THE BEAUTIFUL ECHILLS WOOD RAILWAY NARROW GAUGE EVENT 2019

On Saturday 14th September the light at Echills Wood Railway for the annual Narrow Gauge Event was a photographer's dream. I went along to shoot this feast of models which, as they were based on 71/4" track gauge, looked much bigger than their mainline equivalents. I am most grateful to EWR Society for the facilities provided for the making of this video.
Visit Echills Wood Railway in the Kingsbury Water Park, West Midlands, B76 0DY. (Not far from The Belfry Golf Centre) You'll be in for a treat.

[@flippop101]

Great film. Nice editing. Thank you!

[@Parsound]

Thank you Philip. It's good to know that you enjoyed it. Alan

[@charliestrains9826]

As a member it’s always nice to watch videos of our own club, great video.

[@georgeyoung1210]

I agree there Charlie. I always look out for videos like this after our events!😂

[@Parsound]

Thanks Charlie. I've now joined.

[@georgeyoung1210]

As you said, absolutely brilliant lighting. Glad to hear you've now become a member, I think a great day was had by all. George

[@Parsound]

It seemed to be a great success. Alan

[@wooltman]

Fantastic video Alan,we really enjoyed watching this one....Keep up the good work......Best wishes Chris.

[@Parsound]

I'm pleased that you both enjoyed it Chris and hope that it made up in part for you not being able to be there. Kind regards Alan

[@rmlectronicsuk2410]

What a fabulous location! Will be in the area soon so will consult with their opening times etc. 7.25 gauge holds a special place for me. The Spa miniature Railway (originator Robin Butterworth) at Bridlington was the influence in me. Sadly now lost to the annals of time and very little history on it. No record exists at the Town Council either. Lovely video however, thanks for sharing.

[@Parsound]

Thank you. I'm so pleased that it brought back happy memories. Alan

[@jamesluther1614]

Hi Alan, great video I always enjoy watching yours. If you ever fancy videoing another 7.25 gauge railway, access all areas then get in touch as I would love to have you at one of our galas at Moors Valley. 👍🏻

[@Parsound]

Thank you James, that's most kind. Maybe we'll take a break down there next summer. Kind regards Alan

[@SYKAROST]

I think I got you hooked on the EWR Alan...... Glad you're obviously enjoying your visits and including it admirably in your video productions. Having watched your coverage I don't feel I missed out by forgetting the event was on!! Regards, Brian.

[@Parsound]

I guess that you did Brian, thanks for that. Regards Alan

[@SimonTog]

Very great Alan, nice place.

[@Parsound]

Thank you Simon. The woods, particularly in that light, are lovely. Alan

[@michaelverinder8158]

Alan, another Great video, this time of the wee steamers puffing their innards out. These powerful little fellas brought much joy to owners and spectators alike. This happy event captured for all to enjoy many thanks to you. :-)

[@Parsound]

Hello Michael, great to hear from you. How are things over there? It was indeed a most enjoyable event and a big change from the standard gauge world. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Have you seen the Big Boy yet? Warm regards Alan

[@michaelverinder8158]

@@Parsound Things are getting better since I'm drying out after tropical Storm "Imelda". On the "Big Boy" made two trips into the city of Omaha at the end of July then again in early August. Nobody seemed to know where the 4-8-8-4 was hiding out. I even went across the Mississippi to Council Bluffs U.P. yards but there was no "Big Boy". The Union Pacific web page still listed the locomotive as residing in Omaha.

[@Parsound]

@@michaelverinder8158 Gosh Michael, it's a big thing to hide away! Alan

[@michaelverinder8158]

@@Parsound Yes Alan, it's bloody enormous. Having stood on the footplate of two in separate museums, and looking out both the driver's and fireman's windows, you can't really see things much closer than 1/2 mile in the center of the track without leaning way out. On a 1957 holiday to the rocky mountains we detoured through Laramie in hopes of seeing one of the BIG BOYS. There was one in the back shop( No admittance allowed ) for repairs and one had just left pushing another out with a long freight. The Hostler in a 4-6-6-4 told us to go quickly down this highway to the crossing as he would be doing only up to about 25 mph at the crossing until he got to certain milepost further on where he would opener up. In just 20 minutes we made it just as the pulling engine was getting to the level crossing. As he past the crossing the warning lights shook. I was out of the station wagon as it stopped, but the freight cars were now rattling by clickity clack. 92 cars later I understood why the lights shook because where I stood next the track the ground around me was shaking now and still there were 3 boxcars before the locomotive got to me I stepped back quickly as It literally thundered deeply just a few feet from me with the stack talking loudly and his whistle finishing his announcement of him crossing the highway all the while the ground shook more violently and the ties and rails sank under the load. What amazed me the most was the sudden and intense heat given off by that steel mammoth as it passed. It quickly faded into the distance and my trance was broken by my mother saying let's go and have lunch. :-)

[@Parsound]

@@michaelverinder8158 Thanks Michael. I really enjoyed that excellent piece of descriptive writing, and we think that a Duchess is big! Incidentally, I hope that 'Lorenzo' is the last that you're planning to send us for a while! Kind regards Alan

[@bradleywicenciak8005]

Hoo long is this beautiful railway ?

[@rjas365]

A fabulous variety of locomotion and filming locations, thanks Alan. I thoroughly enjoyed it all and particularly liked Tiger, Cackler and Red Dragon; the woodland scenes were special, with your expertise overcoming what must have been challenging lighting. The pulling power of these diminutive locomotives is amazing! What a lovely setting for the whole event. My only slightly negative thought is on the inhalation levels by those dedicated exhibitors crouched behind the chimneys... hopefully that has more to do with camera angle and less to do with safety! Kind regards, Bob.

[@Parsound]

Thank you Bob, they are remarkable aren't they. Back to the big stuff at the SVR Gala this weekend, weather set fair. Kind regards Alan

[@charliestrains9826]

Hi Alan just thought I’d let you know that EWR will will be hosting the 7 1/4 inch gauge AGM in 2020 from the 18-20 September, providing it isn’t cancelled due to Covid-19. (Just thought you may be interested) there will be a mix of standard and narrow gauge at the event

[@Parsound]

Thanks Charlie. If we're still locked down in September we'll all be chewing the carpet. Alan

[@charliestrains9826]

Parsound yes I think we will. Hope you well and stay safe

[@7822welshsteam]

9 quarry Hunslets? I was there on the Friday. There was a couple of duplicate shots in there! ;-)

[@georgeyoung1210]

We had a quarry Hunslet triple-header on the Sunday!

[@pega17pl]

Didn't people fear they can't escape this enchanted railway? - Heinz

[@Parsound]

Yes Heinz, it is a problem. I had to drag myself away after four hours when my camera ran out of battery! Regards Alan