WSR S&D Spring Steam Gala, 5-6 and 10-13 March 2016

I'm coming for both weekends, and super excited. Wondering whether a 9f is likely to be visiting? It would be the icing on a remarkably enticing cake!

 

I understand a 9F is not on the visitor list for this event, I'm afraid.

Steve

 

Thanks for the info. It's a shame, but as I said, far from a deal breaker! Looking forward so much to this event.

 

"No 53808 - firebox lagging and cladding completed and all of the lagging fitted to the boiler barrel. All still going well for early completion ready for the grand S&D gala. Note the tender in the right foreground which still has traces of Prussian Blue paint and lining, this may be the last photographic record of that livery." (words and pics by Andy Forster)





Steve

 

Was there not a trial with a 42xx?

 

I had a great firing turn on 4160 yesterday from Minehead, afterwards I went to the pub with a few well known senior people from the MD shed and we were discussing the S&D Gala. We were trying to think of another engine apart from those booked that would be suitable and available, so there is a chance (and budget available) for yet another one to add to the list if one can be found.

Currently we have 53808, 53809, 44422, Black 5, 80072, 2 (3?) Bullieds and the little Peckett Kilmersdon (all of course subject to the usual issues) plus another if it can be found, surely this must be a not to be missed event for any S&D fan as you are not going to see so many all in the same place for many years to come and yes there will be double heading and its planned that engines will be turned to face the right way at each end.


Me, I’m really looking forward to double heading up the 6 miles from Williton to Crowcombe or should I say Evercreech Junction to Shepton Mallet as they will be renamed on the day.


I also asked the questions about the GWR engines and was assured they would be hidden away, under a sheet, not to be seen and most definitely not masquerading as Midland, Standard or Southern engines !!!!!!!!!!


So if anybody can suggest another engine, please post it here to share.

 

I'd love to see a 9f!

 

9F would be good, or a standard five perhaps?

 

73082 one of the owning group advised me that they would like it to visits other railways.

 

73082 would be most appropriate double headed with one of the BullEIds or with the 4F

 

Although I doubt that there would be one available, surely an Ivatt tank or a BR 76XXX Class 4 would be most appropriate. Both types were working over the line on the final weekend.

Peter James

 

I was thinking more of 1962 which was the last year of the S&D proper when 4Fs could be seen double headed with almost anything and the 7Fs generally worked by themselves.

 

I understand where you are coming from but this is the 50th anniversary of closure gala and these two classes were working the line in both 1962 and 1966.

Peter

 

Thanks for your comments, I've passed them to the CME at Minehead. We have all been pushing for a 9F as well, 73082 would be a great addition so I've passed on your thoughts Paul42, thanks. Please keep your views coming.

 

I only saw the S&D in 1965/66, and it was very proper to me, even though I missed the great days of the 'Pines Express'.

John

 

Oh go on lets take one of the GW ones to Washford & lock it in the yard as reserve/rescue - I'll do a day on that!

 

How about a Jinty? - no good for full line 6/7 coach loads but nice for banking BL to Crowcombe or local workings elsewhere. Not sure which ones if any are currently in ticket but not too expensive to move.

Its rather ironic that as a previous WSR resident 3205 was S&D allocated at the end of its BR life!!

 

Like you John I only saw the line in 65/66 so missed the glory days. But even in its last year you could not help but be captivated by it. Hard to believe it all happened so long ago

Peter

 

A GWR Engine locked in the Washford S&D Yard for the day, surely they would have it repainted into Prussian Blue by the end of the day, now that would be upsetting for the Great Western fans at Minehead shed.

 

Just read that 92214 is the last 9F to believed to have worked the Bath to Bournemouth route.

I know it's green and obviously wasn't green in service, but as 92220 was also used on the S&D line, surely this engine would be perfect? (if it is made available).