A Cuppa' At GEC...

Hello everyone. Today, whilst on my way to a 'steam up' at Coventry Model Engineering, I drove past the GEC Railway and, inevitably I called in for a cuppa'. As it was the first Saturday in the month, the railway was running its 3.5"/5" gauge raised track. The track was being operated by two loco's. These engines were "Jackie"; a Simplex 0-6-0T; and Tony's Midland Compound 4-4-0. The Tea Room and Model Railway were also open. Tomorrow, the society will be running their 7.25" line; 2pm - 5pm. The 5" line runs in a large oval around a scenic wooded area. Following a stiff climb, the line descends on a long straight, running parallel with the driveway, before arriving back at the station again. I believe that passenger trains do 2 laps per trip. Below, the lovely Midland 4-4-0; which visited CMES last September; is spotted at the GEC 5" station...
Following the departure of the 4-4-0, "Jackie" was able to pull forward into the Departure Platform to load more passengers. Don't worry, the track is full signalled. A nice little trick is that, if a train passes a Signal at Danger, a bell is sounded to alert all other trains, as well as the offending one. Below, "Jackie"...
Why not go along for a train ride? (And, look out for certain special events too!)...
Below, the beautiful Compound. Baring certain resemblences to the 'Maid of Kent' 4-4-0, this engine is not an example of the type. I believe that the boiler is different. However, she is a very good example of a Compound. I really like the LMS Maroon...
Resting on a nearby steaming bay was 0-4-0 RoR Saddle Tank "Percival". This colourful battery electric also visited CMES last year...
After half-hour or so at GEC, I decided that I'd better head off to CMES so, after saying my goodbyes and handing my mug back in, I headed off. Again, as always, the Tea Room Ladies were doing a sterling job in the tea room. I look forward to my next driving turn at GEC....more tea!! Thanks everyone. Now its back in the Saxo and off to CMES...

Sunny and Steamy at Evesham Vale...

