SVR Season Finale Gala 4-6th November

Looks like a good line up, looking forward to it

 

Damage now repaired, back to planned service tomorrow and Sunday.

 

Locomotive directions:
(N - facing Bridgnorth. S - facing Kidderminster):

No. 813 - S
No. 1450 - S
No. 1501 - N
No. 2857 - N
No. 4270 - S
No. 4566 - N
No. 7812 - N
No. 13065 - N
No. 43106 - N
No. 60163 - TBC

 

Judging that Tornado's heading to the Gala via Worcester instead of Birmingham, she'll probably face Kidderminster like the Pacific Power event.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54690/2016/11/04/advanced

 

Thanks.

 

Really good day today, the Valley looking far more autumnal than the autumn gala and stunningly illuminated in the low November sunlight. The trains adapted well to the adjusted timetable and were never more than 15 mins adrift. Trains were well loaded with an additional auto coach added to cope.
With 2857 now spare with the loss of the freight, but in steam and with crew, a nice touch was the offer of footplate rides at Bewdley. Apparently this was popular at the Pacific Power event and with plenty of takers today perhaps we will see this at future events - as it raised some useful donations.
813 looked lovely and has a surprising turn of speed, but also came to a sharp halt on occasions, perhaps some braking issues?! The crab looked lovely when finally matched with the LMS stock, the teaks having to substitute first thing - the signalling issues meaning stock moves weren't completed fully yesterday.
Final mention must go to 4566 & 7812. The barnstorming run up to the tunnel this afternoon belying their advanced boiler tickets and putting a smile on many faces.
Thank you SVR, this wasn't a substitute for the Autumn Gala, which should hopefully reclaim it's premier crown next year - but it really is a terrific way to spend a November day (& great value too!). I hope it returns next year and becomes a permanent fixture in the enthusiast calendar.

 

All the planned moves for Thursday did happen. Just a bit later than planned due to the signalling issues. It was always the plan to swap the sets on the crabs first up run into Kdderminster.

 

One or two shots from Thursday night and Friday. Very disappointing about the problems today but it all turned out well and ended up a most enjoyable day with a first ever run behind 813. MAGIC!

 

Quick question which I should really have asked about before now: given that normal fares are being charged for this event, are First Class supplements in effect?

 

It appears that first class supplements are being charged.

 

Thanks very much for the very speedy reply! I'd been working on that assumption anyway, so it won't present a problem.

 

Tornado was well on its way this evening, seen at Oxford:

 

Excellent day yesterday, although time keeping at the northern end of the line seemed to be a problem, even after the signalling problems were fixed. I mainly stayed south of Highley and there was plenty of fun to be had - 813 was particularly entertaining with some vigorous running on the Bewdley shuttles, while 1450 on the autotrains and 4566 double heading with 7812 on the GWR set were the other highlights for me. Some trains were a little overcrowded which is rare for a gala Friday, but the Hampton Loade issues do partly explain that.

 

Looks like today is going to be very busy as well. The Kidderminster SVR car park is nearly full and it is only 9am.

 

Yes

 

As expected Tornado is chimney first to Kidderminster. As Michael has said the tannoy has announced first class supplements are in operation

 

Well done to all at the SVR coping with Fridays problems

My favourite shot from the day

Autumnal Crab by Stephen Dance, on Flickr

 

Wow! That is absolutley superb!

 

My video and some photos from Friday at the gala. The weather held out despite some threatening clouds, and some good performance all round!