KWVR Little Engines Gala 7th-9th July

Loaned I thought

 

Heaven forbid, people enjoying themselves!!!

 

.... and spoiling it for other people.

 

Each to their own I suppose.

 

Sold

 

From what I saw this was a successful event for the Worth Valley. Its unlocked a different way of attracting people in, and we all know smaller engines are cheaper to move! A lot of potential for visitors if this becomes a regular event!

My photography efforts can be found here
I have to confess I did have a moment of heart break when I saw the building works going on in Haworth. I truly hope the railway gets benefit out of all the houses going up next to the stream, instead of more kids throwing stones at trains (Ingrow). I understand the land was a bit derelict but how you get planning permission to build on a flood plain I'll never know. And that's after I've made a point to read all the proposals/plans!

 

and all the complaints about noisy smoky engines

 

Have you actually watched the video? These people were behaving like idiots. Grown men leaning right out of the carriage windows, waving in a manic manner, and generally calling attention to themselves. Apart from the danger to themselves, they are setting a terrible example to any youngsters who can see them, and ruining any photos or videos. It's hard to believe that these people were not high on some joy-inducing narcotics.

If this goes on then preserved railways will be forced to put bars on the windows.

 

You're right, happy people aside they could've been genuine 60s photos of a North East colliery austerity hauling a rake of mk1s up the Worth Valley! Live and let live...

 

If the penchant for smaller engines on big railways is intriguing you why not come and see small engines doing what they were designed for and slogging away with a rake of mineral wagons up the steepest standard gauge adhesion worked railway in the UK! Foxfield's gala this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday where we are turning out 6 of our own locos plus visiting loco 'Sir Gomer'!

 

Very enjoyable video. Nice to see the steam crane in action.

Also impressed by the Pizza and Coffee delivery.

 

Not that I agree with it, but the majority of the people on this train were staff, and had worked their shifts during the day, and probably were enjoying a run behind the visiting engine. Perhaps they got carried away, but you can't fault them for having a bit of fun after a hard days slog

 

I believe it was sold on.

 

Not sure if it proves that the Railway needs the use of austerity style locos (sadly). The train only had 4 coaches on, where as today the average carriage length is 5 or more.

A comment was made a few years back that the Railway has become too successful for itself in regard to the branch line locos that used to be needed. The Railway needs mid range to larger locos that can carry the weights needed.

Saying all that, the railway aren't complaining about the higher demand for services.

Besides, if the Railway had something like this all the time it wouldn't be as 'different' and wouldn't have as big an appeal to people as the 0-6-0 did.

Who knows, perhaps one day...

 

Did 'Brussels' used to get a bit winded on the loads that the KWVR requires? I'm sure I read somewhere that was part of the reasoning behind conversion to oil firing?

Chris

 

I must confess that's the first time I've seen "flailing" by people on a steam hauled train. Normally I would associate that behaviour with the diesel fraternity.

 

But at least they'd paid to ride. I presume you were in the same carriage as them, hence the annoyance at their odd behaviour.

 

<deleted in light of subsequent information>

 

She was converted at Longmoor, although the KWVR made some modifications. As I understand it, 'Brussels' used to have trouble but 'Fred' was absolutely spot on. Strange that of the two Austerities which had actually seen service on the line they sold the good 'un but hung on to the one which was never quite up to the job.