Severn Valley Railway Autumn Gala: 15 - 18/09/22

Same happened to me at the Spring gala. No problem buying a walk up Rover at Kidderminster.
At least I hope there won't be as I'm doing the same!

 

Thanks - I didn't notice that. Got a reply via email that I can buy on the day at the ticket office which is good as didn't want to drive 120 miles to find out it was sold out!

 

Announced 75069 is to work 4930s trains for the rest of the gala

 

SVR Facebook - Hagley Hall withdrawn, replaced by 75069 consequence of 3 more fires today.

 

Apparently it was a firebar issue with 2857, hence it being easily resolved once the loco had cooled.

 

A few from either side of riding. Seemed quieter than usual, excepting Hagley's middle of the day runs. The Flying Pig on the 3 coach LMS local looked great.

 

Lovely weather Friday but the whole day seemed very subdued compared to other years

Breakfast service was available to walk ons, as was pie & mash, I would have expected these to.be sold out

Hagley seemed to nursed along, probably sensing something not quite right hence withdrawal from today

Trains were very quiet, seating (sometimes lots of it) available on all services I saw, the evening trains were very lightly loaded compared to previous years. Even onlookers at the stations & lineside were lower in numbers.

It wasnt the weather so maybe the economic reality is hitting, possibly the WSR made a good call in canning their gala.

These arent moans just observations as I thoroughly enjoyed my day, the 3 visitors were all excellent performers, and the brake van ride behind Jessie is wonderful.

Finally, the next time some nimby local decides to block the line due to his 4x4 "breaking down" the spirt of Titfield needs to be rekindled, I know who I would back in a duel between a 28xx vs and a 4x4

 

• Impressions from the first 2 days, visted all stations on at least one day Except Bridgnorth.
  
  
• Freight train, excellent! Shortish to fit one siding at Arley. Mostly open wooden wagons, brake at one end, shunted to the other when reversing at Arley, Highley and Kidderminster. Can be viewed from platform or yard at Arley.
  
  
• Catering. All facilities seemed to be open. Upstairs at Highley engine house better choice than recently. The Arley Weighouse opened mid morning. Bewdley cafe opened very early but closed early but leaving a little open stand with of beverages.
  
  
• Plenty of sales stands at Kidderminster and Hampton Loade and one at Arley. Low prices.
  Kidderminster Museum had plenty of books plus the nice cake and tea counter and the excellent Railart exhibition upstairs.

• Trains and platforms seldom very busy but rarely embarassingly empty (I was there first thing to tea time both days). Custom more evenly spread than usual.

• Enjoy!

Just my experience...

 

I’m sure the breakfast service has always been available to walk ons.

 

Didn’t know that Pete.

 

Yes breakfast in previous years was walk on only, but there was always queue and it was full, plenty of empty seats available yesterday

 

Just to pick up on a couple of points...

There's no issue with Hagley, other than it's started 3 lineside fires over the gala so far. This is the reason it's been withdrawn, not any mechanical problem.

I'm personally very pleased that no test of the durability of the front end of the 28 took place. Overhauls are quite expensive enough as it is thanks! Talking of which, the 2857 society stand will be at Kidderminster station for the remainder of the gala weekend!

 

Agree with comments that was quiet yesterday, certainly compared to the spring gala. Preferable from a passenger point of view not to have to deal with packed stations and trains, maybe not so good for the railway.

I was onboard that train, the crew seemed to handle the situation well and he moved after 10 minutes. I believe the police were called but don't know if any more action was taken.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/52363603491

70 Queen Elizabeth II, or Taw Valley.

Had enjoyable day on Thursday at The SVR.

 

Thoroughly enjoyed yesterday, SVR at its best. Interesting timetable, variety of locomotives, something for everyone.
Shame about 4930, she looked fantastic, but was being worked carefully - despite this there was a fireworks display through Bewdley tunnel.
1501 was also producing quite a few embers on its run to Bridgnorth - is this lot of coal particularly prone to sparks?

Just a note on crowds, all the trains seemed well filled but not overflowing - this made for a comfortable travelling experience, however I wouldn't describe it as very quiet. In previous years often people flock to the trains hauled by 'celebrity visitor' trains with shoulder services quieter - were people distributed better? It took a while for people to arrive too, afternoon was noticeably busier than morning.
I have no doubt this gala was not as busy as Spring, but that was exceptional. Having 60007 was definitely a crowd puller and lots of people were glad to be out and about again. I believe April's attendance suprised even the SVR. I suspect like us all, people are being more careful how they spend.

 

My Titfield comment was tongue in cheek and I agree the crew handled things very well indeed, a credit to their professionalism

 

Here's my footage of the gala yesterday. The highlights were the late afternoon runs up Eardington Bank with the Purple Bulleid, Jessie, and Hagley Hall filmed in the beautiful evening sun as well as the Black Five and the GWR Mogul 9351 sounding their echoes through the Highley Woods. I hope you enjoy the video.

 

I enjoyed this, great selection of shots - captured the essence of the day well.
Thanks for sharing.