WSR SSG 2024 May 3rd to 6th

Now this is going to be a pickle.
If 5199 doesn't get a boiler extension, then they have two choices:
1. Book two more visitors, spend more money.
2. Run a diesel.

Should they choose option 2 then can I make a suggestion?
Perhaps run a diesel-hauled goods service, so at least paying passengers can have a steam-hauled passenger service?

 

There is absolutely no intention to use Diesels at this or any future Steam Gala.
We have at least two more locos to announce, if not more... (neither of which are 5199)

 

We don't appear to be having much luck in keeping things quiet this year!.....

 

OK, is one of them a tank engine?
I know you have 9466 and 1054 already but one more wouldn't be a bad shout.

Who is it then?

 

Can I politely suggest calming down slightly?rather than demanding what’s visiting?
I’m guessing there’s something that’s sounds a little bit commercially sensitive at the mo.
Good things come to those that wait.
Just calm down a bit will you?

 

I am guessing that with WCRly being restricted in what they can do now the other loco might also be a main line fugitive but I am too old to get stressed about not knowing about it yet

 

It really wouldn't be difficult to work out what one of the remaining visitors is. Unfortunately against our wishes and confidentiality policy, the next guest has been revealed by the owning group in one of the latest railway magazines. I'm not going to tell you which mag but if you really are desperate to know pop down the newsagents....

As it currently stands, we have 3 more 'guests' to announce, although two of them are a longer term early season hire so will appear earlier than the gala and stay after....

 

Is one of those a GWR 4-6-0 that usually resides in God’s Country? Y’know the one that’s going to do missionary work in Sussex?

 

Can I just say that telling someone with anxiety to calm down is like telling someone with cerebral palsy so stand up straight.
I don't need the patronising thank you, if your are going to talk about it, then you might as well say it.

Don't you just hate when people start talking and don't say a single thing!

 

Found what the next guest is. Was truly a foot note in a magazine. Certainly going to be popular thats for sure.

 

Can I ask what I’ve started talking about and haven’t said a single thing about please?

I’ve said in the past I appreciate you have anxiety issues and I do try to take those into account, but I do think with some of your posts, you don’t take into consideration the amount of hard work and time, the grey hairs, sleepless nights, domestic arguments with the partner and just the sheer bloody mindlessness it takes to organise events like these.
Could I politely ask yourself to be respectful of those sort of conditions before you post something disparaging about locomotive xxxx or event xxxx just because you don’t like it?
Cheers, Matt

 

You fellas carry on if you like. It's keeping this thread well on the first page which is good for event promotion!!...

Meanwhile, it's not long until next Guest announcement from us. Stay tuned...

 

More than happy to except Cash, Cheque or BACS Seb

 

Once again, I will try, It's not been great in my non-trainspotting life TBH.

 

6880 Betton Grange perhaps?
It's at East Somerset and Glos Warks, it might as well visit you guys.

 

This sounds like it is shaping up to be a good, old fashioned, guest heavy gala.
Hotel is booked, tickets soon.

 

Is it 60532 Blue Peter by any chance?
Certainly give Tornado a run for its money!

Can I just say a huge thank you to the West Somerset for booking visitors that are'nt GW, variety is something the heritage railways need these days to pull enthusiasts.

As you know, I do like my copper-caps but, its nice to see non-GW engines on GW lines, like it is to see GW engines on non-GW lines.

Seems we are heading north with this one!

I thought 6989 Wightwick Hall was already at the Bluebell? But if that's a visitor-turn-hiree, then that will be nice to see.
[Problems permitting.]

 

Not long until our bumper double loco announcement early next week. A little clue shot of one of our guests below
Thanks to @Bail5029 for the idea and the graphic design.