K&ESR ANNOUNCES “THE LAST TRAIN’S GONE” GALA!

Both the visiting engines will face chimney towards Tenterden. In the case of the 01 this is because the water columns / towers are not in the right place to allow a tender engine to face the other way without restricting the length of loops or fouling the board crossing at Northiam.
We will however have the P Class 753 facing chimney towards Bodiam, and Terrier No 3 is being turned specially for the gala to face chimney towards Bodiam.
With No 3 facing Bodiam, it means that Martello has to face chimney towards Tenterden so the pairings for the recreation trains on the Monday are right.

 

That's why I always advocate locos going bunker/tender first uphill if you only have a bank in one direction. Less likely to accidentally uncover the crown when you get to the top.

 

Only a coupe of days left to go. Loads of shunting going on to get stock to the right places.

Still spaces left on the brake van trips & the Fish & Chip special... go to the website to book now...http://www.kesr.org.uk/ DON'T leave it till the day as you might run out of luck!!

 

Here's a taster of what to look forward to at the w/e, the SECR 01 on yesterday's excellent charter. Also I must say my Dad and I bought the sourvenir gala guide for just £2:50 and it's brilliant. A full colour photo booklet with loads of information about the history of the railway and timetable. It's put the Bluebell's past gala photocopied paper timetables, which costs the same price, to absolute shame!

 

Here's a few photos taken on the 01's test run on 23rd April. Back home at last! http://petes.photobook.org.uk/c1687014.html

 

The O1 during a photographic charter today.

[attachment=0:2tfkh00z]P4301450r.JPG[/attachment:2tfkh00z]

More pictures from today here: http://phil-edwards.photobook.org.uk/c1690394.html

 

Fantastic!!!!

Will deffo pop along for this. Does the O1 cope with Tenterden bank ok? I assume 5 mk1's would be a bit much?? Would look great on the 3 olive green Maunsell coaches!!

 

Fantastic!!!!

Will deffo pop along for this. Does the O1 cope with Tenterden bank ok? I assume 5 mk1's would be a bit much?? Would look great on the 3 olive green Maunsell coaches!!

 

I've heard there's going to be a 5'' gauge live steam, Southern C2X steaming in Northiam car park too, offering rides so that'll definitely be worth going along to see, along with all the other action that's going to be taking place along the line.

MT

 

I was the guard on the load test, we had 3 Mk 1's and rattled up the hill quite nicely. It would easily have taken 4, but has been restricted to 100t max whilst here.

It does indeed work the 3 Maunsells on the 15:20 ex Bodiam on Saturday.. =P~

 

If last years gala is anything to go by, this should be cracking long weekend.

I hope to be down for 3 days of fun

 

Can anyone tell me what the diagram is for the 01 on Sunday? Please PM me if you don't want it made public.

Regards,

Dave G.

 

Just got back home and have to say the K&ESR boys produced an excellent days' gala. For me the stars of the show was 32678 on the BR goods wagons and the USA Tank on the Breakdown Train. Well down everyone involved for producing a brilliant gala with great variety. =D> =D>

If only the Bluebell would have allowed Stepney to have been painted lined black before it's ticket had expired, it would have look superb just like 32678 does. Sorry Chris I'll duck behind a brick wall to dodge your grenades!! lol \/

 

An excellent day all round, I expect it will only get better... will be back tomorrow!


A few of my photographic offerings (including above) can be found here:
http://www.thestig.co.uk

Let me know what you think!

Steve

 

Cracking pics Steve, it's always nice to see photos of the things that those of us working at these events often miss. Thanks for sharing them.

 

I went to the KESR today and what a marvellous event it is. The sound of those small engines flogging up Tenterden bank is truly amazing! I have edited my video and I'll put it up on YouTube tomorrow morning.

Anybody who's in doubt about going to this one should put their doubts aside and go. It's really good, very special.

Regards

 

Glad you enjoyed your visits. There is more and different today and Monday!

As a taster, here are pictures of the breakdown train.

[attachment=1:12pw9hjp]breakdown train.jpg[/attachment:12pw9hjp]

[attachment=0:12pw9hjp]riding coach.jpg[/attachment:12pw9hjp]

 

My video of yesterday's happenings can be viewed on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/user/PenrithBeacon

Regards

 

My pics of yesterday are now up at:

http://jedwards.fotopic.net/c1691778.html

It was a great day yesterday, and congratulations must go to the organisers.

 

A few more from this morning are now online including these two...





http://www.thestig.co.uk/LTG2

Another great day, with lots of variety... and walking!

Let me know your thoughts!

Steve