Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway - Diesel Gala
Saturday 15th October 2011
The Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway is a brilliant preserved line situated in the high in the Welsh Valleys with line gradients at 1 in 42 and up to 1 in 24 at one point on the line. The friendly atmosphere and enthusiastic spirit of volunteers on the line always make for a good day out. The 2011 Diesel Gala weekend saw 37216 (mid restoration), 37219 (Mainline Blue), D5627/31203 (BR Green) and 73128 (EWS) team up to provide multiple trips over the steeply graded line. The Thursday before the gala there were only two working diesel locomotives working on the line so great thanks should be extended to the volunteers who put in the effort to get the remaining two operational.
Each time we visit this little line more progress has been made, during 2010 / 2011 an extension has been semi completed to 'Big Pit' from Furness sidings and a new Ticket Office, Shop and Cafe have been built which also provides warm shelter from the elements.
I highley recommend this line for a visit, both for a ride and photography. Although the Welsh weather can sometimes be harsh, when the sun if out the views and endless scenes which can be captured in the valleys are amazing.
Each time we visit this little line more progress has been made, during 2010 / 2011 an extension has been semi completed to 'Big Pit' from Furness sidings and a new Ticket Office, Shop and Cafe have been built which also provides warm shelter from the elements.
I highley recommend this line for a visit, both for a ride and photography. Although the Welsh weather can sometimes be harsh, when the sun if out the views and endless scenes which can be captured in the valleys are amazing.
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Finally an edit of an image which never happened. Despite several attempts to line up locos at this location it never quite worked. Either being thawted by incorrect lighting, loco positioning or both!
Here is a photoshop merge edit of two seperate photos shows 37216 stabled on the Big Pit Branch while 37219 rolls down to Bleanavon High Level. While the image didn't actually occour it does illustrate the potential of the PBR and it's photographic locations!! |
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A final heavy edit of D5627 (31203) which is seen stabled at Furness Sidings, but could be anywhere in the UK back in the 1960's!
After remvoing three people (in modern clothing) from the bridge, a conversion to Black and White and then a HDR conversion, the finish image looks rather good! Note the nameplate has also been cloned out to finish the image! |
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