Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala 14th-17th September 2023

Hi Harry

Just to say how much I enjoyed this gala; thank you so much to both the planners and all on duty.
Of course you will conduct a review, as is standard, but don’t lose the imaginative and bold spirit which makes SVR galas what they are and which made this gala in particular so attractive. While late running is not ideal, most people who attend a gala can see if things are starting to run late and will amend their plans accordingly to ensure they meet main line connections or set off home in time.
Thanks again for a truly wonderful event.

 

We had three hours or so at Highley over lunchtime on Saturday and there was barely a moment there when there wasn’t a train moving around. Great to watch and the timetable was much more interesting than previous years, albeit clearly with issues. Just back from a great couple of days thanks to all involved!

 

I had a wonderful time at the SVR Gala on Friday and Saturday.

I will echo comments that losing time at a gala is unavoidable and I would go as far as to say it's a requirement! Galas are supposed to be busy and that means not having much recovery time, as soon as everything is ready you want trains to be on their way. I had no issues at all with the delays even if they were getting to 1 hour or over by the time I left.

I suppose if anything needed more recovery time it's the overnight trains. That's the biggest difference between an SVR Gala and every other I've been to. There is little chance for delays from the day before to be gained back so there is a fresh start the next day if you are running through the night as well.

 

The problem with timetables collapsing is that it precludes the chopping and changing trips. Ie the Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade then back to Bridgnorth etc etc. You can’t do that if you don’t know what is appearing when.

Anyway, nothing ventured, nothing learnt and the staff were great and the stock tip top. The GRA exhibition at Kiddie was excellent as well.

Impressed with the B1 smooth running and seemed better matched to the task than the Bullied.

Onwards to diesels




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Day 1 of 3 - Friday

 

I visited on Saturday and had a lovely time, it was a shame about the timetabling issues. Sometimes these things can't be helped.

The B1 looked and sounded superb! Less can be said for the S160 it looked and sounded like a bag of nails, looks like it could do with some TLC.

I be back for the spring steam gala.

 

I was told the s160 has only been steamed 30 days in 4 years at Dartmouth, the rest of the time it has been sat outside in the elements.

 

I went of Friday and had a really enjoyable day. The timetable was very good and allowed lots of different journey options. Please don't change this too much in future years, perhaps just get the crews to practice shunting and running round a bit quicker? ! (tongue firmly in cheek)

 

That was pretty obvious! Does make the hire by the SVR seem a bit strange for a loco that sees so little use.

 

As one of the people who sits on the Steam Gala group, just like to say on behalf of all of us a very big Thankyou to all of you who attended this weekend. We all had great fun putting on a show for you, just apologies about the late running!

Looking forward to Spring already!

 

Well we already know there's a proper engine lined up for that so looks good

 

Thanks, Harry.

It was a very good gala.

 

As usual a superb show onboard and at the lineside. Highlights were Fridays S160 run up Eardington and the unforgettable assault of Eardington Bank by 7714 on the Sunday. The double headed run by the Ivatt and Flying Pig looked and sounded great too. The homefleet as ever were faultless !

I hope you enjoy.

 

Can't say it didn't have rarity value! Seemed very popular with the visitors.