Statfold: Galavanting with "Gwynedd"...

"Driving Gwynedd" (M.Waldron)

Today saw the first public open day of 2022 take place at the Statfold Barn Railway in Tamworth. Dubbed "The Last Days of Penrhyn Steam", the event featured a grand total of fourteen locomotives in steam, of which six were of Penrhyn origin. When the roster came out during the week I was surprised to find my name penned to one of the visiting engines: 1883-built Penrhyn Port Class "Gwynedd", from Bressingham Gardens. Rostered to join the Bressingham crew as a sort of Pilotman, I spent today riding around on the Port class in the sunshine. The day began with the usual 06:30 sign on at Statfold shed. "Gwynedd" was soon discovered out on the shed apron as the sun came up, coupled to resident Andrew Barclay "Cegin"...

The majority of my role today would involve doing the firing and therefore I gave the engine a thorough check over to ensure she was safe to light up before doing just that. A flaming pile of rags was duly thrown into the firebox, followed by the wood...

With the smaller engines we always get a good wood fire going first to get the heat there before adding coal. (The coal we use at Statfold can cause issues with blocked tubes if added too soon). Once the fire was lit and crackling nicely I had little more to do but start working on the brasses on the footplate...

The trio of Bressingham lads soon arrived and we got to chatting about all things steam. They were a lovely bunch and it was a pleasure to spend the day with them aboard their engine. Another variation of the Quarry Hunslet lets say, the Penrhyn Port class was made up of only three engines: "Gwynedd", "Lillian" and "Winifred". All three survive in preservation. They feel much bigger than something like an Alice class but have a lot of similar features. The main notable difference is the stepped down footplate. For the rest of this post I think I'll just caption the pictures to save the same old Statfold story. We went out, we came back and we went out a few more times. It was a lovely day spent in good company in the welcome March sunshine. Here, "Gwynedd" sits within the trio of engines making up the first train of the day...

Once the Penrhyn trio reached Cogan Halt, "Cegin" was uncoupled and duly left us to return the token to Statfold. Full operation could then begin...

Here, "Gwynedd" leads smaller cousin "Sybil Mary" off the turntable...

"Hunslet Cousins" (M.Waldron)

The weather was fabulous as we awaited our second departure from Statfold...

"Gwynedd" is seen here simmering at the balloon loop on our second run...

After the third trip we were uncoupled from "Sybil Mary" in order to await another running partner. "Gwynedd" needed to run with another engine due to variations with the air brakes used for passenger working at Statfold...

"Gwynedd" CME Rob kindly allowed me to drive the third trip, which was very nice of him. Here, "Gwynedd" sits in the goods siding at Statfold. It's been a few years since I drove anything into here but this move was needed for shunting purposes...

A portrait of "Gwynedd" as she awaits fellow visitor "Ogwen" in the headshunt...

I really enjoyed my trip driving "Gwynedd". She has all the usual practicalities and quirks of any other Quarry Hunslet but feels much more stable and chunkier. What was also notable was how genuinely nice this engine was to be on. She sounded great at the chimney, didn't knock, didn't bang, didn't leak steam. She was just lovely and a real credit to the friendly team who look after her. She's clearly their pride and joy. Later in the day, we leave shed (with "Ogwen" behind) for our fifth and final trip...

"One Last Trip" (M.Waldron)

Here, visitors "Gwynedd" and "Ogwen" rest at the balloon loop with the freight...

After our last trip we were taken back through the shed as the other engines slowly gathered ready for disposal. Here, "Gwynedd" settles down quietly on the shed as the March light begins to fade. Note the stepped footplate...

Well, that's another engine ticked off the list. I never thought I'd drive "Gwynedd". I must thank Alex for rostering me and the Bressingham boys for their company today. What a lovely day we had. Cheers all, Sam...