Hunslet Locomotive Birthday today.

[steamcoal]

Today in New Zealand we celebrated the 150th Birthday of the Hunslet Engine Company.

Our planned steam-up was nearly scotched by possible snow and rain but it held off until mid afternoon and those that attended had a jolly fine day. Conditions meant that a lot of steam was in the air and a lot of tea was consumed. 

Two 5" Hunslets attended, 5" Rail Motor, BJAX and a 5" Isle of Man engine "Mona" belonging to Jim Woods ran for the morning and early afternoon before the official cake cutting and afternoon tea was had

Both 5" Hunslets in steam, "Kelly" in the background owned the Ian Clifford family, formally of the Chesterfield Model Engineers and is named after his daughter.
In the front is "Douglas" owned in Timaru and named after the owners son. This engine steamed well for the day.

[steamcoal]

The cake was a 3.5" Dinorwic Quarry Hunslet " ALICE  "

The cutting of the cake was performed by April Clifford and "Kelly" Clifford. April is herself Welsh and was fitting for this Dinorwic Slate engine.

The whole day went off well and was just an enjoyable reason for a steamup on a cold winters day. Bacon Buttes were consumed along with hot scones and cream and cups of tea. 

Thanks to all.

More steaming photos to come of us all on the track together soon.

[Jim Woods]

It was good cold fun. ? -2'C here now ?

[steamcoal]

Hope you had a safe trip home and no snow.

Ian marr said it was cold, just fresh really in my book. Thats sheep farmers for ya!

A huge thanks to you chaps, we must do it again....for no reason.

Still awaiting for the other photo.

Hayden

[Rex Hanman]

Wonderful cake! Shame to cut it!

[steamcoal]

Passed the boiler test though which was a relief!