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Battlefield Line Winter Warmer Gala, 3-4 February 2024

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by ruddingtonrsh56, Dec 11, 2023.

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  1. ruddingtonrsh56

    ruddingtonrsh56 Well-Known Member

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    The Battlefield Line's Winter Warmer Gala is returning in 2024 after a few years off over the weekend of February 3-4
    The timetable is likely to include local trains and a freight or two as well as full line services.
    Confirmed attendees so far are GWR Large Prairie tanks 5199 (Courtesy of the 5199 Project) and 4144 (Courtesy of the Great Western Society).
     
    ruddingtonrsh56, Dec 11, 2023
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  2. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    How many engines are exactly running at this event? Last time, they had 3.

    Also, does anyone know the nearest main line station and possible hotel near the railway, somehow, I seem to favour this over the other February event.
     
    WesternRegionHampshireman, Dec 11, 2023
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  3. Robert Heath No.6

    Robert Heath No.6 Well-Known Member

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    Geographically, probably Hinckley. Practically, there's a bus from Leicester to Bosworth village (assume SuX).
     
    Robert Heath No.6, Dec 11, 2023
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  4. ruddingtonrsh56

    ruddingtonrsh56 Well-Known Member

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    As I understand it there are planned to be 3 locos in steam. Of course, I can't say anything more on that until any other attendees are formally confirmed and announced.

    Hinckley, Nuneaton and Atherstone are all fairly close. There is a bus link from Atherstone to Shackerstone (Stagecoach Midlands No 7) which takes about half an hour, but I don't think it starts til about 10 on a Saturday. Or there's an Arriva Bus (I believe 153? Double check on Google maps) that runs hourly from Leicester to Market Bosworth and starts earlier in the day, but does take an hour. At events at Market Bosworth over the summer the railway also put on a free vintage bus service to Hinckley/Nuneaton so they may do that again for this, but I don't know - you're best contacting the railway about that.

    As for hotels, Hinckley and Nuneaton are both big enough that there's probably a Premier Inn or something in at least one of them.
     
    ruddingtonrsh56, Dec 11, 2023
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  5. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    OK, cool. :cool:
    Pendennis be too much to ask?
     
    WesternRegionHampshireman, Dec 12, 2023
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  6. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    you will have to wait and see (or write a cheque out to pay for the movement)
     
    Sidmouth, Dec 12, 2023
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  7. ruddingtonrsh56

    ruddingtonrsh56 Well-Known Member

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    I'd
    Given that I have absolutely no decision making power in what is coming, yes, it is too much to ask of me! Can't comment on whether it's too much to ask of the people who actually have the power to decide and book who is coming though.
     
    ruddingtonrsh56, Dec 13, 2023
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  8. ruddingtonrsh56

    ruddingtonrsh56 Well-Known Member

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    ruddingtonrsh56, Dec 16, 2023
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  9. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    That’s a bit of a coup.
     
    Spamcan81, Dec 16, 2023
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  10. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Wow, as Ian says that’s a bit of a coup, hope it all goes well.
     
    Matt37401, Dec 17, 2023
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  11. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    It is, but it's only 6 weeks away and the loco hasn't steamed yet. Add in Christmas and New Year and it's really only a month to complete the loco, move it and get it tested. They might do it but it seems wildly optimistic to me.
     
    5944, Dec 17, 2023
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  12. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    If it’s not available, then just stick the name and number plates on any old GWR 4-6-0 and nobody will know the difference. :)
     
    Spamcan81, Dec 17, 2023
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  13. Lezzloco

    Lezzloco New Member

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    Will keep fingers crossed they get it done in time, but will go anyway, just thinking about the weather, when its bad out there it really is nasty.
     
    Lezzloco, Dec 17, 2023
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  14. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    We seem to be on the same wavelength Ian… IMG_8707.jpeg
     
    Matt37401, Dec 17, 2023
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  15. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    to be fair , the railway do say subject to testing being complete . Availability of engines becomes key as the two big prairies are off elsewhere so no real latitude on changing the date
     
    Sidmouth, Dec 17, 2023
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  16. ruddingtonrsh56

    ruddingtonrsh56 Well-Known Member

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    4144 has arrived at Shackerstone prior to the gala (see https://www.facebook.com/shackerstoneshentonmarketbosworth/posts/680520077578102).

    In the comments section of the above post, the railway has also confirmed that they will be putting on a bus link between the railway and Nuneaton railway station for the duration of the gala, to make it easier for people to arrive by public transport. Timetable to be confirmed

    (Also, yes, the loco does fit under the bridge while on the back of the low loader!)
     
    ruddingtonrsh56, Jan 10, 2024
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  17. LittleRedTrain

    LittleRedTrain Member

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    Just a heads-up that ASLEF have today announced strikes that will affect West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast on Saturday 3rd Feb, which will affect trains through Nuneaton.
    I'm just hoping there'll still be enough of a CrossCountry service to get there, as I was looking forward to making a first visit to the railway.
     
    LittleRedTrain, Jan 15, 2024
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  18. Wagoniester

    Wagoniester Member

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    Heritage Rail mag reporting that 6880 will miss the gala due to work outstanding on the loco delaying its tests.
     
    Wagoniester, Jan 17, 2024
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  19. Ben Jenden

    Ben Jenden Well-Known Member

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    Had a feeling this was going to be the case unfortunately.
     
    Ben Jenden, Jan 17, 2024
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  20. ruddingtonrsh56

    ruddingtonrsh56 Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately, but perhaps not unexpectedly, it has been confirmed that 6880 will not be ready in time to participate at the Winter Warmer Gala. The loco will still come to Shackerstone for testing and running in, but this will be after the gala. The railway are in the process of securing a replacement for the event
    https://www.facebook.com/shackerstoneshentonmarketbosworth/posts/686614326968677
     
    ruddingtonrsh56, Jan 20, 2024
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