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.
One of many Criccieth Castles...
...in front of Dave's magnificent train. There was much admiration of his stock and locomotive.
John's Fowler standing in a new siding.
Doug's custom Isle of Man style VIXEN...
...looking resplendent.
Another view of Dave's train. The colour of the engine generated much discussion.
It was well lined...
...and a not-quite-Roundhouse shade of blue.
Another Criccieth Castle on Thunderbird duties for Andrew...
...and it started getting dark.
The chips arrived and there was much scoffing.
Then in the darkness...
...the fun began.
Photos by Lucy
An unexpected phone call to Don resulted in a visit by a film crew. Don's description is shown in the captions.
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.
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”!)
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
Elliot set out to take the pictures...
...but his battery went flat really early.
We got all the lights out...
...and everyone had a first run...
...while it was still light.
The sidings were busy...
...and our new ones allowed longer trains.
Doug's VIXEN...
...sporting THE MANXMAN headboard.
A Roundhouse Charles? Or is it a Linda or Blanche?
It's pulling Doug's MANXMAN train set.
The Top Track was busy too.
Tom's brilliant diesel.
The afternoon was very good...
...not too cold...
...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.