WSR Diesel Gala - Friday 9th- Sunday 11th June 2017

Now now Ian we don't talk about 66757

 

A 66 would be added bonus

 

Might be worth seeing what GBRf send to the SVR...

 

Well if that's true we might have the same shed at more than one gala, also with the 2x20's now effectively being homeless could they stay for the summer, lots of Tuesday running days in the summer as well as Saturdays

 

Knowing the 20's 'minder' as I do I think a lot depends on people who he knows and trusts to operate them. They're maintained and finished to an extremely high standard. We'll have to wait and see.

 

Well hopefully the suggested use of the 09 doing a early morning full run Friday am to get it to MD so they can use the MOD's on shunter shuttles and rideable freights can be put into the timetable,how nice would the 20's be from a brake van next to the loco's

 

After seeing the 20s at a Swanage, I can't wait to see them on the WSR.

Is there still going to be a shuttle from Taunton with GWR?

 

There are no plans for a GWR shuttle from Taunton at this year's gala.

 

okay thanks. that's a shame, always liked coming by rail al the way.

 

Knowing the good folks at Somerset and Dorset Traction as I do, they do take a pride in 59 and 188's appearance, and more importantly their reliability. The SVR's loss is going to be someone else's gain.

 

Since when has D8188 and D8059. No longer a part of the SVR home fleet and there have been based at the SVR for years. I have seen anything about them moving railways and the Somerset and Dorset Traction don't have social media. So I not sure about what is happening with them. I know that the 20s are visiting a number of railways for galas.

 

This is shaping up to be a brilliant gala, with a McRat and the 20s. Some years ago, there was a 20 which only worked a train from BL to Crowcombe and back - it was the highlight of the day for tractioneers! My wife's birthday falls within the gala weekend, but I think she expects more than a sandwich and coffee - any recommendations of a nice place in the locality to take a lady for dinner, who wouldn't know a McRat from a 20? It would make it easier for me to 'sell' the weekend! This is where having a steam turn in a diesel weekend helps; she likes steam.

John

 

There are a plethora of pleasant pubs in the area that offer good food, so where would you be staying to offer you the best recommendation close to your accommodation?

As for restaurants the Luttrell Arms in Dunster (an hotel despite its name) is probably top of the tree.

Robin

 

Thanks, Robin.

Time to loosen the purse strings and book up at the Luttrell Arms.

John

 

As a aside I was down MD in the week and the repainting of the 04 has progressed to the chassis so that's looking good, and anyone planning a visit on the 20th to do the diesel diagram be advised that it's caped

 

Short story is they've been asked to leave the SVR.

 

The SVR's decision then may be good news for another railway........................

Any reason?

 

As I've said the SVR's loss will definitely be some other railways gain, to use a phrase from Thomas the Tank Engine they're really useful engines, they've got the SVR out the brown stuff more than once. I have a rough idea why their leaving but it's not for me to say.

 

Whilst visiting the WSR look out for the fabulous "period style" posters advertising the Luttrell Arms. Sample attached.

 

The Luttrell Arms is now owned and run by the 'Way' family, who also own and run the 'Seven Stars' in Torquay. They rescued the LA from bankruptcy and closure - the auction of contents was only days away, usually the death knell for any hotel - and they have worked wonders restoring it and breathing life back into it. As a student I worked a lot in hospitality and catering - family work ethic - and, IMHO, the Ways are 'proper' hotelliers who know their stuff. For the good of the area, the LA was fortunate to come into their ownership.

Robin