West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala 2013

Still seems a con that they're charging gala fares for 2 return trips. That's not a gala! That's half the lowest service they operate.

 

It does seem a bit steep. Maybe if enough people write to the WSR (paul.gm@wsrail.net) they might reconsider and make fares standard on the 4160 trains on those two days. And 8/9 day gala rovers could still be valid on those two days...

Steve

 

One of the little joys of the last two Spring Galas for me (and I suspect a few others) was the shunting displays at Dunster (2011) and Washford (2012). All that clanking, squealing of wheels, clanging of buffers, and the hand signals and calls from the shunter, very evocative.

Any plans for similar displays this year?

 

178 has arrived at BL for the SSG, but the SVR say it's attending their SSG (over the same weekend!), whats going on?!

 

I emailed the WSR and recieved a reply that 178 is intended to be in use between 16th and 19th March

 

Sorry to ask what is probably a stupid question, but is 178 the Bluebell P class loco? I wasn't aware that it was heading West!

 

I believe they are referring to an Autocoach.

 

Is Pitchford Hall visiting the gala?

It is listed on the WSR advert in Heritage Railway however it is not listed on the websites.

Thanks

Mike

 

I am advised by the WSR Plc that the Gala page at Spring Steam Gala « West Somerset Railway shows the current position as far as the WSR Plc are concerned. That could change at any time of course.

Steve

 

Ah, of course. Silly me! Thanks, Paul42!

 

Some disappointing news from the West Somerset Railway. SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton will not attend the Spring Steam Gala as previously advertised due to delays in completion of mainline certification. However the Railway say it is hoped to find an alternative visiting locomotive to take its place.

Steve

 

I wonder if any WC or BB are available, but then I imagine that's precisely the process SEPT are going through! The NYMR S15 would be nice.

Regards

 

hey guys
i was thinking if its a southern engine there looking for and i t would possibly a third visiting engine making its debut and the spring gala
925 Cheltenham or 30120 or 34053 Sir Keith Park.

many thanks
yrm

 

Dont think Keith will be there as is required for svr gala the same weekend

 

I don't know if Eddystone has been on the WSR before. Manston put in a great performance at the 2011 Fall gala I seem to recall.

 

Eddystone was at the spring gala in 2009.

 

I really like the thought of 825, 850 and 925, one of the 3 being selected. A good point to be made is that w/34007 and 35053 being at the Severn Valley railway that weekend, 1of those three would add to the variety of motive power out that weekend. Even the really interesting Southern 53 would make for a good choice.

 

I wonder if 30120 could be diverted to the WSR on her way back to Bodmin after the MHR gala? She's hardly a straight replacement for Braunton, though. I'd guess her limit up Washford bank would be about 4 Mk1 coaches - that was usually enough on the slog up to Medstead in the 1980s!

Presumably, 34046 was going to be taking part from 17th March onwards, since she was rostered to pilot 34067 to Plymouth on 16th (and also haul a Cathedrals Express from Tonbridge to Worcester on Tue 19th). I wonder what will replace her on the mainline trip, and whether the same loco would then be able to visit the WSR too? 70000 or 70013 are the most likely mainline replacements. 70000 is due to visit the Bluebell the following week, but 70013 does not appear to have another booking until 6th April.

 

70000 and 70013 are advertised as being at the North Norfolk Railway for the Raising the Standard Gala on the 8 - 10 March & 16 - 17 March 2013.

 

All the speculation here and in other similar threads highlights just how difficult it is for gala organisers to procure locos. It's very easy to sit at home and say such and such a loco would be nice, whilst overlooking said loco's other commitments and the cost and practicalities of bringing said loco to the railway.