WSR Spring Steam Gala Fri 28th April to Mon 1st May

I did wonder when one of the early social media posts included some remark about a 'legendary event'... I haven't seen 2999 yet and Manors are pretty much my favourite variety of preserved steam. Quite fond of 9351 too. Will definitely not miss this.

For various family and work reasons I've never made it to a Seb Welsh organised WSR gala yet and have always just had to content myself with watching on Railcam to see how the hypothetical moves I'd worked out from the (always really interesting) timetable would've panned out. WSR Friday, Watercress Saturday morning then back west in time to see the Cl.37 tour returning from Penzance is my plan for this weekend so far.

 

Great news about 2999 visiting. I have had a trip behind it but it was covered in Christmas lights on the Mid-Hants. Ran very well but it will be nice to see it in daylight!

 

Well this is looking Great [Western] so far!
It will be nice to see Erlestoke in service, the Saint tackle a few steep hills and the other visitor(s) that are hopefully GW!

Now I wonder what the coach sets are going to be??

 

I bought my 4 day ticket yesterday.
Looks like being a really great event, all we need now is some nice warm sunny weather.

 

Weather like last year's Spring Gala would be ideal, with a little bit of rain the week before to help the fire state!! Hopefully you'll enjoy your visit whatever the weather

 

Carriage Sets will be MK1s of varying colours. To be confirmed yet but possibly as follows. In planning I'll try to keep liveries together if possible but with 3 different liveries likely to be mixed up before the gala it becomes a challenge!

Set A - 6 x chocolate and cream
Set B - 5 x mostly Maroon
Set C - 3 or 4 x Crimson and Cream
Set DQB - 6 x mostly Maroon
Set E - 1 x MK1 Brake plus 2 or 3 BR liveried parcels vehicles
Goods - Full 1940s era mixed Goods approx 8 wagons inc Brakevans.

 

Seb, just go rule one from the model railway world!

 

With 3 Manors, a Saint, a Prairie and the Mogul I'm sure I'll enjoy the gala whatever the weather.

 

You know? That sounds fantastic!
The parcel set sounds interesting, guessing it will run to Williton?

 

Set DQB - breakfasts available?
Brakevan s - rides available?

 

Yes, the Parcels set will run between Bishops Lydeard and Williton on Sat/Sun/Mon

 

Breakfasts will be available on Set DQB on the first two trips, Pie & Mash on the third run and Cream Teas on the 4th and final trip.

All I can say for Brakevan Rides currently is watch this space!

 

Is that the full loco lineup or are we expecting more visitors?

 

The official WSR website states:
"Further visiting locomotive announcements to follow"
after the 2999 and 7812 listing.



Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

We have at least one more locomotive in the pipeline, hopefully two. Watch this space!

 

BRAKEVAN RIDES AT SPRING GALA

We are delighted to announce that this year at the Spring Steam Spectacular, we will be offering Brake Van Rides in vehicles within our demonstration Goods Train. Why not add a ride in the Brake Van to your day to appreciate the event from a truly unique perspective? You'll pass through beautiful Somerset countryside on the way as you experience the panoramic views. If you are early enough, on some trips you can be positioned right behind your loco of choice, to enjoy a front row seat!

Various ticketing options and journey times are available to suit all price ranges to allow this experience to be enjoyed by all. Details are to be revealed when the timetable is publicised in a few weeks. Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis from the Travelling Ticket Inspector who will be located on the Brake Vans.

Please note this is will be an added purchase to your Day Rover ticket, you will not be allowed to board the Brake Van Rides unless you can produce a Day Rover ticket in addition to your Add-On ticket.

The following Terms and Conditions will be deemed as accepted by anyone purchasing a
2023 WSR Spring Steam Spectacular Brake Van ride:

- Age limit: 18 Years +
- Minimum height: 5ft / 1.52m.
- Passengers must be physically able to board and alight the brake van unassisted.
- Alcohol must not be consumed on the day prior to or during your Brake Van Ride
- No toilet facilities are available on the Brake Vans
- No catering facilities are available on the Brake Vans
- These are working heritage Brake Vans, and the WSR will take no liability for any
damage to clothing or personal possessions

Any member of WSR staff can refuse travel to anyone not compliant or unfit to travel.

Due to the age and design of the Brake Vans, we are unfortunately unable to accept people who require the assistance of a mobility scooter/walking aid or wheelchair.

Further details are to come!

 

Meals on the Quantock Belle dining train are now able to be pre-booked for the Spring Steam Spectacular at the link below. This year we are of course bringing back our legendary QB Breakfast and this year will see Pie and Mash served at Lunch times. Spaces will be limited and the Breakfast Service always sells out so it is advisable to prebook so you don't miss out!

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/detail/spring-steam-spectacular-quantock-belle

 

Do the breakfast trains clash with goods trains from Bishop's Lydeard end?

 

It depends which day you'll be here. Friday timetable is the best to go for if you're specifically after a Brakevan Ride. If you wanted a full line run those will start at Minehead in the mornings except Saturday. Sat/Sun/Mon early evenings will see a full line run back from BL to MD. All will be clearer when the timetable is confirmed and released and then we will be able to confirm timings for Brakevan Rides.

 

Thanks, Seb.

I didn't want to book a breakfast which would mean I'd miss a chance of a brakevan ride.