SVR Gala

For me the gala was a great success. If anything, the derailment was a blessing in disguise as it allowed some interesting moves and photo opportunities at Highley that otherwise we'd never have got. I'm not convinced that having yet more visiting locos would have made it any better either. Overall I'd rate it as one of the best galas I've attended in a good while. Well done to Scott and all the other volunteers. 10/10

http://class50.zenfolio.com/recent
and
http://class50.zenfolio.com/p1044022323

 

Don't think there are many on the SVR who'll agree with that!

 

The SVR may not see it as a blessing but if the revised arrangements attracted more visitors then there was a silver lining to the derailment. Perhaps it even showed that it's not necessarily the number of locos used for the timetable but how you use the available fleet. In this case the 2 visitors of 37264 + 47580 were acceptable ( i.e had rarity value ) but the chance to sample more of the home fleet was also beneficial as there was little need to rush around. In my case time to catch the shunters and Class 73 at Bewdley; then breakfast before carrying onto Highley where it was all happening, sampling locations around the station and in the Engine House area ( admittance fee of £4:00 still good value ) with access to both balcony and picnic areas and cafeteria until shadows in mid-afternoon then final visit to Northwood Lane for 37906 47580 and pair of 20s in late afternoon sunshine to finish off a pleasant day linesiding.

Is it time to ask whether some railways create problems by providing too much in their galas ? the feedback from last week's diesel gala in terms of both motive power provided and train timing ( especially for train changes ) seems to indicate this could be the case !.