The Power of Steam

This weekend we went to the Steam & Vintage Festival at Glenbrook. It was, I have to say, absolutely wonderful. We took 420 photos, some of which are complete rubbish but will I'm sure provide material for many layouts.

By the time I'd finished work on Saturday it was pretty late by the time we got there but we arrived in time for the traction engine parade and the "slow race". I remember seeing traction engines once as a very young child in England and they've always stuck in my mind.



Whilst my boys just wanted to go for trains, tractions engines and all other manner of vintage steam driven contraptions I had another agenda entirely.



I wanted to see the 1898 three abreast "gallopers" carousel. Steam driven by the Quo Vadis showman's engine. We had read they were having a special night session so that it could all be lit up and that it was open to the public. We stayed the night at my Mum's so that we could keep G up late to see it, it was a complete surprise to him. It turned out there weren't many members of the public there just lots of "railway people" who'd been out on a special train ride and dinner out to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Once their train arrived back they fired up the carousel for rides - free of charge!



The ride was MAGIC! What an atmosphere. Everyone wanted to ride the carousel - young, old, male, female and every face had a smile on it. Nothing like being taken back to your childhood.