West Somerset Autumn Steam Gala 1-4 Oct 2009

I would definitely like to see 4953 back at the West Somerset. A fabulous loco indeed! My abiding memory of her was on the Sunday afternoon when she departed Williton and the way she was really talking as she set about the climb to Crowcombe. Fantastic stuff!

Cheers,

Paul

 

At last weekend's gala there were at least two coaches in the blue/grey livery. Are there plans to repaint them?

Regards

 

Just the one - you probably saw it twice ! It is a TSO acquired earlier this year from Riviera Trains. It will get repainted in due course.

David

 

Many posters have expressed their opinion on the loco they enjoyed the most at the ASG.
I was sitting on the platform at BL on Saturday evening opposite 6024 "KE1" for half an hour or more waiting for the castle to arrive. As I sat there I marvelled at the Majestic machine in front of me, glistening in the wonderful evening sunlight.
Well done to all involved with the other locos, what a magnificent turnout. For me the King is number 1.

"Long Live The King"

 

I totally agree with you, but please edit her number to the correct one 6024 and not 6034.
The total number built of this superb class of locomotive was thirty and numbered 6000-6029.
Regards SteamHawk216.

 

Thanks for that

 

Ann and I would like to thank all at WSR for the usual friendly reception (and mickey taking!) which we received. We had a truly wonderful weekend and are very grateful for the opportunities offered to us to fire and drive the line (all legal and above board). Ann has fond memories of oiling up 5224 for a certain Driver, my memories of this are more of getting wet feet in the pit at BL whilst doing the axleboxes!! But the subsequent rewards made it all worthwhile. It was a shame that 6695 was unable to appear on the Saturday due to the weeping fusible but a big thanks to Joe for getting in that hot firebox and replacing the plug so that she could resume duty on the Sunday. Hope to see you again at the end of the month for SIA.

Looking ahead to next year, sorry we can't come to the Spring Gala coz its supposed to be Standards (thought Swindon designed engines were 'standard?) though we did offer to be the Williton Thunderbird (Andy says he's got enough home based Thunderbirds for that event).

Of course there is always GWR 175 The Finale (hint, hint)