Hello everyone. "Wow!; Summer is here at least!". Lucky really, as this is the first post of June! Today, after a visit to Leamington, we drove onwards on the A46, past Stratford and through the beautiful countryside towards Evesham. By 1:30pm, we had reached Evesham Country Park, set just off the A46 on the approach to the quaint town of Evesham. This country park; complete with garden centre, full car park and shopping area; has, since 2002, been home to the Evesham Vale Light Railway. This neat 15" gauge steam railway is now in its 9th year of operation and runs for 1.25 miles through the Apple Orchards of the country park. We have visited here many times in the past, I myself having driven a loco here for the day last December (see other posts). Today, under the lush blue skies, the railway was in full operation, taking a good trade aboard its lovingly kept 4-coach trains. The locomotive was the stalwart 0-6-0STT Severn Lamb product; "Dougal". This engine was built in 1970 and used to work at the Longleat Railway. The EVLR purchased her in November 2004 and have since added a tender and a bigger boiler & firebox. After our picnic, the family decided to take a break whilst I had a look around the station, little did I know that I would end up riding around on the footplate; again! Half way on the journey, the train pauses for a few minutes at Evesham Vale. Driver Chris adds more coal to the fire...
After my footplate trip (thanks very much to Jim, Helen and Chris for that) I rejoined the family. Funnily enough, they were ready to take their journey on the train! So, we boarded the coaches and enjoyed the 2:30pm departure from Twyford. The scenary on the line, particularly on a day like today; is beautiful. I would say that the views from the train are probably the best that the Vale of Evesham has to offer. Without travelling on the train, I would say it would be rare to be able to appreciate such views to their full extent. The line usually uses 4 enclosed coaches but, due to the lovely weather today, "Dougal" was hauling 3 open coaches and 1 closed coach. The open coaches have glass windows as their ends too, affording good views of the locomotive at work. "Dougal" approaches a foot crossing, high above the Vale of Evesham...At Evesham Vale, there is a 4-minute or so stop, allowing tickets to be clipped, passengers to board and alight and, especially important, to allow time for returning passengers to examine the engine. The EVLR staff are always very proud to discuss the workings of their well-kept treasures. Below, one of the views from Evesham Vale can be seen. From this vantage point, you can see openly in all directions...
Below, "Dougal" simmers away at the end of the platform at Evesham Vale. From here, the track climbs back up and onto the down-route, completing the 'Baloon Loop'...
The lovely "Dougal" is spotted at Evesham Vale. This is a powerful locomotive. The tender and larger boiler have given her a new lease of life and, since modification, 4 coaches are hardly taxing!...
"Dougal"...
I managed to grab one or two shots during my footplate ride. Below, "Dougal" chugs along the lowest section of the line. The track in the distance is already climbing upwards to the right. From here, the train will climb all the way around the loop until the tunnel is reached, where the track descends once more. This view is taken from the Fireman's side...
The EVLR is an odd route really. At only 1.25 miles long, one would think that driving it would be easy. I found out last December that it most certainly is not easy! What the line loses in length, it more than makes up for in gradients! One minute you're climbing slightly, then you drop severely down, before climbing up again, and dropping down again, and so on. If you don't keep on top of the engine, you either won't have enough steam to get up the hills or you'll just run away! Below, "Dougal" cruises along the lowest section of the line. The train has descended for a vast distance, being held on the Air Brake and with the regulator shut...
Below, "Dougal" runs round at Twyford. The ex-Markeaton Diesel Loco ("Cromwell") can be seen in the background. The EVLR also owns the ex-Markeaton steamer; "Markeaton Lady". However, I'm told that "The Lady" is in dire need of boiler work and won't be seen for a while yet!...
"Dougal" can be seen below on Twyford Turntable. The 'Baloon Loop' always results in engines returning to Twyford the right way around. However, without the turntable, they would end up leaving tender first. The turntable is located at the end of the platform, close to the car park and right next to the path to the shopping area. The sight of loco's on the table is probably the first sight of the EVLR that most visitors get. I suppose really that the below is the trademark shot!...
Below, with "Dougal" resting at Twyford Station, the firebox doors are open and the water level can be seen in the Fireman's-side gauge glass. "Dougal" has a good size firebox, allowing free steaming on a low volume of fire...
All in all, a lovely two trips (and a picnic!) at the EVLR. Thanks to Jim, Helen and Chris for another lovely visit. The railway really is beautiful and, as always, I would recommend a visit there to anybody. Trains are always steam hauled and both the loco's & coaches are both well-kept and comfortable. The stations are tidy and are also well-kept. Finally, train fares are very reasonable for a trip lasting 20-minutes or so. All in all, a perfect little railway to visit! Click HERE for their website. Thanks for reading everyone. Well, thats post No1 of June; I wonder how many there will be by the end? Sam.

A Quiet Turn with the Beautiful B1...

