The Very late Winter Steam Gala!

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

Here is a selection of photos from todays month late annual steam gala!



Pheonix is lit up early to do some shunting in preparation for the day



Everything lined up for photo shots



Pheonix takes the first trains of the day





H.G.Butler then does a couple of shuttles with the first class carriage





A close up of Britomart



H.G.Butler hauls some "Heritage" trains, before the Memorial Silence which is normally held in memory of my grandfather, but today was also held for another relative who passed away in the early hours of this morning



Idling in the rather warm winter sunlight



Whats left in Britomart's cab, taken while H.G.Butler was being coupled up



The train sets off for Fron Goch (Narrow Minded should recognise that piston )



The loco struggles up the bank



The end is nigh sadly displayed on Britomart's side tank



Re-gaining steam at Chloddiau Tan R'Allt



After Britomart was dragged to Fron Goch, Pheonix comes down from the quarry for some passenger trains







H.G.Butler goes up to Fron Goch



A shot of all 3 locos, possibly a last?

Pheonix drags No.449 and a waggon containing all the bits that have all ready come off Britomart



Some passenger trains were then run at the end of the day











Blow down at Dolwyddelan



Britomart at the end of a lonely siding at the Quarry. So it really does look like the end is nigh for the loco





or is it?

[Sir Clothem Cap]

Great photos and it was brave running in the cold too.Is there a britomart restoration appeal box at your stations?

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

Thanks, and surprisingly they're not needed anymore......

[Sir Clothem Cap]

Could it be britomart has found a sponsor to fund the boiler change. Will we hear the chuff of the dead mamod resurrected?. Will you find the time to straighten pheonix's nameplate while your at it

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

Could it be britomart has found a sponsor to fund the boiler change. Will we hear the chuff of the dead mamod resurrected?. Will you find the time to straighten  pheonix's nameplate while your at it

A local group of enthusiasts who have grown up with the sight of Britomart running up and down the line as the only operational loco have come together and bought the loco from the railway for restoration! and they say if the restoration is successful, they will allow the railway to use her.

and yes, i know the nameplate is wonky!

[DolwyddelanLightRail]

I've just realised that i've forgotten to post the pictures of Britomart's rescue, so here they are!



Britomart at the end of the lonely siding is greeted by the first rays of sunshine



Well frozen!



Pheonix is prepared for the day at Dolwyddelan



Britomart begins to defrost in the sun



Pheonix runs light engined to check the line is clear



Later on the first train is run



OK, who knocked the blowdown valve in the station again?!



Pheonix then runs up to Fron Goch and gingerly approaches Britomart, who after a quick check round is ready for dragging back to Dolwyddelan for the new owners, the "Britomart Preservation Society" to start to restore her



Approaching Dolwyddelan down Dolmur Goch Bank, photographers capture the moment!



Finally back at Dolwyddelan, and afterwards was shunted into her new home for restoration



H.G.Butler then does some Shuttles to Chloddia Tan R'Allt, but some issues were found while running.....



Pheonix idles at Chloddia, awaiting orders



While iding, the railways photographer decided to take some pictures of the loco........and afterwards advised the engine crews that she may need a little clean....



Later on some more passenger services were ran



Dafydd opens the reg at Chloddia to storm through the station





Pheonix starts off with a very nice steam display from Chlodia TR'A with the last train of the day



I do have some more photos but those will have to wait til when I'm back home as i can't upload at school