KESR Gala 24-26th May

Gervase (note the spelling) has a duff bearing in its gearbox which is not a five-minute job to fix. However, the problem with Gervase will not prevent it taking part in the Saturday cavalcade and it will certainly be on display, probably at Tenterden.

On Saturday and Monday, all other engines (23 65, 376, 1638, 6619, 32678) are expected to be in service. Class 03 D2203 will be used as TN station pilot.

On Sunday it looks like we are running a three train service using 1638, 6619 and 32678. I would not expect a freight train to be in use.

The original plan for Saturday was that 23 and 32678 would haul the freight to Tenterden and for 23 alone to return it Wittersham. Whether that changes on the day will depend on circumstances yet to occur

 

Will there be a full working TT for sale on the day? Or even better, the day before (tomorrow!)

 

Having checked the KESR Main website this morning, I find that timetables have been added for each day but they seem to only cover passenger trains. WTTs may be available on the day, but I have no means of confirming it.

 

I was thinking of attending on Sunday, the only day I could go. However the KESR really don't seem keen on attracting visitors to this event and I shall be going to either the Bluebell or Mid Hants who both have attractive loco allocations and both of whom seem more keen on attracting visitors.

 

Many preservation societies came on the scene too late and/or did not have the money to buy "attractive" engines when they were available. Some of those who did buy have still to restore them.

Although our track could take the weight of the largest ex-BR engines, they would hardly be suitable for a Light Railway, would they?

Hiring in medium-size engines is not as easy as you may think and the transport is expensive. So, this year we have made do with what we have. If that is unacceptable to you then I hope you enjoy your visits elsewhere - we had a pretty good day today!

 

If only the Bluebell roster was accurate.5643 not 847 today....

 

Mid Hants had 850 Nelson and 34007 Wadebridge out today, can't argue with that for good powerful engines!

 

I assume that you were part of one of the crews today? If that assumption is right then great! Because a large part of 'galas' is giving crews and staff a chance to 'let their hair down' and have some fun which clearly today did for you

However from a casual enthusiast visiting to get some pictures from the line side I didn't feel that today was up to the standard which normally comes from the KESR. For starters there seemed to be different timetables floating around and it was difficult to actually work out what was happening at times. We dropped into Tenterden to try and find more information and managed to grab a small WTT which for various reasons seemed to change through the day. I quite liked the programmes which have been produced in previous years as these have meant I can give something to the railway through purchasing the booklet/leaflet.

The failure of 'Gervaise' and the weather didn't help either and whilst neither could be helped, both could be overlooked if more varied things were happening on the line (double headers, t&t etc.) which have been normal on gala days like this at the KESR. As there was no reference anywhere to Junction Road shuttles (which were advertised on the leaflet) we didn't venture down there either, which was a shame as this is something I would like to have seen. I am still not sure if these ran or not.

As I say, this is not a criticism of the railway itself, just this day which was advertised as a 'gala' but felt more like an intensive service with a freight train awkwardly squeezed in.

I hope this is taken in the spirit it is meant - constructive criticism.

I hope the rest of the weekend is enjoyable.

 

Thank you for your comments. I will make sure that these are passed on to the relevant people, or that they are made aware, so that they can come and see for themselves. Personally, and despite getting rather wet at times, I enjoyed the day.

 

I was not referring to the size of the locos. in operation, rather to clear statement of intents on their internet sites. We all know that last minute failures can and do occur. The KESR problem seems to be a lack of willingness to share basic information with prospective customers, and the comments on here about the inaccurate information handed out on the day reinforces this.

Basic lesson for anyone in the tourist industry (which preserved railway are) have an up to date web presence or don't expect people to visit.

With petrol at over £6 per gallon a visit to the KESR, Bluebell or Mid Hants will cost me over £30 in fuel before I buy my ticket, food and drink. Thus I am not going to visit somewhere that, to be blunt, cannot even really be bothered to tell me it's plans in advance,

 

Anyone planning on going Monday. Please be aware the timetable on the Website has now changed. There will NOT be a 16.45 departure from Tenterden

 

Agreed.

The IOWSR and G&WR both had Gala's this weekend. The former had a working timetable with loco allocations to download from the website, while the later had a timetable to download with loco allocations detailed elsewhere on the website with a link from the Gala page.The KESR has in the past provided the information. The poster who started this thread went to the IOWSR Gala.

 

I attended yesterday because it was the only day there was information what was running on the website, and a good weather forecast. The loco roster was correct, although I do not know if the last train 16:45 ran.
Some of the Guards/ Ticket inspectors and passengers were were expecting more engines to be running, while some passengers were expecting to travel to Junction Road.One mentioned that they emailed the railway but had not received a reply.

The railway was busy but the carpark at Tenterden was not full at anytime I looked( walked to Tenterden Bank via foothpath at bottom of the Carpark a couple of times). Due to queue for tickets anyone who had cash was able to pay on the train.
A good selection of bottled real ales available in the Cafe and Shop (although more in the later).

I had any enjoyable day and my photos can be found here http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p95891888

Thanks to the Volunteers and staff.

But please ensure for future events that more information is available ( including timetable with loco allocations) at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

 

I am somewhat intrigued as to why there are 3 Galas on what would be seen as a busy weekend (arguably the busiest Bank Holiday, given families are busy planning the return to school in August).

We hold our Gala at May Day on the NYMR because it can be quieter (no following holiday), especially when near to Easter, and I realise that many non-Railway events are held at Bank Holidays, so some means of appealing more than "it's just a normal day" is needed but it seems quite unusual for Galas, aimed presumably at enthusiasts, to be at Bank Holidays (or are Galas now aimed at the General Public more?)

Steven

 

The KESR Gala has in the past been on the Mayday Bank Holiday weekend. I believe it has been moved because the 40th anniversary of Official reopenning, although the nearest weekend would be next weekend ( 2nd June 1974). Further reading of one of the guides the line reopened 3rd Feb 1974.

The other two railways galas are usually this weekend.

 

Here are two sequences I took of the GWR Tanks passing Orpins Curve yesterday morning.

 

David,

You obviously had better light for photography than I did on Saturday morning. However, here is a picture of the cavalcade.

 

Out of curiosity what is the whistle attached on 6619 as it doesn't sound like a typical GWR type?

 

You are correct that it is not a GWR whistle. The previous owners fitted a chime whistle and we have left it in place. What will happen when it is withdrawn this coming winter for overhaul is any ones guess!

 

David,

Adrian Landi tells me the Chime is from an A4 pacific, he'll try to find out which one.


Alan

PS THE WHISTLE IS THE BEST BIT OF THE ENTIRE LOCO.