September 2014 Update
Like so many other predominantly summer operations, railways like the BLR are weather-dependant, and this September has blessed us with mostly fine and dry weather. Consequently, passenger figures were very healthy, as was passing traffic through the Llanuwchllyn Station buffet, which saw sales of ice cream greatly increase.
One other consequence of the good weather is the increased number of applications for Driver Experience Days on the footplate of one of our trusty Hunslets. Due to demand, we have now allocated the whole of November for Driver Experience, in order to satisfy strong demand. It may not be the most appealing month in the calendar, but there are few more exciting ways of keeping warm during a cold November day than doing a cosy and most memorable footplate experience. The accompanying photo speaks volumes. Do call or email us for further details.
Locomotives
With our two operational diesels now, to a certain extent, sharing duties, our only variation from the norm this month was that Alice suffered a leaking steam pipe, normally a distinctly tedious repair job. But the task was completed rapidly, in no small part as the Engineering Dept. already had a spare pipe to hand, a good piece of forward planning after the last episode of this nature. However, the main securing studs were found to be ‘definitely due for replacement’ as well, although the word summarising this condition was colloquially circumspect, but deemed too succinct and unequivocal for this page. Alice was back in service within days, a relief all round, and a tribute to Rob Houghton and the engineering team.
Carriage & Wagon / Directors’ Saloon
Our current project, the Penrhyn Coal Wagon progresses again after the summer breaks, and all the timber is ready with which to construct the sides.
Beyond what was shown last month, nothing has been done on the Directors’ Saloon because of other commitments, but mention should be made about the metal frames or chassis, on to which David Hale will mount his coachwork. The frames were constructed by ‘Dilly’ Marshall to exquisite standards, and the photo shows, to great advantage, what will seldom be seen in future.
Halloween
Always a busy time for us, preparations have already started in earnest, and Roger Hine, our General Manager, and his wife, Bobby, set off down the line to look for suitable vantage points for Halloween ephemera.
However, there is a limit as to the extent one goes to at this time of year, and it regretted that the excessive postage from the USA for the remote-controlled severed hand precludes its appearance!
Miscellany
One of the joys of the internet is that snippets of relevant (or, some might say, irrelevant) information come to light. Two, relating to the BLR, appeared recently.
It is well known that Llyn Tegid / Bala Lake is the largest natural lake in Wales, but it had a little help from Thomas Telford, who raised the level in order to support the flow of water in the Ellesmere Canal.
We also discovered that the driving loop around the lake, through Llangower, via Bala and back to Llanuwchllyn, was often used as a vehicle test route by ‘The Motor’ magazine, (how many remember that title?), before it was bought out by its main rival, ‘Autocar’, in 1988.
Finally, we are delighted to show a ‘selfie’ of one of our enthusiastic volunteers, Bob Shell, who was unable to resist the temptation to ‘nobble’ a sign at Lands End while on holiday.
