Hey everyone. Last night, at around 7pm, myself and Eddie set off under the light of the setting sun for the Bala Lake Railway in deepest North Wales. Regular readers will know that we had a fantastic weekend up at the BLR last June and therefore booked this one so we could have another go. Well, so I could have another go I should say(!); Eddie is a regular Bala Lake driver. Finally, after a quick journey over the beautiful mountains, we arrived at the BLR base at Llanuwchllyn just before 9:30pm, ready for a night in the railway's own accomodation, set in the station attic. Next morning, we arose to a blustery welsh morning and made our way down to the sheds for the 8:30am start. The Bala Lake Railway runs for 4.75 miles between Llanuwchllyn and Bala on the old GWR Ruabon - Barmouth line. However, the old standard gauge formation has since been reduced to 2ft gauge and is now operated by a small company, supported by a society. The loco fleet is made up of 5 steam engines and 3 diesels; with 3 of the steamers usually in regular operation, though at present only two are running. Trains run every weekend in the season, and daily through the summer. Its a lovely ride, through some of the best scenary I have ever seen from a loco cab...why not go along and see for yourself?! Our charge for the weekend was to be 0-4-0 Hunslet "Maid Marian", one of four Quarry Hunslets based at the BLR. In the morning, the Fireman first has to clean the tubes and smokebox, then the grate and then the ashpan. You can then light the engine up; providing you have enough water of course...
Once the loco is lit up, the Fireman has to clean the cab brasses and the Driver can oil up as well as cleaning the outside of the engine. Meanwhile, the fire has to be tended to, and the wood stocks replenished before the loco leaves shed. "Maid Marian" blows off at 110psi, and so 90-100psi is probably the best working pressure when out on the line. If you go less than 90psi, she seems to struggle a little bit; not much, but a little. My family were due down today, to see the delights of the Bala Lake Railway. They arrived at around 10:30am and were soon off up into the cafe to sample the famous sponge cakes (they are great!). We on the other hand had already had tea as the crews get a cuppa' at 10am, after you've ordered your FREE lunch of course (nothing like hospitality is there!). By 11am, we were off shed and at the water tower, taking both water and coal, as well as ashing out. At 11:15am, with the family on board, we steamed away on the first train of the day. The family took the following photo's. View over the lovely Bala Lake; the largest natural lake in Wales...
Fireman Sam Brandist looks out from the cab of "Maid Marian" as the train leaves the foot of the 1 in 70 bank, bound for Bala...
Firing this line is pretty easy but you need to keep on top of it. The loco's only carry a 1ft x 2ft firebox and so you need to keep the fire well made and let as little cold air into the firebox as possible. This is due to the lack of brick-arch etc. There are three stations and two halts, both of the latter being stopped at "on request" only. For alot of its length, the line runs roadside and, more importantly, lakeside. The lakeside areas are the best...the very best. I love the railway for its scenary, its tidy layout and its friendly atmosphere, not to mention the quaint 2ft gauge locomotives. On a return run, I look out from the loco and back into the 1st coach (an Open) where the family were sitting. This is a good vantage point from which to describe the route between firing...
Up at the base, I prepare the fire before departure for Bala. Normally, the Fireman will fire from the footplate and you have pretty ample space to see any holes that may form. However, when you want to rake the fire out properly, and see potential clinker, you need to stand before the engine and open the rear doors. You can then see the fire properly and rake the bars, and even use the clinker-tongs if required. Below, I feed the fire after giving it a good rake out to check for clinker...
After their ride on the railway, the family took a walk up the Aaron moutains behind the station. As they climbed the lower hills, they managed to capture the shot below. Bala Lake can be seen in the distance, as can the mountains on the other side. In the centre-left of the image can be seen the main station and the train waiting to depart. I could see them from here, as could the 150-people sitting in the waiting 2:25pm departure for Bala! Honestly, they saw me waving from the loco and they all waved shouting "Hi Mum"...wow!...
At Bala, the train arrives on the downgrade with myself and Eddie at the helm...This really was a fantastic day out. The family really enjoyed themselves and we will be seeing them again tonight at the local "Eagles" pub for a nice meal after a hard day on the footplate. Well, I say hard, but we are on holiday!! I think the best trip of the day was the 2:25pm, as we had a literally FULL train. Two coach parties had arrived on 'Great Little Trains of Wales' excursions and were taking a return trip. These passengers filled three of the coaches, leaving the other two to be filled by the normal passengers, many more of which joined at Bala. So, with a full 5-coach train, we really felt the weight! However, "Maid Marian" still flew up the bank with ease but, she did sound VERY loud! Even so, she steamed beautifully and was a joy to fire. What a day. By 5:30pm, we had the loco disposed and put to bed before leaving for a cuppa', followed by a shower and a night out at the "Eagles". Evening all; more pics and videos of Bala coming tomorrow!...
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