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Spa Valley Railway - Westerham Gala

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by matt41312, Sep 29, 2011.

  1. matt41312

    matt41312 Member

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    The Spa Valley Railway is pleased to announce its Autumn Gala will be based around the Westerham Branch Line, which this year marks 50 years since it was closed.

    Star of the show will be the Swanage Railway's M7 No. 30053 which will be making a homecoming to 75F where it was based in the early 1960s. The M7s although not regular performers on the Westerham Branch itself, were to be seen along the Tunbridge Wells West line on Push-Pull services.

    The M7 which appears courtesy of the Swanage Railway and Drummond Locomotives, will haul trains over the weekend of the 29th and 30th October and other dates yet to be confirmed.

    The main gala weekend feature an intensive timetable which will see it haul mainline services betweenTunbridge Wells West and Eridge as well as a branch service titled the "Westerham Flyer" between Groombridge and Eridge. The loco will feature alongside the home fleet of Jinty 47493 and RSH "Ugly".

    On the Friday and Saturday nights there are Fish and Chip specials of which the Friday only has seats remaining. Westerham Brewry have also commissioned a special ale for the event.

    More details including a timetable will follow shortly.

    Matt
     
    matt41312, Sep 29, 2011
    #1
  2. David-Haggar

    David-Haggar Member

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    Sounds a superb event to look forward to, any chance we can have the M7 back in it's BR identity for the w/e please?
     
    David-Haggar, Sep 29, 2011
    #2
  3. Matt35027

    Matt35027 Well-Known Member

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    Will there be opportunity for a night shoot of the M7 at her old home at 75F?
     
    Matt35027, Sep 30, 2011
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  4. matt41312

    matt41312 Member

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    I don't think there are any plans at the moment for a photoshoot but I'm sure if there is sufficient interest then one could possibly be arranged if the railway are approached. The loco is only on the railway for around 2 weeks and will not be arriving until after the 17th October.

    As for it's livery, it will be appearing in its Southern livery.

    Matt
     
    matt41312, Sep 30, 2011
    #4
  5. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    53 currently in service at Swanage (and has it's Annual Insurance inspection around 17/18 Oct I think) so no time for re-paint.
    Also the end of 2012 will see 'tubes out' so consideration of any livery changes will have to await completion of it's boiler overhaul.
     
    buzby2, Oct 2, 2011
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  6. daz47

    daz47 New Member

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    daz47, Oct 18, 2011
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  7. svr1317

    svr1317 New Member

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    231011_005s.jpg

    The M7 was in service at the Spa Valley yesterday seen here arriving at Groombridge during the beer festival. Its due to run Friday 28th (TW to Groombridge only) then the gala weekend 29th & 30th October, before returning to Swanage.
     
    svr1317, Oct 24, 2011
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  8. 34007

    34007 Part of the furniture

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    Are there any times for tomorrow the 30th Oct, as i plan to go out and photogragh the M7. Also does anybody know which other locos are running tomorrow?
     
    34007, Oct 29, 2011
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  9. Matt35027

    Matt35027 Well-Known Member

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    Matt35027, Oct 29, 2011
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  10. A1X

    A1X Well-Known Member

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    A1X, Oct 30, 2011
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  11. Matt35027

    Matt35027 Well-Known Member

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    I visited what is now my 'local' railway yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed myself. An intensive timetable which was stuck to almost like glue throughout the day, even with the complexity of shunting the Westerham Flyer at Groombridge. Any misgivings I may have had about industrials were blown into the weeds after my run behind Ugly on the flyer, she was going like the clappers out of Eridge! It was a bit of a shame that the weather deteriorated through the day, but I had a good day nonetheless.

    A set of photos is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/sets/72157627893509319/

    And a video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTY1hTfp8sU&feature=feedu
     
    Matt35027, Oct 31, 2011
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  12. David-Haggar

    David-Haggar Member

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    David-Haggar, Oct 31, 2011
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  13. A1X

    A1X Well-Known Member

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    A1X, Oct 31, 2011
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  14. alts1985

    alts1985 Well-Known Member

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    alts1985, Nov 2, 2011
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