Foxfield Railway 2012 Steam Galas

You've done it now! My first visit to Foxfield last year, but the rain didn't put me off and I hope to be back for this event. The Foxfield Summer Gala is one of the lesser known gems of steam events.

 

..if it floods we are on the top of a hill so no worries on that front !.

No rain today - our forcast was poor but the sun did pop out for a few hours this afternoon.

Not sure if we have given the bar a plug, but as ever it will be doing a good trade with several ales on the hand pumps - Rich will have details. Camping available, no charge provided you have tickets.

With two steel works engines in action the Iron Ore Tippler will be in demand. If all goes to plan it will be next to No62 when it climbs the bank.

 

Looking forward to this. Just hopes it keeps dry so I can record the thrash. Rain and sound gear don't mix well at all.

 

'Ugly' was looking good yesterday when she appeared outside in the sun (in between the showers!). The team have been giving it a good polish and it looks the business. Final steam tests prior to being loaded on the lorry so hopefully she won't let you down and certainly will impress!

Final cleaning and preparations will continue next weekend.

I will be up on the Saturday afternoon/evening (post wedding reception) to help the owner out and sink a few beers!

Matt

 

Work is in hand finalising the timetable and loco roster for this year's gala. Ugly is planned to be on the front of the big coal train both days and Dubs will be working to Foxfield Colliery from Caverswall Road on the first freight of the day departing at 9am.

For those early birds who want to catch the atmosphere of the locos being prepared and the first moves off shed there will also be hearty breakfasts available in the buffet.

 

Sorry if this has been asked before, but is it possible to park at the Colliery, and if so is there a postcode?
Looking to travel on board early in the day from Caverswall Rd, but would find it handy to drive round there later
Thanks in advance

 

You can park at Foxfield Colliery - spaces are limited and will be available on a first come first serve basis. At the moment we haven't got an exact postcode for the colliery but you won't go far wrong with ST10 2PG.

Don't forget our bus service will be running connecting Caverswall Road with Dilhorne.

Regards Richard

 

Many thanks Richard

 

Ugly left Tunbridge Wells West in the rain this afternoon en route to Foxfield - last seen joining the M25 at about 7pm. Its about a 225 mile trip from the Kentish Weald to sunny (?) Staffordshire.

The pictures show Ugly leaving the Yard and then causing traffic chaos in the local housing estate that is part of the low loader route from Spa Valley that avoids the low bridges.


Looking forward to a great weekend

 

Looking at a preview of the Colliery display boards it is evident that it will be the best yet. Located in a new cabin it will be open for the duration, Roy will be continuing his dig at the top of the shaft - lots of interesting mechanisms for tub movements can now be seen.

Reminder that you can part at Dilhorne and drinks / light refreshment is available. The bus link to Caverswall Road is around every 45 mins and this is of course the best method.

 

We have a engine very similar to yours at Foxfield, hope you dont want it back !. The sun came out today....

Shed rats very busy all week to ensure all preps are done, if you are in the area come and say hello, Wednesday service in the hands of 2842.

 

Only a couple of days to go before our grand summer steam gala and just look what's arrived!

On a convincing sunny day it seems...



Richard

 

With three days to go is a timetable being published online before the event?

thanks

 

The timetable will be available at Caverswall Road booking office or on the gate at Foxfield Colliery. None will be published online.

Best Wishes Richard

 

Thanks Richard. I'll be there!

 

The timetable/guides are now printed, it has been left to the last minute this year due to uncertainties over the loco roster and hopefully it is now correct (subject to the usual caveats!)

There will also be people badgering over the weekend to get you to buy raffle tickets. These are as part of a fund raising campaign to return a very popular little loco, Lewisham, to steam. Lewisham is the society's pet engine and had put in many years stirling service so please buy a ticket for £1 and help return her to steam. First prize is a steam footplate experience day on the railway which is an excellent day for the winner and their family/friends.

Lewisham

 

Yes real sun - photo taken by Hayley Hall.

The livery looks great, perhaps we can loose the nameplates for a while, I will ask the owner.

When I was a lad ( long time ago ) Manning Wardle No 35 carried the same livery direct from Corby. I have lost track of this engine after several moves - there was talk of it having had work done and that it was almost ready to run a few years back.

A Manning Wardle Gala one day ? - that would be a treat as the line was home to two Mannings in Colliery days, and of course Littleton No5 was with us for a while - what a loco !.

 

My first visit to the Foxfield featured a run from Dilhorne to Caverswall and back with Hawarden and 35 topping and tailing. A bit faded was the paint on 35 then.
JT Daly was giving footplates rides up the climb out of the pit yard. Must have been 40 years ago now but great fun with all sorts of goings on that wouldn't be allowed now.

 

If you like industrials, and you like the Foxfield, I am sure you would like Blaenavon! We have four industrials ( 71515, No.19, Alfred and Judy) operating an intensive timetable with one TBC ex BR loco on the 14th, 15th and 16th Septemeber.

Check out Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway for more details or our forum thread.

Sorry Glenalmond it had to be done, you know how it is lol.

Alex

 

Ah, a Thomas weekend?