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Steel Steam and Stars III

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by admin, Mar 28, 2011.

  1. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    Just back in S. Wales from my own jaunt up to Llan yesterday with dad and grandfather. Enjoyed meeting fellow NP members in the Thompson Buffet over a few beers; it was great to put names to faces. There was an element of uncertaintly from various members of staff regarding what was going on. This first manifested itself when I wanted to visit Llangollen shed to view progress on the various projects there. The gate attendant said he didn't know what the plan was, and to just go in until someone shouted 'oi!' Another person said that the shed would not be open to visitors until 10:30, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and enter after photting a few locomotive movements at Llan. There's quite an array of hardware in there, with 6880, 45551 and the frames of 4709 in one area of the shed, and other projects scattered around the rest. Not a bad day's bunking!

    The 10:50 departure from Llan behind 60163 was delayed by 20 mins due to the Coal Tank's issues (only found that out after reading the post on here); got off at Glyn and caught the Auto to Bonwm. It is a really scenic stretch of line, and will look stunning when finished. After looking around Carrog, we caught 43395 and the Coal Tank reverse-double heading back to Glyn, where I departed company with my family to catch 828 back to Carrog. It arrived over an hour late, and it was only later in the day that I found out that the train had stopped mid-section in Berwyn Tunnel with vac problems on the maroon set. Got back to Carrog, then took 828 to Glyn to get 1744 back to Carrog for a swift half in the Grouse Inn. Then, I was treated to a fantastic brake-van ride in the 'Queen Mary', being hauled by the Coal Tank and 43395 pairing back to Llan. Apart from getting covered in water-sodden soot, it was the highlight of the day. Apparently, the maroon set was withdrawn and a whole service caped in order to regain some semblance of the original timetable, hence the extra double-headers. The maroon set was taken out of service.

    After meeting up with the family for a meal and a pint in The Hand, we took the 44806 and 70000 double-header, and stayed around in the Thompson for the final service by 60163, which was a great end to a great evening, having met several of the characters associated with our railways. It may be that the timetables were a bit too adventurous, considering that in the event, some of the locomotives were unable to cope on their own, but it was a good day out. I wouldn't have said that loadings were the same as at previous galas, but there were quite a few people around mid-day. My only major gripe was the pointlessness of the 6880 stickers given to attendees; they disintegrated in the rain. I recommend the purchase of colour-coded wristbands for each day as an effective, inexpensive method of instant recognition of attendees.
     
  2. Jasonkerner

    Jasonkerner New Member

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    Was the any news on footplate rides to anyone that has gone (or is still there?) It was mentioned on the 6880 website, but after many emails - still haven't had any confirmations either way

    Thanks

    Jason
     
  3. black5

    black5 Well-Known Member

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    [video=youtube;tMf829DRhyA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMf829DRhyA[/video]
     
  4. Just_Sayin

    Just_Sayin New Member

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    Reading through the build up to what is essentially that difficult third album no-one can deny the amount of negativity towards this event, the lack of information available seems to of been (and still is!) the biggest issue, a more than useless commerically run website, no information appearing on here from persons actually running the event ( just outsiders not fully in the know) and now the event has kicked off we have just witneesed two days of chaos.

    I dont think we have ever seen a gala thread on here like this, what has gone wrong ? SSS1&2 were not perfect but they never recieved such hostility as this, reading back they both got rave reviews with Danny hopkins singing its praises.. they really did reinvent the idea of a gala

    Maybe as mentioned it is the fact that some key people from the first two are not running the show.... if that is the case then I am not surprised, as the right man in the right place is key to events of this magnitude.

    The costs for this event must be huge ( i have heard transport costs of 60K, can't confirm it though ) and with weather giving a bleak outlook I fear for the finacial implications.

    Joking apart i think i might go next weekend just to see how bad it is !!
     
  5. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Well-Known Member

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  6. Neil_Scott

    Neil_Scott Part of the furniture

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    The negativity, mainly, has come from people who were involved with the previous galas. The Betton Grange Society must be a really happy place at the moment.
     
  7. Clarke_T

    Clarke_T New Member

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    Did end up having a most enjoyable day overall today, yes, we were sat in Llan platform for what seemed like 3 years, the prospect of a public timetable seemed to elude the place, it rained, and some Idiot with a camera decided it'd be a good idea to push me about as I wouldn't walk down the middle of a main road in order to stay out of his shot! Nobody seemed to know what was going on and we had to curtail our last round trip at Berwyn in order to get back to Glyn this afternoon as the last train was cancelled, but, the sun made a couple of appearances, the locos looked and sounded superb, the general atmosphere was good, and furthermore, after a day of riding, I'll be back on Friday with the camera in hand (weather forecast depending), here's hoping the organisers manage to iron out whatever was causing the delays today prior to next weekend, the only major downside to a somewhat excellent show.
    [​IMG]
     
  8. Jark91

    Jark91 Member

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    How about you actually attend this gala before you start hypothesizing about why it wasn't as good as the last two?
     
  9. tobes3803

    tobes3803 Member

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    Very good gala but could have been a lot better run! Seemed to be a lot of waiting around in passing loops with no hurry to dispatch trains! Even the first trains were late! Also they should be pushing the fact you could visit the engine your money is going too! Even the gate to the sheds said staff only! Yet when you get in another said visits after 1030! I also think they should of had a basic timetable with departure times just not showing the freights and loco allocations!

