Swanage Autumn Steam Gala - 12-14 October 2018

My only comment on the timetable is that the xx15s from Swanage have no time at Harmans Cross and a tight turnround at Corfe. Station work will need to be very smart. Otherwise it looks good and we can have sufficient time at the Gala travelling by train and bus without the usual long day for other more distant events.

 

Loco allocations still not on the website.

 

Looking good!! Chuffed to bits to see the standard tanks doubling

Set C is a local I assume. If so what does it consist of? Also looking at the WTT the Obso is being left out which is a nice plus if that's correct

 

SKP currently double heading with the std4. Gala getting even better!!!

 

Set C currently consists of 2 Bulleids, a Mk.1 and a PMV. The milk tank may be added to it, but that depends on how much time those on the ground have next week (its a lot easier for me to move these things round on paper!).

The Devon Belle Car 14 is currently away being overhauled; this will not be on any trains over the gala.

 

Omg omg omg

 

SKP in action today

 

Oh I thought SKP was going to double head at gala. Oh well still going be great gala.

 

Question mark over 257 appearence

 

I hope not. Any comments Rumpole?

 

I would imagine the biggest doubt is the T9 with cylinder problems?

 

I’m certainly not aware of any reason why 34072 won’t be appearing next weekend.

As has been said, at this stage the biggest question mark is the T9, but a lot of hard work is being expended on 30120 by both the SR fitting staff and a specialist contractor, to the extent that the SRT AGM today was advised a test run is planned next week. Once this work is complete, then we will be in a better position to update what 34053 will be doing over the gala as well.

 

Ooohh, happy chappie!! I've got my ferry booked and my rover for Saturday, going to meet me a Duchess for the first time. Well second actually as I did meet Fergie once, but thats not the same is it .

 

Interesting and ambitious timetable - Corfe Castle is going to be a busy place. Seems a little strange that the Duchess will never leave Swanage with anything more than 3 carriages and a van, and that the Black 5 never does the northern section of the line smokebox first. Looking forward to a great event though - let's hope that the T9 is fixed and / or SKP makes an appearance, although I'm getting greedy there!

 

As with all steam locomotives, 34053 will be monitored during her return to traffic this week; however we expect her to line up along-side the other 7️⃣ (!!) engines next weekend. Allocations are not booked to change: so keep your eyes peeled for another Bulleid Pacific popping up each day!

So wheres 34053 going to pop up to trying to plan a day of photography over the 3 days don't fancy getting bowled by a tender first bob,

 

Worth noting if anyone is planning to be chasing any trains there are long term roadworks between Swanage and Harmans Cross and near Furzebrook roundabout, both controlled by temporary traffic lights. Sometimes queues can get lengthy.
Plus no doubt Dorset Police will have the speed van out in Harmans Cross or Corfe one of the days.

 

Milk tank added to Set C I noticed when I walked past earlier. T9 in light steam, but being coaled by hand with buckets. Not sure if this because it was was just a small amount for a test or if the conveyor has broken.

 

Some of us, Don't do Facebook, or other social media, so to save a phonecall tomorrow,
What exactly is 34053 going to be doing during the gala ,Seeing as allocations aren't ment to change,
Please,

 

Assuming all locos are available (so usual caveats applying), then 34053 will be planned to work the following:-

12:39 Swanage to River Frome (double headed with 31806 - inside engine)
13:32 River Frome to Swanage (on rear all the way)
14:27 Swanage to Corfe Castle freight (vice 80104)
15:17 Corfe Castle to Swanage freight (vice 80104).

 

As people may have seen elsewhere, 44871 arrived at Swanage this afternoon from Southall and is now safely stabled on the Goods Shed Road.

6233’s movement in takes place tomorrow, its all getting very close now!