Spa Valley Railway - Latest News

Result

 

Looking forward to coming back to see 52044 and the Cuckoo Line Gala. Also need to see 34053 in it's 303 Squadron guise as well.

After my first visit in 2022, I felt regret I hadn't been before, despite it being a very local line.

When I was a kid my Grandad would take me to railways during half-terms and we never went to the Spa Valley (Nor the Lavender Line, although we did once stop at Isfield when the 73 was based there, but didn't venture beyond the carpark). Usually I or he would end up choosing one of: the Bluebell (which was the one we did most), Mid Hants or KESR. But I did fall for the Spa Valley after that first visit.

 

My first grice this year, and to the Spa Valley Railway.

Enjoyed a nice ride behind 34053; then adjourned to Groombridge for great SPV company and hot coffees, and photted 34053 arriving from Eridge a couple of times.

First photo is of the 12.50 Eridge when it was very, very dull and murky with light rain, but giving the best clag as the train passed the Junction - a fairly small amount of work in a very quick edit with Photoshop Elements 2022 and some noise (photo, not loco exhaust!) cleaned up with Topaz the AI.

Second photo is the 14.50 Eridge arriving. Dry and overcast by now.

Very many thanks to everyone at the SPV who made it all happen today.

Bryan

 

Yet another very good day at the Spa Valley Railway today. Top and tailed as normal for a one train (5 cars) set to Eridge with diesel loco, I think 31430, at the Eridge end. And 34053 at the TWW end - so the Bulleid had the mainly uphill return leg as booked. A Saturday, so 4 return trains. I think the Sundays are currently two return trains as the loco also does two trips on Steam Driver Experience runs.

As usual I based myself at the ever friendly Groombridge station, and from there photted at School Lane Bridge, the station footbridge and the Fair View Lane area near High Rocks.

It was mostly a day of shooting into the sun, as with early fog clearing and cold all day, I was expecting and got a log of clag! I don't have time at present to edit down the more than 100 photos, fully name my keepers and do a full edit on those I think are the better ones.

Quick edits of a couple I like are below.

Bryan