Llangollen Locomotive No. 6430 21st Anniversary Visit - From Planning to Disposal by Dave Angell
Rather than the usual review of an event with just a report of the actual day, I thought it may be a bit more entertaining to let you share my own experiences of our 21st Anniversary Gala which divulge off the normal route a few times. But sorry it’s a bit long!
The seeds were set a few years ago, but not specifically for the 21st Gala, at one of the old Event Group Meetings, when the idea of bringing in an ex mainline loco was first discussed. The costs and risk of financial losses had put us off doing much more, but Alan Binns had kept reminding me he wanted to organise such an event one day.
Anyway, these things all store up in the memory banks and when Robert Swann reminded us all in January, it was twenty one years since TSR first ran a passenger service this May, they all came flooding back!
You may recall that Mike Thompson had carried out some work on clamp locks at Llangollen Railway and that this had started fostering some good working relationships with them. Well, they are home to an ex Wellington Pannier, which is known to have worked our line, that Alan has always wanted to bring back. A few phone calls followed, sadly the Wellington loco was out of service, but a similar loco, 6430, was available and we would be able to borrow it – usual conditions applying.
I was in the process of leaflet producing and Alan asked me to delay it while all the gala info was brought to the board for approval, or not.
The meeting came and Alan had to send apologies! Anyway, I presented the case and everyone agreed that we could not miss the opportunity to celebrate our coming of age. We were however extremely concerned that Thomas would be with us for the two weekends following and resources would be, shall we say, stretched. Nevertheless, a two day event was approved, with certain financial commitments to keep too.
Now the work stated. My first bit was easy, put it in the leaflet! But far more was needed than that. The loco and price was confirmed, as was transport. Alan had a “master plan” in his head which involved lots of stock and equipment being ready by the end of May. Well, when I say end of, he meant middle! A photo charter had been organised, which really wanted to use our auto trailer – 6430 is push pull fitted and finished in BR green livery, our coach was GWR chocolate and cream! Alan also wanted the SK Mk1 coach in service along with the DMU, Rocket, Rusty, Hector on freight and with a little luck (and lots of hard work), the Railbus. More of this later, but now I knew I had a deadline for my guards van.
I had to do my best to ensure as many people as possible knew what we were doing and would come and visit us. What was our market going to be? Two areas were targeted; – firstly enthusiasts – a new venture, adverts and articles in the major railway press were needed. Next was the locals who remembered pannier tanks in their younger days at Horsehay – these needed local adverts and information relating to historical memories.
Adverts were easy enough, as was a press release for the non-enthusiast’s market. This was through our regular PR Company and as usual got an excellent response – newspapers, radio, websites etc. Railway press, hmmm, you can’t expect each of these to carry identical stories so each one needed an individual telephone call or two! Each that I spoke to was brilliant and really wanted to help us. Steam Railways really excelled themselves and offered to visit us to feature TSR the week before the gala. Paul Hughes and I booked time off and spent a whole day with Michael Wild. He only expected a few hours and was only thinking he would fill about three pages in their magazine! If you didn’t see the six pages they published, or the coverage in Heritage Railways and Railway Magazine, you missed a treat.
Next to the locals. I saw the main market here, as far as non rail enthusiasts were concerned, was those who had travelled the line in their younger days, or who had family who had. The release to the local papers was modified to suit and a few additional phone calls made. Then I got an email from Ben Bentley, a features reporter for the Shropshire Star. He wanted a full article, so an evening with him was booked. Result? An almost complete page in the newspaper, even in full colour! (well most were, but the copy I bought was black and white!).
Going back to the hired in loco, how many of us actually had experience of driving a GWR Pannier? Although one or two of our drivers had previous knowledge on similar engines, it was thought prudent for a visit to Llangollen to be made by a couple of us for familiarisation on the loco. Paul and I were able to get time off work and volunteered to do it. A very informative day was had, were we both learned about idiosyncrasies of the loco and gained confidence that it really wasn’t that different to what we were used to. To me, it proved how good our driver training is, as I knew I would be confidant driving 6430 in a couple of weeks. As a thank you to Llangollen a few Sentinel Newsletters were left behind (and one of theirs bought to see if I could find any new ideas!). If you get chance, go and visit their railway, it’s not far away and very interesting and friendly.
