The Fab Four Steam Gala, Barrow Hill Roundhouse, 13-15 April 2012

Not the best of news, but hey these things happen!

Strange that there has, to date, been no official announcement from the NRM ( if there has, I can't find it)

I'm committed to coming & looking forward to it - train tickets & hotel booked and paid for - should still be a 'grand day' out.

Be interesting to see what the 'possible' extra engine could be - give us a clue please Alexa?

 

Whatever the morals of the situation, I doubt that the costs of this event will be greatly reduced by 4472's absence. If anything, Barrow Hill may get fewer visitors on the day to cover the same costs. So reducing the price or giving refunds isn't going to do their bank balance much good.

If you book in advance (at a discount or to guarantee your place), you take the risk of last-minute changes. Just as you do with railtours.

Richard

Richard

 

All depends what you mean by "material". An interesting question, especially with two A4 pacifics on site. By any definition this will be one hell of a gala and I look forward to seeing the GNR atlantic on the turntable. I shall be there with the "Vulcan" team.

Tim

 

Flying Scotsman - About us - National Railway Museum

 

The gala already appears to have gained a J94 since the last list of locos was announced a few weeks or months ago - thats a bonus. Any ideas what it might be anybody?

USA Tank 30075 was also on site in the last few weeks - I assume this will either have left BH by the gala or it might be shunted out of the way of the main event.

Any extra guests on top of the current list would be nice I'm sure, but I think most people will agree that a) an extra visitor is not entirely necessary - these things happen unfortunately and in no way is it any fault of Barrow Hill's. and b) Scotsman, or no Scotsman, Barrow Hill has put together a fantastic line up and we should show our support, if possible, by attending the event.

 

I'm sure Green Arrow can be inserted into the line up as a very adequate under-study

 

Well the LMS Patriot project will of course be there with our stand, shame about the line up........ maybe if should be replaced completely with Hamilton, Sutherland, Lizzie, Maggie Rose, Scots Guardsman, Bahamas, Kolhapur........... only joking of course. :thumb:

 

To prove we meant it when we said the show must go on! Today saw the arrival at the Roundhouse of the first visiting engine for Fab 4: J94 68030.

 

Latest news from the Roundhouse - Russ Hillier's photo charter on 12th April has sold out! And we've been busy with more work on the site during the last week, most importantly improving the walkways around the site and up at the top of the yard. J94 is already here as previously announced and we're expecting another visiting engine to arrive next week.

 

Another 'arrival' for "Fab Four" - our resident black 5 45110 is being reunited with its tender, which came back from the Severn Valley Railway this morning.

 

alexastott will there be a free bus provided for travel from Chesterfield station as suggested on the website?

 

Hello campainr, yes there will be... (hope this works!)...

View attachment FAB 4 2012 Bus times.pdf

 

yes it works for me. thanks a lot

 

I called in at Barrow Hill today, and the tidying and shunting is already under way. I'm told all the diesels and electrics are to be shunted out of the roundhouse, which will be 100% steam occupied. Is this right?

Tim

 

Tim,

Yes, the tidying and shunting is well underway and the site is looking fantastic! In the Roundhouse itself, there is a lot of shuffling around to be done. Some of the preserved electrics and diesels will still be there during the event but they will be pushed well back out of the way on their roads for the photo opportunities of the numerous steam locomotives on display. The Atlantic will be the star of the show inside the Roundhouse - on display on the turntable. Talking of which, the Atlantic is due to arrive at the Roundhouse later today.....

 

Well the Atlantic didn't arrive yesterday after all...but guess what.... It's here now and looking, quite simply, absolutely stunning even though its tender is still sitting outside the gates waiting to be unloaded. Unsurprisingly, not much work being done today - everyone has had their camera out instead!

 

How is Mallard getting to the event?

 

Osprey, not sure of details yet. We believe it will be a rail move.

In the meantime, a rather nice piece about our event in today's Yorkshire Post (page 3 - but no naked ladies!). If it works, this is the link to the online version.... Railway museum sets Mallard on track for steam gala date - News - Yorkshire Post

 

Will the C1 be displayed outside at any time during the event?

 

Hello Spamcan

The plan is to have the Atlantic on display on the turntable. With so many other engines in attendance, for practical reasons it is unlikely that the engine will be moved outside.