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Butterley Garden Railway Association


2019 Autumn Twilight Run.

It was forecast as a fine day and we were all anticipating a great running session and our chip supper. We kicked off at mid-day and there was a gradual inflow of members all afternoon.

This was the first test of our newly relaid track sections and it performed perfectly. There were many compliments and very few derailments.

Then as the afternoon turned to evening the numbers in attendance grew, resulting in one of the most popular twilight runs we've had. We ordered our chips and scoffed them with enthusiasm.

It soon got dark and we had a brilliant run. We were visited by a film crew and the evening didn't wind up till late. Everyone seemed to have great time.

Lucy, Don and Elliot took the photos.


Scenes from our Night Run

One of many Criccieth Castles...

Scenes from our Night Run

...in front of Dave's magnificent train. There was much admiration of his stock and locomotive.

Scenes from our Night Run

John's Fowler standing in a new siding.

Scenes from our Night Run

Doug's custom Isle of Man style VIXEN...

Scenes from our Night Run

...looking resplendent.

Scenes from our Night Run

Another view of Dave's train. The colour of the engine generated much discussion.

Scenes from our Night Run

It was well lined...

Scenes from our Night Run

...and a not-quite-Roundhouse shade of blue.

Scenes from our Night Run

Another Criccieth Castle on Thunderbird duties for Andrew...

Scenes from our Night Run

...and it started getting dark.

Scenes from our Night Run

The chips arrived and there was much scoffing.

Scenes from our Night Run

Then in the darkness...

Scenes from our Night Run

...the fun began.


Photos by Lucy


The Film Crew

An unexpected phone call to Don resulted in a visit by a film crew. Don's description is shown in the captions.

Scenes from our Night Run

The film crew came at short notice following discussions and subsequent emails I had with them after the Elsecar show. They had heard of the “Loco Olympics” and wanted to film them but obviously were a couple of weeks too late.

Scenes from our Night Run

I mentioned it to John and Mike and they suggested inviting them to film the twilight run which I did, I then heard nothing from them until they rang on the night to say they had driven up from London to film the event (which they thought was “magical”!)

Scenes from our Night Run

The company are London based “Clouded Vision” and are making a promo video on niche hobbies and the magazines that support them, hence Garden Rail.

They later made a very welcome donation to our funds.


Photos by Don


Scenes from our Night Run

Elliot set out to take the pictures...

Scenes from our Night Run

...but his battery went flat really early.

Scenes from our Night Run

We got all the lights out...

Scenes from our Night Run

...and everyone had a first run...

Scenes from our Night Run

...while it was still light.

Scenes from our Night Run

The sidings were busy...

Scenes from our Night Run

...and our new ones allowed longer trains.

Scenes from our Night Run

Doug's VIXEN...

Scenes from our Night Run

...sporting THE MANXMAN headboard.

Scenes from our Night Run

A Roundhouse Charles? Or is it a Linda or Blanche?

Scenes from our Night Run

It's pulling Doug's MANXMAN train set.

Scenes from our Night Run

The Top Track was busy too.

Scenes from our Night Run

Tom's brilliant diesel.

Scenes from our Night Run

The afternoon was very good...

Scenes from our Night Run

...not too cold...

Scenes from our Night Run

...but the evening was excellent.


Photos by Elliot


If you have more photos to add to this or other galleries then please send them to bgrawebsite@gmail.com.