Epping Ongar Railway 150th Anniversary 24th-26th April

Sad to see that Joem failed & the 37 had to take over... will she be running again before going to Wensleydale?

 

On paper the J72 had been the thing I was most looking forward to seeing in action so it failing before I arrived on Sunday was a bit of a disappointment, but swiftly erased by the performance of the 37 in its place. I'm in such a tiny, tiny minority saying this I know, but I'd love there to be more steam/diesel mixed galas - having the (supremely loud) Tractor out too and increasing the variety further immediately made it a better day for me. Realise about 2% of enthusiasts are going to agree with me there, though.

This was my first EOR gala after two normal-service-day visits (I love the Thumper and the blue/grey Mk2s) and I was really impressed with the inventiveness of the timetable and the approach of the volunteers - there's a good energy about the place.

Can't wait for regular services either into Epping or at least to the boundary - the extra section beyond Coopersale that was opened up for the gala was an absolutely storming run with any loco. Utterly brilliant. Will be back for plenty more of that.

 

Joem was taken out of service on Sunday afternoon after an unexplained loud noise from the locomotive. The engine will be returned to NELPG either this week or next, to carry out a full investigation to understand why it failed.

Glad to hear you had a good time among the operational problems we had. We have another gala in June (thread will be created soon) and hopefully, it will be just as successful as the 150 gala.

It's Paddington Bear weekend this weekend, with the N2 doing the steam diagram

 

Your website says 4141 on the Saturday and Sunday of the Paddington Bear event.

 

Will double check when I go and prep tomorrow. Our steam crew roster says N2.

 

Thanks.