Hey everyone. As dawn broke over Llanuwchllyn this morning, thus began our final day of crewing at Bala Lake for 2011. The rain was falling and the clouds thick atop the Aarons. Myself and Eddie would be crew again today, so we rose at around 7:30am as usual and spent an hour discussing the news of the day. At 8:30am, we sauntered down to the engine shed and got the diesel started. The chunky engine then noisily pulled "Holy War" out into the damp. I carried out my normal fireman's duties whilst Eddie got the stock out. I then proceeded to light the engine up. Back inside the cosy shed, "Alice" was resting, with "Maid Marian"...
Whilst "Holy War" warmed up, the sun began to make another gradual appearance. It was pretty much off and on all day, mixed in with light showers whilst engulfed the little railway. As usual, we went for tea at 10am and enjoyed our cuppa' on the benches underneath the station canopy. We then headed off back down to the yard where "Holy War" was reaching 100psi; more than enough to haul the train. With everything else ready and ourselves changed into cleaner overalls, we moved off shed and steamed up to the top headshunt for Coal and Water. The view below is the first that arriving visitors spot on the station approach, from the road...
For the last few days, we have been greeted on arrival at the loco shed in the morning by five of the railway's newest members; four young Swallows and their mother. The group have been nesting in the rafters right above the shed door for a few weeks now and, in our opinion, the youngsters are just about ready to 'fly the nest'. This opinion was proved true this morning when two of them took flight for the first time. The other two were left engulfed with jealously in the nest...
Under blue skies, "Holy War" is admired by waiting passengers before the 2:25pm train to Bala...
I must admit, myself and Eddie seem to make a very good team. We rarely run short of steam or water (he says!) and seem to keep to time relatively well. Best of all, we always have a laugh. However, in seriousness, today in particular, Eddie's driving seemed very good indeed. He kept us to time and controlled all wheel-slips with the greatest of accuracy and professionalism. I always have a good day on the footplate with Eddie. Driver Idryss (Eddie) takes "Holy War" cab-first up the climb towards the John Lewis hotel on the 2:25...
Sunny skies on the beautiful shore of Bala Lake as "Holy War" joins the lakeside...
Now, for a thank you. Roger & Bobby Hine are the railway's Manager's and look after the place beautifully. I think you would be hard pressed to find anywhere friendlier than the Bala line. On top of this, the engines are always well turned out, and the stations are clean and tidy. Better still, the trains are 100% steam hauled, thanks to Roger's engineering experience, and the aid of the railway's top-class Apprentice; Rob; in always keeping a spare engine available 'just in case'. It really is a lovely place, hence why I call it a 'holiday'. Thank you very much. Below, I managed to get Roger and Bobby to pose for a photograph with "Holy War" just before me and Eddie took her out on the last trip. Bobby was the Guard again, whilst Roger was busy in the shed on "Alice". I am truly proud to know these people, and I hope that they can continue their good work with the Bala Lake. I fear it would not be the same without them... 
After our 4th trip of the day (and our 12th trip each overall) we disposed of "Holy War" on shed and headed off for a cuppa' with Roger & Bobby, as usual. We then said our goodbyes as we would be departing early the following morning, and our thank you's of course. It had been a lovely weekend and I thank everyone involved for another lovely 'holiday' on the Bala Lake. Tomorrow, after a pint down the Eagles tonight, we're off back to Bedworth, via another railway in my case...
Hi all. Just a quiet one today, firing "Holy War" for the Railway's Manager; Roger; who was on the regulator. We had a good time, with "Holy War" putting in another good performance under the varied skies. Not much going on out of the ordinary, apart from some rogue Fisherman who seemed to think it was fine to tent on the lineside and fish across the tracks into the lake..."Erm, No"! Roger soon sent them packing; it is a railway afterall! A very enjoyable day indeed. I am really enjoying this holiday! Off down into Bala tonight to meet Eddie & Arnold at another restuarant. Evenng all...
Hello everyone. As the morning sun shone, myself and Eddie left the station accomodation and made our way down to the loco shed. Inside, our charge for the weekend; "Holy War"; lay in wait. After dragging the little Quarry Hunslet outside using "Bob Davis" the Diesel, Eddie headed off to collect the coaching stock from the other sheds. We then began our normal Driver/Fireman duties. The Fireman has to clean the tubes, empty the smokebox and ashpan, clean the grate and then light the fire. The Driver meanwhile oils up before cleaning the outside of the engine whilst the fireman cleans inside. At 10am, we went down for tea as usual before leaving shed at 10:50am; the first train being at 11:15am. We had a good day today, with a good few passengers and strong performances from "Holy War". Eddie's friend Arnold was down for the weekend too, visiting various local narrow gauge lines. In fact, he joined us on the footplate for the 3pm train from Bala, before taking a picture of us back at base, ready to depart on the last train of the day...
