Welcome to Betton Grange…

“What is all the fuss about?” I thought beforehand. “A lot of hype over a kettle!” but when I heard the whistle last night, about twenty minutes early I ran out in my Crocs and drove down to the station…

She arrived at the railway for a short stay on Friday and last night was a test and gauging run. I was expecting to see her in the village about half six so when she whistled for the farm crossing at Garthydwr just over the river a mild panic set in! I was sat in my workshop on the laptop, but within about thirty seconds I was in the Up and heading down to the village station.

On arrival I didn't even have a chance to change into my trainers as a whistle as she approached the outer home signal heralded her arrival and I ran across the playing field. Sadly the lovely evening weather meant my preferred location was in shadow (above). The rails squealed and the sleepers creaked as she rolled slowly past me looking absolutely lovely and like she'd always been - not just a fabrication fuelled by man.

All of the 80 GWR Grange were scrapped by British Rail. 27 years ago a Society was formed to build the 81st Grange, Betton Grange - and for many years called Llangollen their home. It was rather special to see her return, in steam - and a nice touch, she is borrowing Foxcote Manors tender!

Beyond these stills I did manage some video - but I'll apologise now, in the rush it is not the greatest and suffers considerably with wind noise...

Betton Grange is not visiting for long and it has been an expensive undertaking. If you're an enthusiast and supporter of the standard gauge preserved railways I would ask you to consider making a trip up to our corner of North Wales next weekend for the Branchline gala. It looks set to be an amazing weekend, packed full of different locomotives and making Glyndyfrdwy feel as busy as Winsford on a weekday morning. I will be knocking about most days, so if you're making the trip do let me know and I'll do my best to say hello.

For now, I'm returning to coffee, snoring dog and a few 'new' secondhand books I picked up in the 80072 shop at Carrog yesterday. Until next time, more soon...

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