Archive for Freesteam For collectors and enthusiasts of all steam engines
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silverfoxsteam
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Silver Fox 'on show'Totally kn*****ed! It doesn't half take it out of you. Fred - I will never again suggest that STIA is run for two days. Having said that, it was great fun!
The first public showing of the (at present) complete Silver Fox Collection of toy steam engines was held at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway last weekend. We deliberately kept it a bit 'low key' as this was the first time we'd done something like this seperately from a gala event, and as it was the first time for me personally, I didn't want to fall flat on my face in front of too many people!
The WHHR museum has no direct public access. Visits to the area are part of the 'visitor experience' and access is via the train. This means that every hour, you get an influx of people and they're there for up to 15 mins. Planning forward to ensure a few engines were in steam for and during these visits was tricky.
I had help from No.2 son (Mark) setting up on the Friday night but he was driving the train on Saturday. Although I'd brought two display tables, we needed more and had to beg, borrow etc., so the appearance wasn't as neat as I hoped. Sunday was a lot easier as No.1 son (David) was there and Will (Silly Billy) came along too. Will kindly brought his Mamod loco and a couple of trucks, and a very neat small scratch-built stationary engine - not easy when you've no independant transport, and very much appreciated! I had brought a loop of track so we were able to rum Will's loco, adding to the general 'package'.
With everyone filling boilers, pouring meths and chucking in the esbit tabs, I think we made a pretty good show. Most importantly, the visitors, young and old seemed to enjoy it too. Some even opted to stay for a while longer and leg it back (fortunately or not depending on how you look at it, not a great distance!).
I only really had the chance to take some pictures as we set up, and there were few pieces out of place and some 'rogue elements' - but here they are, a couple of vids to follow...
Brits on the left
Yanks in the middle
...and the Germans on the right
Overviews with Mark fixing the signs
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Spokesmann
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Great show Stephen, glad the flyers arrived on time.
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silverfoxsteam
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| Spokesmann wrote: | | Great show Stephen, glad the flyers arrived on time. |
Yes they did indeed - thanks. I mentioned the forum to the 'serious' people I spoke to, time will tell if we get any new members as a result!
General feedback was positive, and we certainly want to repeat it. Whether it continues as a 'stand alone' or incorporated with a gala event is open to debate. Porthmadog isn't the most generally accessible place and whilst everyone's very welcome, it's a long way for most of you (and me but I'm used to it!).
Close to Ireland though - Franco?
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silverfoxsteam
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A couple of videos of Mark 'walking the Wilesco'.
(He doesn't normally look like a potential 'flasher' - he was nipping in with the visitors having temporarily abandoned his 2' gauge engine at the platform in the rain!)
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John Chapman
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Brilliant stuff Stephen, looks like an excellent day.
| silverfoxsteam wrote: | Porthmadog isn't the most generally accessible place and whilst everyone's very welcome, it's a long way for most of you (and me but I'm used to it!).
Close to Ireland though - Franco? |
It's certainly a lot closer to me by sea - Head north and turn right 
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Mamod Collector
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Very nice display Steve, those workshops are especialy nice 
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avenger
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Good display SF.
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Franco
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| silverfoxsteam wrote: | | Spokesmann wrote: | | Great show Stephen, glad the flyers arrived on time. |
Yes they did indeed - thanks. I mentioned the forum to the 'serious' people I spoke to, time will tell if we get any new members as a result!
General feedback was positive, and we certainly want to repeat it. Whether it continues as a 'stand alone' or incorporated with a gala event is open to debate. Porthmadog isn't the most generally accessible place and whilst everyone's very welcome, it's a long way for most of you (and me but I'm used to it!).
Close to Ireland though - Franco? |
Temptingly close Stephen!!!  ,look's like I would have enjoyed it.
Well done!
Franco.
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silverfoxsteam
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Just got this video of Will's loco uploaded. She's hauling two of her own trucks and my guard's van (it's high time the van had a run!)...
...and some more photos...
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MFSteam
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Well done Stephen, a fine display
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SillyBilly
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Sorry it's taken so long working 8-9 hour days cleaning locos and keeping the shed in order doesn't really leave me with much energy, though a week tomorrow it'll start to pay off as I've got my first Trainee Fireman turn .
I'd like to thank Steve for organising such a superb display and for inviting me, it really was quite fun, but it does make me want a Big Wilesco to power something on my Garden Railway, wish I'd taken a few more photos especially some arty shots of Steve's Tools in a workshop setup, I like muchly. I also fancy changing my mamod traction engine for a Wilesco one  .
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Scorpion2nz
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quite a nice set up .there is not a lot like that happening over here
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