[Apr 18, 2024] Severn Valley Railway 2024 Spring Steam Gala (Severn Valley Railway)

Do I possibly sense all three of the Bluebell's branch line guests running together in the same place BEFORE that event then?

 

So the loco Roster for the SDR would have you believe......

 

https://www.southdevonrailwayassociation.org/News-and-Press-Releases/Loco-Roster-April-2k24.html#8

 

29 loaded up at the moors today ready to head to the SVR

 

I notice that it's having a washout as soon as it returns home - presumably to disinfect it after its visit to the Midlands.

 

Also prior to its visit to Bluebell.

 

You mean after it’s returned from a civilised part of the world?

 

That's a shame, 813 hauling the goods train was a real attraction for me. But assuming 1369 is coming instead that's a good replacement, well done to the railway for securing that at short notice.

I have to say I do really appreciate the information Harry provides on here. When it comes to the Grange, as he has said it's not his place to say or speculate in the absence of official announcements.
I think it's clear the timescales for it to be hauling trains at the gala are short, and likely unrealistic. Any one who's been following and pre-booked tickets for the gala should know that too, though granted they probably bought their tickets longer in advance than today.

 

1369 should feature on the goods at some point, although it’s not a straightforward swap with 813 completely.

We are madly working away to get the final bits done now, we’ve still had no official word for 6880 either so I can’t give you any update on that.

Thanks for the comments. It’s much appreciated and we are really looking forward to this event.

 

I am surprised that the SVR are still prepared to the risk of running the Grange at the gala. If something runs hot for example and the loco fails on a train it could heavily delay trains and lead to a lot of unhappy people.

Its probably a bit unfair on you guys that the Grange group are still saying it will run when they probably know that it wont! Happy to be proved wrong!

 

It reaches a point where the phrase 'subject to availability' is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

 

ill Manors was a fantastic album (and also had a film made, it was basically a soundtrack album but still great standalone), and his tour of that album is the greatest gig I've ever been to, still talked about now between myself and my 3 mates who went that night on a regular basis.
The whole set-up, from the support acts of Rudimental and Labrinth, the MGM lion appearing at the beginning and the crowd singing the drumroll tune (as the stage was set up like a cinema with popcorn boxes and a screen), the beatboxing half way through in the change between albums, amazing stuff. £35, great value.

It's just a shame the follow up to The Defamation of Strickland Banks never happened, The Ballad of Belmarsh, focusing on Strickland's time in prison, that would've been interesting.

Also, his last album Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Lose I very much enjoy and enjoyed the live performance of.

 

Shouldn't the SVR be pressing the 6880 people for an update? It may be that the SVR are feeling let down about this as it's them who are going to get the complaints if it doesn't turn up or turns up and is only on static display. To be honest, with only one week to go and no sign of 6880 having turned a wheel yet, I think the chances of it actually working trains at the gala are virtually zero.

 

This got a hearty chuckle from me Matt.

 

There must also be a deadline surely. For the 6880 group to let SVR know whether its coming or not.

 

17th April most likely

 

I’m just glad somebody got it Paul

 

Ref 6880 there is a deadline and again that’s not for me or anyone to publish here. We’re not trying to be cloak and dagger we are simply working within the terms and conditions set out. We have to remember it doesn’t just affect us. It’s far more complex than it would appear to most, as decisions taken have repercussions elsewhere that most are not privy too.

I can tell you we’ve now sent off our final version of the WTT and event plan. 1369s diagram is written and it’s a very good one, given that we only got confirmation of this coming yesterday, we’ve done pretty well to get it all put in!

It also has simple “Plan B changes” should 6880 not be available, which are now in place IF they should be required.

I really would ask people to please stick with us. It really is a good event we have lined up, and we are looking forward to delivering it. We’d be fairly dissapointed if the turnout wasn’t as expected, given the large chunk of work that’s gone in

 

Hate to be Mister Negative again Harry, but can I ask the other awkward question and that’s have lessons been learned from the various problems that dogged the timetable at ASG last year? Sorry to be a PITA but it did come up in conversation with a friend over the weekend.
They weren’t fussed about the line up but and I quote ‘I just hope they don’t end up four f***king hours late this time’