East Somerset Railway Steam Gala

Afternoon folks

A bit of a late note about the ESR's early summer steam gala this weekend (25/26 June 2011) featuring 5637, 47 'Moorbarrow and 1719 'Lady Nan'. The usual mix of passenger and freight services, with two passenger carrying freight trains running the length of the line each day, shunting demonstrations and 'Driver for a Fiver'. A fairly intensive day to tax the Operations team.

What is different this year is that we are also planning to bring out the E1 to join the occasion. She has been looking in a sorry state for a while now, and earlier this year went into the shed for some general tlc and a cosmetic overhaul to BR Black as 32110, a job completed this afternoon. Whilst obviously not a runner (she hasn’t steamed since 1997, although plans are afoot to change this), she will be out and about around Cranmore Depot and Cranmore Station, in the sunshine, providing a number of interesting photographic opportunities with an engine that has been out of the limelight for a bit too long.

All the info, including timetable, at www.eastsomersetrailway.com

Regards

Gavin Moore
East Somerset Railway

 

Sounds like a great gala!

I visited a similar event last September, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The ESR have a fantastic collection of restored vac-braked wagons, meaning that some impressive goods rakes can be formed up - the ESR have a very active wagon restoration group, that many other railways would be envious of. The cost of the rover was worth it just for the blast up the bank to Merryfield Lane with the goods, from the leading van!

Some impressive slick shunting also takes place between Cranmore and Cranmore West - if you like lots of activity and operational interest, this is a great event to ride/photograph. Great to hear that the E1 will be on display too. Who actually owns this locomotive? Looking forward to seeing it in its new colours.

I'm travelling back from Southampton on the Sunday, and hope to pop into this event in the afternoon, all being well.

Cheers,

Phil.

 

Spent Saturday afternoon at the Gala, and had a good time. A couple of films are here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrQwGACtO74

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKzwcEGz7ho