Severn Valley Railway 2019 Autumn Gala 19th-22nd September

I suspect if it was more widely available in digital form it would quickly spread via email, forums etc. At the moment, anyone wishing to do so would have to go to all the bother of scanning everything in first.

 

My wife has suggested exactly the same thing. Still haven’t received mine in the post

 

Yes and can’t decide anything until I get it

 

To add to the strangeness, the WTT is made available for the Spring Steam Gala but not the Autumn one.

 

Loco directions are also important. The Wsr used to manage to include that in their booklet. As the Svr wtt doesn't include that I have to highlight smokebox first running. That can be done by scanning as a picture but would be much easier as a file.

 

I usually just take a highlighter straight to it, in that respect I prefer a hard copy that I can scribble on.

 

With all the last minute diesel gala visitor availability it would be out of date before it got printed ,never mind posted or on the actual day .

 

You cannot save on printing costs as these documents have to be issued to operational staff to ensure full understanding and therefore smooth running on the day. Consulting your laptop etc is a tad impractical when you are on the footplate of a steam loco for example. Galas are eye wateringly expensive to stage and carry an attendance (and therefore income) risk in the event of bad weather or other detracting events. Charging for the extensive information in these documents is a way of helping to balance the books. Unless galas make financial sense they quite simply won't continue to happen. It really is that straightforward.

 

My WTT hasnt't arrived yet. How long do you think I should leave it before contacting the SVR?

 

As a regular vistior to both Spring and Autumn Galas I've always thought it strange. This is not to say that I begrudge paying for it

For anyone interested, the following information is now on the SVR website
The Loco Roster

• Thursday: 1450, 2857, 30541, 43106, 76017, 34092 City of Wells
• Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 1450, 4144, 6960 Raveningham Hall, 30541, 34027 Taw Valley, 34092 City of Wells, 75069, 76017
• Friday & Saturday overnight: 1501, 7714

Locomotives facing Bridgnorth: 7714, 30541, 34027 Taw Valley, 34092 City of Wells, 43106, 76017
Locomotives facing Kidderminster: 1450, 1501, 2857, 4144, 6960, 75069

 

I phoned today and was told they had all been sent out and to phone again on Monday if mine hadn’t arrived

 

Having a done a number of overnights the last two years i have been in the buffet car off the n set and actually had a decent rest better than i ever did in the compartments so comfortable i missed my 3am tea in Kidderminster museum...

 

The whole WTT is too big and carries far too much information to carry around in your pocket anyway so for most travellers is impractical. Paying a fiver for something like this that is available for free at other events at the same railway is ridiculous. This, coupled with the crowds and the hours spent sat in passing loops waiting time are why I don’t bother with SVR galas anymore. I get far more enjoyment from a normal running day.

 

TBH they have tightened the timetables recently, often before Arley was the pinch point with a 20min wait in each direction.

If you take a look at the timetable, it's now 1hr 20 each way during the main part of the day, which is only marginally longer than a normal running day.

 

This is all that is needed. If other railways can manage it why can't the SVR?

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GoS-Public-Timetable-with-locos.pdf

It should be so simple. Study the timetable at leisure, arrive at the railway, purchase ticket, board train. <BJ>

 

They can ,just not for the Autumn Steam Gala .. Bluebell used to be worse having to fight to get start and finish times out of them .The roster is more of an advertising tool than any number of posters ,glossy expensive magazine adverts and photos to those wanting to travel behind certain locos .

 

This gala is usually regarded as a steam calendar highlight and attracts a lot of lineside attention from people after a free show. For them to know the loco roster requires the WTT and therefore a contribution is made. Hiring and steaming these locos can cost a couple thousand, so to enjoy it all with the contribution of the rover price is great! Surely an additional £5 shouldn’t break the bank when we consider what’s being organised for us to enjoy?