The Welshpool 2-6-2T, Sierra Leone no 85, has been on a fund-raising tour recently - and for the last few weeks has been resident at Blists Hill (it’s away again next weekend). We’d better go and say hello. This weekend there’s a
good reason to pay a call - they’re holding a “steam weekend”, with everything that’s steamable in operation, plus a few few visitors.Amongst the visitors are several traction engines ranging from a huge Fowler ploughing engine to a half-scale “model” machine. Fixed exhibits include the little workshop engine and the two hefty ironworks engines - seeing these in motion (even if they’re not powering anything today) is impressive.Lastly, we’ll take a look at the replica of Trevithick’s 1802
Coalbrookdale locomotive. It’s indisposed when we arrive, but a quick check in the Haynes manual and a careful thump with a Birmingham screwdriver persuade it to behave - great fun!Link: Blists Hill Victorian Town