4F 44422 visit to Spa Valley Railway

My video from Saturday is on Youtube now, never seen so many people at Groombridge before, an extra coach was added to the two car set for the afternoon. A very good Gala, photos to follow.

Spa Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala Saturday 27th October 2012 - YouTube

 

I agree, but that was because everybody had to got off the train for half an hour while it was shunted to allow the other train to pass. Why are trains no longer able to pass in the loop?

 

Trains have never been able to pass in the loop as it is not yet fully signalled.

We have to turf passengers off the train as we undertake a propelling movement in one direction and aren't allowed to do this with the public on board. We could enter/exit the loop from the Eridge end but this would increase the timetable as the Pilotman who undertook all the walking between stopping points, would have to walk even further down Birchden Bank; it's all to do with signalling overlaps. We would also need to put a point clip on one set of points of the crossover as there are no locks on it and thus more time.

What you get at our galas is a temporary measure to offer you enthusiasts an intensive service. Hopefully everything will be a lot more slick once the signalling is commissioned. Although at the moment, the service does mean you can swap between trains without having to wait too long. Once the loop is commissioned that won't be possible.

I hope you all enjoyed the gala. It was certainly busy on Saturday but unfortunately quiet yesterday. If anyone has any ideas for improvements or ways to entice more of you to our railway, that would be helpful! We certainly need to make the more popular.

In the meantime, 44422 will be starring alongside the Jinty this weekend on the Standard Green timetable.

Matt

 

Gutted I had to miss the photo charter on the Sunday morning, swapped a shift at work which meant I couldn't attend. Some nice photo's online, well done to all involved with the gala.

 

Some great shots from yesterday's photo charter. I hope some of these get into the railway mags over the next month or so. If any of you guys wish to submit any to the Spa Valley's in-house mag, please let me know and I will supply the Editor's contact details.

Here's hoping 44422's visit is successful and its the start of something special!

Matt

 

Whilst I was on and off the trains Saturday quite a few people were all asking that same question and I explained it to them. If that procedure is explained somewhere not many seemed to read it!

 

When we started we were not expecting any sun. We decided to give the first location at High Rocks a miss, and head straight for Lealands where the sun was coming through a gap in the clouds.

 

It was shown in the timetable which trains terminate/start at Groombridge.
There were departure boards and notices at each station saying where trains were going.
There were public announcements and "finger board signs" at Groombridge station at Eridge stations..........

 

Indeed it was, I saw all of them and I knew that, some other visitors didn't it would seem though! Put some photos on my flickr site...

Spa Valley Railway 2012 - a set on Flickr

 

That is a shame and something some of the other members realised when the 4F returned to TWW after the charter. Shame no one on the charter pointed it out on the day. I think they were trying to do S&D passenger.

It is something we strive to try and get right at the SVR, even on a normal running day. I do it whenever I'm driving, running with the Southern Railway headcode for Tunbridge Wells West to Eastbourne via the Cuckoo Line. This is demonstrated well on Ashley's photo of the 4F at Forge Farm Crossing on Saturday evening, which I was driving. I know it's the wrong type of loco for the line but it's prototypical for the route.

Point taken regarding the passing arrangements at GB. I will try and ensure it gets mentioned in the timetable leaflet at future events.

Thanks for the positive feedback guys. Any ideas/suggestions for future events are most welcomed. We really need to increase visitor numbers to make these events viable with visiting engines.

Matt

 

Given that this weekend is a standard timetable but with no diesel, which turn is the 4F working or is is top and tail ?

 

The 4F will be working the following trains from Eridge 1110, 1410 and 1706, the Jinty will work the normal diesel path thus operating the 1230 and 1530 departures from Eridge.

The 4F will haul the 1155 and 1455 departures from Tunbridge Wells West with the Jinty hauling the 1010, 1319 and 1619 departures.

Standard fares apply which for an adult is £10 allowing unlimited travel over the whole line on the day.

This is also the last of our operating to Eridge for 2012.

 

Just to say that I went to this on Saturday and it was a grand day out. It was sporting of the railway to not charge any premium although they presumably had to pay hire charges for the 4F. I hope that the extra custom encouraged more of such events.