Bala Lake 2013: Firing & Driving The "Maid"...

Hello guys. Last night we arrived in Llanuwchllyn for our 2013 Bala Lake visit. This morning we arose and had breakfast before continuing down to the loco shed at 8:30. Loco for the day on the 2ft gauge line was "Maid Marian", Hunslet No822 of 1903. The red Quarry 0-4-0 came around slowly on wood and slow-to-start Welsh coal. Today we operated 4 trains on the line, as usual, and the "Maid" steamed and ran beautifully. It was a quiet day passenger wise but the rain held off and we had no problems. This afternoon I drove my first two trips on the railway which was very enjoyable indeed. I was very surprised at how 'active' you had to be on the regulator as you had to constantly adjust the steam allowance to the cylinders otherwise "Marian" would either run or slow. Following 4 successful trips we put No822 to bed before heading off for a shower. It was then off to the local pub for a cracking meal and a pint of the finest local ale. Can't you tell we're in Bala?!...Cheers guys, Sam...