4th - 7th April 2024 saw the Avon Valley Railway celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a special four-day gala.
Founded by Bristol Suburban Railway Society, the line officially re-opened to passengers as a heritage railway on the 4th April 1974; offering short brake van rides up and down the dock road at Bitton Station. Since then the Avon Valley Railway has come on in leaps and bounds; first extending Northwards towards Oldland Common, before heading south crossing the River Avon to reach its current terminus - Avon Riverside.
To celebrate this momentous milestone, the railway welcomed visiting Avonside 0-6-0ST, No.1919 'Cranford' (Courtesy Christopher Theaker) - joining Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST, No.3839 'Wimblebury (masquerading as No.3810 'Glendower') for an intensive weekend of steam hauled services; including a recreation of one of line's first passenger trains - consisting of a single MK1 coach and brake van. Visitors were also able to take guided tours of the railway's yards, goods shed and workshops.
Filmed on Saturday 6th April, we see both steam locomotive in action from various locations along the route between Bitton and it's two terminuses at Oldland Common and Avon Riverside.
**Please note some shots were taken from the lineside under the careful guidance of volunteers, from non-public location. As always, I would like to say a massive thanks to all the staff and volunteers for this wonderful opportunity.**
Loco List;
Steam
Avonside 0-6-0ST, No.1919 'Cranford' (Courtesy Christopher Theaker)
Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST, No.3839 'Wimblebury' (masquerading as No.3810 'Glendower')
Diesel
British Rail Class 09 0-6-0DE, D3668 (station pilot duty - not featured)
Hope you enjoy!
29 сен 2024
