Autumn Gala - and a 135-year-old visitor
A Peacock at Chasewater
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As in Beyer Peacock, of course, better known for huge Garratts. At the other end of the scale is works no. 1827, built in 1879, which for a time operated as the Gorton works shunter. It’s visiting the Chasewater Railway (on its holidays, my wife would say), and would be taking part in their autumn gala.
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
7 September 2014
The Chasewater galas are always fun. There’s plenty going on - a 3-coach passenger train, a brake van train, a coal train and a mixed freight. Colin McAndrew (Barclay 1223 of 1911) has sole charge of the brake vans (they’re just about within his capacity); the other trains are operated in rotation by BP1827, Bagnall 2842 of 1946 (the day-glo loco) and hefty Nechells No.4 (RSHN 7684 of 1951). The line is short - it’s perfectly possible, pleasurable in fact, to walk from one end to the other and back, pausing only to record the passing action, and to grab a bacon butty and a mug of tea at Chasewater Heaths station. The weather’s good to me too - an excellent day!
Colin steams away from Brownhills West Steam! 1827 on the coal train 1827 on the morning coal train Day-glo loco on the passenger Colin crosses the causeway Return of 1827 The freight arrives at Chasewater Heaths The freight leaves Chasewater Heaths Steam "banker" at Chasewater Heaths 1827 raises the echoes Colin is not to be outdone! 238 years in total! The Bagnall on the freight Colin crosses the causeway again 1827 with the coal train The Bagnall is heading for home 1827 - last trip with the freight