The Great K&ESR Gala Weekend 30th April - 2nd May 2011

Cheers for that.

 

This will be my first K&ESR event visit and I can't seem to find, or any mention of the bus times, from Headcorn station on the Monday. Are the railway going to run them this year? Has anybody used them before and can remember what time the first one and last one back is at roughly?

 

The buses from Headcorn will be at....
08:45, 09:45, 10:45 & 11:45 on Sunday and Monday
They will connect with the 08:23, 09:23 & 10:23 from Charing Cross. Note there are engineering works so a change of train MAY be required at Tonbridge.

Buses return to Headcorn at 16:00,17:00,18:00 & 19:00 to connect with trains to London

It should be on the website, but appears to have been overlooked. I'll get that changed asap

 

Not 100% certain, but if you happen to be in the area on the 11th June......................

 

Thanks for the info, I can plan my way there and back now. Roughly how long does it take the bus each way? Also is there a charge for using the service?

 

this looks to be one gala not to miss, city of truro, and the possibility of 2 black terriers is worth it just for that, but when you think that its going to be a case of everything that is servicable could be out, then what else could you hope for im defo going to attending at least one day , so i guess we had better get a move on with 32670 all being well im going to try and get some shots this week as the transformation takes place

 

Just to avoid any confusion, I assume that those are the times of arrivals at Headcorn from Charing Cross, not the times of trains from Charing Cross. (I think 22 minutes CX to Headcorn would be a bit of a lively run!) EDIT: Just noticed there are 4 buses connecting off 3 train times, I presume there is also a 11:23 arrival at Headcorn from CX?

 

No charge, but I'm sure the driver would appreciate a donation towards the up keep of the vehicle (They are presevred buses). The bus takes approx 30 - 40 mins (traffic dependant).

 

It's still a few weeks away but the plan is to steam 8 locomotives each day - including Truro and TWO black Terriers.

Marcia IS scheduled to be in action on Saturday and Sunday.

 

And there WILL be 2 black terriers just incase anyone is unsure, No3 is no more, 32670 is now in black undercoat with the gloss hopefully being done next week

 

Owing to a technical fault, the FORD will now not be in servcie on the Monday, however the Crompton will put an appearance in for 1 trip. Also MArcia is not going to be ready to enter traffic in time for the gala. However, Monday will now see the two black terriers paired up ALL day

 

Is the Crompton still expected to work on the Saturday? Is it expected to do both trains shown as diesel in the published timetable or just one of them? If so, which?

Thanks a lot

 

The Crompton is due to work both diesel-hauled round trips on Saturday and will one trip each way on Monday

As Noisynoel says Marcia may not be ready - we're still awaiting confirmation one way or the other from the loco dept.

 

Fresh from the paintshop today, just in time for the gala, No 3 Bodiam has returned to BR black as 32670 and for the first time ever in preservation, not one but two BR black Terriers will be in service together!! you don't want to miss this!

 

Wow, 32670 looks stunning. My Dad and I are really looking forward to this weekend so fingers crossed for some good weather.

 

Has Truro arrived yet?

 

Yes she has, before Easter. Has also been steam tested in the yard.

re MARCIA the word was last Monday that she was due for a test on Thursday (Tomorrow)

 

Cool. Any clue as to what other mainline locos can be expected in the future?

 

32662 Martello is coming in June

 

Hopefully we will continue to hire in locos from time to time, especially for Galas. However loco hire and transport is getting expensive and we do need a financial return to keep hiring locos in. Hopefully if people like to see visiting engines on the K&ESR they will support us and buy tickets to ride behind them so we can keep hiring them. We've got some ideas for next year, most important at the moment is to make sure this gala is a great success. See you there!!!