Hi everyone. Today, at 6:10am, fresh from an early breakfast at McDonalds, I pulled up at the gates of Shackerstone. Just then, Neil pulled up behind. I unlocked the gates and we drove in tandem up the lengthy driveway towards the station. After parking we made our way to the loco works through the damp morning air. Inside lay our three steamable engines; "Sir Gomer", 3803 and the beautiful B1 "Mayflower". The B1 was still red hot from her two outings over the weekend; so hot in fact that she had enough steam on to move herself outside! As the heay rain fell outside, I broke up a pallet with Fireman Mark whilst Driver Neil cleared out the firebox. With the wood broken up, the fire was lit. The loco moved forward, under her own steam, so that her chimney cleared the shed roof but the rest of her remained in the dry. Myself, Neil and Mark then cleaned the engine with the help of Jamie. The B1 came around to quickly however that, by 9am, we were in Platform 1 simmering in the pouring rain; with the first train not until 11:15am! The engine looked a treat though. Having already been cleaned, the rain didn't affect her shine too much. At 10am, having got changed, I sit in the Fireman's Seat on 1306, blissfully aware of the 200psi simmering away inside the boiler...
A look in the firebox at 10am shows a good fire blazing away on the sloping grate. The Eastern style Flap Door is also clearly visible...
"Perfection at Shackerstone": 1306 simmers away. What a beautiful machine. You would never tell that her paintwork is nearly 10 years old!...
The locomotive performed beautifully all day and enjoyed 5 relatively well-loaded trips on the 4-coach rake. It was, once again, a pleasure to be on her footplate. We had a pretty simple day, romping through the lovely Leicestershire countryside, with 1306 throwing thick white steam over her shoulder and up into the damp air. Later on, the B1 pulls into Market Bosworth with the last returning train to Shackerstone of the day. And "Yes"; its still raining!...
Back at Shackerstone, the Shed Cat spent her day dozing under the cosy cover of the Station Veranda on Platform 1. She looked nice and warm bundled up on top of a fabric Suitcase. She was there at 9am, and she was still there when we pulled in on the last train of the day!...
Below, we can see another of my brief footplate videos. Mark is Driving with Neil on the shovel. The B1 pulls away from Shenton, up the embankment towards Far Coton. She strides along easily with the 4-coach rake, shining on through the rain...

After 5 successful trips, the very damp B1 returned to the shed for a well earned warm & dry rest. We disposed of the lovely 4-6-0 before heading for home at around 5:45pm. A very nice day again with beautiful "Mayflower". Thanks very much to Neil, Mark and Jamie. Her next planned steaming is at the end of June for "Thomas" I believe when she may again change indentity to a certain Green Engine of a different name. Look out for 1306 at Shackerstone. If you haven't already seen her, you are missing out. She is probably the best kept engine in preservation; she is beautiful. The amount of time and effort that goes into keeping her in such fantastic condition is unbelievable. Her boiler ticket is up this year and her last steaming at Shackerstone is pencilled in for September. Therefore, please, if you haven't seen her already; please do. You are missing out! :). Thanks for reading folks. Good evening...

Models Weekend 2011 at the Battlefield Line...

Hi all. This weekend (May 28th-30th), the Battlefield Line Railway at Shackerstone held its "Models Weekend". The event, held mainly at the midway station of Market Bosworth, was the first of its kind for around 5 years, having been an annual event up until 2006. In fact, we used to exhibit the LEGO railway there back in the day - before I was a Shackerstone working member! Returning in 2011, the event featured model railways, a model engineering display, display stands, a collection of steam toys and even a 3" Ruston Proctor traction engine. The locomotive rostered was the beautiful LNER B1 No1306 "Mayflower". 1306 provided a 5-train service on all three days of the event and was very popular with visitors. Despite the changable weather, the event received a good amount of visitors and favourable reviews. I, not being on duty today, decided to go along and check out the event. I arrived at Market Bosworth; in the Saxo; at around 11am and immediately took a good look around the show. I must admit, for a first year returning, it wasn't too bad at all. I film alot of the exhibits, and of course the beautiful B1. Its lovely to get some film of 1306 as I never seem to get a chance! Below, the B1 roars away from Market Bosworth with Driver George Saville on the regulator. The 4-6-0 is in fine form indeed...
The same shot is recreated below in the first video clip. The 2nd video clip see's 1306 roar out of Market Bosworth on a later train. In the later clip, George's wife (Marie) is on the regulator...

The second video you will see (below) is of the two biggest Model Railway layouts at the show. The first is an O Gauge Hornby 3-Rail collection. There were countless buildings, coaches and locomotives on this layout. It was a very interesting display with many things moving all of the time. It was very popular indeed with the visitors. The stock varies from over 50 years old to products of this year. Look out for the digitally-operated Duchess Pacific including smoke, station announcements, Stanier hooter and chuff sounds. Lovely layout indeed. The second layout featured is the Gauge 1 (45mm) live steam, named "Midsomer Norton". This huge track, including well-modelled scenary, saw many different locomotives running throughout the weekend. Perhaps the most interesting was the perfect model of 2-2-0 "Blue Circle" which unfortuantely doesn't feature in my film. But, I assure you, it was fantastic. This layout really was popular and drew your eyes very easily. I couldn't get over one thing though...the sight of many live steam 45mm gauge £3000 cheques flying around at great speed...

