Embsay & Bolton Abbey - Hunslet Gala 27-29 June

Visiting locos:

• King George from Didcot Railway Center
• Jessie from Blaenavon Raiilway
• Brookes No.1 from Middleton Railway
• 2890 from East Lancashire Railway

Home locos:

• Cumbria

 

It will be interesting to see the wider reaction to that given that King George is not in typical Fitzwilliam condition...

 

No, but it is the only operational 15” and I for one am really looking forward to it visiting.

 

I'm hoping 7298 and Dave from the Mid Hants are on the guest list..

 

King George, 47298 and Dave - so that would make 3 Thomases

 

I do wonder if Andy Booth's 2890 Douglas might be on the cards?
With Cumbria being withdrawn after the gala and Wheldale unlikely to be finished in time, this leaves only Beatrice as a working steam loco so at least a couple of season-long hires will be needed. 2890 would tick the box of being an Austerity AND suitable for playing the role of 1225 in the Polar Express services next Christmas.

I may be going 2 + 2 = 5 though

 

Given that the gala page (https://www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk/events/hunslet-gala) suggests the main targets for the Gala are the Fitzwilliams, rather than Austerities, some people might need to rethink their suggestions of guests. (Admittedly the gala title does seem to be leaving the door open for the larger cousins if needed though!)

 

Actually, that's very true. I'm expecting Brookes No.1 from Middleton and Jessie from Pontypool & Blaenavon to complete the 14, 15, 16, 18 lineup.

 

According to an advert for this event in the latest Trackside magazine Douglas is on the guest list for this event... No mention of Dave or 7298 mind.......

 

I wonder if Airedale might be displayed?

Chris

 

Apparently Airedale will be on display in the shed for visitors to see which is ace.

Now confirmed: Blaenavon’s HE1873 Jessie, the only remaining member of the 18” 48150 class, and Middleton’s HE2387 Brookes No.1, the sole-surviving 14”, are also attending. This means we have a complete set of 14”, 15”, 16” and 18” Fitzwilliam-type locos, plus Cumbria.

I can’t see Jessie (the only guest so far that would be suitable for Embsay’s high summer trains) staying on longer as Blaenavon have recently said goodbye to Hudswell Clarke 1857 which is returning to Williton on the WSR. So with Embsay needing at least two hires to cover their summer requirements I wouldn’t be surprised if Douglas or another engine is added - though the current lineup is already brilliant so not sure they’d have room for much more!

 

So I wasn't exactly wrong - there will be 3 Thomases!! lol

 

Anyone know why 1857 is returning to Williton? Has it ever been there?

 

2890 Douglas now officially announced

 

Was restored there in 2022

 

Looks an interesting line up, will have to pay a visit...