SDR Easter Gala

Yes I thought the same David. I had already guessed it would be 80072 as it's in that part of the country (well South West anyway) but that webpage is terrible.

 

I believe that this will be the 8th heritage railway that 80072 will have visited since it returned to steam at Llangollen in 2009.

 

Have you seen news reagrding 5526 on the same webpage very unfortunate

 

That's dreadful; 5526 has been such a 'natural' for this line.

 

Very unfortunate news about 5526 but that is one of the things that comes with running old machines which work under high loads. She has provided 8 years of very reliable service and will undoubtedly provide many many more in years to come!

Back on topic, 80072 isn't actually confirmed yet although negotiations are very well advanced and we are just waiting to tick the last few boxes to confirm everything finally. Needless to say that with 2 standards there will be lots of interesting workings over each day and into the evenings! Keep your eyes peeled for the gala timetables which I hope to be able to release within the next week.

 

Hopefully with pridhams on site now though the 55 will get a reasonably quick overhaul once these repairs are sorted as a pain will mean no more skiving off for a ride on the auto train for a while

 

You might just get one or two more chances if you're lucky!

John

 

Dunno what homepages you've been looking at, but most I see I don't have to scroll down that far past countless pics on the homepage, it's not the content that's the issue just the way it's all on one page, try spreading it out over a a few pages would work better i'd suggest.

 

Back on topic, 80072 arrived late this afternoon and for the benefit of those who enjoy photography, the loco faces smokebox towards Buckfastleigh. 78019, due to arrive next week, is also expected to face the same way too.

 

Is there any specific reason they're both facing the same way could one foresee a double header looming?

 

You might just get one or two more chances if you're lucky!

John[/QUOTE]

That would be good is 5542 still progressing well I gather the boiler is back in the frames as I have seen a picture somewhere

 

I think that may be a fare assumption to have made!

 

It certainly is, Boiler in frames and being lagged and clad virtually as we speak. Tanks and bunker due back from the painters early next week. Sadly not quite soon enough for the SDR Easter Gala but not too much longer to wait. See our site for recent pics of progress.

John

 

With the midnight oil well and truly burnt, please see the attached link for the Easter gala WTT's!

As you can see there are quite a few interesting combinations over the 4 days. Hopefully we'll see many of you here!

http://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/file_uploads/File/WTT Easter 2012 V5.pdf

 

Booked my train tickets down for the Saturday a couple of days ago. Will be my first visit to the SDR so looking forward to it.

 

The mogul has arrived

 

And the standard tank completed a successful gauging run today. All is set for what should be an excellent weekend!

In addition to previous info, there will be a real ale and cider bar on Set M(5) as per the WTT on the 12.05 and all following trains with that set until the end of play, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As well as this, on Saturday and Sunday night, on the 19.15 departure from Buckfastleigh, chilli and curry with rice will be available on board! Why not extend your day into the evening for some Standard action with some food and a pint!!!