Churnet Valley Steam Gala - 23/24 February 2013

http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/event/167/winter-steam-gala-23-24-february

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Churnet-Valley-Railway-1992-PLC/419469178074597?fref=ts

Taster: SAY Video of 6046 on Cauldon Lowe Branch

 

Taste of what to expect;

Mike Snow Video from 2012 Steam Weekend

 

Two questions if I may

1. Is it still necessary to top and tail trains to Cauldon Lowe or is the run round loop operational now ?, the video about shows the S160 with a tailgunner but confirmation would be nice.

2. Would I be right in thinking the N7 is unlikely to go beyond Leekbrook at the gala due to water capacity ?.

 

At the Autumn Gala with 45379 and 5199, I don't think trains were top and tailed because of a run round loop at Cauldon Lowe.

Thanks,
Lewis

 

Run round loop was commissioned in time for last February Steam Weekend with 5199/45379. The reason for use of the 33 over Xmas period was due to the non-operational status of the sanders, so the tail was there for backup when required. 6046 has a to do list for her winter maintenance following her running period.

N7 will double-head 1 trip each day I believe up Cauldon. She has worked solo to Cauldon once and performed fine, but the owners have requested that that in general she have assistance whenever possible.

Initial plan is for 2x Cauldon services with the Freight shuttling along the CVR.

 

Back for this years event will be lineside passes however these will only apply to the Froghall - Leekbrook Junction section of line.

The timetable and ticket pricing will be on the website shortly.

Regards

Chris

 

Ticket Prices now available. Discount available if booked in advance.
Calendar - Churnet Valley Railway - Winter Steam Gala - 23, 24 February

 

Just to expand a little more, the online booking system is now live for gala tickets.

The timetable for the gala is almost complete, just the loco allocations to finalise once we hopefully announce a second visitor.

A quick update on the Beyer Peacock No. 1827, the tubes are all fitted, the foundation ring is fully riveted and the stays that need to be fitted should arrive this week.

Regards

Chris

 

How come Children's ticket now applies from 2+? Its previously been 4+ has it not? £15 seems a bit expensive for someone so young.

 

Ticketing now altered to that of Normal running days.

 

Freight set now shunted ahead of next weekend's charters and then the gala the following week.

1827 undergoing out of frames steam test on Wednesday, its going to be close but she could well make it just about!

6046 sanders were being fitted over the weekend as well, plus a number of other jobs as partof her winter maintenance (though she did work weekend before on a private charter).

GUV 86500 having work done on her axleboxes, as it is expected to form part of one of the sets in use during the gala.

31806 due to arrive this week.

Rosters have been issued to the crews over the weekend, with the timetable being released onto the website soon. 31806 takes the first train out of Cheddleton to Cauldon in the morning, N7 operates 2x freight trips and then a DH with U-Boat in the afternoon.

Lining up to be a good event

 

Also Black Lion Pub at Consall is holding its annual Beer Festival over the same weekend, ft Irish Music Band BLARNEY on the Saturday night.
Welcome to the Black Lion

 

W86500 is expected to make its public debut during the gala, it will be in use in the freight set as it is undesirable to use it in the passenger rakes at present.

The axlebox work has now been sucessfully completed on the vehicle and brakework restoration (including the fitting of two refurbished vacuum cylinders) is now 95% there, only two Direct Admission valves to fit and a vacuum test is left now before a release into traffic, concluding a three and a half year restoration effort on this unique vehicle. We have a restoration gallery and vehicle information page for anyone interested:

W86500 Restoration

W86500 Information

I for one will be very pleased to see it running up and down (albeit hauled by a steam engine :tongue after all the time spent on it...

 

31806 arrived at Churnet Valley last night(?), seen on Chedd MPD today (12/2/13)!

 

31806 has arrived today and is now in the yard at Cheddleton and is currently being connected back to the tender.

The steam test and test runs are due to take place on Friday followed by photo charters on the Saturday and Sunday.

The Beyer Peacock will be having its hydraulic test for the insurance inspector tomorrow, re assembly will then follow.

The timetable for the gala should be on the website in the next couple of days.

Regards

Chris

 

She's on the pit now
CVR Webcams

 

The website has now been updated to reflect the arrival of the U Class, the timetable is also on there: U Boat Arrives At Cheddleton Ready For Our Winter Steam Gala Churnet Valley Railway

31806 will run about 120 miles on the Saturday, that must be close to a heritage line record for a single days running.

Regards

Chris

 

Will it be possible to join and leave the trains in both directions at Cheddleton and Consall, to allow passengers to change trains without a lengthy wait ?

thanks

 

All passenger trains will stop at Consall and Cheddleton in both directions where you will be able to alight and change trains.

Regards

Chris

 

Isn't that more or less a standard day for some locos on the WSR doing 3 returns? Plus surely locos run that or over on a SVR Autumn gala?