SDR Rails and Ales gala with 47406

Bit of a Somerset and Dorset gala going on!

http://www.sdronline.org.uk/Latest-News.php

 

Final details of this event are now being put together - keep checking the sdr websites over the next few days for up to date information.

Following the success of the 2010 event, this year the Rails and Ales gala has been extended to a full four days. An special train service will operate on each day with late trains on each evening except the Monday. Services will be hauled by 3205, 5786 - which is due to arrive back from Chinnor on Monday, plus visiting 3F 47406 which arrives at Buckfastleigh on Wednesday. Steam hauled services will carry the S&D passenger headcode for this event as 3205 did work over the line, and both the 3F and ex GWR pannier tank designs also appeared on this much loved route. All three steam locomotives wil face smoke box towards Buckfastleigh, and on the Saturday afternoon 47406 will pilot 3205 on one service from Staverton.

Railcar W55000 will work some of the evening services on the first three days, whilst on Saturday Sulzer Type 2 D7612 has three return trips.

Newly restored Class 09 shunter D3721 will be working brake van rides at Staverton during the event, although on the Saturday its place will be taken by 47406. This represents the first booked passenger workings for the shunter following its restoration to British Railways green livery. As the loco is normally restricted to Buckfastleigh, it also represents a rare chance to see it working elsewher on the line.

The real ale festival is again being held in the former goods shed at Staverton, and this year features over 50 real ale and ciders. There is no extra admission fee to the festival, however with very restricted parking at the station, visitors are asked to use the frequent train service from Buckfastleigh (large free car park) or from Totnes (mainline connections). Cost per pint is a very reasonable £2.50, with proceeds from the festival going towards the ongoing restoration of the Devon Diesel Society's class 50 D402. Staverton Preservation Group will be providing a range of hot food, snacks and cold drinks.

Sunday evening there will be a fun quiz, whilst on the Saturday night, subject to completion of the paperwork, First Great Western will be operating a special service from Exeter (dep 18.05) direct to Staverton, calling at Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot en route. Normal FGW fares to Totnes will apply for travel from these stations through to Staverton on this service. Passengers may also join at Totnes but must purcahse a SDR ticket from the SDR rep on the train. The service is expected to utilise a Class 150 unit, this being the first time such a unit has visited the line. Once at Staverton the 150 will stable allowing the SDR's own W55000 to make a journey to/from Totnes. The 150 then returns to the station and works a retrun trip from Staverton to Buckfastleigh and back, prior to returning to Exeter calling at the same stations as the outward trip. Arrival back in Exeter is due to be 22.49.

More details as and when we can confirm them, but this looks to be a great event, fingers crossed for good weather. Normal SDR fares apply.

 

some photos from sunday 28-8-11 at http://keyhamtrain.weebly.com/rails-and-ales-28-6-11.html and video at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=keyhamtrain#grid/uploads

 

Hello All,
A collection of six photographs taken at South Devon Railway Rails & Ales Gala on Friday 26th.August 2011 have been added to my Preservation & Heritage Railway section. They are mainly of Guest Locomotive Class 3F ‘JINTY’ 0-6-0T 47406.
Link here;
http://railtractionphotosbyrichards...-rails--ales-gala-friday-26thaugust-2011.html