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Swanage Steam Gala 11/9 to 13/9

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by Ann Clark, Aug 18, 2009.

  1. Rumpole

    Rumpole Part of the furniture

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    Yes, from Wareham station.

    7.47 ex-Plymouth then? Been there, got that t-shirt...!
     
  2. LN850

    LN850 Member

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    Roughly what time does the swanage gala start this year?
     
  3. Lewisb06

    Lewisb06 Member

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    Based on what the Diesel Gala/Beer Fest was I would say 0830 - 2349 Fri + Sat.
    Similar start times on the Sunday and a finish about 1830.....

    I dare say that the timetable will be published very soon on the railways website
     
  4. 73129

    73129 Part of the furniture

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    I’m lead to believe that both railways thought it would be a good idea to have the same weekend in Sept so people in the North of the country could make a visit to both railways.
     
  5. Lewisb06

    Lewisb06 Member

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    First time that have heard that theory....
     
  6. Orion

    Orion Well-Known Member

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    It isn't the first time I've heard it and I did meet a bloke at Swanage last year who was doing just that. But, although that's fine if you live in the north and want to take a B&B, if you live in the south it means taking a complete weekend out to visit both galas. And anyway, if you live up north wouldn't the first choice be the Llangollen gala which is on the same weekend?

    Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

    Regards
     
  7. tobes3803

    tobes3803 Member

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    Why the langollen gala its not a southern railway so if you want to see southern stuff it wouldnt be your first choice!
     
  8. tfftfftff86

    tfftfftff86 Member

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    Given that school and bank holidays govern every tourist attraction's annual schedule, I think we should be grateful that in the UK we have enough preserved railways operating to make this kind of clash likely. There's nothing like the frequency and choice of galas open to UK fans in any other country I know. Plandampf days in Germany are great, but few and far between in comparison.
    For that matter, there's no website as active as NP anywhere else, that pulls together so much up-to-date information in just a two-stop-shop (Galas and What's Going On forums). Without it, you'd have to search the web for hours and hours, and still miss a lot of attractions.

    Why do so many people "want it all, and want it now", these days? Never heard of "next year"?

    Rant over. I thang you!
     
  9. Orion

    Orion Well-Known Member

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    There's an awful lot of truth in this. One of the reasons I won't be going to the Swanage this year for their gala is that I have seen 88 and the other engines many times already and will be seeing 88 in October at the WSR bash. The MHR I visited at its Spring Gala, so its the Llangollen for me, the B&B is booked. I shall be on the Llangollen Friday and Saturday and have a trip to the Ffestiniog on Sunday.

    Where else in the world could I have the choice of three important events and an optional trip to another significant railway if I go just one of them? :p:p

    I have met a number of people who have retired to Spain and have suggested that I do the same. No chance! [-X[-X

    Regards
     
  10. SteamHawk216

    SteamHawk216 Member

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    "Clash of the Galas"

    Sounds like your in for a great weekend, Orion, enjoy yourself. You have certainly given me ideas for planning a trip to North Wales in the future, perhaps next Spring.
    I am going to the Swanage Steam Gala this Autumn, as it will be the first time for a Gala. Also I am looking forward to a visit to their Herston Works during my time there.
    I, like many others I'm sure, have considered the pros and cons of retirement elsewhere, sunny Espania perhaps. But when I think about what will be missed here, including our climate, I'm staying put also, to carrying on enjoying the joys of "Our Heritage" and "Preservation".
     
  11. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    About the only argument for staying in Britain, although I'd rather not pay taxes to provide idiot arrogant bankers with their bonuses! The S&D 7F passing Corfe Castle will look rather splendid; the S&D must have had the odd Bath to Swanage excursion via Broadstone and Hamworthy Jct and supplied motive power throughout!

    John
     
  12. Lewisb06

    Lewisb06 Member

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  13. Lewisb06

    Lewisb06 Member

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  14. Lewisb06

    Lewisb06 Member

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    Loco diagrams are done and will be sent to proof readers tomorrow and should be published by the end of the week...free of charge...
     
  15. tfftfftff86

    tfftfftff86 Member

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    If I bought a return from Norden to Swanage, could I break my journey, say at Harman's Cross to do some photography from the public footpath, and rejoin a train a couple of hours later?
    Or is that already a Rover ticket scenario?
     
  16. Lewisb06

    Lewisb06 Member

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    Yes. A break of journey is permitted.....
     
  17. lil Bear

    lil Bear Part of the furniture

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    Coming over Saturday, first visit since the Caprotti 5 visited in 2007. Hopefully this will be as fun as last time, if not as loud!
     
  18. Rumpole

    Rumpole Part of the furniture

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    Looking forward to this one. Diagrams should be published shortly, but just as a taster for the gala finale on Sunday, the 17.10 ex-Swanage should be double headed by 88 and 34028, then returned by 88 and 34070. Should be a fun combination...

    Locos for the trips to Motala are different Friday and Saturday, one for the red pen merchants!
     
  19. tfftfftff86

    tfftfftff86 Member

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    Thanks very much for the info. I can't wait to see 88 in S&D blue, whether sunlit or rain-washed, I don't mind.
     
  20. 6959 Class

    6959 Class New Member

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    I'm visiting the railway for the first time on the Friday of the Gala and don't know the setup down there. Would someone tell me :-

    Can you change trains at intermediate stations?

    Why does only every other train start from and return to Swanage during the day?

    Which station are the Loco shed and workshops easily accessed from and what sort of walking distance is involved?

    Lastly, will I be able to see ALL the ex mainline / BR Locos that are on site?

    Thanks in advance. I'm really looking forward to my 1st. visit.
     

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