West Somerset Railway Autumn Gala 17-19 October

https://www.west-somerset-railway.c...team-weekend-breakfasts-on-the-quantock-belle

 

Excellent, well spotted. Seb, recommend a link from the event page.

 

Enjoying this a lot so far. Trains were already about 25 mins down when I arrived at 9.30 but are catching up a bit now. The T3 looks as stunning as ever but it's making pretty light work of its 3-coach set today. Nunney Castle on load 8 is very decent, though. 813 looks lovely on the local set and that GWR coach is a treat. Definitely appreciate the bonus 33 as well (though I do prefer Manors. And Hymeks.)

Some of the trains feel a bit quiet. But there is a lot on this weekend and the sets with the visiting locos on seem full enough. I reckon 9351 and 7828 are probably providing the best entertainment so far, though.

 

That mixed set behind 813 is one of the nicest mixed trains I have seen for a long time.
This weekend would have been my, so far only weekend, this year that involved somewhere other than Swanage. I even changed my Bluebell plans for this. But needless to say other domestic and care issues have meant I miss this one as well, other than a few webcam glimpses.
Hope all who are there enjoy it.

 

The updated web cams have made a tremendous addition to viewing the WSR from a distance. The T3 from Swanage looked superb when seen by the Williton platform cam and the shunt moves by 813 provided interest at Minehead. A good day it seems.

 

7828 failed at Minehead late this afternoon, train and path cancelled, we arrived back in Minehead 45 mins late as a result. 7828 on shed with a 'not to be moved' flag on it. Anyone know what the problem is, is it fixed, if not what's covering its diagram tomorrow (Sunday)?

 

7828 and 9351 worked the goods back to Bishops Lydeard this evening presumably to get 7828 in the correct place for Sunday's timetable.

 

Here's my footage of the gala filmed on Friday and Saturday. The highlights were of course Nunney Castle hauling the 8 coach trains up the steep hills, The T3 going well despite the load limitations on the route and in particular the Manor putting some brilliant performances including the 8 coach train departure from Bishop's Lydeard. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Spent 2 thoroughly enjoyable days at this gala, particularly enjoyed the Castle on load 8, and the Manor, and a pity the Saturday non-stop run with Nunney didnt quite make it, can we try again in the Spring ?

The WSR is a great railway, and the staff/volunteers are a a credit to it. Thanks to all involved in this event.

 

From the little I watched on the cams, the timetable most of the afternoon from the Minehead end bore little resemblance to what was actually happening. Flicked on Blue Anchor and I thought it was 7828 running round its train and going back to Minehead. At the time I assumed it was just some attempt at trying to get back on time.

 

Here's my video, from mainly the first day......