ELR Steam Gala - 24th/25th January

Iv posted this on the ELR forum it does seem strange last time we had an austerity it worked at the gala on passenger services, but it was in BR livery though ](*,) i wish the ELR would make more use of the industrial locos it has i might even join the steam dept then.

 

Whilst in no way being the official elr spokesman all I can say is that I will pass on the sentiments to the organisers, regrettably as the old saying goes you can not please all of the people all of the time, personally I can see no reason why the austerity could not run a couple of Ramsbottom shuttles instead of the Jinty and can only pass on requests to the organisers who I know very well.

Thanks for all your comments, I hope you have all had chance to look at the loco rosters and can see some great double headers, notably the standard tank and 45407, as well as double headed black 5s, hope as many as can will make it down and as usual the crews will send you all home happy.

 

It's still a bit silly though to advertise two locos as running when they're actually not... 8-[

 

But they are shunting around Bolton Street, aren't they? If so they are running.

 

But there'd be outrage if 71000 was only rostered to shunt around Bolton Street...

 

Yes exactly its suppost to be a steam gala ie all steam locos on the poster should work passenger trains how ever it now seems its a only BR locos can do passenger trains gala. ](*,) No wonder people are getting disheartened with the Lancs.

 

So if I run an chocolate ice cream car on wheels around Bury car park (drawing much the same effect as a L/E Austerity not working a train) could I advertise that as running too?

 

yes but was 71000 built for shunting, NO !!!!!!!!, Austerity made a lot of people happy at last gala with fxp at Bury, I have already said I will pass on your comments to those that roster the locos, so just wait and see whatn happens then.

 

Regardless, the majority of people come to galas to ride behind locomotives rather than see them shunting around and on FXP work. Although these provide an extra attraction, it's a shame that the Austerity, which is perfectly capable of handling at least the Ramsbottom shuttles, is not 'let loose' on these, leaving May to perform the goods and possible FXP/Brake Van duties. The 'main line' steam contingency is well catered for with 45407, 45231, 47324, 71000 and 80098 however if theres a market to be had with Industrial Steam fans and it's easy to cater for them ( I fully understand crewing issues but would it be safe to say that 2183 would be more popular than 47324, if push came to shove?) , it should be done to the best of the ELRs ability.

Compared to other galas happening in the same rough time period the ELR comes off with the short straw - with Keighley and Loughborough churning out high class (although singular) visitors, the CVR hiring in a large variety of locos, as examples; the ELR, although posessing a good in house fleet, isn't using what it has to the best of it's ability.

Here's hoping that everyones comments are listened to and that the February gala is a lot more commendable than the January one.

 

Good to see the support for the Austerity and lets face it we all know a Jinty is a poor man's austerity...although Hunslet did nick some good ideas from it!

 

May I add my voice to the comments requesting the chance to ride behind the industrials as well as the main line stuff at the ELR next weekend? I was planning a trip across but am unlikely to unless I can get a run behind the austerity and the peckett. Call me a fringe enthusiast if you like but it's easier to get to Bury than Toddington or Wansford for the austerity!!

Real austerities have tanks, not tenders, in my opinion (with apologies to great job on SJ1931/90733 at Haworth!!)

Best wishes for a successful gala in any event.

 

just to confirm that the peckett is not allowed on passenger duties as far as I know.

 

Shame they fitted it with vac and steam heat then :smt009

 

Without wishing to add fuel to the 'industrials v ex-BR engines' debate. . . . does anyone know how much a rover ticket is, for the gala? Couldn't seem to find any info on it on the site alas.

RE the "not on passenger services, but in steam, thus its on the poster" debate - I believe its usual practise amongst railways to list the locomotives available for passenger work. Any other loco running, but not in passenger service (eg in light steam), is advertised as thus. Example, the WSR galas, where a pool of locos are advertised, but they make it clear that only eight or so are actually pulling trains on any given gala-day. One for the ELR to think about?

Mind you, although it makes good practical sense not to put the Peckett on passenger services, the austerity seems another matter. Would there be the possibility of putting the austerity out on a Rammy shuttle, either doubleheading with, or even vice the Jinty please?

 

I have put your comments to the organisers and regret that the austerity will not be pulling passenger trains at the January gala, the request for it to be used on passengers at the February gala has not gone unpassed and hopefully this will happen. The austerity is rostered for passenger services on anormal weekend but due to a problem with the water tower at Heywood it was not feasible to run it. I am sorry for those that are dissapointed at there lack of industrial haulage, the organisers do their best to make sure everyone is happy and I am sure that everyone coming will have a good time.

 

Above information now incorrect. The Austerity will now be employed on the 'Ramsbottom shuttle services' this weekend.
The original intention was to use the Jinty (47324) on this shuttle, but in view of the fact that this loco has just been re-tubed it is to be utilised on a lighter duty and will be used on the freight train shuttling around Bury with 1370 (Peckett) - thus enabling the Austerity to have some mileage on the 'main line'.
Rovers are 1 day £ 22.50 (adult), £15 (concession/ELRPS members)
2 day £ 41.50 (adult), £28 (concession/ELRPS members)

Loco info. from nuelr.org (wm section)

 

SUPERB.

 

This is correct just had an email from event organiser to confirm this, now if anybody moans about lack of jinty haulage then the wrath of a lot of people will be borne lol, if there any requests for feb gala pm me now as it is being worked on now

 

Excellent news and thank you. Will now open domestic negotiations for the weekend..!

 

Excellent news. It will make a lovely photo/video coming up Burrs.

Hopefully all will go well this weekend.