WSR Spring Steam Gala - Thu 27 to Sun 30 April 2017

This year's WSR spring gala is being held about a month later than usual because of the large volume of winter engineering work that is planned. The theme is Spring Steam in Somerset, but no further details have yet been released. But we could see a large distinguished visitor.....

 

Wouldn't mind a silmar theme as to the recent S+D gala

 

6023 ?

 

That would be nice.
Actually, I'm hoping that one day they'll have 6023 and 6024. (well, I can wish can't I?)

 

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The railway's website says 53809 is running as well as 808.

What's the situation with 53809, she's at the North Norfolk at the moment I believe? She was down to work the WSF but that didn't happen so can anybody confirm she is going to be back at the WSR this year?

 

809 returned to the WSR in October but, according to the latest WSR Journal, was unable to work as the joint between the main steam pipe and superheater header failed during its visits to the Swanage and Mid-Hants galas, and is being repaired at MD.

 

wsr.org reporting 5199 and 43924 will be two of the guests for the Spring Gala.

 

are there any difference between LMS and midland 4Fs

 

Yes 43924 is RH drive whereas 44422 is LH drive. Not sure if anything else is different.

 

Petticoat on the draughting was different (or was this a BR mod)? Either way, '924 has kept it whilst '422 has been restored to as built!

 

Blastpipe petticoat was a later (not sure if LMS or BR) modification but NOT applied to 43924 prior to preservation; this was fitted at Haworth. 43924 also has earlier pattern lifting injectors.

 

Cheers Nigel. Interesting '924 has lift injectors, always thought these were more a "foreign" installation for places with much colder weather in order to ensure no frost damage. 5197 at our place has these from her time in China, as does the TKh.

 

I may not have correctly termed the type of injector? From memory the water & steam valves are combined in the backhead clack assembly. The injectors themselves are still underfloor. The water feed handle requires a flick of the wrist to get it to pick-up. Similar to "Joem".

 

Dave Horton, WSR's Head of Mechanical Engineering, has confirmed the following guest steam locomotives for the 2017 Spring Steam Gala.

BR(W) Class 1500 0-6-0PT no 1501 (from Severn Valley)
LMS Class 4F 0-6-0 no 43924 (from Keighley & Worth Valley)
BR Standard Class 2 2-6-0 no 78018 (from Great Central)
GWR 51XX 2-6-2T no 5199 (from Llangollen)

In addition the home fleet is anticipated to be nos 6960, 44422, 53808 and 53809.

Steve

 

I think that is a nice selection of engines. With the home fleet included aswell. I am already looking forward to the gala. Always wanted to see 0-6-0 PT 1501 in action . In the past every time I have got near this engine, she has been having her ten yearly.

 

Nice line up but I wonder how they are going to work it as not many of these locos are particularly strong, will be see shorter sets like at the last ASG for some trains?

 

They're all class 4 apart from the standard 2, although 1501 is limited to 6 mk1 on the SVR due to water capacity. Nothing to do with its strength. Perhaps a set of 5 alongside the usual 7 or 6 coach format will suffice

 

Given the number of locos some double heading might be anticipated.

 

Fair point about 1501. I think there will be one 4 coach rake for 78018 mainly, probably see 1501 on that as well.