A very nice little day; of three which I have booked to fire at the Bala Lake Railway this weekend. Tomorrow, Eddie is off to the Welsh Highland Railway so I'm firing for the Railway's Manager; Roger. Thank you for reading folks. Good evening...
Hey everyone. After the 30-minute drive from Fairbourne to the Bala Lake Railway, I arrived at around 3:45am, just before the last train of the day was due to depart, driven by my friend Eddie. I will be firing for the next 3 days, on "Holy War" the blue 'Alice' Class Quarry Hunslet which was also running today. However, there was a treat in store behind the sheds. "Alice", of the 'Alice' Class, the cabless Hunslet was in steam on test following boiler repairs. The loco was being steamed by the BLR Apprentice (Rob) and seemed to be simmering away just fine. Below, the loco moves on shed after a day's testing...
After chatting away to Rob about "Alice" and other general railway politics, I walked along the track to the level crossing half way down the bank, awaiting the return of "Holy War" and the train. Below, the loco roars up the bank with Eddie on the handle and Mr Newton firing...
The same image above is repeated in the video below...
Well folks, tomorrow I'm firing on the footplate here, and for the next 3 days too. Thanks for reading folks. Look out for posts as they occur! Evening all, Sam...
Hello everyone. Following a lovely trip on the historic Talyllyn Railway, I jumped back into my yellow Saxo and drove the scenic route to Fairbourne. In this tiny seaside village, there is a hidden gem; the 12.25" gauge Fairbourne Steam Railway. From its humble beginnings in 1895, the line was 2ft gauge, before a down-size to 15" gauge in 1916. The line was one of the pioneer 15" gauge lines, flying the flag in the UK during these early days of rail enthusiasm. When constructed, the line was laid as a tramway, in order to aid the construction of Fairbourne village itself. However, when made into a railway, the line was not popular straight away. Therefore, in 1940, it closed. In 1946, the line was saved and reopened in 1947 with new locomotives, including the famous "Count Louis" atlantic, now at Evesham. The line's heyday came during the 1960s & 70s, before a steady decline in the 80s forced another sale. In 1984, the line was taken over by the Ellerton family and was regauged to the current gauge in 1986. All four of the steam locomotives currently based at the line were acquired at this time. The 15" gauge stock slowly dissapeared from then on. In 1990, the line was put up for sale again, being purchased years later after, deteriorating somewhat in the meantime. Finally, in 2009, the line was given to a charitable body to help preserve it for the future. Back to me, I arrived at the railway at just before 2pm, allowing me to catch that particular departure...just. The loco was "Sherpa"; a lovely Indian loco model. With a toot on the whistle, away we went...
The train runs for 2 miles from Fairbourne to Barmouth Ferry, as the terminus is known. The scenary is very varied. Beginning in the village, the train crosses two roads before curving onto a straight towards the local Golf course. The line continues at the roadside, passing four halts on route. Weaving its way along the beach now, the train passes through a lengthy tunnel of strong construction, before appearing again in this sandy landscape. The journey is varied, yet rather slow in pace. "Sherpa" seemed to cope easily with the lengthy train, descending onto the edge of the Estuary at the terminus. There used to be a Baloon Loop here but, as half of it kept getting engulfed in sand, its use was discontinued a year or two ago. The locomotives now run round before returning to Fairbourne via the same route, yet in reverse of course. Below, we have a look in the cab of "Sherpa". She is an 0-4-0 tendered locomotive, modelled in 6" scale on the Darjeeling 'B' loco's of that famous Indian line...
I must admit, apart from the tender, it wasn't a bad model at all. Even though a 'long way from home', "Sherpa" did look at peace in these very Welsh surroundings. She was built in 1978 in Chester, arriving at Fairbourne some years later. I'm told, she is the best engine for the line; reliable, powerful and easy to work on and repair. I left the train at Barmouth Ferry, to watch the run round. Some passengers were catching the rather tiny Foot-Ferry across the Mawddach Estuary to the seaside town of Barmouth, once a popular holiday resort. "Sherpa" simmers quietly at Barmouth Ferry...
