Tuesday 8 May 2012

And.... Q is for Queen

Q is for Queen on ABC Wednesday and look it is a Queen of Steam- Britannia on a visit to Llangollen at an event a week ago or so at LLangollen - how splendid was she - on her day out amongst the crowds - - now I am not a well informed train spotter - but I do get an adrenalin rush when standing on the station gazing at these great shining engines or standing by the side of the line - camera at the ready !! after racing across fields and meadows to catch one thundering down the line - I have posted some pics to celebrate this momentous occasion - hopefully I am able to identify correctly- please - you arduous trainspotters if you happen across this blog please put me right!!
This one is a resident engine from the Llangollen line - travelling up the valley from Llangollen - the train in my header pic is Britannia waiting on the station for the final whistle to go !!
This bright blue train streaming up the valley is a visitor from the Caledonian Railway No 828 built in 1899 - on a vacation from Strathspey in Scotland.
Britannia - on the station
And away she goes out of the station and up the line
The station itself is very picturesque on the side of the River Dee - the town stretches to both sides of the river - and is a main tourist attraction for Wales
A closer look at our Caledonian visitor No 828 - what a star!
Just look at the brass - lovingly cared for -catching the sunlight
Just could not resist this one
Finally look at these wheels - well they will be my entry into the camers club next month!
Subject is 'circles or anything round' I will let you know how I get on - linking to ABC Wednesday and My World Tuesday - see you there?

28 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness.....I wish I had been there to see those beauties!
    I noticed in your header pic about 7 people taking photos!
    Jane x

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    1. There was lots of people up on the bridge where I was taking pics also - camera mania!!

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  2. these are beautiful--we don't have trains like these anymore. i also get that pounding excitement when the train is coming.:p

    Q is for...

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    1. Yes Luna steam trains are a passion over here and there is lots of restoration going on - it is a boost to tourism
      very popular

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  3. love trains; only civilized mode of transport.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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    1. I agree Roger - nothing quite like it

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  4. i wonder if this is what harry potter saw on the way to hogsworth


    don quixote limerick


    verification makes it really hard to comment. you'd get more comments if you turned it off. i had to do this several times to get it to work.

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    1. You are right - on that station you could have been catapulted back in time or anywhere in fact - very atmospheric !

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  5. Love the variety of trains and you captured them beautifully. The steam pouring out really shows their power.

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    1. It was a good day for pictures - excepting that my memory card screamed at me "full" - but thankfully not until late afternoon

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  6. I love steam trains. So nostalgic and fun!

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    1. Steam trains attract most people I think - they have that certain magic

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  7. What fantastic shots. So nostalgic and classic.

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    1. Yes it was an enjoyable day = lots of camera opportunities

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  8. I visited Llangollen in 1997 with my daughter! LOVED the ice-cream, but didn't see any trains. I remember standing on the bridge overlooking the river. Beautiful spot and memorable for the Welsh choirs! Have a great week,

    Leslie
    abcw team

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    1. YES lWSLIE


      Yes Leslie - we plan to go to the Eisteddfod - it is on our long list of places to see and things to do - the icecream is very good I can vouch for that !!

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  9. Terrific shots!

    Come and take my Dementia Quiz
    Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

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    1. Hello Chubskulit - I am popping over to look at your quiz

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  10. What a nice post ! I love these old steam locomotives, they remind me my childhood !

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    1. I find a train ride is very therapeutic and relaxing - and they certainly take you back in time - have a good week Gattina

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  11. Our son would love to see those.

    Q is for...
    Have a beautiful day.

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    1. Yes our grandson is very much into trains - he has his own engine shed (converted garden shed)!!

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  12. Hi Jane.
    Bernard the 'Steam Buff' here. NOT!
    I actually HATE the word 'buff' for any person who is interesting or educated in a specialised field.
    You are spot on, and do not need 'putting right'. :)
    I do happen to know the specification of all those lovely wheels. I won't bore you with too many details but - those big Britannia Driving wheels are - 6'2" diameter with 20 spokes. (I guess you could see that by counting them.)
    Cheers...B

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    1. Hello Bernard - I am so pleased that I have not dropped any clangers so to speak being a bit of a newcomer to this new world of trainspotting - the wheels on Britannia were tremendous and all that steam - special effects - eat your heart out - take care Bernard and Wesley

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  13. They are so shiny and beautiful, a wonderful post!

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    1. There is something charismatic about steam trains I do agree

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  15. Mmm...I'm not much of a train buff but those beauties are certainly loved by someone. Or more likely a whole bunch of someones. Nice photo essay, Jane.

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