King of the Hill, The results.....

A Garrett Triple Header over Britannia Bridge

Double Farlie's "David Lloyd George" & "Merddin Emrys" storm away from Pont Croesor

"Linda" & "Blanche", seen soon after completing their King of the Hill run

The 3 NGG16 Garratts are seen heading for Pont Croesor.

Jung Mallet No. 9 and Darjeeling "B" No.19 cross the Britannia Bridge on Sunday 11th september

The Gala, staged at the Welsh Highland Railway, was a competetion run by Festrail to see which locos could climb the hill between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu in the fastest time. This included some strange visitors and Multiple Headed combinations as seen in the photo's above.

The results showed that "Linda" and "Blanche" won, completing the climb in 1 minitue 15 seconds.

A brilliant weekend,

Chris Nelson,

2nd Cameraman

Rekindle memories of the "Atlantic Coast Express" on Steam Dreams 3 day tour

For those of you who have fond memories of the "Atlantic Coast Express" storming through to the South West of England, you can rekindle those memories on a 3 day tour organised by Steam Dreams.

Three of the most famous Southern Railway steam locomotives have been brought together to haul the 14 coach load to the West Country once again. These are, Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Pacific No.34067 "Tangmere", Rebuilt West Country No.34046 "Braunton" and SR "King Arthur" No.30777 "Sir Lamiel".

This recreation of the Southern Railway's most famous train will start at London Waterloo, where 30777 will be waiting to head the train as far as Westbury. 34046 & 34067 will then take over for a Double Headed ascent of the Devon Banks from Westbury to Newquay. 

Day 2, and a chance to sample some Cornish steam on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. 

The third and final day, and the train will begin the journey back to London Waterloo. 34046 & 34067 will Double Head the train back over the Devon Banks from Par to Exeter, 34046 then runs solo from Exeter to Okehampton and then 34067 then takes over for the last leg back into London. 

It's quite an ambitious schedule, but I am sure it will bring back memories.

We look forward to it.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,

2nd Cameraman

"Tangmere" for Scotland next year

Next year's "Cathedrals Explorer" promises to be yet another steam locomotive extravaganza with the creme de la creme of the British steam fleet coming together to put on a show.

Next year, the "Southern" will be represented in style, as day 2 of the excursion sees the unsusual sight of 34067 "Tangmere" and K4 No.61994 "The Great Marquess" operating over the demanding grades of the Highland Mainline from Perth to Inverness. "Tangmere" is normally seen running in Southern England, it occasionaly runsin Northern England, it has also worked over the S&C but it has never touched Scotland. Thanks to "Heritage Railway Magazine" for issuing this information. We will keep you posted on more details for the next "Cathedrals" as they come through.

Look out for more blog posts during the day, you may find them interesting!

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
2nd Cameraman

Details for NRP Summer Filming trek 2011

This will probably be the most ambitious programme we will have ever made this year. Join us for our annual Summer Filming Trek, as we travel from the mountains of North Wales, to the port of Douglas on the Isle of man to capture the best railway action.

This programme, produced over a period of 8 days features:
A visit to Tony Willemore's Garden Railway, the home of Rhos Helyg Locomtive Works
There's a whole hour of fantastic steam action on the Isle of Man Steam Railway
We have a visit to the steam worked Groudel Glen Railway
Plus the fabulous Snaefell Mountain Railway

This year, the programme is entitled, "Steam to the Isle of Man". we leave on 26th August 2011.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
2nd Cameraman

NGG16 No.143 outshopped in green livery at WHR

NGG16 Beyer Garratt No.143 has been outshopped in a striking green livery having undergone a major overhaul which began in 2009. It has had several modifications made including a conversion to Coal Firing. The newly overhauled locomotive will feature in our brand new Festrail programme which will be produced in September on location at the Superpower Weekend. The Gala will play host to some impressive visitors. These include:
Darjeeling "B" class No.19
Jung Mallet No.9

These locos will participate along with the entire FR&WHR Loco fleet, it's sure to be spectacular.

Don't miss your ticket to this superb Gala. If you wish you were there, just buy our official DVD of the event which will be on sale in October.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
2nd Cameraman

Festrail Production confirmed

We are very pleased to announce the long awaited new Festrail productions, which will be filmed either in September or October. it it is in September, the programme will be filmed at the Superpower Gala, in conjunction with the "Cob 200 Weekend" at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. If filmed, in October, we will be covering the Vintage Weekend, which will hopefully run in partnership with the Caernarfon system enabling us to see more of the Ffestiniog fleet operating on the WHR. This programme will be entitled "NRP Steam Special: Festrail Steam".

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
2nd Cameraman

Didcot: Launch of Steam Railmotor No.93 and visit of No.60163 "Tornado"

This weekend sees the launch of GWR Steam Railmotor No.93 at Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire. the restoration began in 1998 and was completed in April this year. The railmotor will operate on the main demonstration line alongside a selection of diesel rail cars this weekend courtesy of Chiltern Rail.



On 11th June, Didcot will play host to A1 Peppercorn Pacific No.60163 "Tornado". She will be operating on the Demonstration Line  alongside No.93 and possibly GWR "King" No.6023 "King Edward II". Sadly, we cannot make the event due to commitments at the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway on the day. We will of course, keep you posted with the latest news from Didcot.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
2nd Cameraman