Beautiful North Wales: 7822 'Foxcote Manor' On The Llangollen Railway - 20th September 2020

A trip to North Wales was the order of the day on Sunday September 20th, specifically to the Llangollen Railway for a few shots 7822 'Foxcote Manor' in action during her stay on the line. Llangollen had been 7822's home since 1985 until recently, when she took up residency on the West Somerset Railway, but she still makes occasional visits back, this latest one being to cover services during a loco shortage on the line.

We kick off the video at Berwyn Station, with its beautiful Station Master's house, built in mock-Tudor style. Down below can be seen the River Dee, crossed by B5103 road viaduct and the 1929 built chain bridge, which had seen several years out of use until it's reopening in 2015, following major restoration work. 7822 is seen gingerly approaching the station, shutting off to observe the 15mph restriction over the viaduct before getting back on the power ready to ascend the 1 in 80 gradient up Berwyn Bank on her way to Carrog.

We next find ourselves at the viewing area opposite Berwyn Tunnel. At 689 yards long, it is quoted as being the longest single bore tunnel on any preserved line in the UK. A distant rumble signals the Manor's approach before she emerges into the light once again on her way back to Llangollen. She is is then seen working back to Carrog, climbing gently up the 1 in 156 gradient at Garthydwr.

Following those last two brief encounters, we now get to spend a little more time with 7822, as we watch her run around her train at Carrog, before capturing the departure back to Llangollen. The final shot of the day sees a return to Berwyn Tunnel, this time for a forward run up the gradient. Foxcote certainly doesn't disappoint, as she puts on wonderful symphony of sound, before diving into the tunnel and closing out a rather excellent day's filming. It had been 6 years since I'd last visited this part of North Wales and it was lovely to be back, even if only for a day.

Filmed on a Panasonic HC-X1500 with an Audio-Technica BP4025 microphone.

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