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

Nice one. I'd prefer that to a 5!

 

Although I love Black Fives, it is great news that a worthy replacement has been found. Full marks to the gala organisers; 8Fs were very much in use in those last months on freight mainly. Not wishing to be pedantic, but it was 48706 which did the honours with 80043 (train heating) on the Stephenson Locomotive Society farewell train on that sad day. I was on it!

John

 

I'm happy with that! Can't wait for the 12th!

 

In case you haven’t seen the full press release from Andy Forster please see below, note the bit about your input here that I’ve high-lighted, in case you didn’t already know the WSR Team do look at this very regularly, they can’t of course comment most of the time on here but when I’m in Minehead its often mentioned to me that your views are valued and talked about so please feel part of the Gala. Thanks of course to the GCR/8F owners from one grateful WSR Volunteer.

As has been said before please come and say hello to the footplate crew if you are there during the gala, we are mostly a friendly bunch and if we have the time we always welcome a chat and a sneaky quick visit to the footplate.

Andy Forster, WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer provides an update:

I regret to report that it has not been possible to arrange for a LMS Stanier class 5 4-6-0 to attend the WSR S&D gala despite the best efforts of both the WSR and various locomotive owners to make this happen. Options for other locomotives have been thoroughly explored, especially those suggested by various well-wishers on the National Preservation web site and others, but the for various reasons locomotives are hard to come by. I am therefore especially pleased that yet again the Great Central Railway has come to our assistance and offered LMS 8F BR number 48624, which we have accepted, our thanks to both the GCR and the locomotive's owners for this generous offer at short notice. Transport will be arranged for it to arrive in time to act as a direct replacement for 45379 in the gala brochure locomotive diagrams. No 48624 has recently been repainted into BR black livery, further details for the locomotive can be found on theGCR web site.

 

It's nice to know that, as most other threads suggesting possible locos is positively frowned upon, for reasons I've never really understood.

 

Indeed I agree, the WSR people are a welcoming bunch who value fellow enthusiasts views, if you recall earlier in this thread on page 2 post #26 I asked what engines people would like to see and lots of votes came in for a 9F….. then low and behold, 92214. Now you could think I was asked to ask that question, I couldn’t possibly comment but give yourselves a small pat on the back maybe.

Now all you all need to do now is come and enjoy (plus of course buy a ticket).

 

Ticket is sat on the mantelpiece.

 

Any info on if/when loco allocations will be announced for Wednesday 9th?

 

MSN also has a GCR Loco for its own celebrations of the closure

 

So is mine. I've not received the Gala Guide yet, though...

 

I'm glad it's not just me! Ordered same time as tickets, but before brochure was available. Tickets arrived very promptly. Sent an email giving a nudge on Thursday, no reply as yet.

Perhaps the Glouestershire batch got lost, looking at your location...

 

Just look at how this thread started!

 

I have provided legal assistance in one way or another to many, many heritage railways. Only a few have a culture as friendly or welcoming as the WSRA which is why the 'recent difficulties' hit us so very hard.

Do come and enjoy our hospitality.

Robin

 

Yes they have a jinty and last weekend was great. They also have a sentinal running. It was great to see steam again. This coming weekend will,hopefully, be as good but I'll be at the WSR

 

After having a nice long chat with my friend and all round 'God' of anything 8F Mr Alen Grice, he told me he had parted engine and tender today in readiness for dispatch to the WSR on Wednesday! Apparently stopping for a couple of weekends! Happy holidays!

 

Manston left Swanage earlier this afternoon. Not my photo, but one of a number of pictures on the 'Swanage' Facebook page
.

 

I live in Bucks and have not received mine either.

 

Well done on the result Robin, I hope this is the end of the matter. I don't want my 4 days at the gala being dominated by politics.

 

Fair point, there are few guarantees in life but this is one for you. The recent troubles have been with the Association, a support group to the railway not the WSR. These issues (now being sorted) have never effected the operation of the railway just the charitable giving by the Association to the Railway so please don’t be concerned you will not see anything other than steam engines in many combinations and hopefully a bit of sunshine by the sea. (Sorry can’t guarantee the Sunshine)

 

You and me both.

Fortunately Frank C and his able, honourable new Trustees are now 'in the chair' supported by virtually the whole Railway.

I will be spending a fair slice of the Gala as Signalman / Line Controlller, helping to keep the trains on time, so do give me a wave as you pass!

Robin