Nice colour; I like it...with the famous Barmouth Bridge in the background...
There it is again, hiding behind the dunes...
It was a nice little terminus location. The views all round are quite breathtaking. However, I must admit, in the middle of the winter you can imagine this place being completely depressing. It must be like the end of the world. Anyway, the loco ran round, before the Driver came back to check the tickets. Soon enough, with another whistle, off we went again. The tide was obviously out as I took this view from the carriage window...
The metal section of the Barmouth Bridge, giving more strength following a severe infection from a Wood-Worm...
Working a little harder on the return run, "Sherpa" is driven by another female driver...
A bustling Barmouth Ferry with at least 12 passengers in sight. Saying that, the train did seem pretty full on departure...
The train returned at its sombre pace across the beach and back down the road to Fairbourne. "Sherpa" sounded in fine form, though she wasn't working hard for most of the trip; the little uphill section out of the terminus was all us steam enthusiasts got really! As I say, though the line is pretty flat, it is relatively scenic; well worth a look. The staff are very friendly too, and the engine was well-turned out in her shining blue livery. The coaches were also well-looked after, a nice change compared to some of my more local railways. Back at Fairbourne, I left the train and had another look at "Sherpa". One of the Driver's then took me into the workshop where the other engines were hiding. Below, the model of WHR Hunslet "Russell" stands cold and under repair, following an altercation with a car last week...
The third regularly operational engine is "Yeo", a model of the Lynton & Barnstaple engines. I love that Southern livery! Nice machine indeed. Very nice workshops too; they look pretty secure and well equipped. The fourth and final steamer, the 0-6-4ST "Beddgelert" was also in the shed: in bits! Below, "Yeo"...
After a look in the sheds and the extensive souvenir shop, I left the railway for Bala Lake as the rain began to fall. Finally, I have a video for you; spotting "Sherpa" at Ferry with some on-train footage thrown in...Well, thats it folks; two down, one to go, after Bala of course! Off we go. Destination?: Bala! 30 minutes from here so I'm going to get gone and get there on this wet Welsh day. Fairbourne was very nice, lovely place to visit. Another I would recommend. I'd say 'charming' is probably the best word; if a little slow! Cheers everyone. Sam.
Hi everybody. Today, following a brisk cruise via the M6, M54, A5 and god only knows how many other minor country roads, I reached the famous Talyllyn Railway at Tywyn, on the western coast of Wales. This fantastically historic railway, at 2ft 3" in gauge, hides in the beautiful Fathew valley, running through unspoilt scenary for 7.25 miles. Originally constructed to carry slate, the line opened in 1865 between Tywyn and its upper reaches at Nant Gwernol. Traffic was busy but, allas, in 1946 the slate transport business collapsed following a heavy rockfall in the mountains. In 1866, the line began passenger services with crude coaches, being one of very few railways operating slate trains to also operate passenger trips. Later in its life; after many ups and downs; the railway was bought by Haydn Jones, a man who vowed to keep the line running for as long as possible. After purchasing the line in 1911, Jones kept it running until his death in July 1950, with his widow continuing operations until the end of that season. After that, the railway seemed set to dissapear forever. Fortunately, a band of enthusiasts came together, let by Tom Rolt, and, on May 14th 1951, the very first train on the very first preserved railway went into service. Slowly but surely, the new society restored the line, allowing future generations to experience its charm, its beauty and its peace. Lucky for us, the line is still running today and, is going strong at that! I arrived at Tywyn at just before 10am. After buying a ticket, I awaited the loco and stock for the first train, hauled by 1864-built Fletcher Jennings 0-4-2, No1 "Talyllyn" herself...
"Talyllyn" arrived with some historic-looking stock, before uncoupling and heading over for water. The loco was beautifully turned out, carrying a Welsh crest on the front bufferbeam and wearing a striking red & black livery. The loco was crewed by three; a lady Driver, a lady Cleaner and a male Fireman. I must admit, the extra 3" in gauge gives a much larger locomotive. For 1864, "Talyllyn" is big! After watering, the loco moved around onto the front of the 10:30am departure. I boarded an 'open' coach, from which to survey the views which awaited further up the valley. Departing on time, the train passed Pendre; the workshops of the line. Therefore, I spotted "Sir Haydn" lying in wait in the shed. Four loco's would be in service today, including "Talyllyn". Working her way up the valley, through various stations and wayside halts, the loco seemed to haul the train easily. Passenger numbers seemed strong, despite the ever-threatening rain. Mind you, you can tell this is a popular line. Past farms and hillside plains we went, steaming along through a time-trapped world. Wales is beautiful. You can tell it has been like this for centuries...