The final video (below) features alot of the other exhibits including a display of coal fired live steam; regular readers will notice the Darjeeling B and the Darjeeling Garratt that I filmed running at LSMR 2011 (see previous post). Other exhibits include a 2.5" gauge coal fired loco, the 3" Ruston Proctor, a Model Woodyard and of course a fantastic display of Mamods and Model Engineering projects...

Below, the Gauge 1 display during a quiet period. The Market Bosworth Goods Shed did a fantastic job in its first event since being acquired by the railway. It is a huge, brick-built structure with lighting, good security and even an upstairs. This building has huge potential and I'm sure next years model show will be even bigger and even better (the LEGO will be going for a start)...
Below, the 3" Ruston Proctor in steam. I love the livery and it runs like a well-oiled sewing machine. This lovely little engine; owned by Pockets; was in steam giving running demonstrations on both Saturday and Sunday. However, on Monday, due to the almost constant rain, I think she stayed dry inside the Goods Shed on display!...
Below, the lovely model engineering display by North West Leicester club. This included a fabulous 3.5" Doris (Black 5), a 5" Polly and a fabulous 94xx Pannier Tank. The display was both interesting and popular...
All in all, a lovely display of models with alot of potential for next year. Well done to Carl and Pockets (Andy) for arranging it; very good show lads. After a good look around the show and alot of filming, I headed for home at around 4:30pm. Tomorrow?: I'm back at Shackerstone for a turn with the B1 "Mayflower". Thank you all. I hope you enjoyed this post. Look forward to seeing you all at the 2012 Models Weekend at Shackerstone where we shall be in attendance with our LEGO railway! Evening all...

"Achilles" Steams Again...

Hi everybody. As you all know, I am a member of Coventry Model Engineering Society, and there are many different locomotives, both society-owned and privately owned. Regular readers will remember my brief mentions of the 5" gauge Reeves "Achilles" locomotive. "Achilles" is a substantial tank loco; the 0-6-0 version of the "Ajax" in fact; and is readily available from Reeves. Mr K Hall owns this particular example, having built it himself. The engine was completed in 1990 and has since ran countless times. However, since early 2009, the engine has been plagued with various problems emulating from her double-acting Water Pump. Further more, new boiler legislation has meant that all spindles (i.e. blower valves) have to be made captive, no matter how unlikely the event of unscrewing them completely! With these modifications taking place, "Achilles" has been out of service until this week when she was finally completed. The loco was filled with water a few days ago and we test steamed her today. This was a non-public, private test undertaken at base. If successful, the loco would be prepared for a journey to CMES for official tests; both hydraulic and steam. Luckily, all problems were resolved and the loco performed faultlessly. We lifted her bufferbeams onto blocks, allowing the wheels to be freely suspended. This would allow the loco to run, both forwards and backwards, and to display working of the water pump. The system worked well and "Achilles" seemed in fine form, having not steam for 2 years!...
For the test, the loco had the cab sides, cab front, coal bunker, cab floor and cab roof removed. This allows quick and easy changes to be carried out inside the cab. For example, operation of the hand pump. With the loco ready, and 1/3 of a glass of water in the boiler, I lit the fire. This was done using the usually fuel-soaked wood and coal. Within 15 minutes, the loco had 70psi (out of a full 90psi), and we got going. With a little persuasion using the pole reverser and a whiff of steam (in order to warm the cylinders and open the automatic drains), "Achilles" started away. Alot of water was blasted from the four drain cocks but, with 30 seconds or so, all was cleared. The loco was then operated at line speed. The valve gear sounded in good shape and the beat was crisp. The axlepump worked perfectly; easily filling the boiler to above the top nut in only a few revolutions of the wheels. Below, "Achilles" chugs away happily with water pump operating perfectly and regulator just cracked...

