STEWART BLENCOWE
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News & Jottings
Thirty-three years ago I was out in South Africa witnessing Garratts in action. If anyone had said then that in thirty-three times you would be seeing those same Garratts climbing up a Welsh hillside that at the time was just someones pie in the sky dream, then they would have been seriously laughed at. Well, never say never, as July saw us witnessing that very thing and closing my eyes I was back in the rolling hills of the Kougaberge.
Accepting that money gets you most things, the concluded Welsh Highland Railway project stands as an incredible memorial to all those involved in the vision and the building. The crowning glory has be watching all the traffic in Porthmadog come to a stop while a Garratt trundles across the road. The priorities are right as the narrow gauge railways of North Wales must play a huge part in the economy and life of the area.
What a steam mecca Portmadog station will become when the proposed new station layout is operational. Until then it is difficult for the station to accomodate both WHR and Festiniog trains together. As a consequence many of the trains start or finish at Pont Creosor, about two miles from Porthmadog - so beware and check the timetable out before you visit.
Also included in our three day trip was the dramatic Ynys-y-Pandy slate mill with associated tramways and impressive Pontcysyllte viaduct. I must admit that for me the walk across the viaduct was just a little scary so for those of a nervous disposition pick a day with no breeze, let alone wind.
For an autumn break or to keep the wife placated we headed for one of my favourite railway locations these days - the Harz. We always stay in the Altora hotel in Wernigerode with that wonderful view out across a shedful of 2-10-2 tanks and our dinnertime drinks delivered to the table by a minature gauge version. Our stay corresponded with a big birthday for my wife but being the old romantic I am I managed to get the cake delivered on the train with the drinks. Double brownie points.
The steam was well up to expectations with the usual thrash up the Brocken with a cloudless sky awaiting us. I recommend the walk down to Shiercke aswell with the sound of thundering tanks through the trees while you trek.
Of course the Seketalbahn is also very worth while spending time on with its totally laidback operation especially on the branches to Harzgerode and Hasselfelde. Luck was on our side as due to a railcar failure one of the Mallett tanks was standing in. Whatever the weather or the loading the climb from Madgesprung is a classic and the engine performance never fails to provide plenty to talk about later in the bar.
We travelled to Wernigerode via Berlin by rail and I must say how refreshing it is to travel on a very agreeable railway at sensible prices. Fifteen pounds for nearly four hours travel from Berlin to Wernigerode thats what I call a proper fare. Just as much updating and modernisation going on as in Britain but I guess the German passengers are not continually asked to put their hands in their pockets to prop up huge salaries, bonuses and dividends of private companies. Nuff said.
Do note that I now have a presence in the Gloucester Antiques Centre in the new Quays development of the docks. Just ask for Bookcase B2 Wall Space W6 and Cabinet 1.17.
Otherwise do make contact if there is anything specific you need or come a say hello if you actually notice me on the stand somewhere.
I am an avid collector of Indian railway publicity, guides, books, folders, leaflets etc. In line with English railways, such publicity started with the original Indian companies, the Bombay, Baroda and Central India, the Bengal Nagpur, the East Indian etc in late Victorian times and continued up to the 1950s. I am particularly trying to obtain all the folders, like the one illustrated below, and would love to hear from anyone who has one of the following;
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Big Game Shooting in India
India and the Tourist India for the Tourist Tourist Cars Indian Cameos South India Travancore Kangra Valley |  |