Severn Valley Spring Steam Gala - 22/23/24 March 2013

Ruston, were the trains still reasonably well patronised, no nearly empty trains I hope?

Thinking of the financial implications for the SVR.

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The early morning trains were not very full at all picked up as the day went on but was never difficult to find a seat.

 

Friday is usually the quietest day, so doesn't sound too bad.

I'm looking at Sunday to travel now, the "best" ( relative term...!) of the three.

regards

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As I mentioned earlier, it was my first SVR steam gala so I haven't got anything to compare it to, but it definitely seemed more 'quiet' than 'dead', and certainly when the USA tank arrived into Bridgenorth from Highley at lunchtime, a physically impossible number of people seemed to pour out of the two coaches and onto Sir Keith Park's Kidderminster-bound train.

Was there a problem with Wadebridge today? It was parked on shed at Bridgenorth when I was there, with the Heavy Freight 2-8-0 covering what I had down as the Bulleid's turn.

Timetable was about 25 minutes behind schedule for much of the time I was there but looked like everything ran as planned even when it got congested. Loved the idea of having the LMS and GWR locals plus the auto train shuttling around a variety of bits of the line rather than just one end or the other, made things even more interesting. The auto tank looked lovely back in full BR green too, although I definitely enjoyed its tired BR black look at the South Devon last month.

 

hello
despite a good soaking i spent friday lineside most of the trains seemed quite full - wadebridge was fit enough for its afternoon run - someone said that 65 had lost part of its brick arch !!
some pictures at Zenfolio | steam photography
regards

 

Some great shots there Zep - especially the first one of 80072 - not sure of the location.

 

From another place: If you have a pre-booked Gala ticket and decide not to travel today for safety reasons, the ticket can be used tomorrow instead.

A further announcement will be made on Monday about unused Gala tickets.

Sensible flexibility in the circumstances.

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Edit: From the main SVR website at 0850, the Gala does continue today.

 

Running a few minutes down, the 09.30 from BH was around 15-20 mins late this morning and hasn't been recovered yet, but no further time being lost. Pretty quiet, trains only around a quarter full at most, some less than that. The roads seemed to be clear driving up to Kiddy this morning.

 

I agree, Zep. Some creative use of the telephoto lens. I was scratching my head for a while on one or two, particularly the first one of 80072. MikeParkin65, it's along the straight from Falling Sands Viaduct towards Foley Park. The signal in the background is the Kidderminster Outer Home bracket.

 

Does anyone know if the USA is knackered ?, planning on going over tomorrow.

 

Well it seemed to be running fine today (23rd), didn't see any signs of a problem with it!

 

What's the weather situation like this morning in terms of driving? Are the roads pretty clear?

 

Yesterday evening, all roads were clear.

Lewis

 

Thanks Lewis. Snowing steadily in Warwick so we weren't sure about the drive over. We've nothing better to do so I guess we'll give it a go...........

 

Thanks, hopefully that post further up was a false alarm then, setting off shortly.

 

Here are my efforts from yesterday, a 27 minute epic! Attendance seemed to be down somewhat on previous galas but I would think that can be put down to the weather conditions more than anything else, they didn't make filming easy I can say! A "Spring" gala in the loosest sense!

[HD] Severn Valley Railway - Spring Steam Gala - Saturday 23rd March 2013 - YouTube

 

Some pics from around the Bewdley area on Sunday: SVR Spring(!) Gala - a set on Flickr

Nothing too adventurous or time consuming due to the conditions I'm afraid, the cup of tea in Bewdley Cafe and the waiting room fire being especially welcome!.

 

Here's my photos from today Severn Valley Railway - Spring Steam Railway 2013 - a set on Flickr

Joey

 

hello
had another day up the valley yesterday although it was much more difficult getting there (can i join the good people of wolverhampton in thanking there council for gritting there roads NOT)
congratulations to everyone on the railway for putting on a great service - sundays pictures are at Zenfolio | steam photography
regards

 

hello again
forgot to say star of the show for me was 80072 - for clag alone !!!
Zenfolio | steam photography