WSR Autumn Steam Gala 27-30 September 2018

Pics on the first day

(links to the Gala picture pages under "Pictures" on the top menu of wsr.org.uk )



Steve

 

Lovely images Steve, thanks for link.

 

I expect a lot of people will not realise how close to the wire it was in getting 80072 on its booked train. Reliable sources told me yesterday that the loco was still incomplete at Llangollen at the beginning of the week. It arrived at Bishops Lydeard on the transporter already in light steam at lunch time and was able to head the 1645 from Bishops Lydeard as booked! Well done and many thanks to all involved at Llangollen, the hauliers and Bishops Lydeard shed staff!

 

Very true. When I left Bishops Lydeard at 1345 on 6960, 80072 was still on the lowloader trailer. We were all surprised to see it on the 1645.

 

My video from yesterday's trip to the gala. Well done to all concerned with getting everything sorted!

 

Well that wasn’t in the timetable....... Braunton, 7F and standard 5 head back to BL after turning on the Norton Triangle at the end of today’s gala.

 

The updates given were to help gala visitors plan their day but they wouldn't have covered every single light engine movement.
I can assure you though that the three loco move from BL to NF and return was planned.
Your WTT mentions a LE movement at 17:45 from BL to NF. That was the three engine move. The locos were booked to return at 18:15.

Hope this helps. <BJ>

 

Indeed it was but I had left my WTT in car, seen the 3 locos reverse to collect token and realised it was heading to the triangle. Legged it back to car and made my way to norton.

It’s the shot of the gala I wanted. And still have the weekend to go.

 

Three shots from yesterday's visit to the West Somerset. There may have been 9(?) locomotives running, but there was only one engine I wanted to see. Take a guess which one!






James

 

Fantastic photos.

 

My footage of the gala filmed on Thursday and Friday. Despite the problems, credit goes to those involved in making this gala a success. Enjoy.

 

I'd make a guess that it wasn't the Hymek.
Excellent photos of Camelot.

 

Well, yesterday The Hymek was on excellent form and both the Ivatt tank and Camelot showed what good locomotives they are

 

All appeared to go to plan on Saturday. The weather was stunning. There were plenty of punters aboard the trains which is always good to see.

The highlight of the day for me was the sight of Dinmore Manor hauling the 08:20 goods from Minehead. When I arrived at Roebuck curve the temperature was just 5 degrees C. A mass of clag was guaranteed. The steam hung in the air long after the train had passed. Wonderful stuff.

The weather is not so good this morning and so time to savour a ride behind the guest locos and double-headed Manors. Such fun !!

Many thanks to the gala organisers, the loco owners and to the many volunteers.

Update: West Coast loco + 73082 from Bishops Lydeard to the Bluebell Railway.
Monday, 1st October. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10926/2018/10/01/advanced

 

Have thoroughly enjoyed the few days that I have been around the railway before and during the gala. Despite all the issues everything has come together well thanks to a lot of hard work and my thanks to all concerned!
Has been a delight to see and travel behind Camelot which brought back many memories of the Pines in years gone by. Also greatly enjoyed the local train with 41312.
Thanks to all for all the hard work
DH

 

My video taken over the Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning of the 2018 WSR Autumn Gala:

 

Great video. It’s Great weather this weekend. Double manors was my highlight.

 

I’d more than happily pay for a complete WTT that showed every movement. Don’t know if there is any railway that does this. Presumably staff are given something like this.

 

The only railway I know that puts the complete WTT for galas into the public domain is the Severn Valley. In case you haven't seen their WTTs they are extremely detailed showing not just the full WTT for every day with every train / light engine movement shown plus full diagrams for every loco and every coaching set as well as shunting instructions.

The West Somerset used to sell something a bit like this (although simpler) going back to about 15 years ago. Then they introduced the idea of a souvenir booklet. Despite what they may claim this does not contain a WTT as I understand it - just a public timetable with loco allocations. As you say I suspect the actual WTT is issued to staff only.