Freesteam

silverfoxsteam · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:40 am Post subject: 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

_________________
Stephen
Silver Fox Steam

Just soldering on ....!

Spokesmann · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:42 am Post subject:

Great show Stephen, glad the flyers arrived on time.
_________________

silverfoxsteam · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:37 am Post subject:

silverfoxsteam · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 12:40 pm Post subject:

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!)

_________________
Stephen
Silver Fox Steam

Just soldering on ....!