Toddington GW 175 Gala

61/2 weeks to go! All i can say is take a look at Clives pictures from Saturday at http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/ Also keep an eye on the GWSR site - hopefully some news on another loco shortly.

 

Provisional loco allocation now up on GWSR website http://www.gwsr.com/ This is likely to change, but gives an indication, tuesday being billed as Churchward day, wednesday seeing all the tank engines in use, Thursday using Freight locos (9f, 8f 28/38 etc) and friday billed as named train day.
The 8f I believe has had a little potter up and down the yard at toddington whilst 2807 has just had its boiler replaced in the frames, all being well, it will be fit for our event!

 

I think there will be some more changes to the Gala programme shortly.

 

Have we got any more news on locos/timetables etc...?

Cheers,
Lewis

 

Looks like services will terminate at Gotherington.

 

I read in this months "Cornishman" that GWR AEC railcar No.4 will be attending. Nice.
That said, I've not seen it mentioned elsewhere and should it appear, is it a runner?

 

I don't know of No.4 appearing, I am at Swindon to look at it this week, but a loan has not been requested. Is it a miniature that is being talked about?

 

I have seen somewhere that 7812 Erlestoke Manor will be attending, is this true or just a rumor?

Cheers, Lewis

 

"The Cornishman" says so.

 

"The Cornishman" says............Other GWR passenger rolling stock including GWR AEC Railcar no 4

 

7812 was out of action requiring the use of a wheel drop or similar although I understand she is now back in action with 7822's tender.

Paul

 

Hopefully should be down for this event at some point during the first weekend i just have a couple of questions:

1) What's the state of play with south of Gotherington ?, can it be repaired in time or will services terminate there

2) Lineside Passes - are these availible for this event on the day ?, website seems to suggest so but haven't linesided at the GWR before so forgive my ignorence

3) On the roster there are a few loco's listed each day that are not 'in traffic' or 'on display', mostly being 'spare' or not having a status listed at all, will these loco's be publically viewable, viewable from lineside only or not viewable at all ?.

Certainly looks the best GWR event to date and hope to take full advantage of it.

 

To answer your questions:

1 - The line south of Gotherington will be closed during the gala and Gotherington will be the southern terminus of the line. Work is ongoing to revise the timetable and it will be published online as soon as I have it.
2 - Yes lineside passes will be available on the day. Please remember you high viz though (or buy one from the shop)
3 - The loco matrix will change slightly in terms of allocations etc. but they will be on the website soon. The locos not operating each day will either be on display at Toddington or at Winchcombe. There will be access to the yard at Toddington so other locos will be viewable.

The website will be updated as and when I have information available to me.

Steve

GWSR webmaster

 

Much appreciated Steve.

 

I'm still planning on visiting. As I was planning on going to Cheltenham Spa station and catching the bus to the racecourse, how can I get to the GWSR by public transport?

 

The GWSR "are looking at additional local car parking and a bus service from Cheltenham for those coming by public transport" so I will advise keeping an eye on their website.

Regards

Stephen

 

To reply to a couple of previous posts. We are entering into an agreement with the SVR to hire 7802 (originally was 7812). In exchange, another ex WR locomotive will be dropped off at kidderminster today or tomorrow. . . .
During the past year I have been after various GW 4-6-0s in one form or another with not much luck - most of them seem to be on the mainline!
It was felt that we needed something to compliment 7903 and a manor will do just that.
The new timetable is written and subject to scrutiny at the ops meeting tonight should be ready for final release shortly. If anybody is now thinking of not attending due to the slip, then i should say there are at least 15 return trips, trains may be made up to 7 carriges and with a dead loco on the back (making anything upto 375 tons) will for a change, mean the locos will have to work hard (not normal for our gradients !) A new updated loco roster is now up on the GWSR website and as long as everything is offloaded the way i want, there will be opportunities for both south and north facing runs. 1450 and 9466 are due in by friday this week, with 3717, 7802 and 5051 (static) next week and 3803, 4160 and 2807 the week of the event.
With the terrible news of Gotherington Slip, going ahead with this event has been a carefull decision. I hope that all of you out there will support us in our efforts as all profits will be going into the repair fund!

 

Really can't wait for this gala

Will Toddington be open Friday 28th for looking around the loco sheds and seeing the locos in preparation?

Cheers, Lewis