"Sir Gomer"s BIG Welsh Adventure!...

Hi everyone! Well, without doubt, this was my best day on the railway's of 2011, so far. It was such a proud occassion indeed. Today, in the South Wales valleys, the Battlefield Line's Peckett 0-6-0ST "Sir Gomer" was taking part in a Steam Gala, at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. The loco, having only been finished two weeks ago, was pretty much fresh from overhaul, though there had been little time for tests at home. The gala was due to run Friday - Sunday, with "Sir Gomer" taking part in various duties throughout the weekend. My involvement was on the first day, when I went along as 'Engine Rep' on behalf of Shackerstone. I left home at just before 5am, calling at McDonalds for Brekky on the way, before taking the M6, M42, M5 and of course the M50 down into Wales. I then took various country lanes across to Abergavenny before skirting around the hills and later descending into Pontypool. The PBR's base; Furnace Sidings; was only a mile or two from here and I pulled into the car park at just after 7:30am; after a 111-mile drive. Leaving the car, I met Alex; Organiser of the Gala; and he took me to the sheds. I'd never been to the PBR before so had no idea what was where! At the back of the large loco shed, the day's three engines were steaming up. These were our "Sir Gomer", the little 0-4-0 "Whitehead" and the huge OQ Class "Mardy Monster"; all Peckett's. I was then introduced to various members of the steam department, including the crew of our engine. "Gomer" would be driven by another Alex; the Steam Department Head, whilst being fired by Paul and carrying a Cleaner too. I was on the engine as 4th man in the roomy cab, to keep an eye on proceedings and to offer any advice where required. By 9:15am, the loco was in steam and moved off shed take to the pit. By 10am, she was on the stock for the first run...
The PBR runs for around 3 miles. Leaving Furnace Sidings southwards, the track travels for around 1.75 miles, on a strong downgrade, to Blaenavon High Level. The climb back is nothing short of interesting, with some sections as steep as 1 in 24 back up into Furnace Sidings! Leaving the base northwards, the track continues for about a mile up to Whistle Inn; a little pub in the middle of nowhere. Again, this upper section is heavily graded! Today, with the two home-based engines (an Austerity and a Bagnall) not taking part, the three Peckett's had a strong service to maintain. The PBR opened a new branch line today (see below) to Big Pit, connecting the railway with this lovely Mining Museum, complete with lovingly kept Winding Gear. Anyway back to us. "Sir Gomer" was to haul the first train to Big Pit, and so was connected to a single car DMU. With brakes tested and steam pressure running high, we pushed the DMU out of the yard and into Platform 2. Meanwhile, "Mardy Monster" and "Whitehead" shunted the main train into Platform 1...
Just before we left the yard, I got this side-on view of "Sir Gomer". The PBR removed the Aluminium nameplates and placed black lettering on the tank, as she used to carry at Mountain Ash. They also gave the loco a good clean up. I must admit, she looked well...
The first train down the main line was sheduled for 11am, with the first Big Pit service sheduled for 11:05am. As this was the first public day for the Branch, invited guests and dignitories were the order of the day. Many speeches took place outside "Gomer"s cab, as we looked on! BBC Radio Wales presenter Roy Noble cuts the ribbon on the Big Pit Branch, right outside the cab...
One of the Directors of the PBR gives his speech whilst Roy Noble and Alex look on...
With the ribbon cut and the speeches over, the invited guests boarded the DMU and we took them on a ride to Big Pit. This ride is probably 1/2 a mile or so. The line descends out of Furnace Sidings before curving right and climbing strongly. "Sir Gomer" chugged happily up into the temporary platform, overlooking the Mine, before the guests left the train for a guided tour. We then shoved the DMU back to Furnace and then awaited the main train. Dear me, the noise! "Mardy Monster" roared around the bend and up the 1 in 24 with three Mk1 coaches and little "Whitehead" on the back. I'm not joking when I say...the ground shook!...
After four turns on the DMU to Big Pit, we were shunted onto the main and uncoupled. "Sir Gomer" then dropped back onto the Mk1's, replacing the "Mardy Monster". The sun was now shining over the Welsh valley and, after taking water, we were ready to go. "Whitehead" would lead us down into Blaenavon High Level and we would pull the train back up the steep hills to Whistle Inn. I must admit, I was a little worried at this point! "Sir Gomer" had not yet had a heavily loaded test run, or been tried on any gradient as steep as this. Well, lets see...
Right on time, we departed. Little "Whithead" led the way, whilst I lent from "Sir Gomer"s cab, seeing the main line for the first time. I couldn't believe how much height we lost in such a small distance of track! I did wonder how we would get back up again! Down at Blaenavon, the staff was exchanged and the fire was made up by Paul. Due to the lack of brick arch in the firebox at present, firing had to be contained to when the loco was shut-off so as to protect the integrity of the tubes. With the safety valves just about to lift, we were given the green and away we went...
The Peckett roared along the line, being slightly banked by the diminutive "Whitehead", which soon shut-off. She moved easily, with four distinct beats leaving the chimney. Up and up we climbed, before hitting the 1 in 24 just under the old rail over-bridge. The driver then hit 2nd valve, barking up under the bridge with "Sir Gomer" sounding like a Black 5 on the Lickey. She sounded amazing. Apart from the Reverser jumping a little against the pressure in the slide valves, the loco seemed to perform well and the climb seemed little effort. After a brief stop at Furnace Sidings, we departed again. Soon enough, we reached Whistle Inn before calming down the fire and filling up the boiler, prior to being led back to Blaenavon again, shut-off and led by "Whitehead" as far as Furnace sidings and then changing to "Mardy Monster" for the rest of the descent. "Sir Gomer"s cab...
At Whistle Inn, the buffer stops can be seen in front of the engine. Driver Alex checks the axle-ends for heat after the strong climb...
After her strenuous effort, "Sir Gomer" rests with the train at Whistle Inn...
I was very impressed with "Sir Gomer"s first trip up the line. She pulled well, steamed well and sounded well. I must admit, it did give me hope for the rest of the weekend ahead. I now at least though she may just scrape through! Soon enough, we were back at Blaenavon, simmering in the sunshine...
With the fire made up again, the 1932-built Bristol Peckett roars towards the foot of the bank, now dragging "Mardy Monster" along with her. The newly-added fuel is beginning to ignite...
After another successful run, we had a final one; just as good, with "Mardy Monster" on the back again! It was fabulous watching and listening to the engine doing what it was meant to do; hauling heavy trains in South Wales! After all, she spent her entire working life at the Mountain Ash colliery before she was finally laid up in 1981. Below, we see the video footage I took today. Not only are there shots from the three main line turns that "Sir Gomer" did, but there is also a shot of her leaving Furnace Sidings for Whistle Inn (whilst I took a tea break) and some shots on shed; Enjoy!...

