17th August 2009

Over the weekend the Bowes Railway held another successful Toy & Train Fair at its Springwell site. In steam were Barclays WST and No.22 (fresh from its stint at Beamish and a pleasure to drive ‘in anger’ again on the railway’s steep gradients). WST will shortly be coming to Beamish to take part in numerous events here. Also in steam were the Beamish based steam roller ‘Fiddler’ and Alan Borthwick’s steam roller ‘Ayesha’ – an interesting opportunity to compare Fowler and Aveling products.
In all there were some 1200 visitors and the railway turned a pleasing profit from the event. Next up will be the October ‘Coal Train’ event, hopefully featuring Beamish’s replica ‘Locomotion No.1’ in the line up…

Below: No.22 and WST raise steam on the Sunday morning.

Below: On display was newly rebuild coal hopper No.406. This wagon has been extensively rebuilt and has received much preparation in order to ensure it lasts a very long time.

Below: There were some commercial vehicles on display, including this AEC Mercury dray with Ergomatic cab.

Below: Mike and Michael helped out with Fiddler, seen here in the courtyard at Springwell.

Below: Fiddler manoeuvres across the line after watering.

Below: Ayesha sits alongside the blacksmith shop.