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If you've paid attention to the images on this site you will have realised that I don't pay a great deal of attention to narrow gauge steam.   I'm glad to say that that situation has been remedied by a visit on 11th May 2013 to the 10th anniversary steam gala held by the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.   Although it's currently rather a short line, at little more than half a mile of track, the L&BR has already achieved much since it started from scratch ten years ago and has big plans for expansion in the future, for which I wish them every success.

Somewhat surprisingly, this anniversary gala was only the first time that the L&BR has been able to run an authentic train, using the Ffestiniog Railway's replica 2-6-2T no. E190 Lyd and two original L&BR coaches.   It is to be hoped that this will become a regular feature of the line when its own replica of an L&BR locomotive, Baldwin 2-4-2T no. 762 Lyn, is completed.   I will certainly be back to see that!

Back on the standard gauge, I managed to see A4 no. 60009 Union of South Africa in action on the main line for the first time on Friday 10th May when it worked through Penpergwm with the Cathedrals Explorer from Cardiff Central to Shrewsbury.  

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Unfortunately, my plan to see 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on the Cheltenham Flyer didn't come to fruition.   I made a 20 mile detour on my way home from North Devon, only to find on arrival at Stonehouse that the train had already passed through, running some 45 minutes early!   So much for the published schedule...