The Foxfield Steam Gala, 17/18th July 2010.

Well we had Donnington No.2 when it was still nominally working for a living, I say nominally as although both locos were still at Castle Donnington Power Station they only came out at high days and holidays. However we are in danger of being a completely 6 wheeler gala again so one of the Donnington engines would be good, or perhaps Agecroft No3 if MoSI keep going at the rate they are.

FD&ECo No3 looks great but I am led to understand that mechanically it is rather tired.... would fit in well at with the Foxfield fleet (Oooh how very dare I?)

 

We are indeed looking ahead to the summer and plan a fantastic "welcome to the machine" when Dubsy steams "one of these days".

Three contenders for the free pint at the moment, three days to go !.

 

Well there's lots of "time" and plenty of "money" to be spent before the gala. Better not get too close to the engines though or you may get scalded by "locomotive breath." No doubt this event will see the usual mix of "heroes and villains" turn up.

 

And a top coat of paint-there's still time to have "any colour you like" but without Hawarden there's unlikely to be an "eclipse" this year.

Still, this is clearly a progressive gala so I'm sure the organisers will again get "close to the edge" with what can be achieved. In terms of visiting engines I understand they are just "going for the one" but it will result in some "wondrous stories", best since the "turn of the century" and continue to "awaken" interest in industrials. Photographers will declare that "we have heaven!" as the early start allows locos to steam on to the "heart of the sunrise" before it moves round to the "south side of the sky".

Anyway "I know what I like" so even if there's "wind and wuthering" I'll hang around in case there's an "afterglow " and until "supper's ready".

 

Clever suff from Old Mr Heath, getting closer to the "gates of deleriruim" I think, Pity that the Heath wont be running but "yours is no disgrace" as you have plans for the rebuild "to be over" ASAP.

It could indeed be the most progressive gala yet !.

 

Having been absent from the forum for quite a while due to the incessent public transport needs of visitors to Mr S Claus and the subsequent recovery have only just spotted this!

Being a recent convert to Bagnalls after the fantastic performance put in by the Port of Par pair and given your location wouldn't it be good to get a Bagnall or two, I'd go with Jubilee, one I haven't seen yet, or what about something that doesn't normally get a chance to appear on an industrial line like Princess from Lakeside or something equally as forgotten by the industrial fraternity?

Either way happy new year to the Foxfield mob, you'll have to pop up for our coal train day in Feb if you feel the need to see some industrial action with minerals before your do.

 

This thread is almost as entertaining as "life in a Scotch living room," the one in the "red house" on the corner of "Macarthur Park." I would have posted earlier but the "crosstown traffic" delayed me as I was "homeward bound." At the gala will there be a "6.5 special?" The nature of the line won't allow us to see a "freight train, freight train going so fast" but on the other hand the lack of speed will probably mean that we won't go home saying "the runaway train came over the hill." As for catering at the event, will the early morning repast have an American theme, a "breakfast in America" if you like. Also will there be late trains so people can enjoy them until "supper's ready?" Whatever happens I will attend with my friend "Arnold Lane" and his sister "Peggy Sue."

 

How about Number 19 from Blaenavon, the loco performed like a dream at Blaenavon and sounds great barking up the hill, not NCB I know but it would be nice to bring her home to Staffordshire. She is available for this weekend.

Al

 

Would be nice to run it with 2842 - not steamed in 35 years of preservation. The boiler is not far off, new firebox fitted, wrapper plates etc. To early to say if she will make it this year - if not one for the future without doubt.

 

Just 24 hours left before the winner of the lyric's can be considered. Spamcan81 working hard, Oldmrheath plugging away and sidmouth too. Dont forget a free pint is at stake !.

 

Well all I need is a miracle, for a gala featuring the lady in red (that's Florence) and the machine known as Meaford, along with The Belle[rophon] of St. Mark (that's Bellerophon, the chocolate girl), and there's always the risk that Wimb'llbury me alive ... Although of course this year we won't be livin' on a beyer! ... Some of those are pushing it a tad, yes, but it's worth a shot!

If anyone fancies a repaint out of the blue, maybe Lady Nan in red (can I use the same song twice? If not, maybe I'll substitute return of the ugly for Florence!) or Castle Donington, purely for its loud boom boom. If Whiston (don't paint it black!) and Dübs are complete in time, maybe the lineup will be a Magnificent 7? If not, we may just hear what it sounds like When Dübs cry!

Foxfield's microclimate being what it is, we'll no doubt be both walking on sunshine and singing in the rain several times during the weekend! But hey, let it rain! And remember to always look on the bright side of Lewisham, as we only polished one side last time!

