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Do you like double-heading at Galas

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by 21B, Jan 24, 2014.

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Do you like to see double heading at steam galas?

  1. Yes. The more the merrier!

    14.1%
  2. Yes, but only one or two trains each gala day.

    35.9%
  3. Yes, but only if the pairing is needed to give enough power to pull the train.

    20.7%
  4. Yes, but not at every gala

    8.7%
  5. No

    20.7%
  1. michaelh

    michaelh Part of the furniture

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    The GWSR used to go in for some odd combinations

    185026.jpg
     
  2. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    when was that taken!? I'd hazard a guess that at the time it fell under the "operational needs" catagory, although would be helpful if the full load could be seen to determine that.
     
  3. Robert Heath No.6

    Robert Heath No.6 Well-Known Member

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    I'd highly doubt that - any of those 3 locos in reasonable nick should be more than capable of pulling any normal preserved line load to Winchcombe at 20-25mph without any undue stress! Suspect it'd be more under the "a bit of fun" category, and why not, for one or two runs per day?

    Anyone else notice the dodgy tail lamp? :D
     
  4. pmh_74

    pmh_74 Part of the furniture

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    There's a published photo of a 'Hall' (5930, whichever one that was) on a local passenger train at Rushcliffe Halt in BR days. Can't say I've ever seen a photo of a B12 on the GC though (and I have most of the books on the line).

    Back when we had 'Hartland', 'Boscastle' and 'Canadian Pacific' all running on the GC there was an occasion when a triple-header almost happened, but I think in the end only two of them took the train out, and even that was a bit silly.

    What I do think is a shame is that the steam+diesel combination, which was relatively common during the transition period, happens so rarely in preservation, presumably just because enthusiasts seem to favour one type of traction or the other.
     
  5. michaelh

    michaelh Part of the furniture

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    And another one

    185021.jpg
     
  6. Robert Heath No.6

    Robert Heath No.6 Well-Known Member

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    Well you can certainly tell it was a gala!
     
  7. michaelh

    michaelh Part of the furniture

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    19 March 1994
     
  8. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    [quote="pmh_74, post: 762023, member: 4214"
    What I do think is a shame is that the steam+diesel combination, which was relatively common during the transition period, happens so rarely in preservation, presumably just because enthusiasts seem to favour one type of traction or the other.[/quote]

    The gwsr Christmas gala was mixed traction, with trains hauled by just steam, just diesel and a combination over the two days. I think this is now a regular event.
     
  9. BKR Ross

    BKR Ross New Member

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    Keep an eye out for further information in relation to the B&KR Mixed traffic gala where there will be combinations seen frequently and some out of the norm!
     
  10. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    I wondered where no 8 Sir Robert Peel went after it left Bury.. they used to use it on 7 easily when needed.
    Funny thing was the new ELR management at the time sold it as being too small… only to hire another J94 back a few years later because they were cheap to run.. experience is a good thing, only when it's appreciated.. now where did Meaford No1, 70 and that revenue to J94 hire fees etc etc go ??
     
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  11. Chris86

    Chris86 Well-Known Member

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    I seem to remember a picture of 3 black 5s triple heading 5407, 5337 and another. Not super keen on that but appropriate combos are a winner. The double headed manors at Llangollen was nice to see!

    Chris
     
  12. David-Haggar

    David-Haggar Member

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    One of the best double-headers I remember seeing at a gala event was Blackmoor Vale & 92 Squadron double-heading on a 12 coach rake during the 2000 Giants of Steam.
     

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  13. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    Double heading is seldom appropriate; looks too much like Toytown!
     
  14. Chris86

    Chris86 Well-Known Member

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    That photo of Blackmoor Vale and 92 Squadron is excellent!

    Wonder if that will ever be repeated.......
     
  15. David-Haggar

    David-Haggar Member

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  16. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    those are some superb pics there, thanks for sharing!
     
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  17. John Petley

    John Petley Part of the furniture

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    The Bluebell did it again with 34081 and 34007 on 20th October 2007, although not with 12 on. I think there was a problem with one of the engines, and this double-header was a pretty impromptu affair. I'm not notmally keen on double headers, but somehow double-headed spam cans kicking out a voluminous exhuast hauling a rake of Bulleid stock in low afternoon sun will probably be about as near as you can get to famous 34006/34057 S&D farewell of March 1966. Would love to share my photo, but it's a print and I don't have the facility to make a scan of it.
     
  18. A1X

    A1X Well-Known Member

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    Bulleids in a proper livery. Lovely stuff.

    BTW I agree with the poster up thread who mentioned smokebox to smokebox, but tender to tender is often equally unbelievable.

    http://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com...-2011/19431501_mX5t7k#!i=1519961117&k=3kstSd8
     
  19. I suspect five Deltics heading a train on the ELR will take some beating, if only for the racket and horsepower...
     
  20. Fred Kerr

    Fred Kerr Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    You mean this ? 55022-12c.jpg
     

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