GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam | 24th-26th of May 2025

thanks guys - I wouldn't normally wish for rain before a Spring Steam Gala

 

A good soaking on Wednesday and clear skies for the weekend would be even better...

 

Nearest, 6430 in 2018 dragging the dmu around.

 

Working just north of Swindon today, heavy rain early hours of the morning and then heavy showers and a brief thunderstorm this afternoon- hopefully there will have been more of the same in Gloucestershire/Warwickshire to reduce the chances of lineside fires.

Chris

 

I hate to ask stupid questions but this weekend will be my first visit since 2019 and my first multi-day visit. As I'm walking from accomodation to the railway on Sunday morning I just want to clarify if the blue route from Google Maps is accurate and is available to walk on. Especially also after the 20:10 departure on Saturday Cheers.

 

Yes that should be fine.

For those asking about updated timetables with the pannier, they should be online tomorrow, would have been this evening but for technical issues. I've also been putting a few letters on the austerity today in between tests, no time for lining though I'm afraid!

Sent from my PGT-N19 using Tapatalk

 

The updated timetables are now available. <BJ>

Saturday Saturday A4 Timetable and map v2

Sunday 2025 Sunday A4 Timetable and map v2

Monday 2025 Monday A4 Timetable and map v3

 

65 late off Toddington & now subsequently held at Winchcombe 35+ late. Apparently due to points failure at Gotherington.

 

Not happy. Just got to Toddington behind 2807 and the two Well tanks was given the right away immediately without waiting for anyone wanting to catch that one trip those two makes today.

 

We are on the train and also surprised they sent us without waiting… Lots of unhappy people left on Toddington platform

 

This is becoming a regular occurrence. <BJ>

 

That's not good at all. I have a plan for Monday, but it could get really messed up if they do things like that. Not at all fair on those who have bought tickets.

 

The 09.35 from Broadway today was held for a time whilst a male sheep was retrieved from the 4ft on Stanton Viaduct - a new reason for a delay for me

 

A complaint on social media within the hour

Perhaps there was a good reason? Would a chat with the stationmaster not have been more productive?

 

Currently running around 100 late behind 7714…

 

Productive how? Unless they're going to return the train from mid section to start again!

 

Absolutely.
We had a marvellous day there yesterday starting on the 9.35 from Broadway. It was quite frantic just travelling and photting, let alone running such a complex operation.
The Gotherington problem meant trains were coming through thick and fast throughout the day, it felt busier than a gala on the double- track GCR! But the initial slippage of 45 to 50 minutes didn't slip by very much viewed from my travels which finished with the 1626 arrival of my favourite, SECR 65, at Broadway about an hour late.
The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful and the catering we used at Toddington and Broadway were excellent.
A few phone pix. I might add some camera ones when I'm back home and have sorted and processed them.

 

deleted, sorry moved to photography section