WSR 2011 Spring Gala

Its for these smaller engines that you need water on a line like the WSR . A small engine with 1000 gals or smaller will do it with a train 9/10, but what about that time when things ar'nt going well for loads of reasons, we all know what little surprises steam engines can throw at you, or maybe the engines' got bad in the rings etc. Its no fun being the fireman on an engine where the water is disappearing out of the tank AND the gauge glass !!

 

So, with regards to the original discussion earlier in this thread.........are 6201 Princess Elizabeth and 70000 Britannia coming to this year's WSR Spring Gala, or not...?

 

Perhaps they're both attending SSG 2011 but will have to leave before the second weekend.

This uncertainty must be detrimental to both the two railtour operators and our own WSR plc. It's a shame the engine owners don't chip in to the debate. Somebody must have signed contracts!

 

I completely agree.

Interestingly, 70000 seems to be double-booked on 23rd April as well. In addition to double heading 70013 from Bristol to Penzance on GB IV, it's also doing a Cathedrals Express from Paddington to Stratford-upon-Avon for Steam Dreams.

RTC and SD can't both have signed contracts....

 

5043 has not worked on a private railway...unless you count up and down our 1/2 mile running line on open days!

4965 has worked on a few when hauling a railtour.

 

Why don't Tyseley loan engines to preserved railways? Surely this is better out earning money, flying the Vintage Trains flag than sitting in 84E cold. Is it a case of 'NO' or no one has asked? Didn't the 3 Panniers go to the Avon Valley?

 

It's not so much about the engines as the crews. We like to keep a Tyseley rep with the engines at all times, and sparing the people, accommodations, etc..

There was an issue with one of the Panniers several years ago. It came back from a tour of preserved railways with flat-spots on the tires. It cost us a new set of tires.....today's prices £50k+

Since 5043 and 4965 are our bread and butter, we are a bit careful with them. They are exhibited at Didcot several times a year when we visit. The same with the NRM. They are also on show at our open days twice a year, not to mention out most weeks on mainline tours.

Hope this answers your question.

Ben

 

The latest news is: 6201 - definitely not, 70000 - still not confirmed one way or the other.

The other question is, will either 6960 or 7828 be ready by then?

 

Could it be Bulleids to the rescue if the WSR are still after a large locomotive? It would be nice to have a double-header again, like the one we had with 34007 and 34046 two years ago, not to mention the spectacle of both being turned a Minehead...

 

4160 is no longer listed? Will she be undergoing repairs still?

 

777 Sir Lamiel is taking Lizziesv Place

 

Finally, the chance for a ride behind 30777... it's third time lucky for me (missed it at the Bluebell Gala '09, out of gauge (and in bits) for the Royal Duchy last year, so this should hopefully be it!). Well, if not Bulleids to the rescue, then Southern Railway to the rescue is an equally positive outcome!

 

A very worthy replacement.

 

Finally SEPT managed to get it right!

Regards

 

Prairie 5521 and the Llangollen auto-coach 167 also now confirmed for the gala.

David

 

4160 is now listed again.

Dave

 

Could do with a full rake of Maroons though... will look a little odd on the choccy and creams - being fussy of course! I am looking forward to seeing a bit more of this loco as so far only seen it flying past on the mainline.

 

For a few years the WSR hired in a coach set from mainline tours and used the coaches and loco during the galas, and these additions were well worthwhile. Another regressive change SEPT has made.

Regards

 

The Railway has four (I think) maroon coaches on long term hire.

I guess the trick is to ensure all Gala train sets are 6-8 coaches and I suspect that can be done with stock already on the line.

Although I can see the benefits of an all maroon set for photographers, most of the Gala revenue comes from train ticket sales and once travelling the livery is not really important.

Unless we are talking about an Autotrailer! I am confident this is one hired-in item that is going to be packed out...

Steve

 

Agreed Steve, but I still think its worth while the WSR having a complete working set of resident Maroons... offers a nice alternative to the normal sets and also means the possibility of charter events when non GWR guest locos are visiting which will earn revenue for the railway. Also some punters... like my dad and I travel on the trains on 1 or maybe 2 days and film on the others, now we love the railway and its galas so would attend anyway - but i'm sure there are others who wont come because the loco/stock sets dont match look authentic. I just think with 1 set of 8 maroons the railway would start to appeal to a wider audience

Looking forward to seeing the Autotrain back..... is it likely to be running along the full line or just the BL Shuttles?