WSR Spring Steam Gala - Thu 27 to Sun 30 April 2017

Yes I agree, not easy for an old git like me

 

You're not the only one. I found it hard to read as well.
I ended up photocoping the the pages at 140%, so I now have them A4 size and they're much easier to read.

 

I attended the Gala today - very impressed with the efficient running but my only problem was the bus service not going into BL station - not WSR's fault! It was brilliant how they laid on so many guest locos. I'm not usually a fan of double heading, but the two 4Fs on the 17.00 from BL had to be the highlight. Although I love the S&D 7Fs, I was happy to see 76017 - I remember from my distant youth these standard 4MT moguls as the main power on the S&D in its last year so she was a very worthy substitute for 53809. Add 5199 as an ideal throwback to Minehead 'real' steam days, plucky little 1501 and 78018 that fits in anywhere, and you have an event that is too good to miss.

John

 

A few photos from yesterday's gala

 

78018 is a little gem to fire. Much thanks to the owners rep for the useful pointers. It was worth the 3 days of hard work at BL to get everything ready, cracking first day yesterday, I hope the remaining days are as good.

 

Great day at the WSR yesterday. Finally had some decent mileage with 1501 after always missing it at the SVR and only being able to nip out between work for a very quick run with it when it was at Swanage - fun little machine and good value on the hill out of Lydeard. Only negative part of my day was getting stuck on the wrong side of a locked gate at Blue Anchor and missing the last up train after an over-ambitious photo dash, which meant a new walking route to explore to get back to my car at Washford, but that was good extra exercise and I ended up discovering some new places.

I was in two minds about the roster yesterday. I'm not someone who wants the home fleet completely banished to the sidelines at a gala, but at the same time yesterday 53808 and 6990 were out on the long sets all day while 76017 did a freight first thing then parked up and 43924 spent till late pm in Lydeard depot before one double-headed run west at a not-great time for anyone needing public transport back. I realise 76017 is a bit of a special case as it was effectively a stand-in, but it seemed like relatively little use for locos that would've cost a fair chunk of money to bring in.

On the flip side, though, the two resident locos were probably the highlights for me performance-wise bar 1501, particularly the 7F with its 8-coach load on the Norton section - which was outstanding. And 5199, 78018 and 1501 did get plenty of exercise all day.

 

If you thought 53808 was good with 8 on you should have seen it with 11 on the week before when it took the charter through to MD.

 

Good news.

7F 53809 is at present at Crowcombe while running double-headed from BL - Minehead. <BJ>

 

From the WSR Facebook page:

53809 will double-head on Saturday on the following services -

MD dep 8.55 - Goods
NF dep 11.00 - Goods

BL dep 11.45 - Passenger
MD dep 14.35 - Passenger

BL dep 16.35 - Goods
NF dep 18.10 - Goods

53809 will double-head on Sunday on the following services -

MD dep 14.35 - Passenger

BL dep 16.35 - Goods

NF dep 17.10 - Goods

BL dep 18.30 - Goods

 

I can imagine! I think I've been guilty of under-rating the 7F because I'm too obsessed with Halls and Manors so I haven't made a point of seeking out its days on the WSR's loco rosters as I have with 7828/6960/4936 in recent years. Will definitely pay it more attention after yesterday's run.

 

Double head with which loco ?

 

Guessing they will keep the 7Fs together

 

Not a good guess I'm afraid.

I don't think the WSR would be too pleased if I were to announce details of the roster.
Perhaps a WSR rep would be willing to help you. <BJ>

 

Spend £3 on the programme

 

My guess would be 76017 as that's what's rostered to take 53809's turns.

 

Went there yesterday and was quite surprised at the choice of loco for the dinning train,6960, as at a gala I would have thought the interesting traction would be on the rake you want people to want to stick too all day, instead of swapping sets for the visitors, and in so losing some possible diners

 

My video and some photos from Friday at the gala! Aside from the delays, a very enjoyable day!

 

6960 best loco there in my opinion.

 

Good event today, spent it behind 6960 on the QB, 78018 on the four coaches, 44422+43924 & 5199.

Thumbs up, as per, for the QB breakfast!

I must say the 4 coach set is a nice feature, giving the opportunity to smaller locos to do some full line runs. Great timings for it too, train was busy but more than enough room to stand.

Nice touch with the Goods up to Crowcombe, 1501 looked excellent with it. They kept the Goods in the Down ('main'?) platform so that the ex1248 NF-MD Down service used the Up platform, which I've never seen happen before. I know the Santas terminate in that platform, but can't recall seeing/hearing of other times where a train has actually left carrying passengers going the 'wrong' way.

76017 looks superb, fantastic last minute addition, didn't get behind her so will need to correct that.

Shame the pasty van at MD ran out of cornish pasties but other than that very enjoyable day!

I wonder if the WSR will keep this date? Ideal I'd say.