Steel Steam and Stars III

Reading through that old thread, it would seem those that created the "buzz" are the ones no longer involved.

Plus at SSS2 you had a BR Dukedog for the first time since BR Days, first pairing of a LNER D49 and B1 in recent years, one of the first steamings of 6100, the list went on.

What have we got for this one? 60163 as been there and done it, no offence to the achievement of her but she not exactly a rare cop now is she? Plus she wasn't built for working on single line secondary lines so we wont see her at her best so to speak on just 4/5 coaches.

70000, ok first gala in green, but will that bring the masses in? 828 will have only just appeared at the SVR with more appropriate stock, the LNWR pair have just worked together at KWVR, and the N2 has been anywhere and everywhere since her latest overhaul was finished. Where is the unique selling point?

The first weekend coincides with Calbourne's visit to Bodmin, working alongside 30120 & 30587 all in BR livery.

During the entire SSS3 event there is GBV. Streaks along the ECML, 46115 to Inverness, 6233 over Beattock plus 2x Bulleids to Cornwall. Second weekend also sees 5043 attack the South Devon Banks solo for the first time in preservation. Sorry, but all of that is rather more tempting than what is on offer at SSS3.

The message in that old thread was "For enthusiasts, by enthusiasts." This time it seems to be get as many big namers as you can and hope they'll draw the crowds. I hope it does, as I'd hate to see the event be a failure for the Society. But as people are noticing, something just isn't the same as was with the last 2 events.

 

So for someone with 6880 in your signature, your not supporting the event. Surely you wouldn't support the society or project, if your not interested in their events...

 

It seems to me that he's speaking as an enthusiast who's willing to travel the country and is expecting something new on offer. Many enthusiasts don't have the time or money to do this, and only a minority of the potential visitors are committed enthusiasts. I think Tornado will be a huge draw, it'll be its first visit to the region. Personally I'll be going for the LNWR pair, had a ride behind them last weekend but that doesn't stop me wanting more

 

I can have a very good guess!!!

 

I think you are correct there. I wouldn't even like to think of the traveling costs of getting to each place in that list!!!

Whats wrong with the line up though! 70000, The coal tank and the super D are all types of loco that used to work up the North Wales coast and all the associated branches off that. And (apart from the Brit) this is the closest they are going to get to where they would have worked. The LNWR worked down to Corwen.

The LNER pair have their place aswell. Tornado, because it still has the pulling power to bring 'normal' people in to the event, and the N2 as its something never seen before in north Wales. Anyway, the LNER used to run into Wrexham along the Bidston line.

 

To get to Llangollen costs me a fair bit in fuel and if I were to stay overnight then there is lodgings, meals etc to be included. Now I'm willing to do all that if the product on offer is to my liking. With regards to 6880 I have paid into the Society, but that doesn't mean I must attend SSS3. No point paying all the costs out to attend an event that doesn't excite me too much.

I like to see little engines being challenged, and have something different on offer at the same time. For example I have seen the N2 NNR, Swanage, GCR and NYMR. It's lost its excitement now even if it is a nice loco. Yet Calbourne on the mainland is something different. Seeing big Pacifics haul 4/5 coaches up a 1.5mile bank before shutting off for 6 isn't that exciting either. Sorry, just nothing to get that excited about IMO.

Its doubtful I'll be going everywhere I listed, but seeing as there is quite a bit going on in Cornwall both weekends then that looks to be the place to be for this week. I was merely attempting to show what else was on offer at the same time as SSS3, and what you are competing with. Just because there's been 2 succesful events before does not automatically mean the third will be equally succesful.

 

No, very true, but they do have the advantage of having an established "brand" within the industry now, which is important. People now have certain (very high) expectations from a SSS gala, just as they do for an SVR/NYMR/WSR ASG. Thats a double edged sword though, because yes the brand will draw people in because they know what to expect but if it doesnt live up to the standards of the previous two galas then there will be a lot of unhappy people and a moniker that suddenly means much less.

Just to clarify, I'm not saying that I expect it to fail, merely that there is a lot riding on it, as those involved I'm sure are aware. I'll be there for a day or two. As I see it, it's worth putting aside the politics to support a very good cause.

 

instead of the big names I would of preferred to see something else... like 30587 from Bodmin or the S15 from the NYMR or something else southern but the A1 and 70000 will look out of place on a single line track as has been said before. None the less im still looking forward to it

 

I for one cannot wait! At the end of the day it's 9 days of 'non stop' steam action! What could be better?

Thanks,
Lewis

 

I started the original SSS thread on Nat Pres way back in 2006.

That thread went on and on, with ever gathering enthusiasm from many NP members and so many pages!!

The originality of the SSS concept made it that popular on this board in 2006/2007.

The sequel, SSS2, was also well subscribed on this board.

As I have not been involved directly with the publicity side of SSS3, I am unable to fuel the board with information as it happens this time around.


Tornado at SSS3 is very fitting as this loco is the New Builds representative.

 

I have just been advised the SSS3 section of the 6880 website, Steel, Steam & Stars III | Betton 6880 , has been updated and this includes a link to this promotional video:

SSS3 promo.mpg - YouTube

 

The 6880 website has been updated with a link to the SSS3 newsletter.

The newsletter includes details of a SSS3 VIP PACKAGE.

http://www.6880.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SSS3-Newsletter.pdf

 

Sorry wrong number...

 

71000 is not down as a guest at SSS3.

 

Another little update...
Ffestiniog and Talyllyn engines to share same track at ?SSS3? gala - Heritage Railway Magazine

 

A rather Cryptic post from me here, but this gala will be quite different for me then the last one. On a personal level and a career level, being nothing to do with heritage or railways.

 

5199 has now returned back to Llangollen in readiness for SS&S3. For those who wish to know which way the loco is facing, it is facing chimney first to Llangollen.

 

That will look odd in the Cavalcade !!! ie 6430's appearance at SSS1

 

Also saw in the latest Railway Magazine that the GNR N2 1744 will also be facing east (chimney to Llangollen) at the event.