After the third run, with "Mardy Monster" on the rear, we left the train. "Whitehead" then took her turn at the front, whilst "Sir Gomer" was put back onto the Big Pit line for the last two shuttles. I must admit, "Whitehead" was very attractive, though a little small for these gradients. A nice little toy...
Now back on the DMU, "Sir Gomer" squares up to her much bigger brother..."Mardy Monster"...
A bit of a random picture now, taken about the cab. The safety valves lift alongside the original Peckett Whistle on "Sir Gomer"s dome, as she makes her way along the main line on the final trip back up...
Back to us, I took another tea break whilst "Sir Gomer" took a Big Pit shuttle out. But, rather than stand around, I was invited onto the footplate of the "Monster" for a run to Blaenavon and back from Furnace Sidings. This Peckett really is a Monster! She is the biggest 0-6-0ST type Peckett still in existance. Made up of the OQ design, she is, on paper, as powerful as a BR Class 7F. Down the line, we lead "Whitehead" towards Blaenavon...
By Blaenavon, it was obvious that No2150 ("MM") was a coal-hungry beast, as the fireman shovelled on more and more black stuff. She was also very water-hungry, with the injectors being used rather often in order to keep a constant, strong level. What was also obvious was that "Whitehead" was not powerful enough to haul the three Mk1's and "Monster" up that gradient. So, "Monster" was being prepared to push. Surely, for a "7F", that should be no problem at all. Driver May prepares the Ejector equipment in the huge cab of "Mardy Monster" before we shove the train back up the hill...I must admit, the Peckett was very loud. In fact, she was a little all talk and no power! She was deafeningly loud but didn't seem to have the bite to back it up. Reviews from the crew seemed to indicate that she was in dire need of bottom-end work, and that she might be 'strangling' herself a bit; obviously meaning that the lap and lead was not quite right and was imparing steaming. I must admit, the pressure did drop; and quickly! With 200psi on the clock when we left the bottom, 1.75 miles later we had 100psi, but with a huge fire still roaring in the box. It made very little sense. But, I joke you not, it was stupidly loud on her footplate! I've included a clip I took below. Around half way through you hear 2nd valve open and then its all just like white noise! Have a listen and appreciate this beastly Peckett...

Back at Furnace, I left the "Monster" before proceeding back onto "Gomer" for the last Big Pit shuttle, and then finally up to Whistle Inn with the DMU and then back to shed; ending the day. "Mardy Monster", the biggest preserved Peckett...
Back on shed at 5:20pm, I was back on the road to Abergavenny by 5:50.What a fantastic day. I'm gutted that I won't be here tomorrow but I have a wedding to go to (excuses, excuses!). "Sir Gomer" had done so well, and Pontypool and Blaenavon was such a scenic, challenging and friendly place. I wish them every success in the future. Thank you to Alex H and the crew of "Gomer" for a wonderful day, as well as the lads on "Monster" for my footplate ride. Another one done! Also thanks to everyone else who made my day possible. So, for me, its another 2 hours back in the Saxo on the motorways. Back into England I go! As for "Gomer", she'll be in Wales all weekend, and next weekend too, before returning to Shack at the end of the month. I can't wait to have her back, I've quite fallen in love with her all over again. Lovely machine. Thanks everybody...aplogies for the length of this post I but hope you've enjoyed it none the less!...Sam...