Whilst all this was going on, I remembered thinking a while ago that we could do with a new version of the Guidebook and Stock List. The 21st Gala would surely be a good time to publish it. Why do I do this to myself? Anyway, after lots of typing and picture taking, followed by formatting, checking and tweaking, it was ready and delivered the night before the gala.
Now to the rolling stock. Paul and Robin’s gang worked incredibly hard and got the SK ready – paint and lining etc was still being applied on the day before the gala. My van, CRC No. 2 had its buffers replaced and lettering applied on the last day, Railbus RB004 managed its first trip to Horsehay and Dawley on the 17th and believe it or not, the auto trailer was maroon for the photo charter.
Now onto the photo charter and I thankfully wasn’t rostered as I needed to get my guards van finished. When I got there 6400 had appeared! Yes that’s correct, 6430 had metamorphosised! A good crowd of photographers were all around, happily creating scenes with the pannier, auto trailer, freight wagons and vintage road vehicles from a few members. Trying to carry out work on stock was “interesting” as Robin and I will vouch for! Every time the stock was moved for pictures, so was the stock we were working on, or we were “in shot” and had to move. But never mind, everyone got what they wanted and I finished my work before the heavens opened!
The week leading up to the Gala wasn’t too bad for me, yes, I had a few jobs to do, but most of mine were already complete. A few tweaks to CRC No. 2, check the adverts in the press were ok and generally lend a hand where needed. I’m not so sure everyone else could say that though!
What I haven’t said though, is that Thomas was due the next weekend! He had to be advertised but couldn’t compete with this gala. How? Well, he seems to have a greater appeal to non local visitors than the 21st would, so while the local adverts covered this gala, those further a field in Birmingham, Stoke etc had Thomas.
OK, Gala weekend arrived and I was due to drive on the Monday, great, but it restricts the chance to take photos and generally enjoy the atmosphere of the day. So, a family day out was arranged to Horsehay on Sunday! This was unusual for me, visiting TSR as a passenger, but one I really enjoyed.
As we entered the site, the car park was full and people were milling everywhere. My first impressions were that we were here for a good day. First stop the ticket office and then onto Spring Village Platform, where Rocket and 6430 greeted us at the head of a very smart looking two coach and brake van train. A few minutes before departure, so grab a good position and off we go. One of the first things I noticed was how many people had bought “my” guidebook, immediately I knew why I’d done it! An impressive ride to Horsehay, where it was great to see so many passengers awaiting our train, followed by a walk to the model railway and then a cup of tea and bacon butties for lunch. Now time for a few photos;- some from the overbridge, some under it and some overlooking the yard entrance from Fence Road (it helps to know the area!). Highlights were seeing my guards van in the freight train, the Railbus passing Horsehay with Ironbridge in its destination window and seeing Rocket storm the bank on the passenger train alone.
A few rides followed and then the rest of the attractions were “checked out”, as usual the Phoenix Model Engineers did us proud, as did Bob, Steve and Tony with their vintage road vehicles. In the rear yard, naturally the tram was shuttling back and forth, but today a host of other attractions welcomed us. A tremendous display of stationary engines, some pumping blue or red water, were thumping away all day and by the sleeping coach was a model railway sales stand from Craven Arms Models. A rummage for old Tri-ang, but sadly I failed – this time! A couple of scale model miniature steam vehicles were parading around the site, again displaying the skills of their makers. Derek Owen had a brilliant display of lamps and railway hats in the railbus.
Unusually I was able to spend time just mulling with the other visitors and it was interesting to hear comments from them when they didn’t know I was a volunteer! Listening to them gave me quite a “buzz” as I heard people praising the event and the railway as a whole. “I’m amazed at how much they have got in such a small place” was just one comment I ear wigged.
Towards the end of the day, I had the pleasure of meeting the panniers owner, had a good chat with him and discovered we both had a passion not only for steam but also like the same music, especially Nine Below Zero!