Within 15 minutes of raising steam, the loco had successfully passed the tests which myself and Ken had in mind. Fantastic! So, with that, we disposed of the engine. Mind you, she already had a full glass! Thansk to Ken for a nice little morning out with "Achilles" - now for the official tests! Good day all...

A Wonderful Day II At Bala; A Pictorial Record...

Hi everyone. Well, after a lovely meal and a few pints at the "Eagles" last night, we awoke this morning ready for another day on the footplate of "Maid Marian". Arriving at the shed at 8:20am, the skies were threatening and the wind was howling loudly. It was an awful morning. I did the tubes under the cover of the shed, and the smokebox too. However, the loco had to be ashed out outside, and the fire lit in the pouring rain...lucky we had a small cab. And then, just like that, out came the hot morning sun. Then, it rained again, and then was sunny again. It went like that pretty much all day! The weather really couldn't make its mind up. Oh well, were nice and warm (if damp!) on "Marian". In the morning, with my cuppa', I indulged in some chocolate trains...still a big kid ay?!...
Myself and Eddie cleaned the cab brass whilst the heavy rain fell, and then cleaned the outside when sun showed itself briefly. It was quite different when we took out the first run though...the sun shone all the way. It really was beautiful...and very hot too! You would never have believed it. "Maid Marian" was built in 1903 as Hunslet No822. She worked, along with her sisters, in the Dinorwic slate quarries and was purchased by the Maid Marian Fund in 1965, for preservation. She is now based at Bala Lake and runs regularly, operating in turn with sister "Holy War" (who we took out last year)...
The loco shed at the base is quite simple, yet adequate. There are machines and many tools...more than enough to carry out substantial overhauls on these 2ft gauge engines. Those who have read my posts from last year's Bala visit will remember that cabless 0-4-0 "Alice" was almost finished, after a long overhaul. In fact, she steamed last summer and ran for a few months. However, a few months ago she failed a boiler exam as one of the inspection plugs didn't have enough material to be rethreaded. Therefore, she was stopped and the boiler removed. Poor "Alice". She now sits, boiler off, in the shed. The boiler is soon off to the SVR at Bridgnorth for heavy repairs. The loco will return to service asap. Shame really, she is a lovely machine...
Meanwhile, sister engine "Holy War" is enjoying a repaint of her saddle tank. The railway manager, Roger, has a good hand for loco painting and so has undertaken the job...
A quick view of the loco works. At the back you can see the green Peckett "Triassic". She is a basic machine; basically a baby "Sir Gomer"; but is powerful, so I hear. However, she now needs alot of work doing, including heavy boiler work. So, I fear, she may not return to work at Bala. On the right, under some sheets, you can see "George B"; the fourth and final Hunslet at Bala. "George B" is making slow progres is a heavy overhaul from scrapyard condition. She has never ran in preservation. Mind you, it is a 1st class job...absolutely no slop in the bushes or the slide bars; fabulous work by the Bala team...
Meanwhile, myself and Eddie had great day out on the footplate of "Maid Marian" again. Four trips, taking 1 hour each, gives a leisurely day, with 35 minutes break between runs. However, that 35 minutes also includes ashing out the loco, raking the fire and taking on coal & water. So, you normally end up with 15-20 minutes to have your free cobs and cuppa'. Below, I have included quite a few pictures and videos of the railway today. I hope you enjoy them and that they also give you an idea of our lovely little weekend in Wales. Oh, and, did I tell you we have adopted Welsh names? Fireman Shadwell takes a break on the footplate of "Maid Marian" as she descends towards Llangower with a Bala train...
"Maid Marian" waits at Bala with the 11:50am departure for the base. With less people expected today, we took 4 coaches instead of 5...
Below, we see a video taken from the footplate of "Maid Marian" on the run between Bala and Llangower. Driver Idrys takes the train along the snaking tracks on the edge of the lake...

