6-coach train absolutely full.
With regard to locomotives, the Hunslets continue to perform as they should, Diana is still enjoying her winter slumber, and Ruston & Hornsby, Lady Madcap, has proved very useful during the works activities, often double-heading with Trigger.
Our other R&H, Chilmark, is now prepared for the season, having had her recalcitrant starter motor rebuilt over the winter, when time permitted, by Rob Houghton. Dan Laidlaw has managed to source other items, such as specific replacement switches. Chilmark is also being equipped with a new horn, the original being retained for close proximity, while the second is of a more powerful variety!
The Carriage & Wagon team, lead by Ian Whitson and Geoff Hodgkinson, actually enjoyed a useful spell of dry weather, and seized the opportunity to deal with some refurbishment jobs on the station buildings, including the signal-box steps. The main centre of attention was the end of the café and the little shed alongside, both of which bear the brunt of the ‘liquid sunshine’ which occasionally afflicts the area, the little shed being used for early deliveries etc. During these works, attention has been paid to ventilation within the structures, as there is no shortage of breeze in this area! The team also dealt with a couple of areas of carriage floor, one being the guard’s section, as it would be unfortunate to have the guard make an unscheduled disappearance. Cryptically, Ian and Geoff commented that they will finish the bolster wagon and one of the slate wagons “when the weather drives us indoors”.
The Penrhyn Coach Project continues apace, and David Hale writes: “Having given the exposed timber and plywood two coats of insect repellent/water-proofer, the foil-faced insulation is now in place at both ends and along one side. This insulation, 40 mm thick on the ends and 70 mm at the side, is a tight fit, and after pushing into place, is sealed with silicon sealant”.
Two weeks later, David had cut and pre-drilled the end panels, each of which will need around 250 screws! After gluing and screwing, the panels will take two coats of primer/undercoat, before his attention turns to the outer side panels.
And finally…. the BLR has launched, as we mentioned earlier, an appeal in order to buy about a mile of new track. This will be to upgrade the main running line, with the older track being re-used in less strategic locations, such as extra sidings in Bala and Llanuwchllyn. The BLR Society has already donated £5000 to the railway and, to date, we have received over £3000, generously donated by individuals, in order to acquire another mile for further upgrading. It matters not how big or small, every donation is most gratefully appreciated. Ben Abbott’s post on Facebook, dated 3rd February gives further details. As we have commented before, the BLR is on a roll, and we intend to keep it doing just that.
We conclude with a photo taken by General Manager, David Jones, a perfect setting after a satisfying day.