As I said, the coach I was travelling in was an 'open'. However, there was an assortment of stock making up the rake. One type in attendance was the 4-wheeled rigid frame coach. As well as these, there was a 1st Class 'Bug-Box', beautifully done, as well as a large bogie coach or two. Together, lovingly restored to the highest standards, they remind us of a bygone age of narrow gauge travel, kept for the future on the Talyllyn Railway. Below, a 4-wheeled coach stands at the head of the train...
After a scenic run through the damp valley, the train reached the terminus at Nant Gwernol. Here, the loco was uncoupled and ran round...
From Nant Gwernol, the track used to continue as a horse-drawn tramway to the top of the hills. However, though evidence of these primitive operations remains, the tramway is no more. Looking down from the platform, lush greenary is all that meets the eye...
At Nant Gwernol, the 1864-built loco rests as she awaits the road...
Many will remember the Talyllyn's inclusion in the Awdry books which one day became Thomas the Tank Engine. Of course, the TR engines were the 'Four Little Engines' discovered by Awdry in his tenth book. Awdry was of course a supporter and regular volunteer and visitor of the Talyllyn. The engines that were written into the book all had 'twins' on the Talyllyn. Of course, "Talyllyn"s twin was "Skarloey", the little red 0-4-2 in th TV series that followed later. "Peter Sam" (No4 "Edward Thomas"), "Sir Handle" (No3 "Sir Haydn") and of course "Rheneas" (No2 "Dolgoch") also appeared, as did "Duncan" (No6 "Douglas"). Awdry passed away in 1997, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in both television and in his books for the Talyllyn to recreate. Each season, one engine is chosen to "play" one of the twin engines from Sodor. This year, "Sir Handle" was in attendance. It is such a thrill to see the engines you watched on TV as a child in the flesh. Anyway, with "Talyllyn" back on the train, we departed homeward...
At Abergynolwyn, there was a 25-minute pathing stop. "Talyllyn"s cab...
"Talyllyn"...
At Quarry Siding, we passed "Sir Handle" ("Sir Haydn" in disguise)...
"Skarloey"...
Back at Tywyn, the Talyllyn posters are all around...
With "Talyllyn" now off the back of the train, 1921-built No4 "Edward Thomas" ran round and onto what was now the front. The loco looked great, in a shining green livery under the darkened skies. She was of course "Peter Sam" in the books and the TV series, herself being of Kerr Stuart build. The engine used to have a Giesel-Ejector with the appropriately flat chimney. However, I believe this has now been removed for a more conventional arrangement...
"Edward Thomas" at Tywyn, directly behind is the Cambrian coast Network Rail line...
Leaving the two steamers outside, I headed into the relatively new station building at Tywyn. As well as the shop, waiting area, booking office and cafe, the building also houses a wonderful Museum, housed over two levels. I must admit, I was very impressed. Everything from locomotives to rail relics and historic artefacts. One display I did enjoyed was the tribute to Mr Awdry, and his books...
The upper floor of the Museum also includes a viewing balcony, from which you can see the entire station, yard and of course the Network Rail line alongside. Below, "Talyllyn" is spotted from an unusual angle from above...
On the lower floor, the bigger locomotives are kept. 2ft gauge Quarry Hunslet "Rough Pup" looked well, stored in the warmth of the cosy museum. However, unfortunately, I fear she may never run again...
Finally ladies and gents, before I end this post, I have included the footage I took at the Talyllyn, starting along the line and giving views of "Talyllyn" in action...
Well, a lovely trip overall folks. I spotted all four of the loco's in action, though No2 "Dolgoch" could not be photographed due to the pouring Welsh rain! This line is beautiful; very historic, well-kept and professional to boot. I would recommend indeed! Well, now, another one done(!); back in the car and off to Fairbourne!...