Down at Llangower, a Bala-train awaits departure behind a cab-first "Marian". The sun was out but the wind was VERY strong. It almost took our hats!...
"Have you ever seen such a beautiful view from a cab window?"...the train comes out of Bala towards the little iron bridge, bound for Llangower...
Running down the line towards Bala, the views of the lake really open up. They do look their best under the sun though! It really is lovely...
Midday at Llangower. The wind is howling yet the sun is shining. The view from "Marian" is almost like that of a seaside!...
Driver Idrys (Eddie) in enthusiastic mode as "Marian" makes her way towards Bala on an afternoon turn...
Action shot on "Marian" as we steam homeward. The mechanical lubricator (a preservation fitment, as these engines had hydrostatic lubricators) can be seen on the running board...
Below, "Marian" chugs along the meandering tracks towards Llangower. It is nice to get the odd footplate film now and again is it not?!...

Up at base, the little red engine is admired by a party of Brownies. We were just about to take the engine off the train and coal up/water up ready for the last run of the weekend...
Below, Driver Idrys stands on "Maid Marian" at Bala as I take the trademark photograph, in front of the railway's very own sign!...
In sunlight, "Marian" waits to depart Llangower upgrade, with driver Idrys in the cab. I have just put on some more coal ready for the departure...
On any return trip on the BLR, the most taxing part is the last 1/2 mile back to base. This is a lengthy 1 in 70 incline and really makes the engine work pretty hard. Just before the start of the climb, "Pentrepiod"; a request halt; comes into view. This is known as "Last Chance Saloon". If you haven't got your coal on by here...it won't give you heat when you go up the bank! From "Last Chance" onwards, you're on your own. "Marian" seemed to attack the bottom of the hill, but then slowed to her 'own speed' as we neared the top...everytime! However, there is never any doubt that she will get up there. Below, "Marian" attacks the 1 in 70 on the very last run of the weekend, back to base. Sorry about the wind-noise, but hear "Marian" roar...

Following the filming of the above, we arrived back on time. We then shunted the stock away, uncoupled the loco, raked her fire, took her into the shed and filled her with water. She also wore a chimney cap. We then disposed of her properly and then headed for a cuppa', followed by a shower. What a lovely weekend it has been. Thanks to Eddie (Idrys) and everyone on the Bala Lake Railway. It really is a fantastic little line and I would encourage anybody to go along and try it for themselves; its just great. Myself and Idrys will be crewing there again on August 13th and 15th, with me (Shadwell) crewing with another driver on the 14th too. Look out for posts on that as they happen! By 6:50pm tonight, we were on our way home and, after a good run, we were home by 9:10pm. Thank you all for reading. Comment if you wish. Goodnight!...

Everyone's Off To Bala...