    That said I would be interested going back in two years time, as not been to the railway before and its a fantastic line!
     
  10. lil Bear

    lil Bear Part of the furniture

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    Bear to the rescue! Public Timetable now available (and attached).

    Hopefully I can get the webmaster to upload asap onto 6880 website and possibly LR.

    Sorry it's taken so long to become public, hopefully this solves one issue at least.

    View attachment SSS3 PTT.pdf
     
  11. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Any idea what happened to the Coal Tank and will it be ok ? i've tried and failed to find the relevant post earlier in the thread.

    I should be paying a visit next Sunday after a week deeper in North Wales.
     
  12. lil Bear

    lil Bear Part of the furniture

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    Believe just struggling to do a full round trip, so topping up at Glyn on return. Not heard of any mechanical faults.
     
  13. lil Bear

    lil Bear Part of the furniture

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    Ticket Prices below following their accidental removal off the website. Hopefully these will be re-uploaded along with the Public Timetable which I've re-attached again. Awaiting a reply on evening ticket prices, shall post once I have said reply!


    All Day Ticket Weekend
    Adult £22 + £3 GA
    Child £6 + £1 GA
    OAP £20 + £2 GA
    Family £45 + £5 GA

    All Day Ticket Midweek (Mon-Thurs)
    Adult £16 + £2 GA
    Child £6 + £1 GA
    OAP £13 + £2 GA
    Family £32 + £4 GA

    Extra Day Ticket (Only Available in Addition to Weekend Ticket)
    Adult £13 + £2 GA
    Child £5 + £1 GA
    OAP £11 + £2 GA
    Family £27 + £3 GA

    Midweek After School Ticket (Valid after 15:45)
    Adult £10
    Child £6
    OAP £10
    Family £25

    Weekend Evening Ticket (Valid after 17:00)
    Adult £10
    Child £6
    OAP £10
    Family £25

    9 Day Ticket (21st-29th)
    Adult £80 + £8 GA (On the Day)
    Child £39 + £4 GA (On the Day)
    OAP £70 + £7 GA (On the Day)
    Family £160 + £16 GA (On the Day)

    Under 5's travel free when accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
    Child Ticket Age 5 - 15 years.
    #GA = Gift Aid Donation (optional).
    Tickets include Entrance Fee to Beer Festival (Over 18s only).
    Full Colour A4 Event Brochure including Timetable available at £5.
    Pre-order Official SSSIII DVD produced by Belhurst Productions. 2-Disc edition showing footage of the event priced £24.95.

    View attachment SSS3 PTT.pdf
     
  14. Insider

    Insider New Member

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    Went there Sunday. I certainly got my £22 worth,oh and the £3 car parking,oh and the brochure so that I could get a timetable. What otherwise should I expect - its all going to a good cause. Come on guys if you dont think £22 was well spent go back on the main line for £122 and then hardly see an engine all day.
    All those involved at LLR - keep going and do the best you can - you are respected by those in the industry. The moaners (ie those who did not plan the event or cleaned the toilets or sold hot dogs or ashed out engines or stood in the rain parking cars or litter picked - see someone notices) will all be back when the Grange is completed saying how nice it looks! Just like the photographer who had a standoff with the lady member of staff at Carrog because he though he had a right to be the wrong side of the barrier - what an example!
    volunteers have to put up with a lot but LLR staff are a credit to the railway
     
  15. black5

    black5 Well-Known Member

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  16. RA & FC

    RA & FC Well-Known Member

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    Nothing wrong with it, just the water capacity is a bit of an issue.
     
  17. daveb

    daveb Member

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    I see that this says a NINE loco cavalcade? Does this mean that the locos not working that day (7822 and 44806) won't be taking part?
     
  18. lil Bear

    lil Bear Part of the furniture

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    Not from the information I have been given I'm afraid.
     
  19. NDTSDN

    NDTSDN Part of the furniture

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    Unfortunately due to personal and work commitments, I have been unable to attend this gala. Very disappointing for me, as it would have been great to meet up with Nat Pres and 6880 members again as I did at SSS1 and SSS2.

    Fortunately this forum has kept me informed of what has been going on, so I thank all who have attended so far and posted links to their photos and/or videos. Looking through them, many are brilliant, considering the weather conditions looked challenging at times.

    Thank you again.
     
  20. Tilly

    Tilly New Member

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    We went to SSS II. Lived every minute of it including my mum being more than a little merry in the Beavertrail Saturday night ('look its the Red engine!' )and Me having the last of the cider at the beer festival! I wonder if she had something to do with the Scots predicament ?!
    In all seriousness though, we are still looking forward to the weekend (Thursday can't come quick enough!). Yes, the forum certainly isn't as lively or informative as II, these days marketing is everything. The website is poor to navigate unless you want to hunt for stuff for a while and that video! I can see the intent but as the 'wife' I'm going for the Steam mother and Husband in Tow!
    But as someone pointed out above £22 for a day's steam is what you would pay for an average 'normal' gala -often more, so yes maybe not quite the same feel but very big boots to fill!!!

    Tilly
     

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