The Bala Gala - 40th Anniversary - Day 1...

Hi everyone. This morning we awoke to find an overcast sky but with promise on the horizon. Today was the first day of the Bala Lake's 40th Anniversary Steam Gala weekend, when everything steamable would be running. Naturally, the three steamable Hunslets: "Holy War", "Maid Marian" and "Alice" were all to be in steam. The engine crew roster for each engine was decided by a random draw. Interestingly however, all three engines ended up with exactly the same crew on both days! Myself & Eddie were given "Holy War", the blue Hunslet of 1902, which was the last steam loco to work in a British slate quarry: ending her working life at Dinorwic in November 1967. Meanwhile, Chris & Russ were out on "Marian", with Bruce & Andrew on "Alice". The timetable featured the four normal departures, mixed with extra action at the base at Llanuwchllyn. The 'Yellow Truck': built for Queen Victoria's visit to Dinorwic: was offering rides behind any of three loco's along the ex-standard gauge platform whilst a rake of demonstration slate wagons was being shunted in the loop. At 8:30 sharp we arrived at the shed to find it alive with activity. We then joined our loco and soon all three were lit up...

Good Morning Engines - "Alice" (left) with "Holy War" & "Marian"

It was a great atmosphere on shed. It was great to meet some of the other volunteers, many of whom I've never seen before. The first departure was as normal at 11:15, hauled by "Maid Marian". By then we were out in the yard with "Holy War", coupled up to the Yellow Truck. "Alice" meanwhile had already backed down onto the slate train.

Following the departure of "Marian" we were ready to take "Holy War" out into the platform to provide rides with the truck. "Alice" was also ready to follow on, across the pointwork and into the loop for shunting. The photographers were out in force (cameras in hand) capturing the action as it unfolded. With line clear and steam up, "Holy War" chugged, with drain cocks blowing, out into the platform.

"Holy War" & Truck - "Alice" With Slates

"Alice" soon followed and the Hunslet pairing stood in the platform side-by-side.

"Holy War" & "Alice" - Both of 1902 Vintage

On the platform at Llanuwchllyn was a stand for the 'Maid Marian Fund'. This band of volunteers saved the red 0-4-0 and have since longed to keep her operational. A fund stall such as this would help raise much needed monies to pay for "Marian"s new boiler which she has already acquired...

Having given a few rides with the Yellow Truck, "Holy War" proceeded up to the headshunt for watering and coaling. This done, we proceeded back down through the loop under control of the dollies. The Yellow Truck was then shunted into the so called 'polytunnel siding' for stabling whilst we awaited the return of "Maid Marian". The red 0-4-0 steamed in with the 5-coach rake, handing us the token and a shovel as we hadn't got one! "Holy War" was rostered on the 12:50 passenger departure and so was duly run round and coupled up. We then departed on time, leaving "Alice" on the slates and "Marian" with the truck. The sun was now shining, allowing us to enjoy the views from the cabbed Quarry Hunslet.

Driver Idryss Jones On "Holy War"

Arrival at Bala was on time. We ran into the loop as usual before raking the fire, adding more coal and then oiling up. The loco was (as usual) positioned in front of the sign for the trademark photographs to be taken.

Aware that lateness now could cost the rest of the timetable, we romped out of Bala and under the bridge, hauling a heavy, well-loaded 5-coach train.

Our arrival back at Llanuwchllyn involved passing the token to "Alice"s crew before uncoupling, watering, coaling and ashing out. Eddie oiled up the loco before we moved her back down into the yard for a line-up and photographs. The three running Hunslets were positioned alongside the recently repatriated "Winifred", who was cleaned up and outside. The photographers flocked to see them, enjoying the sight of the four Bala Lake Ladies together...

"Marian" (back), "Winifred", "Holy War" & "Alice"

"Winifred" had been shined up using Brasso & oil, with her original paintwork looking brilliant. I can't wait until she's restored and steaming!...

 

After the line-up we were back on the Yellow Truck with "Marian" on the slates. "Alice" was out on the 2:25pm train. As she pulled through the yard to a chorus of admiring whistles the sun came out and the photographers seemed to be enjoying their experience. A few people again took up the opportunity to ride in the truck behind "Holy War", whilst "Marian" provided the authentic experience with her ever-growing rake of slate wagons. Upon hearing the bark of "Alice" assaulting the bank on her return run, both "Marian" and "Holy War" were moved to their respective positions out of the way. Following coaling and watering we reversed the blue 0-4-0 down into the Polytunnel siding again. With "Alice" & train safely in the platform we ran "Holy War" round for the last passenger departure at 4pm. Before we left there was time for a well earned cuppa' and a slice of cake...

"Holy War" & The 4pm Train

We left the base with the last trip on time, with "Holy War" barking away happily. Even this train was relatively well loaded! Upon our return both "Alice" and "Marian" were disposed and in bed, whilst the Yellow Truck was back in its shed and the slates in their siding. Everything in the timetable seemed to have gone according to plan. Having raked most of "Holy War"s fire out I walked back along the train to the Guards van, calling Eddie back from there. The loco then pushed the 5-coach rake back into the sidings and into the carriage shed. With the set screwed down on the handbrake I left the Guards coach and proceeded back up to the now uncoupled "Holy War". We then steamed into the yard for disposal. Within 10 minutes "Holy War" was filled, cleaned out and in bed, whilst we walked up to enjoy another cuppa' with the rest of the team. Tonight we're off to the Eagles after a successful day, for a group meal with others from the Bala Lake..."Pint Please Barman...(on Ed's tab)"...