Hi everyone. Regular readers will know of a certain little Peckett 0-6-0ST that is owned by the Shackerstone Railway Society. Once a proud member of the infamous Mountain Ash Colliery fleet, 1932-built "Sir Gomer" has been owned by the Battlefield Line for around 10 years now. She worked off and on between 2003 and 2008, suffering countless problems including valve timing, missed beats, leaking boiler tubes, hot-boxes, leaking stays, lubricator failure and blower ring corrosion. Therefore, in August 2008 when "Sir Gomer" was finally laid up with no hope of finishing its current 10-year ticket, the railway and its Steam Department took action. By January 2009 we had stripped the Peckett completely, with the boiler standing disconnected on top of the frames. The boiler was then taken to Llangollen for extensive repairs, keeping it away until June of that year. Meanwhile, we were busy at Shackerstone cleaning frames, rearranging valve timing and generally tidying the engine up. With the return of the boiler we then set about rebuilding the loco. However, all did not go to plan, with extra problems being addressed as they arose. Throughout 2010, with the Small Prairie No5542 to look after as well as our other loco's and stock, "Gomer"s work slowed up a little, though we still continued to soldier on with her when time allowed. In February 2011 the tank was refitted and now, here we are, in August 2011 and the loco is just days from steaming; THREE YEARS since we took her apart! Today's job was to finish the new Ashpan and put back in the very heavy Firebars. Below, Andy welds the final sections of the Ashpan below the Foundation Ring...
The vast majority of work on the engine, apart from the boiler, has been carried out at Shackerstone by various names. Countless people have had involvement with the engine at one time or another. However, I will admit, that the two people who deserve the most credit are the two Graham's; Mr Hudman and Mr Enser; who have worked tirelessly to ensure that "Sir Gomer" could actually return to steam. Well done gentlemen; my hat off to you, you've done a splendid job. "Sir Gomer" is ready and waiting for steaming in the shed...
As you can see, enthusiasm amongst the Steam Department members is rife as we await the return of the Mountain Ash Peckett. Eddie and Dave both seem gleeful as "Sir Gomer" nears completion...
Much of today's work was carried out underneath the loco, and in the Firebox. In the image below, we can see the area underneath the Footplate floor. The cylinder to the top-left is the Steam Brake cylinder, and the grey firebox is central. Spanning the frames is the Brake Shaft, in turn connected to the Steam Brake cylinder and handbrake. The new Ashpan can be seen below the Brake Shaft, with Pockets' legs just visible inside. With the Ashpan pretty much complete, we replaced the Firebars; which I had the misfortune of having to take out years ago(!); ready for a steaming next week...
Outside the dark confines of the shed, the usual steam service was in operation, hauled by a certain Eastern 4-6-0...
Driver Mark Fairfield and Fireman Neil Boden exchange glances with us as "Mayflower" departs Shackerstone on the final train of the day...
A volcanic departure from "Mayflower" on the 4:15 train...
I left just after the last train left, along with everyone else from the shed. It had been a tiring but successful day and I now await news (hopefully good news at that!) regarding "Sir G"s first steaming after this lengthy spell out of service. If all is well, tests will be undertaken at Shackerstone. Following that, we hope to take the Peckett to Wales in September for a visit to the Pontypool Railway's "Industry of South Wales" Gala, where the Mountain Ash engine will have the opportunity to steam alongside fellow Peckett's "Whitehead" and the infamous "Mardy Monster"; the most powerful Peckett 0-6-0ST ever built. If she does go to Wales (fingers crossed), then I shall be joining her for at least one day out in the valleys. Look out for news on that as it happens. Thanks for reading everyone; good evening...
Hello everyone. Well, today was a weird one; until the story unfolded that is! Following my return from holiday yesterday, I was booked to take my 5" loco; "Achilles"; up to the GEC Railway at Binley today. The line was running its raised track for the public, as it was the first Saturday in the month. Due to members holidays, the line was suffering from a bit of a loco shortage so "Achilles" stood in for one of the regular loco's. The society's own 'Speedy' loco then appeared to provide a second steamer for the afternoon's running. Finally, a little electric loco was also pressed into service "just in case". "Achilles" was in steam by 2:15pm; 15 minutes early. However, we still took up our place on the track ready for service, as some early passengers were already on site. Below, the loco has left her bay, been turned on the turntable and reversed down to await clearance onto the track via handsignals; at this point all seemed well...
Once on the track, "Achilles" was steaming well but not pulling as well as she should. Water was also proving to be a bit of a problem. Therefore, I temporarily failed the engine and removed her from the 2-car set. The society electric then took over for a while. With the 0-6-0T on the bay, I checked her over. A crosshead pin was loose but that was about it, all seemed fine. So, having tightened the pin up, I made up the fire again before going back onto the track, trying 1 car instead of 2 (though "Achilles" is more than capable of 2). With one car, the loco performed better, giving many rides throughout the afternoon. Below, set of Grandparents No2 enjoy an enthusiastic jaunt around the 5" track...
