cessna152towser's visit to a Welsh railway

**McClef** · 18th August 10, 01:52 PM

Alex has been showing pictures of his recent adventures and today he had another one!

He flew all the way from Scotland to Wales (via that other country in between...) just to spend a few hours on the Blaenavon Heritage Railway (Rheilffordd Treftadaeth Blaenafon) where I am a volunteer. We at the railway think he now holds the record for the furthest day trip to ride on the railway!

As the train approached Blaenavon High Level station there appeared to be a kilted figure on the platform.

Could it possibly be Alex trying to hide behind that lady?

Yes of course it was and here he poses with the DMU two coach train we were running, affectionally known as "The Thumper." We normally run steam trains at weekends but our midweek trains in August are diesels with a cab at each end.

**Jordan** · 18th August 10, 01:57 PM

Alex really is getting around.

Good photos Trefor

**McClef** · 18th August 10, 02:01 PM

Following a snack and a cup of tea we donned Hi Viz jackets so I could show him around the sidings area. Here we have a lot of running stock that is awaiting restoration.

Such as this old steam loco.

Following yet another cuppa, we rode backdown to Blaenavon High Level station. This section of track was only opened to the public at the end of April following a major restoration and relaying of the trackbed, sleepers and ballast.

We hope to be able to expand the track further south in the future, but for now, the sand drag and buffers mark the southern extent of the line.

And here he is on the platform at Blaenavon High Level. The station building behind is being reconstructed to be faithful to the original. When completed it will contain full facilities, until then it's not the best place to need a bathroom stop! (Or as we say here a trip to the loo!)

**McClef** · 18th August 10, 02:07 PM

At the other end of the line, Whistle Halt, I caught Alex trying to get a shot of the Thumper from the end of the platform.

And from the pleat shot end.

And if you were wondering where I was, Alex has shots of me when he gets chance to put them up, but we managed to get this shot of us posing together taken by the Station Master.

I have other shots of the railway without kilts in them but thought I would let Alex show how he sees things through his eyes first.

But it felt good not to be the only kilted guy on the railway for once!

**tulloch** · 18th August 10, 02:22 PM

Boys and their heavy metal! That is great.

**auld argonian** · 18th August 10, 02:33 PM

The shot with the piles of bricks reminds me of the old Groucho Marx line...he was selling some real estate and said that it was "just a stone's throw from the station...when they throw enough stones, we'll build a station...".

Like so many others here, I'm a great train fan...looks like a great day out.

Best

AA

**denmcdough** · 18th August 10, 02:45 PM

Alex, he's here, he's there, he's everywhere....just like Superman!

Great pics. Now, you need to come to Steamtown, USA, which is located in Scranton, PA