SVR Season Finale Gala 4-6th November

There's not (at least yet) a gala after the ASG in September, so no November date either in the preview timetable or the Dates for your Diary on the website.

Patrick

 

Action from the final day, featuring a real mixed bag of conditions !

 

I was traveling passenger on the train where the person was "Taken ill," I can confirm that it was not a straight forward case of helping them off, as we had to wait for an Ambulance, and even then it was not a simple job.
It was nice to see that people were being so understanding in light of the problem and hope you all enjoyed the weekend.

 

My footage from the Saturday and Sunday.

 

I had a truly cracking day at the SVR on Saturday, my first time to an even at at the line since I was in my early teens in the mid 90's. I managed to book one of the last places on a brake van ride which was an amazing experience, but did have me longing for a cuppa after as it was a bit chilly! In order to get to Kidderminster in time for that meant I missed out on some travel in the morning, meaning I couldn't fit 813 into my travel plans which I am most upset about after seeing the videos here, but I remember being thoroughly impressed with her when she visited the MHR on her last ticket, can't believe that was 12 years ago!

813 at Highley by Phil Kitchen, on Flickr

The footplate crew of 13065 by Phil Kitchen, on Flickr

13065 at Kidderminster. by Phil Kitchen, on Flickr

Riding the Goods through Highley by Phil Kitchen, on Flickr

 

A person's well being is of far more importance than whether the next train turns up on time. Was a tad cold standing around waiting though. I hope the person involved is on the mend.

 

I would guess they will wait to see what the profit lose figures come out for the event before deciding anything.

 

I was your driver, Phil. Glad you enjoyed the experience. So did I!

Working loose - coupled goods trains is seriously good fun, although you do need your wits about you - and a fireman who has his, or in this case, her, head screwed on.

All the braking on your journey north was handled by Kate, who, having never done it before, learned very quickly, and did the business like a true pro.

I believe you had a smooth ride.

Regards,

jtx

 

Travelling behind the Crab on Saturday HL-BH-KR, it was packed both ways and I did stand all the way. So I'd hoped the number will reflect the numbers which to me seemed very good.

 

Indeed, I was surprised actually as we were warned by Mel accompanying the group (who was excellent by the way) that it could be bumpy by nature but it really wasn't - top work by the pair of you, and thank's for posting the trip from your point of view!

 

I would expect the crab and tornado to be packed on the day the real test is how full the trains with the home fleet and there will need to be a larger number of people than a usual gala as there was no increase in the ticket price.

 

Photo gallery from me can be found here... Season Finale Gala

 

The 11.34 Auto KR-HY was equally packed and just visually the number of folk along the line seemed to fit the normal number for a gala, maybe more SSG than ASG though. Anyway, I'm hopeful for the passenger numbers.

 

I wonder whether there'd be a chance of a smaller-scale event that wasn't a gala within the meaning of the Act, but was still something different from the usual November service. Maybe something just involving some home fleet locos -- actually, on the strength of last weekend, simply having 813 running would probably attract quite a few people!

Anyway, a long way off yet, so we'll have to wait and see. For now, I'm quite satisfied with looking back on a very enjoyable Saturday.

 

Yes, most preserved lines utilise the majority of their operable fleet on a normal service day, and so gather guests for a gala. But with 813, 1501, 2857, 7802, 34027, 34053, 43106, 7714, 75069 and 1450 all hopefully operational by this time next year (and that's just the kettles), get most of that dashing about and you have a bloody fantastic gala without having to bring anything in. Have a local or two, a goods train etc and the line can show itself off.

 

Footage from all three days.

Enjoy!

 

There were a lot of people on the day who said it would be nice to do an event at this time of year even if it is just with the home fleet, of course in addition to the gala. Rest assured the management do read these forums, so if there is enough call and enough posts on the matter they will listen. The question is would you keep it purely steam? Or make it mixed (We'd need the steam locos anyway to provide heat) What from this year would you keep? What would you put to one side? What would you be interested in seeing?