Night train to…

Welshpool? Yes, not quite what you or even I was expecting but last weekend Steve and I had booked tickets for the early evening trip from Llanfair to Welshpool (and return)…

We knew it would be late because the first trains of the day were already 15-20 minutes adrift of the timetable but as it was going dark at Llanfair and we sat in the platform waiting we did wonder if we should knock the idea on the head. But gosh, we’re glad we didn’t. 

The train was formed of visiting Kerr, Stuart ‘Brazil’ Premier from the Sittingbourne and three Zillertal two axle carriages. Not sure what to expect from this plucky industrial, we set off full of anticipation. The railway are experimenting with ‘not coal’ and I understand it’s characteristics take some getting used too so full credit to the crew from Sittingbourne driving Premier, she ran superbly.

Limited water supply did mean stopping for water frequently, we topped up via IBCs and a pump at Cast,e and at Welshpool, and Castle on the return. The ride was smooth(ish), not the hunting you get with Joan, an experienced travel ‘driver’ companion commented on how well the locomotive had been restored and the timing set. 

On the return, by now in complete darkness we must have made for quite a sight for anyone not expecting us, a train chucking out sparks with just a small headlight, three coaches in darkness… despite a valiant effort we had to stop on Golfa for a blow up, and less than 5 minutes later without fuss or wheel slip Premier strode away as if a light engine… a wonderful performance, wonderful locomotive, wonderful crew. Top marks!

These last pair of photos show Steve and I by the light of his phone… however with the carriage I. Darkness, the windows open and the first light of the moon over the landscape it was one of those experiences that you don’t plan, they just happen when you say yes to things. Letting those ribbons I mentioned yesterday weave their own path for our journey. Plenty of energy and inspiration for all things Planet Industrials as a result, of which we will share more soon. In the meantime, see where your path takes you, until next time more soon…