| 4th September saw Blackbird and Russell from the MVR join WLR Nos. 3, 6, 9, 11 and 14 for the Mixed Trains gala. On addition No. 10 'Rhys' was on display having been reassembled following work, although the loco is not quite ready to steam again yet.
the major feature of the gala was the use of station pilots - Blackbird at Amersham and No. 11 at Woodrow. The latter also handles all the empty stock moves. The only problem of the day was caused by poor lighters, which meant that Blackbird had to deputise for 8903 on the first train of the day. Everything else ran to plan and to time. Another highlight was the return of No. 8903 as No. 3 'Jonathan'. The loco will wear this livery again for our next gala, which should be in October - a vintage gala. Other locos expected to feature include Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 10. Theanks to Murray for coming and participating in another successful event. |
Blackbird deputising for 8903 on the first TTT of the day. American stock in the loop at Woodrow 778x519 mixed_gala_003c.JPG |
After its trip on the main line, Blackbird resumes its duties of station pilot 778x519 mixed_gala_006c.JPG |
The American short mixed approaches Woodrow behind No. 9 778x519 mixed_gala_008c.JPG |
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Three locos at Woodrow: Rhys on display, then 11 (station pilot) and Russell on the main line 742x459 mixed_gala_011c.JPG |
No. 3 makes a welcome return in red, descending Amersham bank with a TTT 778x519 mixed_gala_012c.JPG |
No. 3 approaches an overgrown Woodrow with a TTT 778x519 mixed_gala_013c.JPG |
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Russell and William doublehead the 8 coach passenger 778x519 mixed_gala_014c.JPG |
