GWSR | Cotswold Festival of Steam Gala | 23-25 May 2026

The timetables have been updated to V1.2, but still don't see one of the maneuvers on Saturday.
2807 arrives Toddington 14.16 freight, then advertised as working 14.37 passenger north from Wincombe. Really?

 

Yes, really! A LE movement between the 2 not shown on the public TT.

 

Looking forward to this weekend, we should be there Saturday & Sunday. Quick question, is it an early morning ECS run to Cheltenham, or is it light engine with stock left there overnight? Might have time Monday morning to head over first thing before we leave. Thanks in advance!

 

Hope you all have a fantastic and successful weekend, gutted not to be making this - this looks to be the event of the year. Look forward to the videos and photos from the event.

If 45110 has another running day will try and get over, would love to reacquaint with an old friend!

 

Okay I will go with your assertion, thanks, see you there.

 

That and 45025 are the only preserved ones with dome less boilers.

 

Not sure if it has been asked or stated somewhere already, are there any plans for a queuing system or similar for getting on the railcar? From first hand experience at the East Somerset gala, unless you happened to be stood in the exact right place when it came in, your chances of getting on ranged from guaranteed to nil! Aware it states it's "limited capacity" on the timetable, and pre-booking for every journey isn't really feasible due to peoples plans changing on the day, but if there is a hard limit on numbers that are able to board, it would be good to know before the train comes in whether you're actually going to get on or not, rather than fighting your way on or being disappointed after waiting for x amount of time.

 

5000 in the NRM also (also once operational on the SVR)

 

hopefully the railcar will not be to overcrowded as has been running the last few weeks when i travelled to Cheltenham it was comfortable and the shuttle to broadway

 

An ECS to ensure when the train arrives at CRC it has capacity available for the large volumes that commence their day from that end of the line.

 

The 9am departure is on a 'a free ticket' basis to try and help numbers. When you book your advance ticket online you can request a ticket for the railcar: GWR Diesel Railcar No 22 at Toddington Station « Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway plc

There are currently 3 seats left on Saturday, 10 to 15 Sun/Mon

All other No.22 services are on a first come first basis.

 

I'd already booked for Sunday including the 9.00 railcar, and I've just booked for Saturday as well. Plenty to look forward to; in particular I've not had a ride behind 45110 since 2008, and never seen 229 except as a kit of parts at the Flour Mill.

 

Thank you - are tunings available for that move? Thanks in advance!

 

Well after my comments about the shuttle buses previously, I've put my money where my mouth is and have booked tickets for tomorrow.
Only just realised that the usual traction engines in the yard are now a full on separate 'Steam at Stanway' event, going to be hard fitting in everything tomorrow, spoiled for choice!

Keeping fingers crossed that CrossCountry don't have one of their meltdowns (possibly literally, given the weather forecast!).

 

Can’t find the pictures now but can anyone be kind enough to tell me which way the guests are facing please? I know 34070 faces north along with 45110.

 

Caley Tank faces North, Coffee Pot and 78022 face South from the pictures I've seen

 

Thanks. Helps plan the day.

 

Maybe helpful:

 

Don't forget all loco facing directions are on the timetable.

 

Ah. Hadn’t got round to downloading that. Cheers.