Llangollen Railway Autumn Steam Gala

I suppose much of it comes down to what were your own youthful experiences. I was around in the time when diesels were very much taking over, but you could find working steam if you looked hard enough. Often this meant turning up somewhere to learn that the line had been dieselised a week ago, but there might be a steam working if the diesel had broken down, or maybe freight remained steam until it got withdrawn. For example, Bridport in 1965 - diesel railcar worked, but an Ivatt tank on the goods in the morning. So, to me, a mixed steam/diesel gala is very authentic, and I welcome a D95xx anyway.

 

Oh well. Anyone out there still looking for a B&B has just come into some luck...

 

.....and one more space in the bar!

 

Yes, that is very important....

 

A few years ago I had the misfortune of bumping into what I'll refer to as a crusty old steam veg on the W&LLR on one of their steam galas. He was regaling me on how important he was, and he proudly announced that he hasn't photographed main line steam since BR did away with it in 1968, and he still refused to on point of principle. That's just terribly sad.

 

I guess you mean the Severn Valley when you say SVR. Now their gala is on the 24-26th September. The Swanage, Mid Hants, Llangollen and South Devon are each having their galas over the 10-12th September.

 

Thank you, Joshua, for pointing that out. When I did my wall calendar the info I had was that these events were to be held over the weekend of 25th-26th September. So, the MHR on Sunday, 12th September!

Regards

 

Updated Website advert for Llan 35
http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/Sarah Meade 35th Anniversary Gala.pdf

Also Saturday night Beer Fest Special Offer
http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/Sarah Meade - Real Ale Festival Sept 11th.pdf

The Beer Fest is open from Midday Friday and Saturday till 11pm. If there is any beer left on Sunday then we will open it till the beer runs out!

There is also an advert in the current editions of all the mags. Timetable is done and will be released asap. The Class 14 only does 2 round trips each day, one of them doubleheaded IIRC.

 

Timetable for the even is now also available

http://llangollen-railway.co.uk/Sarah Meade 35th Anniversary Gala.pdf

It seems like this year's freight isn't available to ride on, does anybody know the reasons for this?

Thanks,
Lewis

 

RE: Freight.

Sadly a lot of our vacuum braked stock needs some repairs, including the brake vans, and so we couldn't provide a decent fitted freight train. Hopefully this will return in the future though.

 

Good to see the timetable is up, I've heard the footplate roster will be posted out sometime this week for loco crews.

 

D9521 will be arriving at the Railway ahead of schedule. All being well, she will leave the Gwili Railway today and be with us by tomorrow.

 

Looking forward to the gala. Does anyone know if access to the shed area will be open as previously?

 

I'm assuming, as usual, all locos will be facing west...towards Carrog?

Cheers,
Lewis

 

Got my footplate roster through the post today. 3802 on Friday, and early shift on City of Truro on the Sunday.

 

Looking forward to lots of steam effects then

Lewis

 

Cleaner 4953 Friday, and Fireman 6430 Saturday. Hmm this could be fun!

Steam sheds should be open all weekend, though if visiting early morning please be aware there is going to be continuous shunting movements occuring and so care should be taken at all times.

 

Bit of bad news, but nothing LR can do.

 

I will be firing 5643 on Friday (as part of the youngest possible crew. Driver and fireman with a combined age of 48). And I am firing Truro on the Late turn on Saturday.

Not decided what to do for Sunday yet... Choices are Cleaner on Pitchford, Secondman on D9521, or sit in a suitable bar and sample some real ale!

 

Very much looking forward to this gala...hoping for more steam effects this time than at previous galas

Lewis