West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Hopefully a different 31 or another type 2 can be soured from somewhere there are a few 31's nearby Avon valley have two and another at the Blaenavon so it is possible but how likely it is is anyone's guess

 

Just spent a very pleasant day getting rather intimate with Odney Manor

 

That may not be so easy as the heritage scene gets into its stride with the 'busy' season.

 

Typically, just after my moan, the company sends (no doubt already in the post as I was typing!) some information, with AGM later this year than in previous years and at a new venue. Plus, very generously, vouchers valid to end of the year and more to follow for 2020.

Time to speak nicely to my bank manager!

John

 

You are lucky to have a bank manager, John. Many places nowadays don't even have a bank, let alone a manager!

 

Not feasible for a road move. A 31 is over 95 tonnes so you’d be looking at £10k+ for a road move in and out. Out of the question.

 

I suspect your right, it's only a diesel after all so chuck out the 33 again they will have to survive on that, please forgive the trite answer but I suspect if a steam dropped out about a month before your only gala a stand In would be sourced however it isn't a steam loco is it, just a diesel

 

Actually, I doubt it would. There is a national shortage of available steam, to the extent that gala visitors aren’t especially easy to procure, particularly at short notice, and particularly not in summer.

Tom

 

So - they’ve got a top 37, a pair of Hymeks one of which hasn’t worked for 25 years, and a 25 that was widely held as the star of the show at the SVR. Plus a pair of 73s and a very rateable 14. Some people are never satisfied- it’s a line up that most lines would be drooling in envy over. A top notch gala in prospect IMO over a superb line which gives the locos a chance to work. The length of the WSR means that the ‘lots of locos’ approach doesn’t work as too many locos means minimum miles for each, probably one round trip each (not that it’s economic anyway). No big deal if a economically feasible replacement isn’t available IMO.

 

Or put another way...
The home fleet, plus:
A 37 only extended loan (home fleet?)
A random couple of 73s ( doubt these will cost much to get there as GBRF will just make sure they are working in the area.
The 25

So of the 2 proper visitors, 1 has dropped out (valid reasons, no issue with that).

The WSR have time to source a replacement ( or at least try), so let's see before decrying them for treating it as 'only diesels'.

 

The only way the 37 became feasible was for it to come for a longer period so not all the cost was put on the gala, plus the fact that a couple of private individuals put their hands in their pocket and made a significant contribution to the transport cost. Without that it wouldn't be there. It's a one-off visit and is highly unlikely to go anywhere else.
AIUI efforts are being made to source a replacement for the 31, but there's not much out there that fits the bill. People need to understand that there will be fewer and fewer locos available in years to come so make the most of what you've got now.

 

Only a diesel ....
Please remember that there was NO spring gala .

Time for everyone to enjoy what we have - while it lasts.

 

Not a diesel fan so would not bother attending, but looks a pretty fair line up to me.

 

Is 60009 stabling WSR BL this weekend

 

It goes from Fairwater Yard to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday evening thus..
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52185/2019/06/08/advanced

Then on Sunday morning Bishops Lydeard to Southall
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52187/2019/06/09/advanced

 

There is also a couple of movements from Bishops Lydeard to Fairwater Yard and back by West Coast but Im not sure what they are..

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P95063/2019/06/09/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P95033/2019/06/09/advanced

They are as required so maybe paths form other trains during the year

 

Don’t forget the class 50 that will be in a siding somewhere.

 

They are paths on RTT every Sunday so unlikely to be used.

Believe there is the DRS 37s and possibly stock going in to Fairwater on the Saturday night from the railtour from Leeds

 

Just out of curiosity, is a class 66 out of weight limit on the WSR.

I’d love to see 66789

 

A 66 is too heavy, nothing above RA5 permitted at the moment.
Just watch this space, there are enquiries being made.

Ian R.