Hey everyone. Last night, at around 7pm, myself and Eddie set off under the light of the setting sun for the Bala Lake Railway in deepest North Wales. Regular readers will know that we had a fantastic weekend up at the BLR last June and therefore booked this one so we could have another go. Well, so I could have another go I should say(!); Eddie is a regular Bala Lake driver. Finally, after a quick journey over the beautiful mountains, we arrived at the BLR base at Llanuwchllyn just before 9:30pm, ready for a night in the railway's own accomodation, set in the station attic. Next morning, we arose to a blustery welsh morning and made our way down to the sheds for the 8:30am start. The Bala Lake Railway runs for 4.75 miles between Llanuwchllyn and Bala on the old GWR Ruabon - Barmouth line. However, the old standard gauge formation has since been reduced to 2ft gauge and is now operated by a small company, supported by a society. The loco fleet is made up of 5 steam engines and 3 diesels; with 3 of the steamers usually in regular operation, though at present only two are running. Trains run every weekend in the season, and daily through the summer. Its a lovely ride, through some of the best scenary I have ever seen from a loco cab...why not go along and see for yourself?! Our charge for the weekend was to be 0-4-0 Hunslet "Maid Marian", one of four Quarry Hunslets based at the BLR. In the morning, the Fireman first has to clean the tubes and smokebox, then the grate and then the ashpan. You can then light the engine up; providing you have enough water of course...
Once the loco is lit up, the Fireman has to clean the cab brasses and the Driver can oil up as well as cleaning the outside of the engine. Meanwhile, the fire has to be tended to, and the wood stocks replenished before the loco leaves shed. "Maid Marian" blows off at 110psi, and so 90-100psi is probably the best working pressure when out on the line. If you go less than 90psi, she seems to struggle a little bit; not much, but a little. My family were due down today, to see the delights of the Bala Lake Railway. They arrived at around 10:30am and were soon off up into the cafe to sample the famous sponge cakes (they are great!). We on the other hand had already had tea as the crews get a cuppa' at 10am, after you've ordered your FREE lunch of course (nothing like hospitality is there!). By 11am, we were off shed and at the water tower, taking both water and coal, as well as ashing out. At 11:15am, with the family on board, we steamed away on the first train of the day. The family took the following photo's. View over the lovely Bala Lake; the largest natural lake in Wales...Fireman Sam Brandist looks out from the cab of "Maid Marian" as the train leaves the foot of the 1 in 70 bank, bound for Bala...
Firing this line is pretty easy but you need to keep on top of it. The loco's only carry a 1ft x 2ft firebox and so you need to keep the fire well made and let as little cold air into the firebox as possible. This is due to the lack of brick-arch etc. There are three stations and two halts, both of the latter being stopped at "on request" only. For alot of its length, the line runs roadside and, more importantly, lakeside. The lakeside areas are the best...the very best. I love the railway for its scenary, its tidy layout and its friendly atmosphere, not to mention the quaint 2ft gauge locomotives. On a return run, I look out from the loco and back into the 1st coach (an Open) where the family were sitting. This is a good vantage point from which to describe the route between firing...
Up at the base, I prepare the fire before departure for Bala. Normally, the Fireman will fire from the footplate and you have pretty ample space to see any holes that may form. However, when you want to rake the fire out properly, and see potential clinker, you need to stand before the engine and open the rear doors. You can then see the fire properly and rake the bars, and even use the clinker-tongs if required. Below, I feed the fire after giving it a good rake out to check for clinker...
After their ride on the railway, the family took a walk up the Aaron moutains behind the station. As they climbed the lower hills, they managed to capture the shot below. Bala Lake can be seen in the distance, as can the mountains on the other side. In the centre-left of the image can be seen the main station and the train waiting to depart. I could see them from here, as could the 150-people sitting in the waiting 2:25pm departure for Bala! Honestly, they saw me waving from the loco and they all waved shouting "Hi Mum"...wow!...
At Bala, the train arrives on the downgrade with myself and Eddie at the helm...

This really was a fantastic day out. The family really enjoyed themselves and we will be seeing them again tonight at the local "Eagles" pub for a nice meal after a hard day on the footplate. Well, I say hard, but we are on holiday!! I think the best trip of the day was the 2:25pm, as we had a literally FULL train. Two coach parties had arrived on 'Great Little Trains of Wales' excursions and were taking a return trip. These passengers filled three of the coaches, leaving the other two to be filled by the normal passengers, many more of which joined at Bala. So, with a full 5-coach train, we really felt the weight! However, "Maid Marian" still flew up the bank with ease but, she did sound VERY loud! Even so, she steamed beautifully and was a joy to fire. What a day. By 5:30pm, we had the loco disposed and put to bed before leaving for a cuppa', followed by a shower and a night out at the "Eagles". Evening all; more pics and videos of Bala coming tomorrow!...