West Somerset Railway Spring Gala

Absolutely. It’s as simple as that. If it doesn’t work then OK at least they tried and I would accept that

 

The WSR clearly doesn't understand (to many visitors) the importance of a loco roster. If they did they would publish a roster on-line like the majority of other heritage lines. If you went to the Cinema you would want to know what film is being shown and when and this situation is no different. The cynic in me believes it is just their way of trying to make more money. However this strategy could well backfire because in the current climate many folks are short of finances and without a roster they may simply decide not to attend.

 

Yeah, I probably won't go if I can't find when 419 is operating.

 

Yes I have already said we won’t go if we don’t have the loco allocations beforehand. Their loss of £70

 

If you're talking about the South Devon, they've managed to hire another loco for the weekend that has simply slotted into 813's place.

A loco can fail on the day and throw the timetable out completely. These things happen. But there should at least be an advertised plan in advance. The WSR is a long line that, even on a gala weekend, can only run relatively few trains. It's not like KWVR where they can have several sets running at once and you can have a ride behind all locos before lunch.

WSR is a long way to go for a lot of people, so you can see why they want to be able to plan their itinerary. Don't forget, this is a line that in the past has hired in too many locos for galas and had days when they've not been used, or simply shunted around at Dunster for the day while the home fleet was out.

 

Given that the Gala organisers are avid enthusiasts themselves I think its safe to say that the clamour for information is well understood. A little patience will pay off with a last minute twist to the line up which some may well see as a plus.

 

Lets hope that this information and a full roster is published in full before the gala takes place.

 

The cinema analogy I don't think really works for this. You don't go to a film knowing exactly what will happen, you may know the rough story and the actors in it.... pretty much like going to a gala with no loco roster I would argue!

 

The WSR SSG/ASG have never had loco allocations published in advance, other than last October. With Monday being Bank Holiday and if the post in most places is like around my area, no chance of the timetable turning up Wednesday! And that's if the programme went on sale, which it seems won't be the case this time around. I'm just happy we can go back to a proper WSR gala to be honest.

 

I think with the way the economy is, inflation, cost of living etc those days are long gone. I was only thinking the other day, a spare loco at Williton and an operational loco not even involved were usual at galas not that long ago.. and don't get me started on 88 & 4160 each doing 2 solo round trips a gala day!

 

Don't the NYMR publish the loco roster only on the day? Not much different to having to buy it first thing.

 

Pretty sure it was trying to sell the programmes in advance if it was possible. No way are they going to publish a free timetable if they've spent hundreds of quid down the printers.

 

Put a £1 on the price of a gala ticket, get sponsors to pay for adverts in programme and give away at ticket offices = costs covered plus a small profit.
99.9% of visitors understand if loco X does not arrive.
It happened at a diesel gala at Swanage, when the convoy of locos did not arrive, and even had one of the Std Tanks running.
Running steam loco at a diesel gala does not go down well but on this occasion 80104 was renumbered as D80104. No complaints at all were received.

With regards to programmes / publishing WTT with loco allocations its a far cry from galas way back.
Railways have had to improve their offerings and those that do publish get positive feedback and those who don't get negative press

 

2857 announced as attending.

9466 withdrawn from lineup due to maintenance requirements

 

2857 has been confirmed for the Spring Gala after a lot of hard work by myself and others. With great thanks to the 2857 Society and the SVR. We have rewritten the Loco Diagrams (hence why we have not released them yet!). The 28 will work suitable diagrams and not the 3 coach locals who have the 94 was planned on. 5199 will work those.

Those who have prebooked tickets will be sent the timetable with loco allocations 48 hours before the first day. All locos work at least one passenger train a day. Most of the diagrams are over 60 miles at least. If people would like specific information before pre-booking tickets, I will be more than happy to give you that via the message function on the forum or alternatively discussed with office team today you can call or email them for the info.

I am always open to sensible questions, certainly if it leads to someone booking a ticket!

 

And accommodation for two nights booked as a result -three day rover to follow .
Had accommodation for WSR diesel gala booked for months but with other competing events closer to home ,no advance roster will see it cancelled as was only going for two locos and one of those now won’t be back .

 

I tried the office and they said call next week S loco allocations not yet available!

 

Drop me a message with an email address. They do have the allocations...