Foxfield Railway 2012 Steam Galas

Even better to hear her on the bank.

 

Fantastic choice of guest. Hope she works on her own.

 

Well, she did steam in the end and was used to lift Bellerophons front buffer beam back on. As the pet of the loco dept she has become a very handy tool, lifting the jacking beams for Wimble a month ago and Hawardens wheels a few weeks back.

Regarding the July date I will keep you all posted, as far as the owners are concerned all rostered dates will be covered. She will of course be in action on the bank over gala.

All we need now is a steel works...

 

I certainly concur with that view, on her own please, no point it working with anything else considering the weight and power available.

 

It will be very unlikely we will need to put the Ugly with anything else. In the past this has only been done where necessary due to load considerations or other operational reasons, such as the case of Moorbarrow a couple of years ago which was fresh out of overhaul, hadn't been run in and had a known issue with an overheating big end. We like to work the locos hard but not so that it may cause unnecessary damage.

 

'Ugly' certainly won't need any assistance, last seen hauling 4x Mk1s and a Class 33 up 1 in 88 in Kent and making lots of noise!

I believe the owner is very much looking forward to testing her on Foxfield Bank!

I hope to get up there for at least one day of the gala. Never been so it's a great excuse when it's a home engine visiting!

Matt

 

Plenty of space on our field for camping and caravans usually Matt, and plenty of beer and lively chat in the evenings over the weekend! Also a bloody good breakfast available in the buffet to help with the morning hangovers

 

I've now got Sunday booked off work. If the weather is reasonable I'm planning to drive up after work Saturday evening, set up the tent, then spend the rest of the night in the bar! Early morning fry up will definitely be needed!

 

Nigel,

Do i have to do anything if i want to camp? I.e. book?

Matt

 

No need to book.

Please set up as close to the fence line at the top of the field as you can.

 

Subject to getting the necessary support there will be a photo charter on the Saturday morning of the gala featuring no.62. Please pm if you are interested.

 

Anybody able to confirm this? If so, will she be doing brake van rides?

 

A Royal treat for Foxfield’s Summer feast of steam.

The stage is set at the Foxfield Railway for one of the biggest steam events of the year. Up to seven steam engines will be performing on the steeply graded line making each engine work extremely hard as they put on a show for visitors from far and wide. The annual Steam Gala takes place on 21st & 22nd July and attracts thousands of visitors from across the country - being noted as one of the best steam events in the country. Visitors have said this is mainly due to having the steepest adhesion worked incline in the World and for operating an ex-colliery railway with steam engines that would have been found here in their working life is truly unique setting.

The event will feature a ‘ROYAL’ guest in the form of ‘Ugly’ – although its name doesn’t sound too appealing, this engine once hauled a royal train in 2000 conveying her majesty the Queen – the Queen commenting on its unfortunate name at the time!

The ‘Ugly’ will be one of the largest engines to visit Foxfield, sure to be a hit amongst visitors as it grapples with Foxfield’s notorious bank from Foxfield Colliery whilst starring alongside our illustrious fleet of locomotives which includes the unique Dubs Crane Tank - the only one of its kind working in the World! Dubs will be more familiar with younger visitors as being a star in the famous rail related adventures of a certain blue engine… Can you guess what it is?

These engines will be joined by a cast of five other engines including “Bellerophon” which starred in “Cranford” and many more. During the weekend engines will work hard pulling passenger trains and recreate scenes from the past as they take turns to haul heavy coal trains up the infamous Foxfield Bank.

The event is open from 9am on the 21st and 22nd July, to see trains attacking Foxfield Bank the Colliery site will be open and will be accessible by shuttle bus on both days. For further details visit Welcome to the online home of Foxfield Railway. or call our information line on 01782 396210.

More details will be available on our website as information becomes available.

Hope to see you all there...

Richard

 

Heavy coal trains?

It'll be good to see Ugly working up the bank anyway but with a heavy coal train in tow would be superb!

 

'Ugly' was based for many years on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway in Cornwall, and that is where she was pressed into royal service. On a more modest personal note, she is also the engine which was officiating when I was given a day's footplate experience on that line for my 50th birthday treat. I hoped to travel behind her recently at the Spa Valley where she is now in regular use, but not on the day of my visit. I hope to see her in action on coal train duty and maybe passenger workings at Foxfield.

 

Don't worry as with all engines (except dubs) Ugly will be doing its fair share of passenger and freight workings and is currently booked to be at the helm of the 18ish wagon freight each evening!

Also, I wish we could run 'Proper' coal trains but unfortunately we could not justify the coal bill. Maybe one day as part of the plans to re-open Foxfield Pit to its true working form...

Richard

 

With oil prices at present levels, who knows?

 

So, we are looking good.

Lots to do, as ever. fingers crossed regarding the jet steam etc.

We need your support, rain or shine as this is always a costly event for a small ( ish ) railway, we are well into five figures !. If you have been before we have a classic event planned - no 62 the star. If you have never visited you will want to come again !.

If in doubt bring a combination of sun cream / duck grease, hat ( dual purpose - wet / dry ) coat x 2 - summer / winter, wellies / boots, shorts / thermals, light shirt / artic protection.

In any event this is your one chance to see the traditional format this year, dont miss it.

Last point - we have steam heat and will use it if reqd !!!!.

On my hols for a week but will confirm that 62 has landed on the 16th.

 

Well, the weather can't be worse than last year! ... He said, optimistically.

 

More details are now available for the gala on our website...


Summer Steam Gala | Foxfield Railway Staffordshire

Richard