SVR Spring Diesel Festival 14th-17th May 2026

One or two idiots like this deposited at the next most inconvenient station without public transport and a lifetime ban ..word will soon get around .

 

Punitive punishment in a shame based society. Chose your method from there but make sure it is widely publicised through press and Social Media that not only will it be tolerated but will end poorly for those who wish to bring ire and eyes on the worst parts of the hobby. But I also feel like if you have to hire SIA staff to patrol behaviour, may as well bin the whole thing off and make sure everyone knows why.

 

The problems at the SVR diesel events appear to get worse each year and need to be nipped in the bud. It may be drastic but I would suggest cancelling the 2027 diesel gala altogether. The message will spread quickly and everyone will understand that foolish behaviour will NOT be tolerated. The following year, everyone will have to abide by the rules. Anyone who then misbehaves will have the SVR management and all other gala participants to deal with. I appreciate that the gala is a big money spinner for the railway but this may be an option the railway can ill afford to ignore. <BJ>

 

I'm not sure whether it's "can" or "will"

 

I think thats OTT and also spoils it for the rest of us. I also dispute that it is getting worse and it is not limited to the just the SVR.
We are talking about a small group of individuals who tour a number of railway galas, the idiots I viewed had been to Swanage the previous weekend.
Perhaps the railways should group together to deal with them.

 

Well, I hope that there's not a serious injury, or even worse, next year. <BJ>

 

I think cancelling is the only way forward, even this years autumn bash. I read on this set as well one toilet next to the 20 was smeared in poo? Could well be this guy who did it. Then there was the teak door incident last October.
An increase in diesel running days for different classes may be a better option alongside the usual steam service, as then these prats are more under a watchful eye and the events won't attract as many nutters at one time.

 

Except that the majority of running days are now 32 miles with a long fester at Bridgnorth and not worth the time or cost of travelling for .
Cancelling October’s event not only costs those that have already booked non cancelable accommodation based on the dates advertised and the plan but also the loco owners invited to attend .All for the actions of one mindless moron ..

 

As in longer running days alongside the normal timetable, make them 80/96 mile whatever, possibly having two sets out doing this.

 

Based on this sort of behaviour going unpunished do not see anyone other than the ORR being bothered really.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y91dg75ejo

 

Not forgetting incidents in previous years such as the theft of a DRS locomotive nameplate, vomiting from carriage windows, vandalism, theft of carriage components, and even the man with the gas mask, alongside the perennial problems of flailing, drunken behaviour, obstructive conduct towards staff, and general yobbery. It sounds as though Bo’ness took the correct approach and came down on these idiots with an iron rod. The overwhelming majority of enthusiasts behave perfectly well, but repeated incidents like these inevitably damage the reputation of such events and place an unfair burden on volunteers and railway staff. Well behaved passengers want a positive experience free of thugs. I would happily pay a little extra for security staff to remorselessly throw these thugs off the train at the first available opportunity.

 

I don't care about that. I care about the horrible bullying and intimidation I saw over the event. I've never seen that at a gala before. It was horrible to see. I ended up squaring up to some pig who was bullying a kid who looked like he was about to cry.

 

The guy works for a TOC too it's been said on social media, unbelievable, Mr Dunster has been able to identify him and will be contacting him directly.

 

Quite often rail staff (mainline or preserved) are the worse for it. They think they know best.

 

Few photos from Saturday on the SVR Diesel gala
















Neil's Railway Photos through the years
https://railway-photography.smugmug...026/SVR-Spring-Diesel-Gala-Saturday/i-LSsw7pZ

 

I learnt today that the ORR has now been contacted regarding the railway and the “flailing out of windows” incident. Time will tell how the matter is viewed, particularly in light of the SVR’s response.