Pontypool & Bleanavon Railway Footplate Ride and plenty of thrash. 19-22/04/2019 Featuring 'Jessie'

On the hottest day of the year so far, the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway is holding it's Easter Event this weekend, and features it's stunning, and newly restored Hunslet, 'Jessie' operating it's first public service since restoration.
'Jessie was put through its paces by Alex Hinshelwood, and the results were outstanding.
What made this such an amazing day for me was that, with Alex's help and guidance, I was allowed to drive 'Jessie' during a shunting move at Blaenavon, and then an amazing footplate ride from Blaenavon HL up the big bank to Furnace Sidings with Alex Hinshelwood Driving, James Burnett as the Fireman, and George Haylock as Cleaner....an experience I shall never forget!

[@bobmacdonald6183]

When I was a child used to play on Jessie in a local park. So happy to see her back doing what she was made for. Thanks for the video.

[@robmasterman]

I first saw her in Splott Park in Cardiff Bob, surrounded by Railings and covered in Graffiti, around the early seventies...a much different image to the beautiful loco I've spent time with today.

[@bobmacdonald6183]

We have a splotlands forum on Facebook I have been posted info on Jessie to it for a while most on that forum remember Jessie fondly having climbed all over for years news of Jessie a always welcome on that and one or two other splott forums Jessie in Barry a while ago generated a lot of interest I am hoping a few may pop up to see her over the weekend now they know where she is.

[@pengambridgemodelrailwayoo515]

Remember her at east moors and Splott park, great to see her in action and doing her thing again. Thanks for sharing.

[@robmasterman]

Me too Paul, Splott in the early seventies, covered in Graffiti and railings all around it, and look at her now...a superb loco.

[@abloogywoogywoo]

With GWR 9629's restoration proceeding well, and the sheds/sidings area being constructed/tidied up, this is becoming a fine little railway.

[@robmasterman]

It certainly is, and slowly but gradually they are improving and becoming a popular visitor attraction.

[@MrVinnyh]

Well captured Bob, 'Jessie' looks very smart, also the 'industrial' locomotives give a better sound as they work harder. 'Ring Haw' (same class of Hunslet) on the North Norfolk has had many a hard time with 4/5 carriages & comes back for more!

[@robmasterman]

Of course Vince I can see the connection with 'Ring Haw' now....Thanks...Bob

[@ladyconstanceOBE]

@@robmasterman My wife's uncle was the driver of Ring Haw from just after the war until Nassington Quarry closed. He stayed on for many years past his retirement age.

[@robmasterman]

How wonderful. I've seen 'Ring Haw' on the NNR many times over the years.

[@rjas365]

I'm always pleased to read and watch when others are obviously delighted with their achievements, and this was thoroughly enjoyable to watch. That loco looks truly superb with wonderful paintwork. I didn't entirely follow the logic of the shunting, but perhaps that's due to my unfamiliarity with the line. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards, (the other) Bob.

[@robmasterman]

I'm delighted that you've enjoyed this video Bob, it's wonderful to see her in this condition once again. The shunting session was purely as a taster for the forthcoming Coal Train Event, when the 16T Mineral wagons will be the stars of the day, and was staged for me and the Railways' Stills photographer....Regards...Bob

[@wooltman]

Lovely sounds.Bob,we turned the tele up and it nearly vibrated of it's stand....Rosie is jealous she wants a cab ride! Nice that you got a trip on the cab.......Regards Chris

[@robmasterman]

Thanks both, not only did I get a footplate ride, but actually drove this loco in a shunting move at Blaenavon...Best wishes...Bob

[@wooltman]

@@robmasterman Good on you Bob,enjoy!

[@saltleywsc]

Cracking video Bob thanks for sharing !!

[@robmasterman]

My pleasure, glad you've enjoyed it.

[@garysmith1611]

The good old days of my childhood playing on Jessie back in the 1970s . iam glad its back up and running . i always wondered what happened too the train ?

[@robmasterman]

She was on static display at Splott Park for many years Gary, more recently used as Thomas on the Llangollen, and more recently on the P&BR as seen in this video.

[@acw71000]

'Jessie' looks superb Bob and sounds good climbing those gradients. Great scenes from the footplate

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Austin, she's back to the livery she wore back in the 60's and to have a Drive and a footplate ride made my day.

