Harz Narrow Gauge Visit
Despite the weather the staff from the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) had a great time running our railways and our own staff had an excellent opportunity to learn some German and make what we think will be lasting friendships. The atmosphere was incredible, one of the Harz drivers even entertained passengers playing a seamans' shanty whilst a WHR train was delayed at Snowdon Ranger to attend to a technical problem! It was interesting to note just how many of our passengers were already familiar with the Harz Narrow Gauge and many more have gone home thinking of making a visit there. The HSB staff were amazed by the wealth of the FR´s heritage and the availability of so much of our original rolling stock. High points being our Fairlies, the Garratts on the Welsh Highland and, of course, the gravity slate train which we ran for them on the Sunday morning. The only disappointment for one of the Harz loco crews was that Garratt K1 was not yet in service. To help put this right they organised a collection at one of our social gatherings and raised over £100: they´ll be back when it´s finished! The photographs give an indication of the activities our visitors were involved in. All in all we had a most enjoyable weekend. We have built a bridge of friendship between the FR / WHR and the Harz Narrow Gauge. The planning for a return visit by FR / WHR staff to the Harz is in the starting blocks.
- Harz Visitors
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