Final Turn at Bala for 2011...
Hey everyone. As dawn broke over Llanuwchllyn this morning, thus began our final day of crewing at Bala Lake for 2011. The rain was falling and the clouds thick atop the Aarons. Myself and Eddie would be crew again today, so we rose at around 7:30am as usual and spent an hour discussing the news of the day. At 8:30am, we sauntered down to the engine shed and got the diesel started. The chunky engine then noisily pulled "Holy War" out into the damp. I carried out my normal fireman's duties whilst Eddie got the stock out. I then proceeded to light the engine up. Back inside the cosy shed, "Alice" was resting, with "Maid Marian"...
Whilst "Holy War" warmed up, the sun began to make another gradual appearance. It was pretty much off and on all day, mixed in with light showers whilst engulfed the little railway. As usual, we went for tea at 10am and enjoyed our cuppa' on the benches underneath the station canopy. We then headed off back down to the yard where "Holy War" was reaching 100psi; more than enough to haul the train. With everything else ready and ourselves changed into cleaner overalls, we moved off shed and steamed up to the top headshunt for Coal and Water. The view below is the first that arriving visitors spot on the station approach, from the road...
For the last few days, we have been greeted on arrival at the loco shed in the morning by five of the railway's newest members; four young Swallows and their mother. The group have been nesting in the rafters right above the shed door for a few weeks now and, in our opinion, the youngsters are just about ready to 'fly the nest'. This opinion was proved true this morning when two of them took flight for the first time. The other two were left engulfed with jealously in the nest...
Under blue skies, "Holy War" is admired by waiting passengers before the 2:25pm train to Bala...
I must admit, myself and Eddie seem to make a very good team. We rarely run short of steam or water (he says!) and seem to keep to time relatively well. Best of all, we always have a laugh. However, in seriousness, today in particular, Eddie's driving seemed very good indeed. He kept us to time and controlled all wheel-slips with the greatest of accuracy and professionalism. I always have a good day on the footplate with Eddie. Driver Idryss (Eddie) takes "Holy War" cab-first up the climb towards the John Lewis hotel on the 2:25...
Sunny skies on the beautiful shore of Bala Lake as "Holy War" joins the lakeside...
Now, for a thank you. Roger & Bobby Hine are the railway's Manager's and look after the place beautifully. I think you would be hard pressed to find anywhere friendlier than the Bala line. On top of this, the engines are always well turned out, and the stations are clean and tidy. Better still, the trains are 100% steam hauled, thanks to Roger's engineering experience, and the aid of the railway's top-class Apprentice; Rob; in always keeping a spare engine available 'just in case'. It really is a lovely place, hence why I call it a 'holiday'. Thank you very much. Below, I managed to get Roger and Bobby to pose for a photograph with "Holy War" just before me and Eddie took her out on the last trip. Bobby was the Guard again, whilst Roger was busy in the shed on "Alice". I am truly proud to know these people, and I hope that they can continue their good work with the Bala Lake. I fear it would not be the same without them... 
After our 4th trip of the day (and our 12th trip each overall) we disposed of "Holy War" on shed and headed off for a cuppa' with Roger & Bobby, as usual. We then said our goodbyes as we would be departing early the following morning, and our thank you's of course. It had been a lovely weekend and I thank everyone involved for another lovely 'holiday' on the Bala Lake. Tomorrow, after a pint down the Eagles tonight, we're off back to Bedworth, via another railway in my case...
Hey everyone. As dawn broke over Llanuwchllyn this morning, thus began our final day of crewing at Bala Lake for 2011. The rain was falling and the clouds thick atop the Aarons. Myself and Eddie would be crew again today, so we rose at around 7:30am as usual and spent an hour discussing the news of the day. At 8:30am, we sauntered down to the engine shed and got the diesel started. The chunky engine then noisily pulled "Holy War" out into the damp. I carried out my normal fireman's duties whilst Eddie got the stock out. I then proceeded to light the engine up. Back inside the cosy shed, "Alice" was resting, with "Maid Marian"...
Whilst "Holy War" warmed up, the sun began to make another gradual appearance. It was pretty much off and on all day, mixed in with light showers whilst engulfed the little railway. As usual, we went for tea at 10am and enjoyed our cuppa' on the benches underneath the station canopy. We then headed off back down to the yard where "Holy War" was reaching 100psi; more than enough to haul the train. With everything else ready and ourselves changed into cleaner overalls, we moved off shed and steamed up to the top headshunt for Coal and Water. The view below is the first that arriving visitors spot on the station approach, from the road...
For the last few days, we have been greeted on arrival at the loco shed in the morning by five of the railway's newest members; four young Swallows and their mother. The group have been nesting in the rafters right above the shed door for a few weeks now and, in our opinion, the youngsters are just about ready to 'fly the nest'. This opinion was proved true this morning when two of them took flight for the first time. The other two were left engulfed with jealously in the nest...
Under blue skies, "Holy War" is admired by waiting passengers before the 2:25pm train to Bala...
I must admit, myself and Eddie seem to make a very good team. We rarely run short of steam or water (he says!) and seem to keep to time relatively well. Best of all, we always have a laugh. However, in seriousness, today in particular, Eddie's driving seemed very good indeed. He kept us to time and controlled all wheel-slips with the greatest of accuracy and professionalism. I always have a good day on the footplate with Eddie. Driver Idryss (Eddie) takes "Holy War" cab-first up the climb towards the John Lewis hotel on the 2:25...
Sunny skies on the beautiful shore of Bala Lake as "Holy War" joins the lakeside...
Now, for a thank you. Roger & Bobby Hine are the railway's Manager's and look after the place beautifully. I think you would be hard pressed to find anywhere friendlier than the Bala line. On top of this, the engines are always well turned out, and the stations are clean and tidy. Better still, the trains are 100% steam hauled, thanks to Roger's engineering experience, and the aid of the railway's top-class Apprentice; Rob; in always keeping a spare engine available 'just in case'. It really is a lovely place, hence why I call it a 'holiday'. Thank you very much. Below, I managed to get Roger and Bobby to pose for a photograph with "Holy War" just before me and Eddie took her out on the last trip. Bobby was the Guard again, whilst Roger was busy in the shed on "Alice". I am truly proud to know these people, and I hope that they can continue their good work with the Bala Lake. I fear it would not be the same without them... 
After our 4th trip of the day (and our 12th trip each overall) we disposed of "Holy War" on shed and headed off for a cuppa' with Roger & Bobby, as usual. We then said our goodbyes as we would be departing early the following morning, and our thank you's of course. It had been a lovely weekend and I thank everyone involved for another lovely 'holiday' on the Bala Lake. Tomorrow, after a pint down the Eagles tonight, we're off back to Bedworth, via another railway in my case...
1 comment:
Hello, Sam. What is her name? I remember her, and I would like to write to her https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/995246_1407401436164232_1045227028_n.jpg
Post a Comment