Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala: 25th - 27th April 2025

Are you sure you have the right website? Have you tried Screwfix?

 

I thought the mods deleted nasty comments. The=timetable is confusing at first sight ad takes a bit of working out.

 

I will remove it if you thought it was nasty. It certainly was not posted with that in mind, only fun.

 

Where have you got this from? It makes more sense that it DOES arrive at Medstead at 16:05 and the reason for the empty departure from Alton is because you cannot board the brakevan from there as mentioned above.
If it were to leave Alton at 16:05 as you suggested it would not get to Medstead until 16:18 at which point the 16:17 to Alton should have departed which does not make any sense especially with token exchanges. It is due to arrive at 16:05 and leave 16:20

 

I was told by a friend who volunteers at MHR that it was an error. But now that you mentioned the 16:17 departure for Alton something that I didn't really notice. I apologise as you are right with the token exchanges etc so they mustve been mistaken and me even more so. . Would've been better if the timetable had some sort of note so the speculation wasn't required. Still looking very much forward to this gala though.

 

I must admit the timetable is quite complicated as it features a lot of unique movements and shunts! It looks like it will be a great event

 

So am I right in thinking that Pass (W) and Pass are both 4 coach sets?

 

It seems that may be the case. These sets combine to make the 8 coach set so it could also be 5 and 3. But if it is true that the T3 is limited to 4 then they must be 4 coaches each.

 

I would say so as that looks logical

 

Image of 52322s tender arrived at Alresford has appeared on Facebook looks that everything will face London

 

Latest news from the Watercress Line. <BJ>

''We had a very special delivery over the weekend - our first visiting locomotive has officially arrived at the Watercress Line for our Spring Steam Gala! Please welcome the magnificent L&YR A Class 52322, a true railway gem, thanks to Andy Booth and our wonderful friends at the East Lancashire Railway.
At an incredible 130 years old, this stunning engine will be making its Watercress Line debut at our Spring Steam Gala, running from 25th to 27th April''.

 

Originally thought I couldn't go, but planning on going Saturday. Looking forward to seeing 35005, the LYR Tank and of course the T3 in steam.

 

Does anyone know which way this is facing?

 

Nice to see the older engines back in vogue

 

Everything will face London

 

MHR Gala timetable is going to be revised. S15 506 out of traffic with firebox problems and won't be available for service

 

https://watercressline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Spring-Gala-PTT.pdf

Updated timetable

 

That's not a bad thing is it?
Gives the Ivatt more trips to do and the main focus should be the smaller engines.

 

Why should that be ?

QUOTE
We look forward to welcoming you to our 'steam' packed three day event
This event is a chance to see and ride behind special guest engines and our home-fleet locomotives. Joining national celebrations as part of Railway 200, .......
UNQUOTE

Nothing about focus on anything except steam.

 

It may make the Gala better for some, but surely that is the last thing the Mid Hants needs at present; losing a key loco as 2025 activities really get going.

That must leave them very low on steam locos that can handle normal service days without diesel assistance?

I can only hope that 30506 can be repaired and put back in service asap.

Bryan