GWSR General Discussion and Operations

The seating area should be the same. The swanky lounge area and bar replaces the former volunteers' mess room and hatch, with the intermediate wall taken down. So it's extra.

The former franchise arrangement no longer provided the railway with an income stream; on the contrary, it was costing us money. So it was brought in house and the formula changed a bit. Fingers crossed that it works. It's a start, I guess the offering will evolve with experience. See what works.

 

Will the bar area be open when the railway isn’t operating?

 

I'm not on the catering side, so I don't know the answer to that one.
As I said, it will be a case of feeling your way along to see what works.

 

I totally understand that, as hospitality’s my day job I just take a bit of an interest in that side of things that’s all.

 

Greetings all, I’ve never been to the GWSR, looks like there is a chance I have convinced my better half to make a stop in a week and a half when we will be passing by. Looking for any tips on photographic locations on the line, and confirmation of which waxy 7903 is facing. It looks like she’ll be the rostered steam loco. Having not been but from what I can find online in pictures, I think she’s facing Broadway, so forward on “Norhbound” trains on the timetable?

Not set in stone yet that I will, visit, but I’d love to tick another railway off the list of places I’ve been.

Thanks in advance

Stephen

 

I like this <BJ>

''STOP PRESS: Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Join Forces for Expansion to Broadway in the Cotswolds.
We are thrilled to announce a partnership between the Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, culminating in an extension along the historic track bed to Broadway in the Cotswolds. This ambitious project marks a significant milestone in the region's railway heritage.
However, a minor obstacle presented itself as the 2ft narrow gauge track approaches Stanway Viaduct, just north of Toddington. The convergence of the two lines prompted careful consideration. Mr. S. Leaper, the GWSR permanent way manager, explained, "After evaluating our options, it was determined that adding a ledge on the viaduct's brick parapet would be the most economical and secure solution."
The proposed map showcases the envisioned parapet extension on the Malvern side of Stanway Viaduct, with the white line denoting the chosen option. (Albeit a bit wonky).
Drawing inspiration from engineering luminary Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Mr. B. Rick, Head of the GWSR Construction & Maintenance team, expressed confidence in the decision. "Utilising metal suspension springs found in the skip and reclaimed bricks from a recent cleanup operation at Winchcombe Yard, we aim to transform Stanway Viaduct into a testament to innovation, reminiscent of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge," stated Mr. Rick. Materials procurement is already underway, with construction commencing promptly.
The Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway were delighted with the decision and are eagerly sourcing new locomotives and rolling stock to keep up with the demand. "It's going to be a busy summer!" Said their spokesperson.
The commencement of work today signals a promising future, eagerly anticipated by railway enthusiasts and tourists alike.
We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the enchanting journey aboard the Narrow Gauge trains to Broadway in the near future''.

 

They've got this all wrong. It would be much cheaper to install mixed-gauge track as far as Broadway. However one bit is spot on. Beyond Broadway, on what was formerly standard gauge double track, there's plenty of room for the narrow gauge track and the cycle path.

 

`Note the date!

 

For Broadway facing locos a couple of easy to get ones are…
Leaving Cheltenham Racecourse, Southam Lane, you can park easily and you can walk down the footpath and get this…
https://flic.kr/p/KssD4s
Or the bridge over the line at Dixton looking back towards Gotherington, space to park by the junction with Gretton Road, you can get this…
https://flic.kr/p/2ou1qsN
Both occasions loco will be working away from station stops.

It’s a lovely line, plenty of lovely spots for photos or videos.
A few of my pictures and videos from last couple of visits
https://www.flickr.com/gp/alts1985/S6f3ei0c3E
https://www.flickr.com/gp/alts1985/S7e16oj7gZ

 

Did someone not do so? My post # 1728 was before noon and continuing the theme.

 

Managed to make a stop at Toddington yesterday and take a short trip to Broadway and back. Didn’t have time in our day for longer trip, but such is life. Will certainly be adding it to the list of railways I need to make a proper visit to for a gala or event to see some intensive running and do some serious photography. For now though, that’s the run of heritage railways for this vacation done. Into London for a few days and then home.

Cheers,

Stephen

 

Couple of shots during the first month of the 2024 featuring 7820 & 7903!!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Nice visit today, been meaning to go for a while, everyone very pleasant. Nice to have something running during the week

 

What clean exhaust even when working hard

 

Here's my footage of 6880 Betton Grange and 2999 Lady of Legend in action at the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway yesterday. I filmed both locomotives at Didbrook near Toddington. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Anybody know which diagram 6880 will be working this coming Saturday?

 

It's down as steam 2 at the moment, steam 1 is 2999. Usual caveats etc

 

Although slightly confusingly the timetable given out when I bought a ticket last Saturday did not agree with the website regarding what was train 1 and train 2.

 

Ah, but steam 1 is not necessarily the same as train 1! I appreciate this is not very helpful, I believe it's caught out a couple of drivers submitting their daily mileages from the diagrams listed too! A little wrinkle as a result of the timetable changes last month that may or may not be ironed out at some point, above my pay grade but the supplied information is based on HOPS, so I'm at least 80% confident that's correct...