GWSR General Discussion and Operations

Just a bit earlier - moved in October 1978. I think (apart from structural mergers that saw the then owning group merge with the Maunsell Locomotive Society) it was renewal on the Bristol - Birmingham line that removed the ready access to the Dowty site and threatened to leave rolling stock there cut off if they didn't move.

Tom

 

True.
You know I have always wanted to know what actually ran on the MSWJ and DN&S, yet can only find very little information.

 

This is quite a good online resource on the M&SWJR

http://www.swindonsotherrailway.co.uk/

Tom

 

Just been looking at the two wagons that hold the reserve coal in Toddjngton yard that have been painted up to represent local coal merchant wagons. Yes I know not authentic vehicles before someone has a moan but what a great idea to brighten up the yard.

Big slap on the backs of those concerned for taking the initiative rather than just moaning about derelict looking stock as a back drop. I think it would put a smile on most peoples faces if seen on a small freight working.

Already working on other stock including a macaw, toad and ....? They certainly have a good work ethic especially as all unpaid in their carriage and wagon works.

 

I think @flying scotsman123 of this parish will have had a major hand in the painting/signwriting

 

Thank you, yes as @ghost says the signwriting is my handiwork, not done anything quite this big and extensive before and it's taking me quite a while! As you say, not authentic, but there's not really anything authentic we *can* do with those, so thought we'd have a bit of fun. Genuine local coal merchants liveries though. Although the original brief was just to make them look pretty, now that we've nearly finished we stood back and thought "hmm, well actually..." so we've started to make them fit to run as well

 

Back to the Gala guessing - how about s Schools and a Standard Class 8 pacific? (or maybe (if it is ready by then) a Grange for the Gloucester leg?

 

I'm led to believe that 'Cheltenham' is due for withdrawal towards the end of this year, so unless an extension to its ticket is granted, I can't see it visiting for the gala unfortunately.

Similarly, I understand the vast majority of owning groups whose locos are mainline performers aren't overly keen on the idea of having them transported by road to other railways; I therefore wouldn't get your hopes up regarding the 'Duke' visiting Toddington, but as the saying goes, never say never...

Granges were regular performers on the line during the steam era, indeed there are photographs on the GWSR's website of several class members on the line towards the end of steam on the Western Region. 6880 would therefore be a most ideal choice for the gala's theme, but that'll depend on whether the 'Grange' is in a fit state to run by then, as well as the owning group's wishes in regards to where the loco is based initially.

 

There is Repton at NYMR...and yeah Cheltenham goes out of ticket in a few weeks

 

I don't think it would be the first time "Repton" has been renamed "Cheltenham"! - but, like the "Gloucester" aspect, I was just guessing, like everyone else!

 

Now what would go with those lovely painted coal wagons.

 

We'll have to see.
Although, I think it will be more GWR and LMS, judging by the evidence published in books about the railway's of that area.

 

A couple of shots of 7903 ‘Foremarke Hall’ in action today.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

On the line today, 7903 on the steamer and the TTI has apologised for how busy the train is - good to see.

I like the coal wagons too!

 

It has been officially announced on FaceAche, both the theme and the date.
YYAAYY!! I'M NOT CRAZY!!

 

Just a reminder that before we get to next year's Cotswold Festival of Steam we have our Mixed Traction gala in a month's time 29th-30th October, tickets are cheaper if you buy them online. A chance for us to get all the toys out of the box one last time before Christmas and then the close season. Seeing as they've been mentioned I feel obliged to post a picture of our two coal wagons, the Winchcombe one still only about half done:



Pending FTR exams and through-piping being completed in time, hopefully these will run in our demo goods train over the weekend where you can enjoy a brake van ride in either the GWR Toad or SR Queen Mary.

 

Calm down! We didn't say you were!

 

When is the timetable likely to be available for the October mixed traffic gala?

 

As soon as I've finished proof-reading it! Should be imminent, it's all but done.