SVR Autumn Steam Gala

For what it's worth, I was on the 08,20 from Bridgnorth on Friday, with 35006, and the start was delayed by fifteen minutes owing to a report of sheep on the track. The eventual start was superb, with not a hint of slipping on what was a greasy rail, on what is not the easiest starts, uphill and on a curve. Very impressive.

Owing to some good station work down the line we were only about 8 late arriving at Kiddie, but strangely there was no attempt to make an on-time departure on the 10.25 back (still with 35006) as we still left about 8 down and stayed like that for the entire journey.

The 08.20 was reasonably full, but the 10.25 was standing room only, and upon return to Bridgnorth all 3 car parks were full, so it looks like it will be a decent Gala, finance-wise.

 

Great event so far, Harry, thank you to all. Delay now mainly recovered - were any trains cancelled overnight or was it just a case of steadily making up time?

One piece of constructive feedback if I may - as ever I was glad of the opportunity to buy a working timetable but I couldn’t read the Fri - Sun timetables because the text was so small so had to cross reference with the free public booklet. Might this be looked at for next time?

 

Timetable holding up very well, trains VERY busy, great to see!!

 

The 10.25 ex-KR would have had to wait for the Auto to arrive before departing.

 

Storming run up to Bewdley tunnel just now, the Camelot rep on the footplate of 73082 at Kidderminster was beaming from ear to ear!!

Timetable drifted a little to around 20 mins down, but a very enjoyable event.

 

Slightly bemused at the comments complaining of the timetable being too busy. Feel the SVR are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Absolutely disagree with dropping the goods train - having a full line goods train means an awful lot both to the history of the line and to those at northern end stations.

Fantastic effort from all the volunteers up and down the line which also shouldn't go unnoticed - well done to all!

I think the SVR have once again this year put together a fantastic offering. Was there well into 23:00 last night and still plenty of activity with visitors out running. Only hope that the poor weather today has not damped things too much - I've not gone today which is first time for a while I not been there on a Sat just purely off the forecast but hope it's not deterred too many others.

 

Very busy today, on an evening train now and its packed.

Totally agree regards timetable, much rather they try something busy and lose 20-30 mins than be too conservative. Been a terrific day today.

 

Highley to Hampton Loade is usually heavily restricted and of course Sterns, but there are plenty of other places where locos can be opened up and they often are on the SVR.
Had a superb run up Eardington behind Hagley Hall this morning for instance.

There is a new 15mph restriction near Fisherman's Crossing just south of Highley, looks like a track twist to be corrected over winter.

 

An action packed day on the Severn Valley today. Timekeeping wasn't great but that didn't detract from the enjoyment. I'm not sure what caused the slippage - when I arrived at 0835, the auto train was just leaving Kidderminster 20 minutes late. The 0910 behind Camelot left right time but had to wait for about 15 minutes at Bewdley. Timekeeping then steadily improved till it seemed like everything was only 5 minutes late, only for things to get worse again in the afternoon. I think a whole number of factors were responsible - can't really single out any particular reason. I've been doing steam galas for 25 years now and you can either get annoyed about late running or you can sit back and go with the flow. I've learned to do the latter!

Anyway, good to see the visitors, especially the Jinty which I hadn't seen before, and my favourite Bluebell loco, Camelot. That chime whistle is loud!

Well done to all at the Severn Valley for putting on a varied and interesting show. It really does need local trains and freights to add some variety, regardless of what some may think. An event like this must involve a huge amount of organisation and a lot of people to make it all work - many thanks for your efforts!

A few photos.... didn't manage to get one of 7714 but I've photted it many times so not to worry!

 

Just in case I've missed it does anyone know when 35006 will be turned? I understand the plan is to have it forwards on the final train.

 

It’s facing Kiddie today.

 

Brill thanks for the info

 

Just arrived, Mogul and Hall have swapped turns in the night, 05:30 ex Kid is 4930.

 

73082 leaving with the 6:30 - 35 minutes late.

 

35006 has failed and is replaced by 4930 today

 

Matter resolved, back on diagram later