Numbers were a bit low but everyone was very excited. We all contributed something and Glenis did a wonderful job of organising and making the sandwiches.
It was a stunningly cold day that warmed slightly in the sunshine but soon got noticeably colder. We all had thick layers of clothing and gloves and hats and made regular retreats into the cabin.
Despite the cold we had a wonderfully festive day and our visitors seemed to enjoy what they saw. We managed to get eight trains running at one point though mainly battery locos because our gas froze.
Dave, Mike and Elliot took the Photos (11/12/2022)
A dusting of snow but mainly thick frost and at least -3 centigrade {26 Fahrenheit in old money).
Dave and Mike got there early and defrosted the track.
Alan's musical Santa Train looking resplendent. More about that later.
This is Mike and not a well dressed snowman. Did I mention that it was cold?
Tom and Dave's trains pass each other on the top track.
Dave watches his train as the cabin windows steam up.
Everyone wanted to try out our new track but Mike ran his little yellow roundhouse on the main loop.
Mike let some of the younger visitors have a go.
And then Alan's Santa Train arrived. It played a very interesting repertoire of tunes and put on an excellent light show but....it kept dropping wagons and provided great amusement as Alan struggled to control his loco using his phone. "It all worked at home", said Alan.
Sidings were full of colourful stock.
Tom's converted Piko loco pulls his festive train.
Eric outdid all previous attempts at decoration with his enormous and brilliant train that enthralled our junior visitors.
It was hard Work and after we finished eating we got a bit sleepy. We may actually look a bit stuffed too, though obviously this is just about the number of layers (maybe).
Elliot concentrated on steamy photography. He got his coal fired ELR Eleanor going to great effect.
Tom's Piko model Dampflok Class BR80 loco looking fantastic.
Eric's super decorated train.
Elliot's Loco cools down with Dave's Diesel standing in the next siding.
Looking grimey but rather impressive.
Santa worries about his weight as the trains whoosh past.
We can't believe how good these new bridges look. Good choices Mike.
Poor passengers....nothing stopping here.
We were looking forward to our party grub...
...and it was excellent....thanks Glenis.
And once warmed up we went outside again until it got dark. A brilliant day.
If you have more photos to add to this or other galleries then please send them to bgrawebsite@gmail.com.