WSR Spring Steam Gala 17-18 and 22-25 March 2012

I'm also beginning to wonder about the King but shall play that one by ear. I do think that West Somerset do need something more just in case. Kinlet as far as I can tell is the only one that could attend both weekends. Clan Line has the second weekend open. (too big for a tourist line?) There is not much out there in terms of main line. This a difficult situation. Can Anyone else think up something?

 

The WSR has had CanPac at a gala in the past, so no problem with the size, but I thought that Clan Line was one of those locos that never ran on preserved lines?

Completely agree.

 

Why should the WSR be in charge of who runs a gala at a certain time? Just because theyre are the longest preserved standard gauge line? "Mines bigger than yours" probably doesnt give tham anymore right than anyone else

 

True, but I fail to see what anyone gains by moving their gala so it clashes with another. There are, after all, only so many punters and so many potential guest engines available. The WSR gala is fairly well-established on the two weekends at the end of March. Last year the MHR moved theirs, this year the SVR have done the same. In previous years I would have been able to spend a day at the SVR one weekend, the MHR the next and the WSR at the end of the month - I can't do that this year.

 

A clearing house for galas, which all responsible preserved lines would connect with, might overcome this problem. Otherwise, first come first served is fairest. There is no point in 'beggar my neighbour' attitudes.

Sometimes, having two galas geographically close to each other at the same weekend, especially if one of them includes a Friday, can be good because it makes the journey from somewhere distant (like Cornwall) more worthwhile.

 

I don't think for one second the WSR expects other railways to avoid gala date clashes and I suspect you know that. The bottom line is that each railway is a commercial concern and if that means putting on a better "show" which draws custom from other similar events around the same dates then so be it. Just a personal view.

Steve

 

I remember reading that the reason the Severn Valley moved the date of their spring gala this year, was due to when a visiting loco( Bittern?) was available.

 

Wasnt knocking the WSR as comment wasnt from them just thought it was an absurd comment!

 

Perhaps there should be a ban on steam locomotives running on non-WSR metals on this weekend in March .

 

In fairness the SVR spring gala is traditionally one of the last two weekends in March, but we haven't held one for a few years (running 1960's galas etc instead at other times). This year its pretty much the only sensible spring date to hold a gala, sandwiched between school holidays, easter and anniversary celebrations etc.

Can I ask, why can you not still do what you would have traditionally done? Just go to the 1st weekend of the WSR gala, then split the sencond weekend between the SVR/MHR? We'd be happy to have you!

 

Nationwide diesel gala? Gets my vote!

 

Great idea, Neil

BTW I understand GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 will be at Washford throughout the Gala doing shunting demos (not sure if that's on all six days)

Steve

 

The timing of Easter plays havoc with dates, being the proverbial "moveable feast" it determines, at least on the MHR, the timing of Thomas for the school hols, galas early in March may have weather problems, even this far South (it snowed last Sunday for a start) thus leaving very few weekends free. The WSR gala at least is over two weekends, which a wide choice of dates. There is another thread here regarding what people actually want from a gala, if it is just visiting locos, then simultaeneous galas ARE a potential problem, purely by restricting choice of guest locos, but even the "home" fleet with interesting workings, early/late trains, non-stop runs, freights, shunting demos (WSR good at those) etc can provide a good day out. My tuppence worth anyway!

 

There wasn't one last year, but I think you'll find that the SVR SSG, certainly in recent years, has been on one of the FIRST weekends in March. The members weekend has been the event that has normally clashed with the second weekend of the WSR SSG, although that's been in May for the last couple of years.

I would have done, but I'm otherwise occupied on the first weekend this year, which leaves me with three galas and two days (midweek days not available).

 

70000 Britannia is due to arrive at the WSR from Crewe on Wednesday 14 March. There is a good probability that it will attend the WSR SSG for both weekends, but that does depend on Bittern being ready in time for the Severn Valley Gala on 23-25 March.

 

Just a reminder for those who (like me!) missed the announcement - the Driver for a Fiver on Sat 17 March is cancelled "for operational reasons".

Steve

 

Gutted that i cant come to help on the king at this gala but mind and heart willing body knackerd so cant pass there p.t.s.
O WELL THATS LIFE;hope you all have a super time ;
all the best
jane;

 

From the WSR website -

Well mine has just arrived and there is no information on direction or turning times. Think I'll send it back and ask for a refund.

 

Hold on Tim!

The Railway have just issued this:

"At the time of going to print the indication of the ‘chimney first’ direction and Minehead turntable turning times for all six days was unavailable. A separate flyer will be available from each station from March 17th if you have already purchased/received your programme. This will be issued to you on production of your Souvenir Programme at our stations free of charge.

All programmes ordered by phone/online from today onwards will automatically be sent the flyer."

Hope this helps rectify things...

Enjoy the Gala

Steve