Well, that's my attempt done, but high hopes for the gala! And if I should happen to win that pint, I'll stick to being a cider drinker!


... Decided I'd be pushing it too far to use the title song for Little House on the Bagnall 15"! But, if I'm sinking to that sort of level, I might just have to go for...
Hold a Bagnall in the air, stick a Peckett up your nose, buy an RSH, and Wimb'll bury all your clothes...

 

Well not too long to go before Glenalmond announces "it's all over now." "It's all right now" though as I have some more lyrics. It will certainly be "good news week" for the lucky winner but a pity the prize is just one pint as I'm sure there's still some "whiskey in the jar." Given the problems in organising a gala I won't be surprised if Glenalmond's on his "19th nervous breakdown" by the time it's all over. He has taken medicine for it in the past but he tells me that "the drugs don't work" so I suggested he tried a mixture of "milk and alcohol" instead. The result apparently was a "crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy day" but when he tried the remedy again he was told that there was "no milk today."
Getting back to the Gala theme, I know "it's not unusual" to have a visiting loco but "I get that same old feeling" when it's another NCB loco so any chance of some "ch ch ch changes" this year? I suppose this is why Glenalmond has asked for "help" in choosing the visitor. No matter what though I'm sure we'll all have "fun, fun, fun" on the day. If there's to be a night shoot be careful how it's set up as we don't want people "blinded by the light" as I doubt they'll have even "cheap sunglasses" with them. Hopefully "Mr. Blue Sky" will put in appearance and it will be a "sunny day." With all the action promised I doubt it will be a "lazy Sunday afternoon" for anyone. Will there be a signpost at the "crossroads" near Dilhorne to direct people? When I first visited I certainly needed something to "show me the way."

 

No idea if it was bad medicine but it was prescribed by the "voodo medicine man" and apparently was no "cure for the itch" he also found it "ain't no cure for love." As long as we're not "out of steam" nor "building steam with a grain of salt" I'm sure it will be a "lovely day, lovely day." Even better if the "fool on the hill" doesn't get in the shot.

 

"So" I guess it's going to be a 'slegehammer' of a gala. I hope they 'don't give up' on 2842.

It should be an 'oasis' of steam, bad news for newly-painted Spondon as I'm afraid 'she's electric' . Best to arrive early for some 'morning glory' as by midday the freights might 'cast no shadow'.

Gala's so busy it cab be a bit of a 'blur' so I find it's best to relax with a bit of Dilhorne 'Parklife' at some stage, although the colliery's where the best action's at . By the ponds there might be some 'smoke on the water', and the 'running up that hill' is spectacular after rain as it's 'slippery when wet'. If you're really lucky you might even get a photo with a 'rainbow rising'.

I know it's only January and it will be July before 'the final countdown' begins, but the build-up brings 'a kind of magic', as Glenalmond will promise that if you like your industrials working hard 'we will rock you'.

 

I've started so "don't stop me now." My partner doesn't want me to attend as she's into equestrian events and theatrical stuff but I'd rather go to the gala than spend "a day at the races" or "a night at the opera." It's a pity it's for only one weekend as I could happily stay at Foxfield "all summer long." One thing I will say to those attending, if things go wrong "don't look back in anger" as you "run for home."
While the gala is on spare a thought for those who are "working in a coal mine" to provide the fuel for these wonderful machines. I'm no "speed king" and certainly no "highway star" but hopefully the M1 won't be too busy when I drive home as it can be the "highway from Hell" if I time it wrong.

 

In a "Roundabout" a hour it will be time for our bit of fun "to be over".

It is going to to be a close run thing, there can only be one winner - I do hope that the rest of you wont feel that you have been "trampled under foot".

 

According to the latest IRS Bulletin, Ashington No.5 at the Stephenson Railway Museum will be steamed this spring....now that would make a 'Perfect Day' either at Foxfield or Tanfield!

 

Yes - spoke to tyneside one day after the 2009 gala since "rust never sleeps" (!) I thought that I had better make start on 2010. I was after the Bagnall at that stage, there are a number of reasons why. Sadly the loco is out of use, never say never however.

Relations are good but I think that another railway may be in line for Ashington at some stage.

 

Personally I think something with Four Wheels would be best - partly to add some variety to the gala, and partly so as to have something suitable to pair with Bellerophon, without leading to trains being overpowered! With 12 minutes to go, I'd like to re-enforce my vote for Lady (nan) in Red.... or leave it in blue, doesn't really matter