[Feb 22, 2014] Churnet Valley Steam Gala 2014 (Churnet Valley Railway)

Short clip of Wadebridge going through Leekbrook Tunnel and into Leekbrook Junction complete with its new platform.

 

And another video from one of volunteers of her passing through Bradnop. Roll on the gala, enjoyed firing her Saturday and get another go on the Saturday of the gala

 

Evening all, shots of Wadebridge from the 9th Feb now online at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frank47524/sets/72157640740304194/

 

I think Wadebridge will be the most photographed loco ever by the time it leaves the CVR again! How long will it be staying after the gala - whisked away as soon as the bunting is put away or similar amount of time after the gala as before?

 

She goes back the week after the gala ready for the MHR gala.

 

Continuing the trip above through Leekbrook Tunnel Wadebridge sets off up the steeply graded bank towards Ipstones. Engine and fireman working hard.

 

A more important visitor is the Railmotor - out on crew training today :

 

Right, updated my very post of this thread with all the latest information so AFAIK everything in there is correct.

Now just to start ticking down the clock and getting everything ready. Sets are being shunted together Monday, cleaning gangs are being organised for Friday to have all the locos spick/span and request has been made for the weather. Only a week to go! For any visitors wishing to say hi I've got a Bulleid to fire Saturday am and an N7 to fire Sunday, so feel free to introduce yourselves if you get a chance

 

What's going to make up the second set this year, in previous years the consist has been.... erm..... interesting.

 

Mm, I'll be interested in the coaching stock, but it being where I volunteer at the gwsr, last year's video showed some of the coaching stock as being dmu wasn't it?

 

From memory, rake 2 last year was a 3 car DMU and 2 different coloured Mk1s.

 

Yes, I saw it one one of the videos on this thread, looked rather fetching...

I hope this won't be the case this year, I don't mind non uniform rakes, as that of course happened regularly, but not too keen on that particular formation!

Could we have some information on the formation of the rakes then please someone?

I'm now going whatever the weather with tickets just booked

 

I've heard 6 Maroon behind Spam cam/N7 & DMU + Pullman livery Wine/Dine Mk1's behind 6046.

 

How many will the second train make then - 3 DMU car plus how many pullmans?

what's the third train make up then?

edit - how could I forget the railmotor

 

2 Pullman (Kitchen car & seating coach)

3rd train obv Railmotor

 

T1 is 6 maroon mk1s, T2 is 3 car DMU, 1 Pullman mk1 and 1 Maroon BSK and T3 is the steam rail motor.

The mixed rake is not ideal but we need as many bums on seats as possible!

 

Thanks, pity they couldn't find enough "proper" coaching stock for the second rake, never mind, plenty of other things to look at. Is there some sort of plan to remedy this, as with all the expansion going on (yes I know it is MCR as well) surely they can't carry on operating with only one proper caching rake if this is to become a premier line/

 

It's inhand, but until that 6-figure donation arrives in the post to complete the overhauls of RMB 1878 & TSO 4392, plus the restorations of SO 4975, FK 13331 & BSo 9390 then it all depends on our volunteer teams for both the tasks of completing the physical work and raising the necessary funds. Any offers of help greatly appreciated! The aim is to have the RMB finished some point this year with the TSO following it in, followed by the BSO. And that's not taking into account any maintenance required on the operational stock!

 

A difficult position to be in, having to scrabble around for coaches for another rake, I wish everyone at C+W good luck, how long is it envisaged these restorations will take? depending on requirements, we can "fast track" a coach, say just before the gala or beginning of season, and when there is little pressure, say mid season when all stock needed for the year is comfortably met, we do the longer, more thorough ones. I'm sure this has been looked at, but hopefully the coaches chosen for refurbishment will be those that need as little work as possible, and not being blinded as to whether they are open/corridor etc. as I know ops prefer open as you can get more bums on seats.

 

We haven't got any fast track projects, most are basket cases. And our C&W members can be counted on one hand, so its amazing what they do achieve considering how few of them there is. I think the aim is 1x coach a year allowing for any maintenance issues that raise their heads. As I say any help to improve this sooner will be most appreciated