Bob Greenhalgh shares his experiences of 27 years of hands-on involvement with the Bala Lake Railway and describes what the line has to offer a would-bevolunteer.
It started way back in 1991. I visited the Bala Lake Railway and had a long talk with the guard, a most friendly gentleman. Encouraged, I wrote to the Bala Lake Railway Society offering to volunteer and to join. A month later, in July that year, my journey began in earnest.
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I was to start as afireman – the locomotive was Quarry Hunslet 0-4-0ST Holy War.The driver and my instructor was David Jones, now of the Talyllyn Railway – andnot to be confused with the Bala Lake Railway’s present manager who shares thesame name.
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He was an excellent teacher, as well as being an inspiration. It wason my first day that I found out the guard I had been talking to was also therailway’s general manager. Being a single person and working shifts meant I hadplenty of time off to volunteer.
I did 10 days as trainee fireman and threedays at working weekends by the time 1991 ended. I soon found out the formerDinorwic Quarry Alice Class Quarry Hunslets are delightful locomotives to workon.
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Working weekends were spent clearing lineside growth, renewing fencing and some sleeper changing. There were usually 10 to 20 volunteers at a working weekend. I learnt which way up sleepers go and about lifting and packing the track, ensuring a smooth journey for our passengers.
Not long after I started, I was named Bob Shell due to my overalls bearing the name of my employer and to distinguish me from two other people called Bob.
I took to the footplate like a duck to water. Every day was full of learning and each driver helpfully passed on their knowledge.
I qualified as a driver on April 24, 1993. That first season as a driver was a massive learning experience. I like to think that I have done David Jones proud.
Read more and view more images in Issue 249 of HR – on sale now!
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