SVR Spring Gala 16th - 18th March 2018

"Completing a trio of LNER locomotives, we're thrilled to announce B1 No. 61264 is heading to the Seven Valley from March 16 - 18 to take a starring role in our grand season opener.The 1947-built B1, visiting courtesy of the Thompson B1 Locomotive Trust and North Yorkshire Moors Railway..."

Patrick

 

Brilliant! - and the first time a B1 has visited the valley??

 

Any chance of the B1 doing a railtour in the Midlands area whilst it's released from Nymr duties? Or even a trip to get it back to Yorkshire. Would get a booking from me!

 

Just a quick update, the SSG now has its own event page:
http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=65

 

The B1 Locomotive Trust have announced no.61264 is to be repainted during it's winter maintenance and emerge in LNER (lined) Black as no.1264.

Link to the press release: https://www.thompsonb1.org/2018/01/exciting-2018-news/

James

 

As mentioned elsewhere on here, the GWS have announced that 6023 is due to arrival for test runs in February and if all is well, 6023 is expected to run at the SSG. Nothing official from the SVR yet.

 

Hmm, the two LNER 4-6-0s are sounding especially attractive, not withstanding the rest of the excellent line up, and seeing as my calendar has just changed such that I'm now free all 3 days, hopefully I'll be able to visit at least one day.

 

The lineup is quite good. I personally prefer smaller to medium locos as they do put on more of a show than the big ones.
Also if you flash your GWSR pass at the booking office, you'll get a discount.

 

I usually check the small print for such dodges, but thanks!

Quite a mix of locos really which is nice - no 813 listed though? It looked superb on the toplights last year but I regret I was unable to make it, so would love to have another opportunity.

 

According to an article and Facebook post recently published. If steam tests are successful, 6023 will be joining the gala lineup :O

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2018/0...st-of-boiler-ticket-on-heritage-railways.html

 

"Local trains to-ing and fro-ing between Bewdley and Kidderminster."

 

6023 now listed

 

This is quite the line-up. I'll be there on the Sunday. SVR gala weekend, followed by Tornado mainline trip the weekend after, and GWSR Broadway opening the following weekend.

 

Timetable incl loco allocations now up on SVR website

 

Thanks - is there any way of knowing which carriage sets will be working each diagram?

 

After enquiry I'm advised: "I’m pretty sure the full WTT will be available on SVR Live in due course". Also details of what is facing which way.

Regards

Patrick

 

And what a poor show it is!

No round trip available from Kidderminster after 16:35 on one of the most anticipated enthusiast events of the years far? No variety to the services, a next to useless evening service and very few locals during the day. You'd of thought with 1450 receiving a repaint she'd have been accounted for on a shuttle with the choc/cream autocoach at least - looks like WSR are going to take the plaudits for that one now.

I can see what's been done, trying to maximise as many trips for the "star" guests, and I have no doubt the great unwashed will turn up and clean all the windows for you - but it's all with a sense of false economy for whilst the masses will come for their ride, how many of them are true regulars?

One of the highlights of the SVR has always been the ability to create a social scene across the railway into the evening. but this year the only benefiters will be establishments away from the railway as those of us who turn up rain/shine are forced to look elsewhere. Really disappointed, and if it wasn't for the fact I'd already booked for 2x nights in a hotel I'd be looking to only spend a single day on the line not the full 3x planned.

 

A little harsh I feel. Two return trips for the King and Tornado and last trains get back to Bridgnorth and Kidderminster at 19;48 & 20:23 respectively. You are not going to get much more out of a single line of that length and for a gala to me these seem quite late trains (Autumn all nighters accepted). The last Spring Gala timetable I have (2016) the trains were only about 70 minutes later finishing.
Surely if the "great unwashed" as you describe the general public to turn up in their droves and the SVR gets lots of revenue that is good is it not? Personally I would not got anywhere near a gala with Tornado, but that is personal taste, everyone had locos the like or dislike.

 

6023 now appears on the SVR website roster page and will hopefully be operating test trains from 27th February to 1st March between Bridgnorth and Highley. The King will be top + tailing with a Class 50 on ECS.

 

I would have like to see that. Hopefully pictures are posted but someone, dream to see a king and 50 top tailed