It was a momentous occasion, as it was when Swordbreaker "finally came home" after the lengthy rebuild and overhaul received over the winter which had started after the Elsecar Show at the end of last September. So with a new coat of paint, new lining [done by yours truly], a hundred-and-one little niggles finally rectified [for example: new red fibre washers sealing the regulator's globe valve replacing a long-suffering (2years?) white plastic ring] and an increase in power through adding weight, porting the cylinders and of course, altering the chassis immensly, it was time to put the now revitalised 'Old Gent' through the paces of the tight-cornered, gradiented Llechfan Railway.
Off the lowloader and making steam in the yard...
Phurcombe Hall holding the flag for all things Glyn Valley - had I taken my TR rake instead, I would have loaned it my own GVT for a rake.
The War Department was in full exhibition that day...
And a little diesel bringing supplies...
Far-out scene...
IP Engineering Jack Diesel[?] speeding by.
and this is why the War Department was in full swing - Llechfan have heard about Crimea and thought we'd best be equipped should Putin feel like annexing us, introducing the rouble and making us swear allegience to Rossiya - does beg the question though, what loco would Mr Putin choose to start out in 16mm with?
Baldwin at work
Quite an industrial little scene here...
And closeup
Swordbreaker with the Chickens - the first time they had ran here in finished condition in my ownership [Mar 11-present]. They had ran here last three years ago - quite an astonishing length of time when they were still equipped with the dainty whitemetal coupling hooks and were held together by the last of their old glue. Can fish some photos out from the Archive - April 2011, when our No.2 Dolgoch was rushedly being prepared for her celebrations in May and I was still very ill as such.
Now, fully quipped, rebuilt by yours truly and reglazed, plus prettified [though retaining their plastic wheels] they have run at Llechfan in full formation.
Guard of honour?
Behind the houses...
Venturing forth on old metals - with new spirit
Two Trains in the Valley
We also had a number of battery diesels come out to play too.
"Diesel Junction"
Couple of scenic approaches...
Went for the "Britt Allcroft" approach shot. Had to.
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Next up saw some runs from Starstrider. This loco was on final testing and certification runs after showing signs of improvement.
VIDEO, FORWARD GEAR
There is also a cracking run in reverse, but as it's too large for my photo account I'll have to omit it. However,. the above video shows that finally, I have overcome this little engine which threatened to steal Second Chance's crown for most troublesome...!
More of the diesels - we had quite a selection out this fair day:
Sourdust
Away again with another passenger train...
~
'Thing', a strange loco based on a PPS Janet but with a saddletank, a Roundhouse gas system and cabsheets, plus a one-off boiler came out then.
Little Huddy on tipper train...
Old friends reunited - Sir Compton and Swordbreaker
And finally, an evening lineup of all three very different, very customised locomotives that belonged to each of us
Lastly, a little running of Swordbreaker - Llechfan was another railway visited on the new grand tour
[CLICK FOR VIDEO]In conclusion, it was a marvellous day. I had a good run with Swordbreaker; Starstrider has now earnt its spurs - a repaint of the tanks into yellow is being considered in view that the paintwork is getting a little ratty and as per the original order - but it is now in full working order and it was great to see the adopted family again
It was part of what was actually a pretty Perfect Day
