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

I, and I guess a lot of other people, would like to know that as well.

 

I would hope that locos are turned each end, wouldn't want the LSP holders to have a reason to moan anymore

Is there a WTT available? Free or to purchase?

 

......... but you know they will!

 

Yes you can purchase it online (it's part of the programme).

 

Thxs will pop in BL 2moro and buy progamme

 

You'd best check that they have been printed before you have a wasted journey.

 

Good point, thanks

 

Doubt they'd print them yet, usually arrive a 5-10 days before the event.

 

Anybody from the WSR know how the 4 Blood and Custard coaches are going to be used during the gala? I notice set A is 4 coaches so will this be them or will be they shunted into another rake?

 

The WSR official website reports that a very limited number of footplate rides are available for the SSG. Each day one service from MD to BL and one service from BL to MD will permit one guest on the footplate at a cost of £50.
All Thursday and Friday passes have been sold and I am delighted to have secured a trip on Saturday from MD to BL on 6960.
I reckon that leaves one vacant place for BL to MD on Saturday and two places for the two Sunday services.
Form an orderly queue.
Stef.

 

It looks like the rideable freight trains have gone by the by

 

Yes, looks like they have been pulled, the TTI's have been cancelled for those turns.
Robin F.

 

Brilliant, hope to get one at Minehead 2moro

 

Picked up one today, liking the double headed 4f paths

 

Looking forward to the Saturday afternoon 4F pairing with QB in the consist.

 

Any further update on engines being turned at both ends? Given the very few trains that go through to Norton Fitzwarren this would seem unlikely, but it a was major factor for me in the success of last year's Spring gala which I travelled down for and stayed over four days.
Does the programme contain the WTT?
Finally has the freight train been completely dropped from the event?
Thanks in advance for any help on these points.

 

Macko,

With very few exceptions all locos will be running chimney first over the 4 days of the gala. Goods trains are in evidence as well, it appears there is a higher mileage of goods than previous events with goods running throughout each day.

Loco situation for gala appears to be as follows:-

6960, 53808 and 44422 all in service and not due washout before the gala.
5199 presently on routine washout at Minehead ready for the gala.
53809 continuing to receive boiler maintenance at Minehead and expected to be ready, if not a contingency plan for a replacement steam locomotive is understood to be in place.
1501 has re-entered service on the SVR following valve & piston work and boiler retube, due to arrive next week.
No news of status of 78018 or 43924 but no reason to suspect that all will not be well for their arrivals next week.
Kilmersdon and 1219 are both understood to be all ok for their respective duties.

Double headed 4F's for the first time since the end of steam on BR and this line up, what more can anyone ask for?

Andy.

 

A free WTT?!

 

£3 isn't that much really. If you can't afford it maybe you should rethink going to the event.

Dunno why people complain. I go to football matches where match programmes cost at least £3, over a season its another £57(possibly £69 next season ) for the home league games, but it supports the club. The same logic can be applied to railway galas, that £3 extra goes a long way to maintaining not just the railway, but the events too.

People would complain if they increased the ticket prices for example.

One thing I can't stand in life is people that don't wanna pay their way/don't see the value of money. Seems a lot of people want something for nothing.

I was actually surprised to see the QB breakfast price, I thought it would be more than £8 (£9 with black pudding). Yet some people will probably think a fiver would suffice and won't see that they are not just paying for the food but the whole silver service experience. I think I paid £11 (or 12) on the SVR in September 2014 and I was more than happy to part with my cash, even gave a tip.