WSR 2011 Autumn Gala 29 September - 2 October

Everything would eventually face Bishops Lydeard if everything went out chimney first, although it is annoying when an engine does just the one round trip as it wouldnt be seen forwards all day (as 88 was meant to do Saturday but due to covering 5029 didnt happen, but then Sunday was due 2 forwards runs - why not even them out?).

 

Well, I like many dream of chimney face gala, tactually traveled down for the Xmas weekend running in 2009 on the hope the loop as completed as it had been started before turn table, no such look! I still had good 2 days. As for this years autumn gala, I could only make it over the weekend so mist the goods etc on the Thursday and Friday, despite that we were up at 2.45am and set of at 3.40am for the long,long,long,long and then some drive down. Made it for around 8, bagged my time table and then realised to my joy only 1 chimney first shot until 2pm. I then remembered with little consolation that Saturday seems to be more of a positioning day for Sunday as I notice this on the spring gala. On Sunday we also have the add bonus that there is tendency to turn loco for their last run to chimney first, however those with long,long,ling (et) journeys like myself can often not stay for the last few, I opted to miss 88 last run. We will hope fully be back from Xmas week mini gala.

 

Agreed.

 

Definitely. It's the best way to hear some noise from the larger locos on heritage lines, preferably uphill, and why do some railways insist on leaving locked vehicles at the end of rakes, removing us from the experience? Dining vehicles at the end of rakes, also are a pain for those who just want to poke our heads out (when it's safe, of course).

 

The WSR only ever have the dining coach at the end of one rake, but what annoys me is when they shunt toilets onto the ends!! May as well be a brake coach.

 

Indeed - as one who travels as well as linesides I will miss the opportunity to be a couple of feet away from the business end of a GWR engine going up the banks should tender first running become a thing of the past when the triangle is available for galas.
As far as the timetable goes, the WSR does 'suffer' from two particularly long sections without loops which does reduce flexibility - maybe one day either or both of the former loops at Leigh and Kentsford will be reinstated which will provide that extra flexibility, assuming the cost of doing so can be justified.
I'm surprised none of the photographers have complained about the glorious hot sunny weather over all four days which resulted in virtually no visual steam exhaust - though Manston and the N2 did offer up a bit of clag to compensate!
Overall, for me, a fantastic weekend and as others have said well done to all whose hard work made it possible and I was particularly pleased at the re-appearance of the QB breakfasts and hope it remains an essential part of future galas.

 

I agree with those above - tender first is actually better from a noise point of view when you are on the train.

Anyway, according to the souvenir programme, there were 40 trains (excluding auto trains) planned with locos running chimney first and 36 tender first. All goods trains were chimney first, as were 4 out of 5 double headers. I don't know (or really care) how this matches up with the actual workings following 5029's demise, but that appears to be a higher proportion of chimney first trains than most railways offer at their galas and does not deserve the "Backwards Gala" tag.

 

9351 clagging out of Blue Anchor on Saturday morning

http://paulgildersleve.smugmug.com/...ilway-Sat2/19350092_8mXGxn#1512566550_MF3JGwW

Paul

 

Just posted first part of our footage from the gala.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t26Eh043aWQ&hd=1

 

My film of Friday, Saturday and Sunday up to around 2.30 is now available on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ix4sihMlQo

Regards

 

Pennysteam and Orion - superb videos. Thanks for posting!

 

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

Regards

 

The railway has just reported an increase of 11.3% of passengers on last year's Autumn Gala which may surprise you. I can't comment as I wasn't there this year.

 

It does surprise me, although the weather for last year's ASG was dreadful. Still, a good result.

Regards

 

Here's my video of Manston, tender first, from the front of the train: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwTzS2hGRME Not the greatest video, but plenty of Bulleid chuff.

We've received some entries for the SLL photo competition, but still hoping to see more: http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

 

Where did you get this information? It doesn't seem to appear on the WSR's website

 

From "Online" - the staff newsletter. I'm not sure I'm supposed to be reading it as I'm not staff but somehow I managed to subscribe to it years ago! I'm sure the figures will be made public soon.

 

The dates for next year's special events have been published on the railway's website and they appear to be very much the same as always, but there was a mistake in next year's calendar re the ASG and the current one also re the ASG!

Regards

 

The dates for next year's special events have been published on the railway's website and they appear to be very much the same as always, but there was a mistake in next year's calendar re the ASG and the current one also re the ASG!

Regards

 

Just posted the second part of 2 part film form WSR autumn Gala
http://youtu.be/8uICIsrscJs?hd=1