Dave Holt
Western Thunderer
No modelling for a few days as I've been to North Wales for the celebratory train for the newly restored NG15, 2-8-2 tender loco, number 134.
The train, which ran on Friday, ran between Caernarfon and Porthmadog. We were told that the loco would be scheduled for normal service from the next day, taking it's turns with the NG16 Garratts.
On arrival at the WHR station, I was rather surprised, but very pleased, to be told that I had been marked for a footplate ride at some part of the journey. I think there were 10 of us in total, so I was highly honoured. My stint was from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert - all down hill, but very enjoyable and interesting. The ride was an interesting contrast with the re-built MN, 35006. P&O, that I ride more often.
Having brought in the emptry stock from Dinas, 134 stands prior to running round and then taking water. Interestingly, the water tank was originally located at a cement works in the town where I now live - Southam in Warwickshire.
I'm invited onto the footplate at Rhyd Ddu and asked to sit on the fireman's seat - on the left as all the locos are RH drive.
Here we are almost ready to depart. Not quite, because that's Dave, the driver, on the platform. I quess he and the fireman's ages added were quite a few years less than my age!
The run was slowed in one or two places, not just in my stint, by sheep on the tracks. Here we slowly chase a whole load in the forrest above Beddgelert. They all escaped safely at a level crossing, seeming not to find the cattle grids much of a problem.
Clag over Porthmadog. The loco is serviced ready for the return journey.
To my wife's and my pleasure, the day was enhanced even further when we were invited to spend the return jouney in the Pullman observation car, from which you get a pretty good view of the loco as well as the scenery.
On the return, the loco took water at Waenfawr and arrived back in Caernarfon late afternoon. My seat was next to the third side window, with Paula on the other side. All very civilised and fantastic fun.
Dave.
The train, which ran on Friday, ran between Caernarfon and Porthmadog. We were told that the loco would be scheduled for normal service from the next day, taking it's turns with the NG16 Garratts.
On arrival at the WHR station, I was rather surprised, but very pleased, to be told that I had been marked for a footplate ride at some part of the journey. I think there were 10 of us in total, so I was highly honoured. My stint was from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert - all down hill, but very enjoyable and interesting. The ride was an interesting contrast with the re-built MN, 35006. P&O, that I ride more often.
Having brought in the emptry stock from Dinas, 134 stands prior to running round and then taking water. Interestingly, the water tank was originally located at a cement works in the town where I now live - Southam in Warwickshire.
I'm invited onto the footplate at Rhyd Ddu and asked to sit on the fireman's seat - on the left as all the locos are RH drive.
Here we are almost ready to depart. Not quite, because that's Dave, the driver, on the platform. I quess he and the fireman's ages added were quite a few years less than my age!
The run was slowed in one or two places, not just in my stint, by sheep on the tracks. Here we slowly chase a whole load in the forrest above Beddgelert. They all escaped safely at a level crossing, seeming not to find the cattle grids much of a problem.
Clag over Porthmadog. The loco is serviced ready for the return journey.
To my wife's and my pleasure, the day was enhanced even further when we were invited to spend the return jouney in the Pullman observation car, from which you get a pretty good view of the loco as well as the scenery.
On the return, the loco took water at Waenfawr and arrived back in Caernarfon late afternoon. My seat was next to the third side window, with Paula on the other side. All very civilised and fantastic fun.
Dave.
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