And now to the Monday, my turn on the driving roster and I was down to drive Rocket and “guest” on 6430 for a few turns. A seven o’clock start, as the loco was warm from yesterday, but where was my fireman? No sign by 7.30 so I was getting a little anxious! A phone call or two later and it transpired he was on his way but would be an hour late. Being in a kind considerate mood, by eight o’clock when he arrived, a nicely prepared engine was sitting there with a roaring fire. As you can guess, much leg pulling was in order all day.
Our first passenger turn of the day was double headed with 6430, so not much effort needed, but our next turn was slightly more demanding; two carriages and the toad. I’d seen Rocket manage this the day before, but was still looking forward to it, how hard would it be etc? No problem! A gentle nudge of the regulator brakes off, no slip, no roll a perfect hill start from Horsehay and Dawley. What a feeling.
But naturally, what I really wanted was a drive of the pannier. About lunch time my wish was granted and a swap was made. With a representative of Llangollen on board, my first manoeuvre was to collect an incoming passenger train that Rocket left behind at the entrance to Spring Village. Such a joy to drive, the loco is so smooth and responsive compared to what we normally have. But then again, it should be!
After a round trip on passenger, I now had to collect the demonstration freight from the tunnel and run it to and from Horsehay. This was a turn I really wanted, towing my brake with a GWR loco. Naturally I found time to take a photo during turnaround time.
A couple more trips and I was back on Rocket, finishing the public running with a spirited double header sandwiched between 6430 and the carriages. I believe a spectacular sight and sound to those watching from Spring Village.
As the passengers disappeared, a photo call was arranged for all volunteers around or on 6430. A similar picture was taken twenty-one years before when only two of the assembled volunteers were on, oh and an orange Hi-Vis jacket, specially brought out of retirement for the day!
At the days end, we put Rocket to bed and came back from the shed to find the low loader lined up and 6430 about to be loaded. That’s what I call a quick get away!
Well, was the gala a success? Financially - ticket sales were good, but could have been slightly better, operationally - very impressive it would be hard to improve, level of entertainment – we had a great array of attractions and the public sounded happy.
by Dave Angell
The seeds were set a few years ago, but not specifically for the 21st Gala, at one of the old Event Group Meetings, when the idea of bringing in an ex mainline loco was first discussed. The costs and risk of financial losses had put us off doing much more, but Alan Binns had kept reminding me he wanted to organise such an event one day.
Anyway, these things all store up in the memory banks and when Robert Swann reminded us all in January, it was twenty one years since TSR first ran a passenger service this May, they all came flooding back!
You may recall that Mike Thompson had carried out some work on clamp locks at Llangollen Railway and that this had started fostering some good working relationships with them. Well, they are home to an ex Wellington Pannier, which is known to have worked our line, that Alan has always wanted to bring back. A few phone calls followed, sadly the Wellington loco was out of service, but a similar loco, 6430, was available and we would be able to borrow it – usual conditions applying.
I was in the process of leaflet producing and Alan asked me to delay it while all the gala info was brought to the board for approval, or not.
The meeting came and Alan had to send apologies! Anyway, I presented the case and everyone agreed that we could not miss the opportunity to celebrate our coming of age. We were however extremely concerned that Thomas would be with us for the two weekends following and resources would be, shall we say, stretched. Nevertheless, a two day event was approved, with certain financial commitments to keep too.
Now the work stated. My first bit was easy, put it in the leaflet! But far more was needed than that. The loco and price was confirmed, as was transport. Alan had a “master plan” in his head which involved lots of stock and equipment being ready by the end of May. Well, when I say end of, he meant middle! A photo charter had been organised, which really wanted to use our auto trailer – 6430 is push pull fitted and finished in BR green livery, our coach was GWR chocolate and cream! Alan also wanted the SK Mk1 coach in service along with the DMU, Rocket, Rusty, Hector on freight and with a little luck (and lots of hard work), the Railbus. More of this later, but now I knew I had a deadline for my guards van.
