GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam 25th-27th May 2024

Theme announced- Western Workhorses

Guests
- 6880 "Betton Grange"
- 2999 "Lady of Legend"
- 9351
Homefleet
- 7820 "Dinmore Manor"
- 2807
- 7903 "Foremarke Hall"
- 35006 "Peninsular and Oriental Line S.N.Co".

https://www.gwsr.com/events/cotswold-festival-of-steam-2024

 

Indeed bring your brasso; copper chimney caps and brass number plates as far as the eye can see!



As ever we really do try and pull all the stops out with this, so definitely not one to be missed.

 

Wasn't there a simular event that happened in 2017?
I guess 'Workhorses' mean engines like mixed traffic, goods and tank engines.

This theme interests me, although I don't know whether you mean GWR or BR[W].

 

3850 must be very likely to be added to that line up judging by the progress DMLL are making with it's reassembly.

 

Not that fussed what's coming, hotel booked, new hip fitted and currently running in, tickets to be booked when available. Be interesting to see the Merchant Navy with a copper and brass conversion !!

 

I have threatened to do so on a number of occasions!!

 

Back in the 1980's when much younger and more agile (!!) we used to know Brian the then owner of 6960 then based on the SVR. He used to have a full week driving in early July which coincided with my wife's school's mill holidays for two weeks, so as members he invited us down to footplate for a day. The deal was we booked on early and off late helping prepare and dispose of the engine. My wife's job was the copper and brass! She was really 'chuffed' when we were just about to leave Bridgnorth on the first train when an on-looking lady passenger commented on what a lovely job had been made of the said copper and brass. My wife was duly out again at the end of each trip with the metal polish soas not to let Brian down! Happy days.

 

Just to get you going see below!

 

Deleted

 

35006 will be a rose among thorns so leave her alone.

 

As P&O regularly worked to the West Country can't see why it can't be classed as a Western workhorse, don't need to gild the lily, serious bit of kit this machine as it stands ribbing apart.
(Amended)

 

To Exeter yes but did Merchant Navies ever work beyond Exeter?

 

It was merely a comment without checking, not a statement of historical accuracy, I will amend my original missive, thank you for the correction.

 

Well, why are you planning to go then?
If you only want to see 35006, then go on a normal day!!

 

6880 "Betton Grange" announced as first guest

 

Yes we're very excited to be welcoming Betton Grange so soon!



Picture courtesy Malcolm Root and 6880 society.

Online booking office is now open too, at www.gwsr.com/events/cotswold-festival-of-steam-2024 with early bird discount so no delay in booking - it warms the hearts of the gala committee too!

 

"Western Workhorse" sounds like a new-build Class 52 diesel!!!

 

A few liberties taken with Greet tunnel here, methinks...

 

Nah, definitely Twerton tunnel, Bath. Fortunately, the route has not succumbed to the unsightly, over engineered OHLE catenary system ....yet. <BJ>

 

if only it was that clear at Twerton tunnel now