SVR Pacific Power 22nd-25th September 2016

I see they are advised timed tickets for Flying Scotsman trains will be on sale end of Feb.

 

Just when I thought last years autumn gala was brilliant... I'm already looking forward to going to this. I wonder if they will double head 60163 and 60103 during the gala

 

I doubt that would be permitted over Victoria Bridge.

 

Perhaps right at the end of the event? Just in case...

 

Or Sandbourne Viaduct

 

Although we can definitely be sure there will be no double headed pacifics...

 

I think there is a massive chance of them double heading between Bewdley and Kidderminster at some point. The SVR would get massive publicity.

 

Sandbourne Viaduct?

 

Sandbourne viaduct (Bewdley south) has a weight restriction on it which will preclude that from happening. The SVR will get publicity from both locos attending without the need of putting unnecessary strain on our infrastructure.

Besides the practicalities of it, why would anyone want double headed pacifics? It's not prototypical, you're not recreating a much loved sight from yester year, and they're not going to make a racket on 8 coaches. Surely a side by side photo shoot on shed or a kiddy would be more attractive?

 

Just a shame Scotsman will be in the wrong livery for the event really. Imagine an apple green double act.

 

Apparently the SVR are already looking at the issues of crowds and safety, because rest assured, this will be one busy railway for the Autumn Gala.

Can I be somewhat negative, and from the viewpoint of those wanting to travel, it may well be just "too busy". Perhaps the first day, presumably the preview day, might be an option, at least on those trains not fully pre-booked.
The Saturday when Tornado and Royal Scot were in service was bad enough for overcrowding, so goodness knows how many people will turn up for 60103!
My concern is that when the public turn up and experience difficult travelling condition it might just put them off from returning in the future.

I'm not sure what the logic was of opting for 60103 for the Gala anyway, rather than at another time.

46118

 

I would like to see that happening.

 

Spilt the locos until after the viaduct?

 

It all sounds rather dodgy. The point about ballast trains I'd have thought isn't really relevant as the point is axle loadings isn't it. A heavier weight across the whole of the viaduct being better than a still pretty heavy one on a small part of it. As for splitting trains, I'm no signalman, but then doesn't that get into the realms of having more than one train in section complications? Seems a lot of hassle just to get one particular unnecessary double header.

 

Speaking for myself, there are two (related) reasons why I'm not currently planning on attending the ASG this time around:

1) The overcrowding issue you identify. I have little interest in attending a gala if I can't even be sure of being able to board a train half an hour before departure time, and we saw that problem with Tornado and Royal Scot. Of course you expect (and even enjoy) a bit of standing at a gala, but there comes a point at which a fun experience turns into a test of endurance. Last year's ASG, admittedly boosted by wonderful weather, was probably the upper limit of what I find enjoyable.

2) One of the things I like about galas is that given their intensive and extended services, there's a lot of scope for being impulsive and changing plans on the hoof. 60103's trains will affect this in two ways: it will mean that there'll be trains throughout the day which are not available to "buy on the day" visitors, and it will mean that those who do have tickets are committed to being in a certain place at a certain time, come what may.

I know this all sounds rather negative, and I certainly don't wish any ill on the ASG or on the SVR as a whole. (I am planning on going to the Spring Gala.) I fervently hope that the ASG is a resounding success, and I certainly wouldn't expect the SVR to turn down a visit from Flying Scotsman! But 46118's phrase is on the nail: for me, the ASG does indeed look like being just "too busy" to be enjoyable.

 

Surely it would make sense, planning permitted, to have 4472 a week earlier for "normals" to travel behind, taking some of the strain out of the gala itself.

 

I've been looking for that Didcot footage for ages.

 

Absolutely agree, will 4472 literally only be running for the gala days then? Having a ride behind her on a normal day would definitely appeal to me at least. I suspect I'll be walking and watching for this gala if visitor numbers are going to be as out of control as predicted (needless to say, buying a WTT and making use of various station buffets in the process).

 

Scotsman's last booked duty before the ASG, at the moment, is a Waverley on 11 September, which concludes a pretty intensive program of mainline use for a newly overhauled loco. So whilst it is possible that she may be on the valley for the weekend before the gala, that would depend not just SVR requesting it but Riley and Co deciding that what's right for the loco is an extra weekend of operation.
To be honest it's pointless speculating on things that SVR management either have considered or are considering and will make announcements on in due course.