I had to do my best to ensure as many people as possible knew what we were doing and would come and visit us. What was our market going to be? Two areas were targeted; – firstly enthusiasts – a new venture, adverts and articles in the major railway press were needed. Next was the locals who remembered pannier tanks in their younger days at Horsehay – these needed local adverts and information relating to historical memories.
Adverts were easy enough, as was a press release for the non-enthusiast’s market. This was through our regular PR Company and as usual got an excellent response – newspapers, radio, websites etc. Railway press, hmmm, you can’t expect each of these to carry identical stories so each one needed an individual telephone call or two! Each that I spoke to was brilliant and really wanted to help us. Steam Railways really excelled themselves and offered to visit us to feature TSR the week before the gala. Paul Hughes and I booked time off and spent a whole day with Michael Wild. He only expected a few hours and was only thinking he would fill about three pages in their magazine! If you didn’t see the six pages they published, or the coverage in Heritage Railways and Railway Magazine, you missed a treat.
Next to the locals. I saw the main market here, as far as non rail enthusiasts were concerned, was those who had travelled the line in their younger days, or who had family who had. The release to the local papers was modified to suit and a few additional phone calls made. Then I got an email from Ben Bentley, a features reporter for the Shropshire Star. He wanted a full article, so an evening with him was booked. Result? An almost complete page in the newspaper, even in full colour! (well most were, but the copy I bought was black and white!).
Going back to the hired in loco, how many of us actually had experience of driving a GWR Pannier? Although one or two of our drivers had previous knowledge on similar engines, it was thought prudent for a visit to Llangollen to be made by a couple of us for familiarisation on the loco. Paul and I were able to get time off work and volunteered to do it. A very informative day was had, were we both learned about idiosyncrasies of the loco and gained confidence that it really wasn’t that different to what we were used to. To me, it proved how good our driver training is, as I knew I would be confidant driving 6430 in a couple of weeks. As a thank you to Llangollen a few Sentinel Newsletters were left behind (and one of theirs bought to see if I could find any new ideas!). If you get chance, go and visit their railway, it’s not far away and very interesting and friendly.
Whilst all this was going on, I remembered thinking a while ago that we could do with a new version of the Guidebook and Stock List. The 21st Gala would surely be a good time to publish it. Why do I do this to myself? Anyway, after lots of typing and picture taking, followed by formatting, checking and tweaking, it was ready and delivered the night before the gala.
Now to the rolling stock. Paul and Robin’s gang worked incredibly hard and got the SK ready – paint and lining etc was still being applied on the day before the gala. My van, CRC No. 2 had its buffers replaced and lettering applied on the last day, Railbus RB004 managed its first trip to Horsehay and Dawley on the 17th and believe it or not, the auto trailer was maroon for the photo charter.
Now onto the photo charter and I thankfully wasn’t rostered as I needed to get my guards van finished. When I got there 6400 had appeared! Yes that’s correct, 6430 had metamorphosised! A good crowd of photographers were all around, happily creating scenes with the pannier, auto trailer, freight wagons and vintage road vehicles from a few members. Trying to carry out work on stock was “interesting” as Robin and I will vouch for! Every time the stock was moved for pictures, so was the stock we were working on, or we were “in shot” and had to move. But never mind, everyone got what they wanted and I finished my work before the heavens opened!
The week leading up to the Gala wasn’t too bad for me, yes, I had a few jobs to do, but most of mine were already complete. A few tweaks to CRC No. 2, check the adverts in the press were ok and generally lend a hand where needed. I’m not so sure everyone else could say that though!
What I haven’t said though, is that Thomas was due the next weekend! He had to be advertised but couldn’t compete with this gala. How? Well, he seems to have a greater appeal to non local visitors than the 21st would, so while the local adverts covered this gala, those further a field in Birmingham, Stoke etc had Thomas.
OK, Gala weekend arrived and I was due to drive on the Monday, great, but it restricts the chance to take photos and generally enjoy the atmosphere of the day. So, a family day out was arranged to Horsehay on Sunday! This was unusual for me, visiting TSR as a passenger, but one I really enjoyed.