[@bobnweaver]

Great seeing Jessie in action Bob and I liked the scenes from the footplate very much. Great viewing. Regards, Jeff.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Jeff, it was a special day on many counts...I am a very lucky man...Regards...Bob

[@hemerdonbank]

Smashing video, Bob. Beautiful weather and a cab ride as well. Can’t be bad. Keith

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Keith, it was an amazing day, having both a footplate ride, and a drive as well...How lucky am I?...Regards...Bob

[@EMuksteam]

Superb video Bob. A fantastic day for you. A great day of filming. Enjoyable watching, Best wishes C&A

[@robmasterman]

Thanks both, what a fantastic day, Driving 'Jessie' and the Having a footplate ride up the big bank, it doesn't get better than that...Best wishes...Bob

[@nigelcarter9503]

That Hunslet sounds fantastic, Rob. I wish I could have been there to see it I only live a couple of miles away. Great footplate coverage. I did turn up the volume.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Nigel, they've done such a superb job with her renovation, and she performed Brilliantly throughout the day.

[@caerphillycastle]

Excellent video Bob. You were indeed very privileged to get a footplate ride. Well done, Geraint

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Ger, not only a ride, but the opportunity to Drive her as well....A wonderful day.

[@caerphillycastle]

Thats great Bob must have been a wonderful experience, Geraint

[@kineticrail]

Great video the P&B are certainly getting a nice sized running fleet I may have to make a return visit. Jessie looks great not often you see wasp stripes on steam locos

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much, 'Jessie' is proving to be a very powerful and smooth runner, which along with the other locos will provide some superb running session in the future.

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

Wonderful video our Bob...'Jessie' looks and sounds a Gem. A great asset to the B&PR.....Great You had a cab ride as well...that looked amazing....Best wishes from a very warm Somerset......**We were so busy yesterday MD was like a 'mini' Paddington...Long may it continue..Happy Easter.....Steve.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Steve, yesterday was unforgettable a cab ride and the opportunity to drive the loco. Delighted to hear that things are going well on the WSR....Very best wishes from W Wales, and Happy Easter to you too....Bob

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

@@robmasterman Stop press: I have D6948 Class 37 on 6th May first of a few trips on WSR Metals and for Diesel Gala...Yay.

[@robmasterman]

What a scoop Steve, an old South Wales loco the the G&WR have done a superb job in renovating her back to it's original as built condition..That'll bring in the enthusiasts...Very Best wishes from a very Sunny Carmarthenshire...Bob

[@johnmiddleditch3656]

My God, that things a beast :-)

[@robmasterman]

The fore runner of the common Austerity John, this loco has received a top class restoration, and it's resulted in a fine and powerful loco, ideal for this terrain....Bob

[@TheWesternExplorer]

Excellent video Bob. Good few days for you. Driving a loco and now a footplate ride. Regards, Dave.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Dave, i just couldn't be happier.

[@SYKAROST]

Brilliant performance there Bob by yourself and 'Jessie' and her crew. I'm sure your ride up the bank would be unforgettable as you say, a great experience. Quite a surprise to see Alistairs familiar face too, we are usually trying to keep out of each others way at Chasewater, I'm sure I've met that rabbit before too lol. Happy Easter, have a good weekend ....... Brian.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Brian, it's been an unforgettable day for sure...You seem to know everyone as well, I'll mention you to Alistair when we next meet...Regards...Bob

[@SYKAROST]

What memories are made of eh Bob. I suppose I do lol. Alistair is 'resident photter' at CWR and it seems I'm now the video guy so we meet there along the line. Maybe he'll be down for the Coal train event.

[@robmasterman]

@@SYKAROST Very much the same thing with Alistair and myself at the P&BR Brian, with each of us contributing work in our own distinctive styles...Regards...Bob

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

Happy Saturday! 🏙

[@robmasterman]

You too thanks.

[@SimonTog]

Very great video Bob, thumbs up :)

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Simon, much appreciated.

[@GWR-fd1up]

Can't wait till jessie comes to the DFR

[@robmasterman]

She's in superb condition, so something for you to look forward to.

[@GWR-fd1up]

@@robmasterman yes, we've also got 5199 coming.

[@howarth004]

Nice job they have done on her Bob , she pulled up the valley going all guns there

[@robmasterman]

Incredible performance from Jessie Dave....a wonderful day for the Railway.

[@fptrains5775]

Great video looks like a really nice place ✌

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much, it's over 1,000 ' above sea level, and situated in a World Heritage Centre....Well worth a visit, but check when trains are running first.

[@AndreiTupolev]

As I just remarked watching the Polish tank engine at the Avon Valley Railway, an industrial loco being thrashed hard can make some of the best sounds you're likely to hear. (See also Gothenburg at the East Lancs.)

[@robmasterman]

It's what they were built for, and unfortunately, few saw them working let alone photograph them, so it's always a treat to see them working this line at over 1,000' above sea level.