Dean Forest Steam Gala 2 & 3 November

Timetable now available, same both days, no replacement for 9466 so the total line up is -

GWR 66xx no. 6695 visiting
GWR Small Prairie no. 5541
BR(W) Pannier no. 9681
Newly overhauled Peckett no. 2147 'Uskmouth I' making its public debut returning to steam for the first time since 1993.

Seems the freight train is not rideable but brake van rides available with the Peckett at Parkend throughout the day. EDIT - now brake van rides will take place from Norchard Low Level platform.

Day rover £28. There is a £5 off deal if also going to the AVR gala, details on the website.

A reminder this is 5541's last season in traffic with the boiler certificate set to expire on 31st December, and she won't be back in traffic until at least 2029.

 

Still a decent line-up.

 

6695 has arrived at Norchard and is facing towards Parkend.

 

Brake van rides are now at Norchard Low Level rather than Parkend, Uskmouth had a run up to Parkend on Thursday and had a slight issue so seems playing it safe and sticking to Norchard.

 

Timetable (I believe) has since been updated

 

Had a good day at the railway today, can't go wrong with GWR tanks in the Autumnal Forest and Uskmouth looked great with some spirited brake van rides on offer!

 

Plenty of movement. I do question the decision to put the freight train out to Parkend but not letting passengers on the brake van; heard a few passengers comment on that. Timetable didn't have any slack in it - by my reckoning it was almost 50 late by the last departure to Parkend by which point the light had well and truly gone for photographs before heading off.

Having been involved in gala planning at places myself I fully get the challenges involved. Hopefully a better day tomorrow.

 

Simply down to not having enough brake vans serviceable at the moment.

I believe the original intention was that Uskmouth was going to be used on Saloon rides rather than brake van rides, but 80943 is unavailable.

The DFR have two brake vans under restoration at the moment, the ex GWRPG Toad 17488 is in the shed at Norchard being rebuilt and a former Midland van 732400 is off site nearing completion. Once returned, this should help the situation.

 

I had an enjoyable day at DFR yesterday - shamefully my first visit since April 1992!! I'd forgotten how atmospheric this railway can be with acoustics to match.
The Pecket 'Uskmouth' looked very spartan and must have the sharpest and loudest whistle of any steam loco relative to size. A big thank you for all who worked to make the day what it was.

 

It is virtually a completely different railway to the one of 1992!

 

Yes, most definitely. I had to completely re-familiarise myself and couldn't remember much from last time. I don't think the line ran to Lydney in 1992?

 

Yeah not quite. The running line was as far as Lydney Lakeside, which is now the disused St Marys Halt, from 1991 to 1995.

 

A few snaps of the Forest Fifty-six-hundred, earlier today.

 

The railway's facebook has announced next year's Royal Forest of Steam will take place over Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November - add those dates to your diaries!

 

A couple of shots of 6695 during its gala visit to the DFR.

 

My offering from the Sunday. I hope you enjoy it