SVR Autumn Steam Gala on 23 -25 September 2011

I tend to go on the friday as usually quieter never have trouble getting a window in the front carriage.

 

That is of course the other option, for those that don't have anything else they have to do! (work etc,etc)

 

The other other option is to volunteer!

Patrick

 

There are other things to do in life! The cost of a weekend away is such at £300+ that if an event doesn't suit then I look elsewhere. I'm sure the followers of Tornado will be delighted by the engine's appearance at this gala, but for me there is an air display at Old Warden that weekend and the MHR and NYMR have their ASGs in the month too.

Regards

 

That is very true!

 

Bare in mind that the MHR gala isn't in September now and is at the end of October, and will also feature 60163.

I have to admit 60163 wont be the loco that interests me massively during the gala as i've seen it twice. 828 & 69023 'Joem' appeal far more to me. I don't doubt the trains hauled by 60163 will be packed, specially on the Sat/Sun but this is common during the SVR galas anyway. Many times i've been in a crowded coach where several people just have to stand by the toilets. I recall a train with the Super D with Pete Waterman in 2006 was extremely crowded so we got off as soon as possible.

 

Thank you for that, I've amended the calendar. There is plenty to do in October as well! I see KEII will be visiting the GCR 6-9th Oct, now that is the place to see Cl 8 steampower.

Regards

 

On a flat railway where it will be really pushing it to pull 6 coaches?

 

Surely the place to see Class 8 steam power is on the main line?

 

I understand where you're coming from but most railways have a practical limit of 7 vehicles and even up the NYMR's 1:49 the Cl 8 locos have problem with sounding as though they're working at a maximum speed of 25mph! Cl 8 & 9 engines make for a quiet gala and I would prefer to go elsewhere with my pennies. I'm quite sure that 'Tornado' will go up the Erdington and Bewdley banks as though they just didn't exist with seven on, and the chances are (well the possibility is) that the load will be less than that. Certainly, I've seen the Duchess, Lizzy and 'Union of South Africa' on the SVR banks and they just took them in their stride; no probs! The smaller engines, though, have to work.

The virtue of the GCR lies in the double track and the 45mph speed limit, that is why the Cl 8 locos fit in there

Regards

 

Although they can only ever reach 35mph when the public are present, and then only on the TPO at the GCR.

I sincerely doubt that 6023 will be quiet when it takes 8 up Eardington.

 

It seems to me that they've over-egged the pudding with 60163 attending the event. 6023 and 5029 are big enough names to draw in the crowds - particularly 6023. 828 and 69023 will provide something different and unique but 60163 smacks of pure greed. I'm sure the trains would have been full without her attendning and considering the cost of hiring in 828, 6023, 5029 and 69023, it seems a rather desperate move to corner the autumn gala market.

 

The GCR's doesn't, as far as I am aware, have a speed limit of 45mph for passenger trains - these are limited to 25mph the same as everywhere else. AFAIK, there is a slightly higher limit for the TPO demonstrations when the railway is open to the public. for test purposes, I believ the limit is 65mph or maybe even slightly more, but theRailway has to be closed to the public for this is apply.

That said, obviously the closing speed of two trains on the double track section can be up to 50mph, which will certainly heighten the impression of speed!

Steven

 

Tornado was booked to come at Easter but the trip was postponed due to her repairs. Her attendence at the Gala isn't a desperate act, but an opportunity in her busy calendar to rearrange her earlier visit

Patrick

 

I think it's brilliant what the SVR are offering and I for one cannot wait for it!

I really can't see some people's point of view with Tornado...would the feelings be the same if another big green Pacific turned up to compliment the arranged fleet? If the SVR can get the fantastic loco, then why shouldn't they exploit that fact and hopefully 'rake the cash in'? This gala is looking to become one of the best of the year in my opinion...

Lewis

 

Tornado's a money spinner, an engine to bring in the masses. Does the SVR want extremely busy trains that spoil the day of the customer and the enthusiast? There is plenty already lined up to bring in the crowds. A half-term appearance or bank holiday is a better time for Tornado to come to the SVR. Considering she visited last year anyway why not leave for another year to get better value out of her visits.

 

For my part, the answer would be "to an extent". It's not so much what the loco is, it's the sheer volume of crowds it'll bring. Obviously this is a winner for the valley, and it'd be daft for them to turn it down, but if it's too busy to comfortably stay on trains, move about and catch up with people, etc, it's not an enjoyable day. The loco lineup is only one part of a gala, and in this case I fear it will detract from the other elements of a day out. Most of us who go to galas will have at one time or another experienced a run that was uncomfortably packed - be it the first passenger run behind an 08/66, be it a big namer returning to steam for the first time, be it the only train between a flypast and a battle at a war weekend, etc. One run, it's something you can live with. 3 days solid, it's just too much!

For this reason (and the problems with class 8 pacifics as described by others above) I'm feeling increasingly inclined to wait for a normal running day with 1501 instead; a nice sociable atmosphere and a couple of round trips behind a great loco... That said, hopefully the gala will indeed be very busy and pay for itself easily.

 

It was October 2009 when she visited, so by September, it would be coming up to 2 years since Tornado visited.
Also, as mentioned before, the MHR have 60163 for October Half term.
Surely people haven't forgotten the SVR spring gala of 2009, when 5029, 71000, 70013 and 60007 all visited. Did these objecters object then?
For my part I like both the quiet runs of a normal timetable and the busy ones, especally the night running.

 

Prehaps the night time trains will be the only ones where you can get a seat!
Although, a do remember at the 2008 ASG the trains hauled by 'Earl of Berkley' were full to overflowing and we simply avoided that rake.

 

Similar to the 2010 one with City of Turo, the 6 coaches were packed, but it was nice see it full, and after all the GWR 3rd compartments can fit 8 in them, officially.