With whistle blowing, "Achilles" roars through the station to commence the 2nd lap of the two provided for the 75p fare...
Later on, just before the running ended, "Achilles" front axle locked up. Upon inspection, the right-hand of the two water-pump eccentrics had moved 3/4 of an inch across the axle, locking the entire engine in the process. With the eccentric disconnected, the engine could move again though I could not of course sort out the problem with the loco in steam. So, with only 2 runs left to do, the electric took over again and "Achilles" was disposed of. Though I was a bit annoyed, no damage has been done. A nice little afternoon with plenty of tea provided once again. I will of course have to repair "Achilles" before her next outing but no problems are currently envisaged in that department. The loco is next planned to run at RPMR, on Sunday August 28th (for the public) and Wednesday August 31st (for a club evening steam-up). But, as always, we'll see what happens! Thanks everyone, have a good evening. Sam.
Hey everyone. As dawn broke over Llanuwchllyn this morning, thus began our final day of crewing at Bala Lake for 2011. The rain was falling and the clouds thick atop the Aarons. Myself and Eddie would be crew again today, so we rose at around 7:30am as usual and spent an hour discussing the news of the day. At 8:30am, we sauntered down to the engine shed and got the diesel started. The chunky engine then noisily pulled "Holy War" out into the damp. I carried out my normal fireman's duties whilst Eddie got the stock out. I then proceeded to light the engine up. Back inside the cosy shed, "Alice" was resting, with "Maid Marian"...
Whilst "Holy War" warmed up, the sun began to make another gradual appearance. It was pretty much off and on all day, mixed in with light showers whilst engulfed the little railway. As usual, we went for tea at 10am and enjoyed our cuppa' on the benches underneath the station canopy. We then headed off back down to the yard where "Holy War" was reaching 100psi; more than enough to haul the train. With everything else ready and ourselves changed into cleaner overalls, we moved off shed and steamed up to the top headshunt for Coal and Water. The view below is the first that arriving visitors spot on the station approach, from the road...
For the last few days, we have been greeted on arrival at the loco shed in the morning by five of the railway's newest members; four young Swallows and their mother. The group have been nesting in the rafters right above the shed door for a few weeks now and, in our opinion, the youngsters are just about ready to 'fly the nest'. This opinion was proved true this morning when two of them took flight for the first time. The other two were left engulfed with jealously in the nest...
Under blue skies, "Holy War" is admired by waiting passengers before the 2:25pm train to Bala...
I must admit, myself and Eddie seem to make a very good team. We rarely run short of steam or water (he says!) and seem to keep to time relatively well. Best of all, we always have a laugh. However, in seriousness, today in particular, Eddie's driving seemed very good indeed. He kept us to time and controlled all wheel-slips with the greatest of accuracy and professionalism. I always have a good day on the footplate with Eddie. Driver Idryss (Eddie) takes "Holy War" cab-first up the climb towards the John Lewis hotel on the 2:25...
Sunny skies on the beautiful shore of Bala Lake as "Holy War" joins the lakeside...
Now, for a thank you. Roger & Bobby Hine are the railway's Manager's and look after the place beautifully. I think you would be hard pressed to find anywhere friendlier than the Bala line. On top of this, the engines are always well turned out, and the stations are clean and tidy. Better still, the trains are 100% steam hauled, thanks to Roger's engineering experience, and the aid of the railway's top-class Apprentice; Rob; in always keeping a spare engine available 'just in case'. It really is a lovely place, hence why I call it a 'holiday'. Thank you very much. Below, I managed to get Roger and Bobby to pose for a photograph with "Holy War" just before me and Eddie took her out on the last trip. Bobby was the Guard again, whilst Roger was busy in the shed on "Alice". I am truly proud to know these people, and I hope that they can continue their good work with the Bala Lake. I fear it would not be the same without them... 
After our 4th trip of the day (and our 12th trip each overall) we disposed of "Holy War" on shed and headed off for a cuppa' with Roger & Bobby, as usual. We then said our goodbyes as we would be departing early the following morning, and our thank you's of course. It had been a lovely weekend and I thank everyone involved for another lovely 'holiday' on the Bala Lake. Tomorrow, after a pint down the Eagles tonight, we're off back to Bedworth, via another railway in my case...
