Dean Forest holds South Wales-themed gala
IT WAS all about South Wales steam at the Dean Forest Railway’s ‘Royal Forest of Steam’ gala on October 14/15, with all three visiting engines having links with the region.
The first was ex-Alexandra Docks Railway Avonside 0-4-0ST No. 1340 Trojan, making a rare visit away from its Didcot Railway Centre home. As well as working around the docks at Newport, Trojan was allocated to Cardiff Cathays and Radyr sheds during its time in GWR service. The second visitor was ex-Steel Company of Wales Bagnall 0-6-0ST No. 401 from the North Tyneside Steam Railway, with the final guest being Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway-based Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST Rosyth No. 1.
The line-up was completed by DFR residents ‘Small Prairie’ No. 5541 and ‘8750’ 0-6-0PT No. 9681. In addition to a busy timetable of trains, there was a display of vintage road vehicles at Parkend station, as well as traction engines and steamrollers.
“We were very pleased with how the gala went. We had five engines in steam – the largest number the railway has had in many years, if ever,” said DFR co-chairman Adam Dickinson. “With two passenger trains, the goods train with passengers in the brake vans, as well as Trojan working with the inspection saloon at Parkend in the glorious sunshine, it was spectacular. The visit of No. 401 has been in the planning for a number of years, and it was a delight to see the engine on the DFR. She certainly has power in reserve.
“The gala generally ran to time, despite the failure of No. 5541 during the Saturday, which necessitated a rapid reshuffle, but thanks to the rapid response of the Dean
Forest Locomotive Group’s engineering team, she was back in service in time to work the evening trains with No. 401, and take up her full duties during the Sunday.
“Planning for our 2024/25 galas is under way – future galas at the DFR will be ones to watch out for,” he added.