Bo'ness and Kinneil railway steam gala 2018

Recently confirmed by the SRPS, this years steam gala would take place on the 2-4th November.

It has also been said that this gala would feature the return of D49 Morayshire and Caledonian 419 No. 439 as well as a visiting locomotive. With speculation being 828.

Im excited :O

 

Just announced this evening for the gala,

"THE CALEY REUNION"

Caledonian Railway No. 828 is to attend as special guest, appearing alongside home based Caley No. 419 and D49 No. 246

 

Hmm, a long but not unreasonable train journey from Sheffield, and with those locos I think I'm in!

 

Well, as I'm in Edinburgh and I still haven't got round to going to Bo'ness yet, I might as well.

 

Based on the SRPS facebook post, it seems as though this was a decision made based on requests from potential passengers. I'm surprised this is the first instance of this I can think of, I would have thought it would be a great way to increase their customers over a such an event.
https://www.facebook.com/srpssteam/posts/834744406715269

 

It has been a long-term ambition to see 419 & 828 together in steam with the Caledonian Railway coaches. For many reasons it hasn't proved possible until now, and it appeared that the forthcoming autumn would be one of the few chances to do so. It is of course also a loco that many of our passengers have requested over the years!

All hands on deck to finish 419 ready for running in over the late summer!

 

419 really coming together at Bo'ness now ahead of her pairing with 828 this autumn:

 

Guys, what stage is Morayshire at? The last photo I can find shows a LOT of work still to do. Will she make it?

 

The bottom end is complete and awaiting the boiler, which shouldn't be too far from getting tubed. Latest pics here:https://www.facebook.com/srpssteam/posts/893799624143080

 

Yes, those were the pictures I saw!

 

From visit a couple of months back

https://www.flickr.com/photos/113816008@N03/41230782994/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/113816008@N03/41904733352/in/dateposted-public/

Llangollen team can work wonders and work fast

 

I hope so. Looking forward to the gala, even if it is a LONG drive!

 

Work continues on getting 419 ready for the Gala.

 

What sort of timetable can B&KR offer?

It's been a while since I visited (2009, to speak over hiring 246 for SSS2 IIRC..!). Is it one-train only, or is there a passing loop now?

 

One train only still sadly. Work well underway to build a second platfrom and install a footbridge at Birkhill, signal box will hopefully follow quickly afterwords.

 

Hopefully some form of shunting demo can be arranged for Bo'ness then to provide entertain in between trains

 

Is there any update on the progress with Morayshire?

 

Boiler still out of the frames at Llangollen from what a friend showed me.

 

I'm considering the long trip north for this gala and was also wanting to connect with a few locos that I've not seen.
If attending the gala, does anyone know please whether these locos will be viewable either at the B&K Railway or in the adjacent SRPS museum?
8F 45170
62277 Gordon Highlander
68095
80105

Many Thanks

 

According to a post of the SPRS Steam Group, Morayshire won't make it due to delays with the job done by a contractor.
CR 419 will have its steam test started next week (hopefully everything'll be ok) and CE 828 got sucessfully repaired, too.

I think the museum'll be opened, but for being 100% sure contact the BKR Office.
The tender of the 8F is currently under overhaul in the workshop, so I don't know whether it's possible to get a glimpse on it.

Follow the their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/srpssteam/ , or just have a look at the Event https://www.facebook.com/events/2102855689937858/

For many people it will be unfortunately the only chance in their lifetime to see both engines in working condition and in CR coloures painted.

Let's hope nothing goes wrong