West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Finale"

Hi, I can not see a thread for this event so here goes, 9466 is down to run on the Looe branch on the 2 previous weekends to the WSR autumn gala, I was just wandering what the chances are of the WSR hiring 9466 and the mainline plated coaches on there return to the midlands, to work a steam service from Taunton to the WSR for the gala?, this would be the icing on the cake for me, for what is always a great gala, especially if there was a through Taunton/Minehead working during the gala!

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

7828 Odney Manor and 6960 Raveningham Hall are expected to run at the Autumn Steam Gala. Info from www.wsr.org.uk

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

I like the sound of that already!

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

It will certainly be good to see and hear a resident Manor back in action on the line.

Paul

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

Awesome News!! Don't suppose there's any chance of a Blue King joining the party?

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

Just a note of caution - the news item said "However it is hoped to have BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor and GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall as two of the attractions." As many know, at the time of writing both are undergoing overhaul. Next month, the Special Events Team have promised more information on the Autumn Gala.

Steve
(WSW)

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

A steam powered Lydeard-Taunton shuttle would be a fantastic attraction. I will forward your idea to the Special Event Team. Ta.

Steve
(WSW)

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

This idea has been mooted before & I believe it nearly happened in march 2007. More than one loco is probably needed though as "topping & tailing" would almost certainly be necessary - running round at Taunton would probably be too complicated to path.

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

Indeed. That would be the first pre-requisite. Idea now logged for tabling at future SEPT meeting.

Steve
(WSW)

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

I remember the last big GWR gala the WSR had in March 2005 I believe, with 10 different GWR or GWR type locos running, I wonder with the October gala if they will try and better this?. How many different types of GWR loco are running this year, and will the WSR try and get as many of these different types together?, that would truely make it a GWR 175 finale then!. I would personally love to see all of the loco`s that do attend and run at the gala gathered together at Minehead shed either before or after the gala so that ther is a chance to see all of the loco`s and get photo`s of them, something that always seems a struggle while visiting the gala its self, would others pay for a shed/works style open day at Minehead I wonder?,

regards George

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

One of the problems withbringing lots of engines in for galas is finding meaningful work for them all when limited paths and sets of coaches are available. People have moaned inthe past because not all engines were used every day - you can't please everyone all of the time!

 

Re: West Somerset Railway Autumn steam gala 30th Sept to 3rd Oct" GWR 175 - the Final

No. Then just try to please the most!
Ten or so Western engines at MD for a few hours would be a great sight! Just like the shed scenes of years ago. All those chimney's & safety valve bonnets & cabs glimpsed in amongst the others!