As we entered the site, the car park was full and people were milling everywhere. My first impressions were that we were here for a good day. First stop the ticket office and then onto Spring Village Platform, where Rocket and 6430 greeted us at the head of a very smart looking two coach and brake van train. A few minutes before departure, so grab a good position and off we go. One of the first things I noticed was how many people had bought “my” guidebook, immediately I knew why I’d done it! An impressive ride to Horsehay, where it was great to see so many passengers awaiting our train, followed by a walk to the model railway and then a cup of tea and bacon butties for lunch. Now time for a few photos;- some from the overbridge, some under it and some overlooking the yard entrance from Fence Road (it helps to know the area!). Highlights were seeing my guards van in the freight train, the Railbus passing Horsehay with Ironbridge in its destination window and seeing Rocket storm the bank on the passenger train alone.
A few rides followed and then the rest of the attractions were “checked out”, as usual the Phoenix Model Engineers did us proud, as did Bob, Steve and Tony with their vintage road vehicles. In the rear yard, naturally the tram was shuttling back and forth, but today a host of other attractions welcomed us. A tremendous display of stationary engines, some pumping blue or red water, were thumping away all day and by the sleeping coach was a model railway sales stand from Craven Arms Models. A rummage for old Tri-ang, but sadly I failed – this time! A couple of scale model miniature steam vehicles were parading around the site, again displaying the skills of their makers. Derek Owen had a brilliant display of lamps and railway hats in the railbus.
Unusually I was able to spend time just mulling with the other visitors and it was interesting to hear comments from them when they didn’t know I was a volunteer! Listening to them gave me quite a “buzz” as I heard people praising the event and the railway as a whole. “I’m amazed at how much they have got in such a small place” was just one comment I ear wigged.
Towards the end of the day, I had the pleasure of meeting the panniers owner, had a good chat with him and discovered we both had a passion not only for steam but also like the same music, especially Nine Below Zero!
And now to the Monday, my turn on the driving roster and I was down to drive Rocket and “guest” on 6430 for a few turns. A seven o’clock start, as the loco was warm from yesterday, but where was my fireman? No sign by 7.30 so I was getting a little anxious! A phone call or two later and it transpired he was on his way but would be an hour late. Being in a kind considerate mood, by eight o’clock when he arrived, a nicely prepared engine was sitting there with a roaring fire. As you can guess, much leg pulling was in order all day.
Our first passenger turn of the day was double headed with 6430, so not much effort needed, but our next turn was slightly more demanding; two carriages and the toad. I’d seen Rocket manage this the day before, but was still looking forward to it, how hard would it be etc? No problem! A gentle nudge of the regulator brakes off, no slip, no roll a perfect hill start from Horsehay and Dawley. What a feeling.
But naturally, what I really wanted was a drive of the pannier. About lunch time my wish was granted and a swap was made. With a representative of Llangollen on board, my first manoeuvre was to collect an incoming passenger train that Rocket left behind at the entrance to Spring Village. Such a joy to drive, the loco is so smooth and responsive compared to what we normally have. But then again, it should be!
After a round trip on passenger, I now had to collect the demonstration freight from the tunnel and run it to and from Horsehay. This was a turn I really wanted, towing my brake with a GWR loco. Naturally I found time to take a photo during turnaround time.
A couple more trips and I was back on Rocket, finishing the public running with a spirited double header sandwiched between 6430 and the carriages. I believe a spectacular sight and sound to those watching from Spring Village.
As the passengers disappeared, a photo call was arranged for all volunteers around or on 6430. A similar picture was taken twenty-one years before when only two of the assembled volunteers were on, oh and an orange Hi-Vis jacket, specially brought out of retirement for the day!
At the days end, we put Rocket to bed and came back from the shed to find the low loader lined up and 6430 about to be loaded. That’s what I call a quick get away!
Well, was the gala a success? Financially - ticket sales were good, but could have been slightly better, operationally - very impressive it would be hard to improve, level of entertainment – we had a great array of attractions and the public sounded happy.
by Dave Angell
Many Thanks to Dave Angell & Ian Heighway for the additional photgraphs
