GWSR General Discussion and Operations

Plans are afoot!! I don’t want to say to much but we do have some guests sitting about around the end of May. All I can say at this moment is that the guests won’t be running just the three days of the gala. Which guests on which days are still to be confirmed. I can say that currently 35006 is down to work the gala and through the following week on the two engine purple time table.

 

We had our first visit since Broadway opened last weekend. Our carriages were spotless, and full.

I was also very impressed with the lineside. My overall impression a few years ago was of a green tunnel but that's now largely replaced by glorious views. We got off at Hayles Abbey Halt (immaculate), and walked to the Abbey for a picnic (discovering that entry to the Abbey is free for NT members despite being managed by English Heritage). It's a lovely place, only 15 minutes walk from the halt.

I have daughters who usually roll their eyes when Daddy suggests a visit to another steam railway, but the whole family had a delightful day.

 

ISTR there's been a concerted effort to cut back the foliage around the line; they've got a whole group who focus on nothing but that; their photo page is here.

Noel

 

Their work this winter particularly has been phenomenal, having been away at uni I was amazed upon returning how much had disappeared, and I think comments about the tidy lineside were second only to Broadway itself over the Easter weekend.

 

I rode yesterday - the train was packed with adults as the schools had gone back!

I thought the line sides looked just like the 1950's

 

Visited the GWSR last Saturday and heard a lot of comments on how good the carriages looked, great to see how clear the lineside is .... opening up the views from the Trains . Broadway station is looking good and will be a real gem when finished .

 

The GWSR infrastructure efforts should be the envy of most other railways. As well as the clearance team the drainage guys flickr site is always worth looking at as well.

 

I'm absolutely amazed what all the GWSR volunteers do, but the drainage team, who seem to spend much of their time in dreadful cold, wet, muddy conditions, have transformed the GWSR lineside by ensuring that this clay infested line is kept in better condition now than it has been since it was first built. Hats off to you!

 

QFT. They do an amazing job; I too think the civils are now better than they ever were. Not as 'sexy' to some people as locos, etc but I personally find drainage fascinating!

Noel

 

7903 'Foremarke Hall' and Class 20 No.D8137 in action yesterday. I hope you enjoy it

 

To quote Mr Valentine, "Beautiful, quite beautiful!"

 

I did, very good. I helped to rebuild Hayles Abbey halt, and it was good to see people use it.

 

Thanks, all. Glad you enjoyed it

 

All those 8-carriage sets; hopefully a lot of paying customers! (OK, so one's an RMB...) That should help re-fill the bank accounts!

Noel

 

We went to the GWR on Sunday a spur of the moment decision to sample the extension prior to the May gala. The hall is in superb fettle. Our train was comfortably loaded and the cake from the buffet coach was enjoyed by everyone. Coaches, and lineside are in a good condition. Definitely a railway on the rise. I am sure the timetable will be reviewed once the opening year has concluded and traffic patterns are understood

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Photo of the hall such a high level of polish I can see my family reflected!

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I am still trying to find the large box that this loco gets unpacked from every morning!

 

Yet another bridge strike at the GWRly.
https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/rail-bridge-struck-14-times-in-four-years/10030825.article

The story featured on ITV Midlands local news this evening. <BJ>

 

An incredibly sunny and successful weekend, I wandered around Winchcombe and Hayles reading my exam books in between taking a few photos, a rather pleasant way to revise!