Watercress Line Diesel Gala: 12th-14th July 2024.

Locomotives
Visiting locos:

• Class 50 50008 “Thunderer”, courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail Services Solutions Ltd.

• Class 50 50021 "Rodney" courtesy of 50021 owners Ltd.

• A Class 59 locomotive, courtesy of Freightliner Ltd

• Ex BR Class 438 fixed formation 4TC DTSO 76324, TBSK 70823, TFK 71163, DTSO 76297

• A pair of Class 43 locomotives, courtesy of RailAdventure UK Ltd.

• More visiting loco announcements to come.

Home-fleet locos:

• Class 11 12082

• Class 08 08288 “Phoenix”

• Class 08 D3462 (08377)

• Class 20 D8059 (20059)

• Class 20 D8188 (20188)

• Class 47 47579 “James Nightall GC”

Home-fleet locos on display:

• Class 08 08032 (13044 / 3044)

• Class 50 50027 “Lion

 

Pair of RailAdventure HST power cars now confirmed on the website.

"We are absolutely delighted to announce that our latest visitors for the July Diesel Gala have been confirmed as a pair of Class 43 locomotives, courtesy of our friends at RailAdventure UK Ltd. An absolute first for the Watercress Line."

 

Impressive booking for the Gala.
This is the livery that the power cars are in (Not my picture).

 

Yes, and a HST is definitely a first for the Mid-Hants!

 

I'm guessing they will have their own set right?
Only... I don't see a set of MK1's being sandwiched between them.

 

At other galas they've attended, the RailAdventure HST power cars have been coupled back-to-back (basically working as double-headed engines) and used on any air braked rake. So at this one I'm assuming they'll be on the visiting TC set.

At the Severn Valley last month I think you had both methods of operation - a Colas HST set that was power cars on ex Cross Country Mk3s, and a RailAdventure pair operating on the air braked stock LSL had loaned for the event.

They'll certainly be a nice novelty for the Mid-Hants. Personally I'm there for 50008 and I'm hoping the 20s might get some solo runs as I don't think there's a lot in diesel preservation that's louder than a solo 20 out of Alton.

 

With load 4 even it’s basically full power from the point the point the tail lamp clears the signal box with an easing over the Butts. With load 5 it’s basically flat out all the way for the full 15mins section. Some 20s will just keep to 25, and some won’t quite. The turbo is definitely warm by the time you shut off for the summit!

 

Had load five and dead 50 on the rear at a previous diesel gala, that was certainly a slog and sounded a treat!

 

Path in for the 50 + 4TC arrival. Supposedly a private charter hence the 1Z headcode
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U16140/2024-07-11/detailed

 

50021 "Rodney" added to the line up! Also Class 59 from Freightliner.

 

watercressline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Diesel-Gala-PTT.pdf

 

20s aren’t my thing but that was pretty good I thought!

 

Special invite charter yeah.

 

PTG? featuring 50021 too?

 

I wasn’t offered a seat by anyone in the PTG but it maybe?
Although I’m sure it was a 1z50 headcode before 50021 was agreed.

 

Does anyone know when the HST power cars are on the move to the Watercress Line?

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Haven't seen anything. Currently the only path into Alton is still 1Z50 on Thursday unless they are involved in that move.

 

Class 59 arrival now appeared.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R11060/2024-07-11/detailed

 

Path is in for the HST power cars:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R19231/2024-07-11/detailed

 

Excellent. Thanks for the heads up. I should be able to nip out during my lunch break at work to see them if they are on time.

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