Abbey Light Railway
The Official Website of the Abbey Light Railway, Kirkstall, Leeds
Autumn Diesel Gala 25th October 2009
The Highlight of the day for many was the first public passenger train with Gogo Tractor haulage. It eventually started, running on petrol only, and hauled the train (with Atlas on the rear) to the Abbey. We then tried to run it round to haul it back but found we'd forgotten the coupling bar. When I returned with a coupling bar the Tractor had cut out and wouldn't restart, leaving Atlas to haul the train back solo. Vulcan was then deployed to rescue the Gogo Tractor.
Another highlight were a Vulcan hauled train and the double heading of the Baguley and Druid, in the torrential rain. There was a bit of drama in the cutting when we nearly slipped to a halt, but we made it there and back eventually.
All the other locos hauled trains as well, sometimes n various double heading combinations.
Some of my photographs of the day.
Diesel Gala 15th March 2009
Our now annual diesel gala took place on the 15th of March, and was a complete sucess. Trains ran until about half past 5 and all working engines were run, including the Gogo Tractor. All the usual passenger engines hauled the passenger train, and sometimes in pairs, and sometimes being piloted by none air brake fitted locos. This saw the railway's first electric powered public passenger train, and the first passenger turn of Vulcan (although it had to stop short of the Abbey station to avoid the sharp bend over the points. The baguley also made a return to passenger duty, double heading with the Lister for a trip. The only thing that went wrong was Vulcan ran out of fuel at one point and had to be rescued.
Thanks to everyone that came and supported the day, watch this space for plans for next year.
Above photos: Fiona Malton
Above 3 photos: Richard Pike
Diesel Gala 9th March 2008
Thankyou to everyone that supported this. This was our first attempt at a diesel gala, but it seemed to be a sucess with quite a few people with cameras about.
We had the passenger train hauled by a different engine on each trip, including one return journey with the Baguley double heading with the Lister. all the engines were started up and run, including Vulcan (which wouldn't start on its electric start, and had to be cranked over) and the Hudson Gogo tractor, which is notoriously awkward.
According to the management, the diesel gala made a positive difference to the takings, and we'll do it all again next year! watch this space!
This is a video taken by Ken Morris, who visited for the diesel gala and has kindly allowed me to use it on this site.
And these are the photos I took in the afternoon between moving the engines around.
from the left, Loweco, Druid, Atlas and Odin, all turned to face downhill.
The Baguley and Lister double head a passenger train
The Baguley, awaiting the right away.
A video clip of the baguley and Loweco departing from the Abbey station.
Odin brings in the train, as the Baguley and Loweco wait to take it away again.
Loweco and the Baguley pose outside the workshop
Odin takes the passenger train to the Abbey. All the engines ended up turned the wrong way, but this enabled some different views of them.
from the left, Druid, the Baguley, Loweco and Ruston 20DL
Odin keeps company with the Gogo tractor, whilst Atlas waits to take the passenger train next.
Odin and Loweco display the railway's loco colour scheme.
Ruston 20DL has just brought in the passenger train, and Druid is coupled onto the other end ready to take it out again.
Druid waits for the right away with a full load of enthusiasts.
Abbey Light Railway Simplex Motor Rails. Odin and Druid
Loweco passes the Baguley on a passenger train to the Abbey
The Gogo Tractor, this was started up and run during the afternoon.
and to prove it....
Vulcan and the Baguley
Little and Large. Loweco (the smallest diesel in the fleet) and Vulcan (the largest)
From the left, Druid, Vulcan and Ruston 20DL
Druid with the skip wagons
Ruston 20DL. Nothing wrong with the suspension, its parked on the loading ramp.
Vulcan shunting the O&K chassis
Broadside of Vulcan
The baguley, Loweco and Vulcan. Vulcan had just been dragged from its space in the shed by Atlas at Ruston 20DL double heading.
Whilst setting up, Druid and the coaches stand next to Loweco and the skip wagons. my camera strap also wanted to be in the shot.
Meanwhile...
The only member of the fleet that is not a diesel, George the Greenbat, was on display at Narrow Gauge North railway exhibition all weekend.
