SVR Spring Steam Gala 17th-20th March 2017

Just a quick side note, is there any photo ops from the other side of the River of Hampton Loade station? Is there any parking available at the The River and Rail or anything close by with any photo ops of the railway on the opposite side of the river? Thanks

 

There is a decent sized gravel car park on the other side of the road to the river and rail. There are decent views of the line along waterworks straight, to the north of HL, from that side of the river, but you will be shooting into the sun in the afternoon.

 

Thank you for the heads up! Is this car park free? And also is there anything south to the line on the river and rail side?
Thanks

 

I can't honestly remember about the charging situation off the top of my head. I believe there may be a small charge.

Not an awful lot heading south from that side as the line dives into Alveley woods soon after HL. There has been some clearance work at the south end of the station, so there may be a shot of the Southbound services pulling away available, but I haven't been down to check myself.

 

Ok thanks for the heads up.


I have attached an image below of exactly where I was talking/thinking.



Does anyone know if the grassy area where I have marked with a red arrow is accessible just past the Rail and River/Caravan Park which is just south of there?


Thanks

 

IIRC there's a footpath along the river there.
I think the gravel carpark is National Trust owned.

 

Yep, there is a riverside path along both sides of the river. Watch out for the cows on that side though, they've a reputation for being a bit grumpy towards visitors.

 

Interesting little detail on the public timetable: on both Friday and Saturday, the first southbound train into Kidderminster is the 1005 local from Bewdley, hauled by 43106. Yet on Friday it's timed to arrive at 1025, after the 1020 northbound departure from Kidderminster. On Saturday, it arrives at 1016, before the northbound train departs and so (at least in theory) allowing a connection. Not sure why the difference, but something to be aware of if you're making plans!

 

Hi all, does anyone know if the WTT will be published?

 

41312 has been out and about this weekend, looking very much at home in the valley,
and considerably better than the first time I saw her, by coincidence 44 years ago tomorrow (13th March), on an A level Geography field trip to South Wales.

Scott

 

Some Kidderminster crossings may take place in the loop outside the station.

 

34081 has arrived at Bridgnorth. Photos on Facebook. We're just waiting on the 9f now...

 

Does anyone know if the railway is doing evening only tickets for this gala

 

No, Day Rovers only I'm afraid (personally considering the last train isn't back to Kiddy till nearly 11pm, evening rovers wouldn't be a bad idea at all).

 

Does anyone know if a working timetable will be available anywhere? I only ask because we are visiting Friday and Saturday with our 5 month old son and I like to know the coaching sets before traveling so we can hopefully get a seat (one whole journey last year stood in a toilet that had been converted into the coaches mini museum, interesting but don't fancy it with my son with us!) and also platform and arrival times so we can be ready to board! Would be very appreciative if it was available, looking forward to the weekend!

 

It shouldbe on the SVR Live website when its ready

 

I'm not so sure about that. While they publish WTTs for day to day running there they do not usually put the Spring/Autumn Steam Gala timetables there as far as I can remember. For some reason while they are happy to sell the Autumn Gala timetable they don't seem to want to make the Spring one available in the public domain.

For the last 2-3 years someone "in the know" has posted the WTT on this forum. If some kind soul could do the same again it would be much appreciated!

 

Has any reason been given for the differing approaches to the spring and autumn WTTs? Or is it just a case of "We've always done it this way"? I've never really understood it, unless (and I'm stretching here) it's that the autumn setup with overnight running etc is felt to attract more "hardcore enthusiasts" who will shell out for a WTT. Given the wet forecast for the weekend, knowing when and where the next train is due to arrive would certainly be handy.

 

Anyone know which way locos will be facing on Friday?

 

Spring Steam Gala Fri-Sat-Sun
North (facing Bridgnorth): 1450, 1501, 2857, 7714, 7812, 34053, 92214
South (facing Kidderminster): 813, 7802, 34027, 34081, 41312, 43106

I've not got an answer on the WTT front I'm afraid.