West Somerset Autumn Steam Gala - 5th to 8th October 2017

Lean back bacon? Have you had reclining seats installed in the QB?

 

Does anyone know when the Gala brochures are being sent out?

 

On the WSR site timetables for the gala, on Thursday and Friday there are 3,4 and 7 coach rakes running. On Saturday and Sunday there are mainly 7 coach rakes with one 6 which includes the QB set.
Does this imply that an extra blood and custard coach has been added to the existing 6?

 

When I visited the railway last Saturday, there were still only 6 b&c coaches out. I don't know if another will be added in the next week, but don't assume that because there are 7-coach rakes running, they will all be the same colour within a set!

 

I am not assuming that. But, as some of the Gala team are photographers, I suspect they would try, if at all possible, to have matching rakes. Remember that the original intention for FS was to have 8 blood and custard. Although that didn't happen, I am wondering if the programme of repainting has been stopped or not. For an almost all black gala, blood and custard is a great match.

 

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News from www.wsr.org.uk - an unofficial website featuring the West Somerset Railway.
The content is unofficial and for general information purposes only.

 

And there's more...

"Planned chimney first running of all locomotives on Saturday and Sunday with Minehead turntable and Norton Fitzwarren turntable in use. Turning may be possible on Thursday and Friday but will be confirmed at a later date."

Steve

 

Pardon?

 

News that the road from Dragon Cross to Blue Anchor (via Old Cleeve and Chapel Cleeve) will be closed for 20 days from 2 Oct. I understand the actual stretch being worked on is just south of Chapel Cleeve. Diversions via Carhampton or via Watchet. Photographers/passengers to note.

Steve

 

With 7714 failed with a brake fault yesterday at the NYMR, will be interesting to see if she makes it to this event. No doubt 1501 will come instead if not.

 

Has 1501 ever visited the WSR before?
Also when are the programmes going to arrive?
Thanks

 

It was there for the Spring Gala back in April.

 

Does anyone know whether 7714 is coming to the WSR gala? Much though I like 1501, she has been before and I was looking forward to a good old standard pannier tank!

 

Is set D, with the QB, literally 6 coaches? Assuming it's RFO, RU & BSK of the QB, will it be BSO & 2 x TSO for the 'normal' part of the train? Was hoping it would be 6+QB tbh but with 7714 due on that rake alone, I can't see it being load 9!

 

I'm expecting it will be 7 - the 2 x TSO and BSO are already at BL, plus the QB's RMB, FO, RU and BSK. The FO has been advertised as being available to non-diners for a small supplement.

 

WSR.org has reprinted an old report from the official site which says smokebox first running may be possible on Thursday and Friday and will be confirmed later. I received my wtt today which seems to show that most locos are smokebox first. Is this correct?

 

I have updated the news item on wsr.org.uk following new information from the Gala Team. The official website page has also been updated.

Steve

 

Received my copy of the WTT today as well. There seem to be a few errors and omissions:
* There's no explanation of the coaching sets. The free public t/t states how many in each rake, the £3.00 WTT doesn't.
* There's no mention whatsoever about the QB.
* It mentions the FoWSR under support groups. I thought that FoWSR had been wound up?

I'm also a bit disappointed to see that the first departure from Minehead on Sunday isn't until 10:30.

 

Hopefully one of the rakes has all the blood and custards together (would be surprised if not tbh), and as they are all 7 (other than the QB/D rake) I assume we will have one cling on choco/cream?! Shame the GWR BCK 6705 isn't ready! Marshall it in with that get all the 'odds' out the way!

 

Steve, is that the 12.20 from MD or BL, or both?