GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam 'Cheltenham & Gloucester Steam Days' 12-14 May

Must have been the presence of 31806 then

 

I would say all [except 35006 ].
Pendennis was definitely the star.

 

I had a very enjoyable three days at the gala, some of the many photos taken below. As others have mentioned the late running was a little frustrating, seemed like the shunting at Winchcombe in particular took longer than planned? On Sunday morning the goods train was running to time, but Pendennis Castle ended up leaving with the first train about half an hour late. Which of course knocked on to the rest of the day, though thankfully the delay didn't really get any longer like it had done on Saturday. As mentioned already I visited Broadway on Friday evening, to me that station is really something special and it isn't even finished yet! Everyone I spoke to from the railway was very friendly. But I do have to question the policy of only allowing access to (some) stations to those with tickets to travel. I was a Winchcombe for a chunk on Sunday afternoon and saw a gentlemen who asked if he could buy a platform ticket but was refused. I understand concerns about stations getting overcrowded or checking tickets on the gate so you don't need TTIs on every train. But Sunday afternoon wasn't that busy, I'd probably let people in for no charge if it were up to me. They might buy some of the many refreshments on offer or even put some money in the tin for the viaduct fund. Anyway, overall it was an excellent event.

Friday




Saturday






Sunday

 

I attended the event on Friday, and enjoyed it so much that I decided to go back for an unplanned second helping on Sunday. Certainly a most impressive gala, with 8 engines in steam (9 if the narrow gauge "Chakas Kraal" is included), 4 passenger sets and 2 goods sets and an intensive timetable covering fairly long days. There seemed to be good loadings, which hopefully will cover the considerable costs that must have been incurred. The railway must also have a healthy volunteer base in order to have provided the considerable staffing that was needed for the occasion.

I particularly enjoyed the selection of engines in use - Castle, Manors and Maunsell Moguls are all among my favourites. The engines were all in pristine external condition, well cleaned and polished. The carriages all seemed in good internal order, with just a few exteriors looking as if a paint-shop visit will soon be due. As far as I know, there were no loco or stock failures during the event, suggesting that everything had been carefully prepared.

So I will certainly go along with the near universal praise that this event has been getting. Just two points that might be considered for post-event review. Firstly the delays that occurred in spite of the lack of breakdowns. Was the timetable pushing the limit in terms of the number of train & loco movements, and coupling/ uncoupling operations that had to be accommodated? Secondly, it is apparent that some customers found the timetable over-complicated, although a bigger concern for me was the uneven intervals between passenger services. But full marks for the colour coding of the timetable, which certainly eased the complexity issue.

PS: Thanks also to those who have been posting photos & videos of the event. I took many of my own photos - but not to the standard of the posters!

 

Apologies for the delay in posting this (editing issues plagued this one ), but here's my video coverage from the gala.

 

A little late but better than never! Wonderful weekend, thanks to all for their efforts in making another memorable event. Three days of riding behind as many different loco's as we could, and as many different coaches. Here are a spread of images from Friday.

 

Saturday was a morning of riding again, then Curry and cakes for the afternoon at Gotherington.

 

Sunday was another morning of riding, back and forth on the 09.23 from Cheltenham, same set until early afternoon, then stepped down at Broadway for a lunch break and the new shots from platform 2.

 

Oh, I do love a Pug!

 

Trying to think of a silly reply but can't! Just a little snappy around the ankles!
I am surprised how fleet of foot this loco is, really tonks along even with 3 on, was the same at Bury for the L&Y events. According to the footplate crew it keeps pressure well and is not easily winded.
I like the idea of something small fussing around Wincombe dodging between the other through trains, adds to the sense of something going on all the time. Wonder what's next for October?

 

.

 

Some of my captures from the final day of the gala:

 

A final run of shots of the U's final day in traffic at GWSR before going home on Thursday with some of 35006 aswell: