Bredgar & Wormshill Railway End Of Season Bash 30th Oct 2011

Hi All,

I was at the Bredgar Railway today and was told that they are having an extra open day at the end of October.

Their idea is to do something for us enthusiasts.

There are to be 5 steam locos operational including both the ex Mozambique Fowler engines, goods and passenger trains will run over the route including the extension over the entrance road. The opportunity to operate a couple of the engines facing down the line, (usually all engines are worked facing up the line) this will allow for a number of different photo locations.

Some vintage vehicles will put in an appearance for photographic purposes.

At the end of the day there will be a 1 hour photographic evening/night shoot using a couple of generators and halogen lamps, this will be at Stoney Shaw station and will feature both of the Fowler locomotives and a goods train.



I'll post more information when I hear it although I'm sure the gen will come out on the Bredgar web site soon.

Alan

 

From the website : -

"Open Day, Sunday 30 October 2011


AUTUMN STEAM GALA

The BWLR is perhaps the most underrated narrow gauge railway in the UK, probably as a consequence of the fact that that they only have seven public open days each year. During the thirty six years they have been in existence they have rebuilt ten steam locomotives, three diesel locos, built six bogie coaches from scratch and renovated a number of ex-WD goods wagons.

At the present time eight locomotives have current boiler certificates. This year Helga, 1936 Orenstein & Koppel (works number 12722) returned to work and two ex-Mozambique Fowlers were seen working together after completion of the rebuilding of 1912 Zambezi (works number 13573).

The railway is normally open to the public on Easter Sunday and then on the first Sunday in the months May to October. However this year the railway will be open on Sunday, 30th October, when it is intended to steam at least five locomotives, to include the two Mozambique Fowlers.

It will be a day devoted to narrow gauge railway enthusiasts. There will be a simple programme of passenger, freight and mixed trains hauled by the steam locomotives in turn, with occasional double-headed trains.

The locomotives not in steam will be on display and available to photograph, as will our small collection of 7 ¼, 10 ½ & 15 inch gauge models.

This day will be a unique opportunity to see and photograph two rare Fowlers at work. Guided tours of the loco shed will be at 1pm and 3pm. The development of the railway and the history of the locomotives will be explained."

 

Any more news which engines will be running? My vote would be to include Helga and Eigiau. How is the rebuild of the diesel Wormshill progressing, it will be nice to see
it in action.

 

Bredgar end of season bash, locos confirmed as running (subject to the usual caveats) :

Darent Andrew Barclay 0-4-0, Victory Decauville 0-4-2 , Limpopo Fowler 0-6-0, Zambezi Fowler 0-4-2i, Helga O&K 0-4-0 & Eigiau O&K 0-4-0.

The 0-6-0 diesel Wormshill is almost completed and is runnable although it has only its first coat of paint and no cab windows, it is planned to run it during the day.

Don't forget there will be a night shoot with at least two locations lit up. So don't forget to bring your tripods and torches!

The forecast shows no rain with some bright patches 16C.

Admission will be the usual £7.50 for all day.

Alan

 

I had an enjoyable couple hours at the railway today, a small selection of my photo's can be found at http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p884180991

 

Thank you for the information Alan. It was a tremendous gala, 6 steam and 2 diesel including the diesel Wormshills public debut. Freight trains and running the full length
of the line over the entrance road into the field were a bonus. It was well worth the long drive, I've just finished reviewing my 70 minutes of video footage and I am
delighted with it. A great way to end the narrow gauge season - for me at least I don't think my wife will tolerate any more trips for a while!

 

Many thanks to all involved, especially Alan for arranging the photo shoot!
Not been to Bredgar in many, many years! This event made easily up for the years of personal neglect!

A selection of my photos from the afternoon and evening can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thestigcouk/sets/72157627898155507/

All the best,
Steve

 

Phabulous photos, Steve and Paul
thanks for the links!