Battlefield Line Winter Warmer Gala, 3-4 February 2024

The Battlefield Line's Winter Warmer Gala is returning in 2024 after a few years off over the weekend of February 3-4
The timetable is likely to include local trains and a freight or two as well as full line services.
Confirmed attendees so far are GWR Large Prairie tanks 5199 (Courtesy of the 5199 Project) and 4144 (Courtesy of the Great Western Society).

 

How many engines are exactly running at this event? Last time, they had 3.

Also, does anyone know the nearest main line station and possible hotel near the railway, somehow, I seem to favour this over the other February event.

 

Geographically, probably Hinckley. Practically, there's a bus from Leicester to Bosworth village (assume SuX).

 

As I understand it there are planned to be 3 locos in steam. Of course, I can't say anything more on that until any other attendees are formally confirmed and announced.

Hinckley, Nuneaton and Atherstone are all fairly close. There is a bus link from Atherstone to Shackerstone (Stagecoach Midlands No 7) which takes about half an hour, but I don't think it starts til about 10 on a Saturday. Or there's an Arriva Bus (I believe 153? Double check on Google maps) that runs hourly from Leicester to Market Bosworth and starts earlier in the day, but does take an hour. At events at Market Bosworth over the summer the railway also put on a free vintage bus service to Hinckley/Nuneaton so they may do that again for this, but I don't know - you're best contacting the railway about that.

As for hotels, Hinckley and Nuneaton are both big enough that there's probably a Premier Inn or something in at least one of them.

 

OK, cool.
Pendennis be too much to ask?

 

I'd

Given that I have absolutely no decision making power in what is coming, yes, it is too much to ask of me! Can't comment on whether it's too much to ask of the people who actually have the power to decide and book who is coming though.

 

Third guest, subject to successful completion of its running in programme, will be 6880 Betton Grange. Not an opportunity to be missed - likely 6880's first ever public passenger trains (unless they put some coaches behind her during her first steamings at Tyseley)
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=666737955622981&id=100068603472469

 

That’s a bit of a coup.

 

Wow, as Ian says that’s a bit of a coup, hope it all goes well.

 

It is, but it's only 6 weeks away and the loco hasn't steamed yet. Add in Christmas and New Year and it's really only a month to complete the loco, move it and get it tested. They might do it but it seems wildly optimistic to me.

 

If it’s not available, then just stick the name and number plates on any old GWR 4-6-0 and nobody will know the difference.

 

Will keep fingers crossed they get it done in time, but will go anyway, just thinking about the weather, when its bad out there it really is nasty.

 

We seem to be on the same wavelength Ian…

 

4144 has arrived at Shackerstone prior to the gala (see https://www.facebook.com/shackerstoneshentonmarketbosworth/posts/680520077578102).

In the comments section of the above post, the railway has also confirmed that they will be putting on a bus link between the railway and Nuneaton railway station for the duration of the gala, to make it easier for people to arrive by public transport. Timetable to be confirmed

(Also, yes, the loco does fit under the bridge while on the back of the low loader!)

 

Just a heads-up that ASLEF have today announced strikes that will affect West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast on Saturday 3rd Feb, which will affect trains through Nuneaton.
I'm just hoping there'll still be enough of a CrossCountry service to get there, as I was looking forward to making a first visit to the railway.

 

Heritage Rail mag reporting that 6880 will miss the gala due to work outstanding on the loco delaying its tests.

 

Had a feeling this was going to be the case unfortunately.

 

Unfortunately, but perhaps not unexpectedly, it has been confirmed that 6880 will not be ready in time to participate at the Winter Warmer Gala. The loco will still come to Shackerstone for testing and running in, but this will be after the gala. The railway are in the process of securing a replacement for the event
https://www.facebook.com/shackerstoneshentonmarketbosworth/posts/686614326968677