Steam Aid - Didcot Railway Centre 12th May 2012

Jeese, some people are never happy. This is a golden opportunity TO DRIVE the only original Churchward mogul in existance, all for two good causes. Forget the colour scheme, if you don't like it, leave the camera at home. Just stick your hand in your pocket and come and have a go, you probably won't get another chance like it.
I think the price quoted on the flyer is damn cheap,... even for one trip up the demonstration line. Just remember to mind your head on the rifle carrying brackets!
See you on May 12th.

 

Well clearly Pannier Man, the debate over 5322's livery is the most important thing about this event - far more important than the charities the GWS are raising money for...!

This looks like a fantastic idea, and I'm very tempted to make the trip down from Preston for this. Haven't been to Didcot for a while now but the chances to have a short turn on the regulator of a loco there is too good to miss!

 

Of all the locomotives I would put my hand in my pocket to drive...5322 is it. Count me in.

4079, do we have to book a turn at the sharp end in advance or just turn up on the day?

 

Its official - NP finally succeeds in making livery more important than life and death!

 

Still, it's kept the thread up at the top of the page, which can only be a good thing! :lol:

 

Hi Guard Jamie,

It is turn up and have a go. Sorry it took a while to get back to you.


Hi All,

I am in the process of making the temporary wooden number and shed code plates for 5322 at the moment and a thought occurs - how about we do a draw to give you all the chance to have them hung on your wall at home at the end of the day? Would that go down well?

All the best,

Team 4079

 

Perhaps a draw especially for those who drive her, as a memento.

Alternatively why not have an auction on ebay 'in aid of...' after the event.

 

Maybe an extra £2-3 or so for those who have a go driving her to enter the draw for the plates?

 

Best of both worlds! £5 to driver her, £2.50 per ticket thereafter? I'd pay a tenner for that. Why not provide each plate separately - greater incentive then to buy tickets, as you've got three chances.

 

For the same reason, I'd be tempted to have a separate raffle for the plates - increases your potential customer base that little bit

 

The plates would be better as a single sale item than sold individually IMO.

The idea of a raffle on the day that is drawn after the event is a good one in my mind.

 

With Didcot's D N & S gala out of the way it's time to push the Steam Aid event for next Saturday 12th May.

Remember, it's for two good causes which we have recently had reason to thank. So bring plenty of fivers and come and have a play (sorry drive) on 5322, 3738 and if we can twist a couple of arms, 3650 as well, working freight trains. The Railway Center entrance fee will be for a non steam day, so should leave you enough to try your hand on all three.

Anyone moaning on here about BR black liveried 53's will be presented with the shovel used to dent their heads!!
Come on, it's for charity and the last weekend 5322 will be carrying a cycling lion.

See you there.

 

Really, really looking forward to this now. I'm hoping to get a few gos on 5322!!

 

hopefully getting permission for leave on Saturday today, its a 4hr journey to get there but will be worth it to hopefully drive one or two, train does not get there till 1017, hope places will be left.

 

Actually that's a point - it may have been mentioned earlier in the thread, but for anyone who cba reading through 4 pages again (myself included ;-)) is it a 'turn up and book' job or a queuing system? Cheers

 

The latest I've been told today is that entrance to the Railway Centre is at non steam day prices (Adult £5.00p etc).

Once inside, if you want to have a drive, go to the Enquiry Office adjacent to the shed / shop, and pay your £5 there for 5322 and/or which ever pannier is operating at the time (both 3738 & 3650 will be available and swapping roles during the day).

As "Trainees" will be driving, there won't be passenger rides, but to give you something to pull, the 53 will be pulling a short freight train on the main demo line and the panniers a Toad on the branch.

Don't forget there will also be guided tours (for a small donation) around the works beyond the normal barriers, where 4079, 1014, 7202, 2999, 4144 & 1363 are being worked on.

If any of the above changes or gets updated, I'll post again.

I'll be on 3650 (where else!!) so come and say hi, or even have a drive when it's our turn.

 

Cheers for that information, only one very slight dissapointment is the panniers just having a toad, no chance of a van or two with it as well, dont get me wrong will be there, will pay me fivers, will donate to the tours but just one nice wagon or even that beautifull milk wagon you have wud be nice.