WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

[JRinTawa]

Sunday 12th May was a rather special running afternoon on the Wellington Garden Railway Groups calendar. Not only did we get to go to one of the Groups favourite railways and provider of excellent afternoon teas, but it was also the host, Brian c's 65th Birthday and start of his retirement.
The sun shone to warm the autumn afternoon, and the assembled multitude.

Cakes were brought in by the truck load (Chris D's LGB rail truck & trailer wagon)

The kettle was boiling (Chris D's Regner Vincent on the back climb - 1)

Chris D's Regner Vincent on the back climb - 2

Steam in the autumn sun - sure warmed my heart :big smile: (Chris D's Regner Vincent on the back climb - 3)

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

Any visit to Brian's railway means lots of new things to see and often an extension. This visit there was both.

Murray B's Mack on the new extension

Brian R's LGB tram pulling in to the station on the new extension

Chris D's LGB Americanised Stainz

And Chris's Roundhouse Lady Anne. (Chris had quite a few trains at the running day!)

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

If Brian can achieve this before retiring what will he achieve now!

Main Street on the new extension.

Chris D's Lady Anne rounding the realigned southern curve on the old extension. The trestle bridge has been reworked too.

Site for the proposed sawmill.

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

Coaling stage in the reworked original extension.

Brian R's tram on the upper level track

Sidings full of trains awaiting their turn.

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

Trains paused while short birthday speaks were spoken....

....and the birthday cake was cut. Happy Birthday Brian!

Brian R's tram just kept on running.

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

Michelle's IP Engineering railcar ran for it's share of time.

Hannah's IP Engineering railcar ran for it's share of time too.

Michelle's railcar passing a work party completing a new low retaining wall.

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

Hannah's railcar on the very original part of Brian's railway around behind the garage. (Photo by Hannah.)

Hannah's railcar on the back climb. (Photo by Hannah.)

Brian R's tram passing between the winery and adjacent vineyard. (Photo by Hannah.)

Hannah's railcar passing the station on the new extension. (Photo by Hannah.)

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

Hannah's railcar just before the winery. Yes the railway has it's own winery and vineyard - we are awaiting the first vintage :admire:

Chris D's Americanised Stainz passing one of the hidden secrets - the Chateau

Hannah's railcar pulling away from the Chateau's private station

 

[JRinTawa]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

On the new extension

My Regner Lumberjack, "Manawanui", steaming uphill alongside the back fence

Manawanui on the Extension.

Chris D's arm reaching into frame as he sets his Regner Vincent off to follow Manawanui onto the mainline.

Trains ran until we retired inside with nightfall upon us. A perfect way to celebrate a special day.
Thanks to Diane and Fiona for the catering, and Brian for being such a stalwart of the WGRG. Happy retirement

 

[Ian_S]

Re:WGRG at Brian's Retirement Running Day

Some luvverly pics there John - Jealous of your winter sun as well - we haven't had that much sun this summer yet!