Spa Valley Railway - Latest News

AFAIK they won't be photographing it from any angle as I've heard thad sadly the charter has been cancelled.

 

Which way are they all facing?

 

Photo charter is cancelled and all locos are facing towards Tunbridge Wells West.

 

Ok thanks. We will be there using two trains and a bus. It will be good to be on home ground again

 

Great day there today. Operating perfect as it normally is. Everything on time while we were there. They know exactly what they are doing and have sensible timetables. Bonus was 31592 standing in for 2890. Not seen this anywhere else or reported on the SPA Valley website. The crews didn’t seem surprised though. Well worth the long journey to and from which was also perfect. My best Gala this year

 

'31592' was 2890 (gave me some amusement when I saw it). The C is awaiting overhaul at the Bluebell, I think something similar was done with 2890 taking on the guise of 53222 at the ELR once.

As I left I think the O1 had developed a fault that was being rectified and time had slipped a bit before the dining services. Managed to tick off 34072 and see 41313 in steam for the first time (last time I saw it was unrestored 9 years ago) and had an enjoyable day on the line. My visits so far make me wish I'd visited sooner!

 

Picture of Douglas as 31592 by Spa Valley on Instagram. Probably one on Facebook as well.

 

I was fooled until I looked closely. I really must be getting past it

 

65 has a problem with its fireman side injector.

 

I just realised I put the wrong number in my reply to you myself so it happens to us all.

 

went to the Gala yesterday and it was a good time

 

Glad you enjoyed it. After all the recent sunshine, I wondered if the cloudy (and in the case of Sunday, wet) weather would put people off. We do, however, seriously need the rain as it has been bone dry in East Sussex for several weeks now. Hopefully others who went also had a good time.

 

Enjoyed yesterday, all the railway staff were friendly and welcoming as usual. The self service Mr Whippy at Eridge went down very well! Only disappointment was the stationary engine lot at Groombridge all of whom without fail went out of their way to avoid interacting with my daughter who had loads of questions! Guess their hobby won't be around in 10 years....

 

The many identities of 2890 bring me so much joy. As do the heated arguments on social media when someone is adamant that it is in fact a L&Y A Class, not an austerity!

 

Indeed, it causes much confusion and amusement.

I believe the Mid Hants once had a plan to modify it a bit more and turn it into a black motor lookalike. Obviously that didn’t happen though and they eventually sold it instead.

 

That'll be @andi winding people up!

 

Perhaps just as well. I'm not sure she would ever have made a really convincing lookalike.

Sent from my SM-A125F using Tapatalk

 

Join us this weekend to see Ivatt Tank No. 41313 and SECR O1 No. 65 in service again on Spa Valley Railway trains!

A special timetable is in action with departures from
Tunbridge Wells West at 08:50, 09:30, 10:20, 11:10, 12:00, 12:50, 13:40, 14:30, 15:20 and 16:10.

Departures from Eridge are at 09:30, 10:20, 11:10, 12:00, 12:50, 13:40, 14:30, 15:20, 16:10 and 16:50.

Additional services depart Tunbridge Wells West at 19:00 and 20:30 on Saturday 24th June and at 17:00 on Sunday 25th June.

https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/...-ivatt-41313/deae67725f5309d7d0197996fa89dfd2

 

The Ivatt Tank is staying an extra weekend and is operating trains on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July. The lorry to collect 41313 and take it back to the Isle of Wight is coming on Tuesday so this is the last weekend to see the loco running on the mainland.

 

It is a loco well worth a return visit, I have great delight in watching Ivatt tanks shuffling up and down these old branch lines.
Perfect locos for it!

Jonnie, when are Douglas and 828 returning home?