GWSR General Discussion and Operations

I might be able to pop over for next month's gala, assuming there's no train strikes of course.

 

Nothing currently, free bus service between CRC and Cheltenham Spa on the Saturday with the vinyl wrapped double decker from Marchants with Stanway viaduct on the side!

 

It just feels like it sometimes.

Yes, the event looks quite enjoyable especially with the Deltic taking centre stage as it were.

Although, don't be too suprised if the CFoS is mixed traffic as, well, unless a miracle happens like both 2800's or one 2800 and a hiree are brought into service.

 

I hardly think the GWSR would be seeking to utilise diesel traction during the Cotswold Festival of Steam, being the railway's only annual steam-dedicated gala as well as one of their most popular and renowned events. Restructuring of the loco allocations would be more likely if less locomotives are available than would be anticipated, a good example being the 2017 gala after several booked visiting locos had to be withdrawn from the line-up for a variety of reasons, one failing just days before the festival got underway leaving no hope of sourcing a replacement from elsewhere.

In regards to the GWSR's steam fleet, I'm led to believe the Mixed Traction gala is to mark 4270's final appearance prior to the expiry of its boiler ticket, which, unless the railway was to hire another loco in to assist during the festive season, will leave them with 7820, 7903 & 35006 forming their operational fleet. The 2023 season should, fingers crossed, see 2807 and/or 3850 enter service, though that'll depend on how their overhauls are progressing.

 

As a member of the organising committee, I would be *very* surprised to see the CFoS as mixed traction. It will certainly be mixed traffic though, plenty of goods trains!

 

Almost. 4270 goes 'til the end of the year, so last gala appearance, and last chance to see it on a nice GWR goods train, but it might turn up on a Santa or after Christmas.

 

Righto, cheers for setting the record straight.
7820 is also due for withdrawal towards the end of the '23 season, I understand. Granted, I'm led to believe 2807 might be back in service by then subject to completion, but what are the plans for 3850 once its own overhaul is completed i.e. is it to be based at Toddington or based elsewhere?

 

I think you'll find 7820 not withdrawn till end 2024 if info on GWSR web site is correct.

2807 may not be available till later in 2023 looking at work still to do. So they might need to hire in a loco at least for the begining of the season if 3 isn't enough?

The only others likely soon is 3850 as was said earlier but that might not be ready till 2024 season? If anyone is going to the Autumn Gala I'm sure folk in the loco shed will be able to give an update.

Then hopefully 76077 for 2026. The other 28xx may be similar time? But seen no suggested year for completion.

4270 could also be back in action by then or sooner, assuming it stays at the GWSR.

 

7820 entered service on the GWSR during April 2014, contrary to 'the start of 2015' as is stated on GWSR's website. DMLL's website lists 7820 as "due for withdrawal with the expiry of its boiler ticket towards the back end of 2023", which corresponds with 7820's first out-of-frames steam tests taking place at during Nov. 2013 towards the end of its overhaul at Tyseley.
Consequently, unless an extension to the loco's ticket is granted, the chances are that 'Dinmore' will be under overhaul by the start of the 2024 season.

 

Nice to hear, there isn't any mention of such on the website.

 

Right, right.
I seem to have misunderstood, I guess it will be full steam after all.
Though I thought 2 were coming out of service this year? Guessing I'm just getting Glos Warks and Mid Hants mixed up.

 

Well, 3 home + 4 guests would be fine for me but it all depends on what flyingscotsman123 and the team have planned to do [e.g. shunt demos, non-stops, etc].

 

Footplate rides on our steam locos are now available to book on the website for our Mixed Traction gala 29th & 30th October, previous guests have said it's been worth every penny! You can see what's available for Saturday here and Sunday here. All our crews are very friendly and welcoming!



These do usually get completely sold out before the event so don't delay!

Full timetable with loco and set allocations should be out very very shortly, will post here as soon as it's up.

 

Couple of visits to the GWSR this week, 10 minute long video featuring 7820 & 35006 in gorgeous autumn sunshine. Special thanks to some of the crews for exhaust in requested locations.




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Any explanation for the sudden opening of drain cocks about 7:50?

 

Lovely video

 

My guess would be fireman left the injector on a touch too long and the drain cocks were opened to reduce the risk of priming?

 

Thank you!! Appreciate the comment


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The first four minutes or so somehow reminded me of Pendon Museum. Nice stuff. (Pity about the maroon rake though!)

 

Priming. Noticeable by being no apparent gap between the chimney top and the white ‘steam’ coming from it.