SVR Autumn Gala 17-20th September

Hmm, I've heard there might be a move back to the ASG timetables of the past few years. But it's a fair way off yet atm.

 

Have to say given the visitor I will not be coming next year

 

I'm sure it won't be the only one! I enjoyed the gala but it did feel a little sparse at times. It was an experimental timetable and it worked but I don't think they'll be using it again. I've never seen trains so packed but I was surprised that 46100 only did one turn on the Saturday, which was when I attended. The weather always helps and it performed over the weekend! Very good gala and I shall be seeing the line again very soon!

 

Have to say I really enjoyed this gala the only time I got bored was traveling on the bullieds and the waiting around for another train. Did seem like the svr could of done better with the timetable but that is not a complaint just hadn't got the feeling of previous years. Royal scot was definitely putting in some good performances along with the 28 so big thanks to svr for another bloody good gala

 

Going from the rather mixed reports, I'm glad I stayed away this year............... I do not like being crammed in a carriage for longer than necessary, and the dwell time, be it on the train or station bought back rather nasty memories of last years gala, of hanging around for over an hour between trains........ that to me is NOT a gala, more like a local service.................

 

So I managed to stay all night Friday, went home around 6am to get some sleep before returning Saturday afternoon. One way to avoid the crowds...
Somehow after being awake for 23 hours straight I was still functioning enough to use a camera and tripod!





Full set of night shots here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djcs_trains/albums/72157658885576691

A couple of questions on the all night services-
1. Are they always operated by the resident locomotives and not the guests? I'm assuming that the visitors get their turns during the day when everyone's there to see them, then get a rest overnight.
2. Are there any restrictions that the overnight trains have to operate under? I did notice that they didn't seem to be using the whistle when departing stations and running round like normal, out of courtesy to the neighbours? Wonder what the residents of the houses that back right on to the line on the run into Kiddy make of it.

 

I think you'll find that Royal Scot performed two round trips on Saturday. <BJ>

07:44 Bridgnorth - Kidderminster (for the early risers)
10:42 Kidderminster - Bridgnorth
13:28 Bridgnorth - Kidderminster
16:38 Kidderminster - Bridgnorth

 

The gala was rather quiet compared to other years but let's not forget the plus points.

I feel very fortunate to have witnessed Royal Scot and Britannia in action. The Scot looked stunning.

Thanks to all concerned at the SVR for a very enjoyable visit.

By the way, I would be very happy to see the Scot hauling the Torbay Express next year ....hint, hint!! <BJ>

 

Pretty much, having guest locos on the overnights rather than the days wouldn't make much sense as less people would be able to come for them.
I think there is a rule about not whistling after 11pm, both for locos and guards/platform staff. Letters are sent out to residents explaining the all-night running (and IIRC offering a discount for travelling in the evening)

 

My footage of Saturday's Gala.

 

Fred problem will be alleviated if you sponsor the construction of a fleet of standard gauge double fairlies.

 

Sadly my finances are constrained by relying on pension BUT i do have membership of a couple of societies involved in locos and a couple of heritage lines. Sadly it's now up to the younger and / or working generation to take things forward.

 

But you've also payed if your in the Engine House at Highley, either by direct admission or holding a valid travel ticket, be easier to make the stretch from Highley southwards out of sight of the station out of bounds to lineside photting.

 

Had an enjoyable time on Friday evening and most of Saturday. Only a couple of thing that let it down somewhat compared to previous years. Timetable - as everyone else has mentioned. Used to be a highlight sitting at Hampton watching the shuttle going to and from the siding between trains. Second was ticket prices. Arrived at 1800 on Friday and departed at 1500 on Saturday. So the ticket method we were offered was the evening saver(!) and day rover for Saturday at £46. Not really a saving when a 2 day rover was £41.50.

 

Despite all the moans about the timetable a spectacle that could not happen anywhere else.
For me can't think of a better way of ending the day thanwatching the trains arriving and engines going on shed, pint in hand outside the Railwaymans at Bridgnorth

 

I would like to see a 24 hour ticket introduced, valid for 24 hours from time of purchase/first use.

Due to family commitments I can ride only on the evening and very early morning trains (one round trip in the morning max) , and would very much have liked to do the breakfast service in the morning. But to do this option I would have required an evening rover plus a day rover (or a 2 day rover), when the day rover portion of the ticket would have been used for just one round trip, result I didnt go to the railway over the weekend days. A 24 hour rover would have enabled evening and the following morning travel.

Likewise for those who just wish to do the overnights a 24 hour rover would be ideal whereas under the current ticketing regime a 2 day rover is required to overnight.

 

Perhaps worth SVR issuing a Nightrider ticket valid from 19:00 through to midday on following day to allow for those who will have (discounted ?) breakfast on the train.

 

Hmmm, I'd spotted that before and I would have been happy to sell 2-day rovers over an evening+next day rover if anyone had asked for one (I was on the 1733 ex-KR on friday). If in doubt, send feedback to the offices. If you do it soon it'll go into the debrief and will hopefully be acted upon for next year.

Personally, this actually sounds a good idea. An evening ticket from 4 pm till 12 am (and cut the price, too expensive for it is) and an overnight ticket say 8pm till 8am the next day.

 

They did eventually sell us the 2 day rover after a bit of arguing and pointing at the price chart! Though I've just remembered another thing that could have been improved on. Bridgnorth ticket office was closed when we arrived, with a sign saying it'll reopen 20 minutes prior to the next departure. It was only opened after we asked someone - 5 minutes or less before departure. Even then it was a 'can you get your tickets off the TTI' kind of attitude. Card payment from 3 of us prevented this.

 

I see what you mean. Again, put that in a letter/email.