Along Western Lines: Llangollen Steam Gala, 29th to 31st August 2014

The Llangollen Railway will host a 3 day Steam Gala from 29th to 31st August. The Gala has been given the theme, 'Along Western Lines'

The guest loco has been confirmed as ex-LMS Ivatt Class 2, No 46521 from the Great Central Railway.

The home fleet will consist of Ex-BR Standard Tank No 80072, and Ex-GWR 2-8-0, No 3802.

Also, it is hoped that Black Five No 45337 will also be part of the steam gala, all depending if it is back together by then.

An intensive timetable will be in oeration for all 3 days, with real ale being served in the Thompson Buffet.

Unfortunately, Ex-GWR 'Manor' Class, No 7822 'Foxcote Manor' and Ex-GWR Large Prairie No 5199 won't be ready in time.

Attached is the poster for the event. http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/steam-gala/

 

For goodness sakes.

 

Are our events that bad??!

 

probably very good, but not very Western

 

cut it any way you want, but Joe Public may read "Western" as "Great Western". I think we all worked out the justification for the use of these locos.

 

Nothing wrong with that line up but I don't understand why railways seem to be obsessed with having a theme for their gala's these days. What happened to just running an intensive service and simply calling it a gala?

 

It won't be very intense with 3 locos thats for sure! If 45337 comes out I'm sure it will be fine, had a good day out in April with 3802, 80072, 5322 and 1638.

 

Well that is true. Aren't there any industrials there at the moment that could be used?

 

It's just the name doesn't really represent the lineup well than any problem with what's on offer, looks more of a Midland lineup with a Western interloper.

 

45337 will be being tested within the next few days so hopefully will be part of the gala (subject to the usual t's & c's), so there should be four locos taking part.

Did anybody see what we did to 337 at the NNR diesel gala a couple of years ago? Methinks a short term Western make over might be on the cards Would that help?


John B,

Director 26B Rly Co.

 

Yes!

 

It was when it was planned though wasn't it. 3802, 5199, 7822 - all very much western. 80072 - A Shrewsbury engine that worked over the cambrian, and dee valley lines. Then a visiting loco 46521 - Midland design, but a mainstay of the cambrian and dee valley lines in the 60s. All looks very western to me.

The time between when an event is planned, and when it is actually delivered usually involves things becoming a little clearer with which locos are going to be availible. 7822 and 5199s overhauls have slowed recently due to waiting for a new throat plate and a new smokebox door ring being manufactured. In April when things were planned these were looking good to be finished, but now not. Luckily the boiler work on 45337 wasnt quite as bad as anticipated, so we now (or hopefully after testing this week) will have another loco to stand in.

 

All out on hire at the moment.

 

5 locos will be used, so quite an intense service. The extension will be used, but how much of it will depend on it being passed fit for passenger use, so potential of new track being available.

 

Its what the gala organiser wants to do. The Croes newydd gala he did in April proved to be rather popular, with higher numbers than previous galas.

We always welcome new volunteers, so if you fancy getting involved with gala organisation let us know. You can organise non themed events then.

 

That would make it LESS Western of course....

 

What's the fifth? 80072, 3802, 45337, 46521 and what?

 

There's nothing wrong with having a theme, it's just that every railway seems to want to theme their galas these days.

As it happens, I'm planning on attending this gala as I'll be in the area that weekend.

Could 37240 be included, it spent a bit of time at Cardiff and Landore so would fit the theme?!

 

I think every railway that has run an event with a theme has realised it actually proves quite popular, and gives a bit more to go at with side attractions and recreations. Rather than getting a random selection of engines and not doing anything else.

Unfortunately the 37 has been out of action this year with a bogie fault that requires the loco lifting and bogie removed.