KWVR Steam Gala Feb 2016

I couldn't image this being complained about in another country but I know that I've been guilty of it in the past.

 

Best gala I've ever been to was at Llangollen in 2011 (I think). Glorious weather in early April, and all locos were (at the time) home based. It was my first visit to the line which helped, but home bases events can be great for those of us who travel from further afield and principally want to experience what a particular railway has to offer. I'm hoping to get to Keighley next week and am really looking forward to it.

 

Taff Vale Return.

 

Any news on the timetable/roster? Or have I missed it??

 

Things have been a bit quiet over the last week in relation to timetable news etc. I guess that if there was going to be a replacement guest by now we would have heard, but would be nice to have some idea of a timetable.

 

http://kwvr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2016-WSG-Public-Revised.pdf

Passenger timetable

 

Yea, think they are holding on to a small chance of a loco being available but as you'd said, it's unlikely at this stage.

To give you an idea there is a timetable here - but without locos, but it might give you an idea of when trains are planned to run.

I'm sure as soon as details are available, you'll find out. They posted last night saying 48 hours they hope to have a solid plan - guess it's just how it all goes.

http://kwvr.co.uk/event/special-gala-timetable/2016-02-27/

http://kwvr.co.uk/event/special-gala-timetable-3/

 

Just read this on the Unofficial KWVR Page... You really have to feel for the lads putting this together!

Gala update:
Tomorrow we will know whether we can get 44871 to the Railway or not. Once confirmed/or not we should be in a better position to evaluate the loco roster and diagrams.
Additionally 75078 requires a steam test Thursday which again impacts the roster.

I know the operating roster is important to alot of you but please bear with, as this Gala has thrown up a lot of challenges.

Once we know more we will advise.

 

Rosters now up on KWVR web site: http://kwvr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/FEB_TIMETABLES.pdf

 

RTT 5Z71 Castleton Hopwood GF to KWVR 25th Feb. Looks like 44871?

 

Going the very long way round, BUT timed at 134 mph !!!!

 

Still awaiting confirmation of a driver for the diesel, advises the gala organiser on FB.

 

KWVR Facebook:

Despite a very considerable effort by the event organisers, which has included talks with a number of mainline operators and locomotive owners, we have to concede that Black Five 44871 will not arrive in time for the start of our Winter Steam Gala. We are very disappointed by this outcome, but hope that you will still join us to welcome back Taff Vale Railway number 85 back into traffic, as well as enjoy double-headed trains, demonstration freight services and the rest of the operational home fleet. We are still working hard to bring the locomotive to the Railway and hope that it can arrive in time for Saturday & Sunday services. The latest details and the working timetable can be found on www.kwvr.co.uk

 

Blimey the gala organisers have had a rough time over the last two galas at the KWVR now. Mostly as a result of circumstances beyond their control. In some respects this gala should be even better patronised just as a show of support for the efforts being made. They could have taken the easy option of just cancelling it.............!!

I'll be there at some point over the weekend to show my support for their efforts, I hope plenty of others are too.

 

I reckon all Ian Rileys staff are on board a well earned trip from Kings Cross to York and back and no one left to sort out 44871 till friday - either that or the ELR have hidden City of Wells very well which 44871 could have dragged back to Keighley

 

http://kwvr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/FEB16.pdf

New roster

After the disappointment of receiving confirmation that 44871 will not be able to join us, we have just learned that resident BR Standard 4 ‎75078 has developed a fault that is likely to result in the locomotive being unavailable throughout the Gala weekend.

The organisers have yet again reworked the working timetable to accommodate this latest setback to make sure that we make the best of the fleet to put on a great event.

 

What appalling luck K&WVR are having with gala locomotives. First the problems at last Autumn gala. Now 90733, 62005, 44871 and 75078 all not being available.
It must be heartbreaking for all those involved.
Lets hope this years Autumn gala has better luck.

 

Visitors to this weekend's Gala might find that small is beautiful - try this pair from today for size !!

 

Lovely shots above! Here are my efforts....

http://goo.gl/cJLfvx

 

Nice photos! You appear to have caught me hanging out of the first window on that second shot. The 13:00 from Keighley was certainly a spirited run behind 1054 and 85. A good day at the KWVR (despite the freezing weather!), and I have to say the lack of visiting locos didn't dampen my enthusiasm for the day. Thanks to the organisers for all the hard work under difficult circumstances.
Also, credit to those who lined out the Taff Vale tank, she looks brilliant.