/ 0
- Details
- Created on Monday, 10 April 2023 20:58
- Written by Stephen Tickell
Magnettes & Steam 8th April 2023
Magnettes & Steam on Easter Saturday was the first Register event of the year, a long-established tradition. This time we were at Bitton Station on the Avon Valley Railway, a 3-mile section of track on the outskirts of Bristol which was originally part of a longer branch connecting the London Midland & Scottish Railway's Bristol line to Bath and thence to the South Coast.
Probably due to the warm and sunny weather, there was a good turnout of around 14 Magnettes, with Varitones in the majority. As well as the Register regulars, it was great to see one or two new owners and some who were taking advantage of an event on their doorstep. Chairman Paul Batho deserves a special mention as he arrived with a trailer and sailing dinghy on tow behind his ZA, heading straight on from Bristol to Cornwall for the remainder of the weekend.
Although there aren't any especially notable attractions at either end of the line, the short round trip up and down hauled by an unusual Polish tank engine provided some interesting views, and Bitton station itself is well appointed with a buffet and museum. As usual most Magnettes had departed by mid-afternoon. Thanks to Mark and all the staff at the Avon Valley Railway for making us welcome.
Text and photos by Stephen Tickell
