WSR S&D Spring Steam Gala, 5-6 and 10-13 March 2016

More like to charge extra for the privilege of doing this.

 

as read on wsr. Org ... Posted Jan 5th

 

At Midsomer Norton on 6th March, 1966 I witnessed the final steam train to run over the S&D or as we affectionately called it, the 'Swift and Delightful'.
50 years later, on 6th March, 2016, the WSR will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of the line.
I've just been informed by my better half that on that particular day I'll have to be with the family celebrating Mothering Sunday. Life can be so cruel. <BJ>

 

But presumably having done you duty on 6th March, your request for a 48 or 72 hour leave pass will be looked on with favour the following weekend?

Robin

 

I know the feeling. I booked (non refundable) hotel accommodation before realising that it is Mothering Sunday. I haven't yet dared to mention this situation to my nearest and dearest. We have a decent chippie down the road, which may soon acquire a regular customer.

John

 

I suspect you could find a taker on here for your hotel ?

Robin

 

Sorry, has it been that both S&D 7f,s are going to appear? That would be the clinch on travelling a long way

 

Thanks, Robin, but I'm going, and sharing a twin room, with a good friend of 30+ years standing who is looking forward to some great photography - who do I fall out with, and who do I keep on side? Methinks, a nice meal out either side (or both sides!) of the weekend may repair the damage with my wife and dear mother of my two boys (who are both living too far from home to take her out).

John

 

Both locos are in the final stages of overhaul, and should be appearing if everything goes to plan. Obviously, as with any loco booked for a gala, no-one can 100% guarantee that they will be taking part, but the chances are very good!

 

Ahh! Commitment.

That's what I like to see!

Robin

 

It does make me a little twitchy that 3 of the star locos are currently in pieces still, but I have every faith in the respective teams involved.

 

For 53808 the finish line is within sight, with the final fittings going on as I type and final painting only a week or two away. In fact the tender was safely shunted and tucked away yesterday to receive its topcoat! (In a very wet and windy minehead)!

The pictures from Crewe of the 4f show that it's in a similar state and its due to arrive in bishops lydeard in the next week or so.

I'm sure 53809 won't be to far behind either.

Have faith in the dedicated teams working on these locos, everyone is working hard, pulling together to make this gala the best the Wsr has had in years!

 

I understand the hoped-for footplate trips between Lydeard and Norton did not progress. However, there are quite a few footplate rides left between Lydeard and Minehead. Ring 01643 700398 for details.

Steve

 

Planning to photograph the WSR? Have a look at http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-photters.htm for maps, gradient profiles, locations, loco rosters, train times and details of permits.



Steve

 

Good news from Minehead: "All the spaces for the Special Steam Engineman Course with the “Black 5” on Monday March 7th have sold out. There are currently 2 spaces left on each of 92214 and 53809 at the moment." Ring 01643 700398 for details.



Also, there are places available for the footplate rides during the Gala:
5th March 9.50 MD – BL 53809
5th March 12.35 BL – MD 45379
6th March 15.55 MD – BL80043
9th March 12.35 MD – BL 53808
10th March 9.50 MD – BL53808
10th March 9.50 BL – MD 80043
10th March 15.55 MD – BL 45379
12th March 13.45 MD – BL 53809
12th March 14.45 MD – BL 53808
12th March 14.50 BL – MD 45379
13th March 10.45 BL – MD 80043
13th March 11.55 MD – BL 45379
13th March 13.45 MD – BL 53808
13th March 14.50 BL – MD 53809

(Edit: after discussion with the WSR, the loco details now added back to this post. Hoping folks are inspired to take up a footplate trip!)

Ring 01643 700398 for details.

However, all brake van places have been taken.

Steve

 

Steve I appriecate all the hard work you do with wsr.org and general giving of information, but maybe remove the information loco footplate rides as this information should be bought via a program really (unless the railway have officially publicly released it).

 

In fairness, I have applied last week for a programme, but not yet received it. I didn't know about footplate rides (I can't afford a day course), and Steve's information has led me to buy a footplate ride.

John

 

Thanks JBTE - I'll consult.

Steve

 

JBT Evans has a valid point, but in your defence, should anyone take you to task, knowing it would be an S&D 2-8-0 on a particular day was what got me phoning Minehead fairly pronto!

John (once a Newportonian, with many happy memories of its railways!)