Bala Hub- Over the Summit......
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 12:44 pm
A run over Garneddwen summit on a summer's excursion in the 1950s. A Croes Newydd shed mogul is assisted by a Penmaenpool Collett Goods.
The locos depart Dolgelley
and get into their stride as they attack the 1in 58 gradient.
They slow down a little but keep steam on through Bontnewydd so the gradient can be attacked at the maximum permitted speed.
After Bontnewydd the grade stiffens to 1 in 50 but the locos still steadily plod uphill.
A brief shut off through Drws-y-Nant and a chance to top up the boiler.
And the last leg to the summit now as the locos pound upgrade again
And the locos crest the summit at a steady 25 with the feed on so no plugs are dropped!
And come to a stand in Garneddwen loop.
After waiting for a service to pass they get on their way again.
Gliding downhill towards Llanuwchllyn
At Llanuwchllyn the fire is topped up ready for a sprint along the lakeside
And as the accelerate away a volcano ensues!
Sprinting along the lakeside at 55 mph.
A view accross the lake
Passing Bala Lake Halt and time to shut off for the junction
Arriving at Bala Junction
And coming to a stand to wait for the passing train, and a much earned rest for the crew- its all downhill to Llangollen from here!
Hope you enjoyed them!
The locos depart Dolgelley
and get into their stride as they attack the 1in 58 gradient.
They slow down a little but keep steam on through Bontnewydd so the gradient can be attacked at the maximum permitted speed.
After Bontnewydd the grade stiffens to 1 in 50 but the locos still steadily plod uphill.
A brief shut off through Drws-y-Nant and a chance to top up the boiler.
And the last leg to the summit now as the locos pound upgrade again
And the locos crest the summit at a steady 25 with the feed on so no plugs are dropped!
And come to a stand in Garneddwen loop.
After waiting for a service to pass they get on their way again.
Gliding downhill towards Llanuwchllyn
At Llanuwchllyn the fire is topped up ready for a sprint along the lakeside
And as the accelerate away a volcano ensues!
Sprinting along the lakeside at 55 mph.
A view accross the lake
Passing Bala Lake Halt and time to shut off for the junction
Arriving at Bala Junction
And coming to a stand to wait for the passing train, and a much earned rest for the crew- its all downhill to Llangollen from here!
Hope you enjoyed them!
, shame it isnt preserved, it'd give locos a great challange and enthusiasts a great trip don't you think.
those gradients are amazing, and a sprint along the lake would be done a lot faster than with a quarry hunslet like it is now! I've driven over the hills near that section of line and it truly is an amazing place and the route captures the remote feeling at Garneddwen perfectly.