East Lancs Spring Gala 8-10 March

I think that's very unfair. I've worked a couple of timetables that we all know are impossible and we always do our best, but if a timetable doesn't work, it just doesn't, no matter how hard you try. As I said, today I didn't mind, but if I was relying on public transport I'd have been a bit more on edge!

 

You were right John; the weather settled down a bit after you left as noted below - but still a cold wind to suffer : -

 

Lovely pictures at Irwell Vale John, many thanks for posting. I was on board 'Wells if that's the first train of the day? Have never run non-stop Bury to Rawtenstall before!
Yes, the weather was much better from about noon onwards and the timetable did slip considerably but no problem for me as I'm staying overnight in the van at Burrs CP. I think it's a bit harsh to have a dig at the volunteers who put on these events when things go awry. In my experience, everyone tries to keep things going to plan, however, trying to get 'vintage' equipment to behave faultlessly is always going to be challenging.
l am just so grateful that there is such a cohort of men and women at all of our heritage railways prepared to spend their free time to create such a spectacle noting that a lot of the paid staff also spend their 'weekends' volunteering!
To sit supping a pint of real ale outside the 'Trackside' watching the comings and goings is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and my sincere thanks to everyone who makes this possible.
Andy.

 

Thanks...and you are most welcome. Yes, the 'Wells' shot was the first train. She looked to be living up to her 'Volcano' nickname...even at 15 - 20mph!

 

Good selection of motive power for the day
I spent more time on platforms awaiting train services than being on them A far too ambitious timetable than that was ever going to be achievable.
Hopefully a lesson learned and a more robust,proven, timetable is to be used in future events.
As an aside there was limited options to spend money onboard as only 1 of the the 2 of the 4 sets of coaches had a buffet that was open.

 

hello
can anyone tell me why two of the biggest railways elr and kwvr choose to have there galas on the same weekend !!!

 

hello
i managed to endure the wind yesterday i must say that the timetable seemed over complecated may have added to the one hour plus slip in the afternoon
does anybody realy like double headers !! never done anything for me is piloting necesary !! i can understand the banking out of heywood but other then that one loco one train !!
regards

 

One, because they can!

Two, it's highly unlikely that anyone would spend all three days at the same railway.

Three, anybody travelling a long distance would if they wanted to that is, could easily attend both galas.

 

wrong
most people cannot afford to travel and stop in the area and have to pick one or the other

 

Then they have a choice. No problem with that. Just be grateful that we have such an amazing preservation movement in the UK, staffed, in the main, by dedicated volunteers.

 

If you are travelling a long distance as I was it’s cheaper to stay overnight and a damn site less stressful to only face the motorway networks once.

 

Hmm, I'm not convinced on that "most people". I know plenty of people who wouldn't dream of *not* booking an overnight stay if travelling any distance, even if it was just to come up the evening before then drive home at the end of the day.

 

i would have to find alternative accomodation if my better half thought i was going away photing trains for the weekend

 

Maybe my “better half “ is more understanding, or just glad to see the back of me for a couple of days. Isn’t there a saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder “!!!!

 

not in our house - and the star of the show was

https://www.flickr.com/photos/15931796@N00/

 

Lovely shot, but quite a way from a public viewpoint.
I understand that the ELR has recently attempted to reinforce the 'stay on the right side' by 're-emphasising' its photo policy on its website, but one day there will have to be repercussions. Further up the line this same train encountered three by the tunnel entrance after Summerseat viaduct, which is just beyond sensible belief.

 

Much improved performance today from 419 and a much better timetable .Last train departed Rawtenstall on time .

 

If that's your Flickr page then I would say you do more than alright in getting "passes out for photting " - going off the number of events you've been present at since the turn of the year!!!

 

Great effort Stephen! - as a 'fair weather photographer' I stayed away - - here's to hoping the weather is a little kinder next weekend!

Richard