Swanage Steam Gala 16th - 18th October

I guess I'm not the only one who has to book weekends a long way ahead? SR website has no info beyond the date. Anyone got any idea whether this is a home fleet job or will there be an enticing visitor? Swanage galas do tend to be very good!

 

Sir Lamiel visitor

 

I know this is not the 777 thread what is the status though?

I'm glad to see the loco being advertised because I believe 5305 locomotive association are working hard.

 

Many thanks for that information. Some thinking to do!

 

Railway Mag does state 777, but nothing from 71B themselves.

 

Will the T9 still be there? If so, presumably it will feature in the gala?

John

 

30120 is attending the MHR gala the following weekend (23rd-25th Oct), so chances are she will still be at Swanage for their's. Question is - will she go back to Swanage afterwards, or home to Bodmin? Not sure what the hire agreement is.

 

Its been at Swanage nearly 3 months now, but still has problems which have prevented it from entering service.
Will it run at either gala?

 

I have been advised of the following:
"We are delighted to announce that King Arthur Class no.777 "Sir Lamiel" will be joining us for our Autumn Steam Gala which takes place from 16th-18th October.
With the home fleet of 30053, 31806, 34070, 80104 and our long term visitor T9 30120 in traffic it is sure to be a southern delight!
Also on display with be newly repainted U class No.31625 raising money for the Swanage Moguls Fund!
All locomotives subject to availability."

 

Well, I said much the same thing about the diesel gala this year: I'll be there despite the loco line up! Swanage always puts on a good show, well thought out, friendly personnel, lovely seaside location. In fairness, they also have a terrific home fleet, but I feel one guest does not a Swanage gala make!

 

The presence of 30120 is enough to make it a good gala for me. Add on the other engines (Both home fleet and 777) and you've got a winning formula as far as I'm concerned.

Out of interest, does anyone know if 30120 is likely to be operational much before the gala? I won't be too far away on 24th/25th September and would consider a slight detour if it was working by then.

 

All Southern.An absolute must do

 

Timetable with allocated loco workings and free to download at no extra charge...

http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/userfiles/downloads/autumn_steam_gala__ptt_2015_(v4).pdf

 

Had hope to see top and tail with double locos like last year.

 

How come 80104 is doing the evening runs? T9 or 777 would be of more interest being guests to the line surely?

 

Because we are a bit shy on crews available for the weekend, it has been done so the evening loco is one with a rocking grate/hopper ashpan, enabling crews (or, to be completely honest, Firemen) to comfortably double up with an afternoon and an evening turn.

An hourly timetable with a Standard 4 is also quite good fun!

 

Well done on the free timetable and roster. A big plus in my view, other railways take out!

 

Both Diesel and Steam Gala organising groups have the view that having the WTT and loco diagrams out in advance and free is one of the best ways of advertising.

 

Agreed. It also gives a feel of generosity that is so rare in modern Britain. I go to most South Devon Rly galas because they are also open and generous in this way. And I buy a ticket to ride!

John

 

You are so right! The Swanage always feels good, with Rumpole's helpful updates here a good example. Thats's why I go to so many of their major events as well as many ordinary running days through the year as a fare paying passenger. It's a reminder that there are many good people in 21st century Britain!