SVR Spring Steam Gala - 18th-21st April 2025

Because it is running in "1960's condition" for the gala, hence the "Danny's bull" white front end paintwork. Requires a bit of artistic licence given it's otherwise ex-works paintwork.

 

Seemed very lightly loaded and attended today particularly for a gala Saturday at least in the afternoon when I was there. Probably counted about 10 people getting off the 18:00 arrival into Hampton Loade.

 

Ended up being “promoted” from spare fireman to fireman, and got a 2nd go on the 10A machine. Fantastic engine, and a really pleasure to work on.

Just for reference, and so people can gauge the “quiet-ness” we’ve broken even on the event this afternoon/evening, so it can’t be all that bad.

 

Lets not forget that the gala is over 4 days rather than 3 (+preview), so passenger attendance will be diluted.
Looking forward to tomorrow!

 

Wonderful photograph and good news re the event. Sadly, workload prevents me from attending as had been my plan.

 

Not bad for a phone shot in between chucking coal!

 

Good to hear although there is nobody on the platforms in your photograph...

 

Good day at the SVR yesterday.
I'd echo what other people were saying about being quieter than usual. I never had a problem getting either a whole table, or at least a pair of seats to myself, but I'm glad to hear that it is still looking good from a financial POV. Highley certainly felt a lot more relaxed as well, normally it can be an awful scrum with a short narrow platform and crowds boarding/alighting for the Engine House.

The timetable seemed to work well and although the waits at Bewdley were a bit frustrating, it did seem to keep everything running to time all day, rare for a gala!

Hampton Loade seemed to cope well with the terminating trains, and I'm sure the refreshment kiosk did a roaring trade.

The Jubilees and Grange certainly made their presence felt on the bits of line where they could open up a bit.

Well done to the SVR team for pulling a great event out of the hat given the difficult circumstances. Looking forward to the next one!

 

Thanks for the explanation but as you say, the loco is far too clean for a 1960s look!

 

Thank you to Harry and all the SVR team for a fantastic gala. My three days are up and now on the long way home to London and beyond. This weekend meant a lot more to me personally than some would think and was a much needed break from home.

 

Just read 'all stop' due to a line side fire in the tunnel between Kiddy and Bewdley, fire brigade in attendance

 

We’d been there 5 mins, 2200 at night. Waited for most
People to clear to prevent movement in the pic.

 

Open again

 

Good news!!

 

7812 has arrived as light engine at Bewdley.

 

How can you have a fire in a tunnel which is made of/through masonry?
They're also typically very damp.

 

T'was just north of the tunnel, quite a sizable patch if it was all new burning I saw when we got going again.

Sent from my PGT-N19 using Tapatalk

 

It was on the approach to the tunnel coming up from Bewdley. Two fire appliances were in attendance.