SVR Diesel Gala 19th-21st May 2016

I'll admit to knowing little of hire and transport fees for diesel traction in comparison to those for steam, but we're surely going to have to have a record breaking attendance at this event to even break even?

One hell of a bash for the diesel boys though.

 

Far more interestng than September
It certainly seems to be generating plenty of interest and hopefully some nice weather will encourage people out.

 

I'm all for anything that gets bums on seats! It will be interesting to see a comparison of numbers between the last diesel gala in October and this one, although I reckon the number of visitors may skew the level of interest somewhat. I get the impression the DG being a may event this year was only possible because of how early easter is.

 

Possibly, also I've heard the visit of the 66 was only possible in May not October. Last October was quite nice but sometimes it can be a bit cold and wet.

 

I see in the lastest copy of SVR news that arrived 20 mins ago (soon in the shops) that Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail is due to do the official opening of the diesel depot.

 

Golly that is a lot of visiting locos.

In my view its too many, how will they all get a decent run out, and will there be sufficient extra passengers to justify the hire/transport fees for all these. Given the SVR has a reasonable diesel fleet then surely they only need half a dozen or so visitors max.

I really cant see the need for so many, far better to have half of them this year and the other half next year.

 

Great line up. Can't help but think the diagrammers will have their work cut out !! Can't please all the people all the time !

 

I'll never understand this. Just enjoy it and let the railway worry about that.

 

We will all have to worry about it if the passenger numbers dont match up to the hire costs, then there will be presure not to have a similar event.

Doesnt really bother me this year as Ill be at the Tigermeet, so I cant make it to the SVR

 

I am guessing this is one very long convoy from Barrow hill I am guessing they are all coming by rail so maybe not the same cost as three or four being brought in by road.
I understand that last years was a very well attended event and in Mays better weather the number should be high again

 

More likely one starting at Shildon (going back to York)and another from Swanage(going to Didcot),then bits from WWH etc.

 

Good gravy, and people say I complain too much on here! "This lineup looks too good, I don't like it..."

 

The visiting 20s have pulled out. No reason at this moment in time.

 

Flipping heck. That's a shame. I was looking forward to those 2. Still one of the best line-ups ever.

 

Running the gala on the Sunday as well would help - and increase receipts as well.

 

Not likely to happen at any imminent stage due to the commercial success of the SVR dining trains, which are strongly branded as steam hauled, and a continued message from diesel fans that steam interlopers within the diesel gala are not appreciated.

 

I'm a fan of both. I'm probably a 55:45 steam:diesel fan and I know that the diesel fans would prefer to have a diesel day with a steam-hauled dining train than nothing at all. I prefer the event to be Thursday to Saturday because I hardly ever go to galas on Sundays but a fourth day would give this huge cast of locos an extra chance to perform for the fans.

 

I'm the same as you, steam and 'heritage' diesels equally appeal. Work makes weekday attendance difficult for me so realistically its a Saturday only one day event for as far as I'm concerned. The SVR (of which I am a member) would make double the money from me by continuing on the Sunday. I don't think I am alone in this. I've no problem with steam on the diner nor even on a service diagram on Sunday though I appreciate the latter would make serious inroads into the possible diagrams for the visitors.

 

They could get away with a 4 day event this year.

 

I think this thread is the very definition of heritage railways not being able to please everyone no matter how hard they try.