WSR 2011 Autumn Gala 29 September - 2 October

I'd say it should be capable of doing full line runs, providing it's watered at each end - if a standard 4 tank or 45xx can do it with relative ease, it should be ok

 

Hello,

I'll be at the line on the Saturday, with a line side pass (for the 1st time) and was looking for some advice as to how to use the pass to the max benifit and where is best to get pictures ?

Regards

 

Hi

See

http://www.wsr.org.uk/photospots.htm

Should give you some tips.

Cheers

John

 

I had a pass for a number of years but I found that there are so many photo spots on the railway that can be used that it wasn't really necessary. Ok I suppose but it doesn't answer your question. There are a few spots which I miss, one is to the north of BL with access from the station platforms; the second is around the platelayers hut at Bye Farm on the climb to Washford, with access from Washford Station, and then the shot overlooking the A368 road at Sampford Brett, with access from Teddy Bear Crossing.

There are others, you could try the Nethercott and Trebles Holford area too.

HTH

 

Ta very much !

 

It was thought that the Hill N7 would be able to do Lydeard - Williton - Lydeard shuttles a couple of years ago but she needed water at Williton after only 10 miles! Wrecked the timetable (including cancellation of the Lydeard - Williton goods, 6695 all gassed up and nowhere to go!) and was relegated to less demanding duties........ it all depends on how good the engine's front end and injectors are. I do hope the N2 can do it, would be a shame if she can't.

 

True, but (only from personal experience as a passenger, and nothing more!) the N7 hasn't seemed to healthy for a while! The N2 seemed to do ok on the valley recently, which I suppose is close to comparable.

 

Didn't the N2 struggle on the SVR at times with the crews not liking the locomotive?

 

I 'believe' it is currently, or has recently received a new smokebox door which should improve any short comings in the 'steamability' department.

John

 

I would'nt say that we struggled but there was a learning curve involved including:
1. The loco needed to be "worked" for it to steam - more so than we are used to
2. The safety valves continued to blow below the designated blowing off pressure but may now have been replaced
3. As a round top firebox loco the water level particularly needed watching & care going over summits
4. I can't remember the exact working pressure but there was not a great deal of margin here for error
4. The pull out regulator was a new experience

As ever after a couple of return trips we got the measure of things & got to enjoy the loco.

It has to be said that there was much more oiling up room inside than on a 56xx though!

It will be interesting to see how it performs between Williton & Bishops Lydeard on the climb there.

 

WSR offical website states 6960 will not be ready due to cladding and painting not being completed in time for the event.

 

After not originally intending to go due to the overwhelming presence of Brasso-eaters, the presence of two Bulleids (and what is more, one of each) has now swung it for me, and I shall now be going (note tongue very firmly in cheek !).

 

Whats the been the hold up with this part of the work? Thought they go the go ahead on this bit of work ages ago following successful steam tests. Gutted its not making it - how about Kinlet to replace?

 

I'd love to see 4936 there, looking superb in her new colours.

 

Can't argue with you there... not seen her in the flesh yet but seen some impressive photos about and I have to say I think she looks awesome in BR lined livery - looks like a very good finish too. I'm more of a original Hall fan than the modified versions so would be happy to see Kinlet instead

 

Hope you guys all enjoy yourselves at the Gala, I'll be there 26th to 28th inclusive trying to help get everything ready and have the loco's turned out well and looking smart. Find me in the Bird in Hand most evenings.

 

5029 Nunney Castle is the latest addition to the gala list.

 

Whilst Braunton is withdrawn from traffic................

 

Due to a slipped tyre on a driving wheel.

 

Be far more interesting to see how the N2 performs, as an example of a company that never got near the western, & a pre grouping engine to boot!