Pontypool & Blaenavon Diesel Gala - October 2011
The Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway is a brilliant preserved line situated in the high in the Welsh Valleys with line gradients at 1 in 42 and up to 1 in 24 at one point on the line. The friendly atmosphere and enthusiastic spirit of volunteers on the line always make for a good day out. The 2011 Diesel Gala weekend saw 37216 (mid restoration), 37219 (Mainline Blue), D5627/31203 (BR Green) and 73128 (EWS) team up to provide multiple trips over the steeply graded line. The Thursday before the gala there were only two working diesel locomotives working on the line so great thanks should be extended to the volunteers who put in the effort to get the remaining two operational.
Each time we visit this little line more progress has been made, during 2010 / 2011 an extension has been semi completed to 'Big Pit' from Furness sidings and a new Ticket Office, Shop and Cafe have been built which also provides warm shelter from the elements. I highly recommend this line for a visit, both for a ride and photography. Although the Welsh weather can sometimes be harsh, when the sun if out the views and endless scenes which can be captured in the valleys are amazing.
Each time we visit this little line more progress has been made, during 2010 / 2011 an extension has been semi completed to 'Big Pit' from Furness sidings and a new Ticket Office, Shop and Cafe have been built which also provides warm shelter from the elements. I highly recommend this line for a visit, both for a ride and photography. Although the Welsh weather can sometimes be harsh, when the sun if out the views and endless scenes which can be captured in the valleys are amazing.
After some problems in the depot, 37219 emerges into Furness Sidings with the first train of the day.
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37219 is seen at Bleanvaon High Level ready to make the climb to Whistle Inn.
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37216 will soon return to BR Green but won't carry it's former 'Great Eastern' plates. The loco is currently mid restoration and is seen at Furness Sidings waiting to depart for Blaenavon High Level.
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D5627 (31203) hasn't worked on the Pontypool in quite some time, so it was good to see the loco working in fine voice during the event. It's seen here at Furness Sidings ready for the final slog up to Whistle Inn.
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37219 passes through Furness Sidings station passing the newly constructed Ticket Offce, Shop and Cafe.
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37216 comes off depot into Furness Sidings Station, while 37219 waits to return to the depot from it's passenger turns.
D5627 arrives from Blaenavon High Level into Furness Sidings passing 37219.
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37216 stands on the Big Pit branch waiting to return to Furness Sidings. The Class 37 was used for 'Drive for a Fiver' inbetween main passenger services.
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37216 stands on the Big Pit branch waiting to return to Furness Sidings. The Class 37 was used for 'Drive for a Fiver' inbetween main passenger services.
37219 drops down the 1 in 24 section from Furness Sidings towards Bleanavon High Level having just passed 37216 returning from Big Pit.
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D5627 slogs up the grad into Furness Sidings from Bleanavon High Level heading for Whitsle Inn.
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As the sun spreads through the Welsh Valley 37219 and 37216 move away from Furness Sidings down to Blaenavon High Level.
The final run of the day, 37219 and 37216 complete a non stop run from Bleanavon High Level to Whistle Inn hauling 3CEP, a 73 and 31 (about 500 Tonnes). The noise was amazing. The pair are seen at Whistle Inn before returning to Furness Sidings.
From a Different Viewpoint:
Finally an edit of an image which never happened. Despite several attempts to line up locos at this location it never quite worked. Either being thawted by incorrect lighting, loco positioning or both!
Here is a photoshop merge edit of two seperate photos shows 37216 stabled on the Big Pit Branch while 37219 rolls down to Bleanavon High Level. While the image didn't actually occour it does illustrate the potential of the PBR and it's photographic locations!!
A final heavy edit of D5627 (31203) which is seen stabled at Furness Sidings, but could be anywhere in the UK back in the 1960's!
After remvoing three people (in modern clothing) from the bridge, a conversion to Black and White and then a HDR conversion, the finish image looks rather good!
Note the nameplate has also been cloned out to finish the image!