Gw 175

Anyone got any info on whats happening and which loco,s will be involved.

 

Well the WSR will be having a whole year of events for it, based on the GW, and the things the GW inspired. I guess there will be some mainline railtours as well, and other heritage railways will run similar events to celebrate 175 years of the forefront of railways!

 

I was a bit disappointed that the organisers of Great Britain 3 next spring preferred to roster LMS 6100 on two of the legs that start or end in Bristol. Now that her readiness is being questioned, I do hope they have asked nicely if one of the Tyseley Castles can be spared, or even a double-header.

 

It is a known fact that the GWSR are holding a GW 175 event from 29th may until 6th june 2010. The planning for which is now in full swing, but as ever, untill we firm things up we cant give any info out. I will say it will be the the biggest thing we've ever staged and hopefully will do the 175 anniverary proud after the sad events of 1985.

 

Should Gotherington signalling be operational by then? Although there have been some S&T reports on the website, these have concentrated on the works at the north end of Toddington, and Gotherington has only had one brief mention.

 

Im sure they will be announced when plans at the idea stage are set in stone, no shortage of ideas...

 

I am really looking forward to the Glos Warks Rly GWR event in 2010. It is regrettable that the line won't be open to Broadway (2010 was always a "nice" year to have as a deadline) but that's not through want of trying! More money is always needed! The chance to see 2807 back in steam at one of its old haunts (both in GWR and BR days) will be pure gold for me anyway.

 

I see that the West Somerset are also marking the anniversary with four seperate GWR themed galas.
As for mainline celebrations, with the amount of planning needed, not just by tour operators but TOC's and Network Rail, then these things take a little longer to sort out. I should think that we can expect to start seeing announcements early in the new year.

 

Given your connections at Tysley, Kevin, we'll take that as a hint ;-)

Tour companies often try to have at least an outline summer program ready for the Christmas excusions - it's a good opportunity to promote them to the Christmas passengers. Indeed, the Steam Dreams list is already out (see other thread) and includes The Cornish Riviera tour previously discussed, and several trips to Cardiff, Bristol, Weymouth and Exeter - though these may, of course, use Southern routes as well as, or instead of, the GWR, and no locos have been allocated yet.

Of course, there's lots of scope for other things to be announced later. I'd like to see something like some Bristol - Gloucester - Newport round-trips or short excursions on the Bristol branches. These have been very successful in the past, with support from the Bristol evening paper. Not sure if the sums still add up, though...

 

Not intended as a hint, just that going on past experience most companies seem to announce their spring/summer itineraries in Jan/Feb. At a guess those that are published at this time of year are really wish lists to whet our appetites.

 

I heard that Didcot Railway Centre will be a special weekend on 1-3 May 2010 but looking forward on their website they haven't announced anything.

Anyone from Didcot care to confirm/un-confirm this!

 

There is an article in the new SR highlighting the major events with Didcot hosting a large event (as mentioned above) with 7827 visiting with other locos (I think 1450 and 5043 were mentioned) and with possible ML shuttles (Didcot-Swindon for the STEAM museum). 2010 should be a good year to be a GWR enthusiast!

 

Can't see that happening, when or indeed has ever a P&DSR loco been out on loan ?, there are other operational Manors anyway.

 

I wouldn't be so sure...

 

I wouldn't be so sure...

 

Latest issue of SR confirms the appearance of 7827 at Didcot for their Early May Bank Holiday event.

Llangollen will be holding a celebration of GWR 175 the week before from 23-25 April with one maybe two visitors for this event.

 

Is why i was sceptical!, however if Rory agree's then there has to be truth in it suprisingly.

 

Will 7827 be towed by rail in light steam - or am I so far out of date with the regs that you'll all larf at me?

 

Just so people know, we're having a WEEK long event at Didcot, not just 3 days! (1st - 9th I believe) Yes 7827 is coming, in fact the P&DSR have been very positive about the idea right from the start. There are more potential visitors also lined up, although not confirmed yet. Some other rather special things are in the running... should be a good year.