Three Galas, June 2010
Phots below from 3 very different galas over the last week or so, something for everyone here. All 3 events were very enjoyable, the loudest engine was the Spa valley’s 37254, the best thrash came from 25262 on the South Devon followed closely by Western Courier on the WSR. Saturday June 12th back in the 80’s would have been greeted as the first Summer Saturday of the year, the 2010 version saw at least 7 class 25’s (we think) out across the country…035/059 – KWVR,, 057-NNR, 067 – Battle, 173-WSR, 262-SDR, 278-NYMR…remarkable!
Spa Valley “Diesel running day”, 050610
E6047
(73140) awaiting her next Groombridge shuttle at Tunbridge Wells West. E6047
interestingly still has “SSC” fitted under her in cab number panel, all the
class being SSC fitted as built but perhaps not often used
The
“rather loud” 37254 running round at Groombridge. The Eridge extension is reportedly
at the final paperwork stage, when opened all Spa Valley Eridge services will
be top and tailed, diesel and steam.
33063
back at Tunbridge Wells after an atmospheric thrash up the bank from
Groombridge with load 4 and a dead 37254 in tow. 33063 is one of the few
Cromptons on the “Leighton list”, ie it has worked a passenger train that has
stopped at Leighton, albeit some years ago!
West Somerset Mixed Gala, 110610 (Fri)
“Broken
Ronnies!”, the 57’s used on the Taunton-Cardiff hauled diagram are berthed
overnight at Bishops Lydeard on the WSR. After 57304 failed, 57305 was put atop
the now caped 0728 Taunton-Cardiff to return it to Cardiff emcars, as 7017
looks on.
An
immaculate warship in 821 arrives at Williton with an up service
Dunster
is a gem of a small rural branch station, 7017 arrives with an up service in
what could easily pass as an early 70’s scene.
No
text needed really, the phot speaks for itself. 1062 (left) and 1010 at Bishops
Lydeard, superb!
Crowcombe
sees 1010 waiting for 47840 to pass. The 47 was standing in for 7017 which had temporarily
failed due “AVR” problems.
25173
being shunted by the 03 at Minehead. 25173 made an unadvertised bonus appearance
on the following days 0800 Minehead-Lydeard
Much
bhp on tap!, 1010 and 1062 with the last departure of the day from Minehead
South Devon diesel gala, 120610 (Sat)
Branch
line classic, Gloucester “bubble” W55000 at Buckfastleigh
Just
South of the idyllic Staverton Bridge, 33002 heads an afternoon working from
Totnes
A
second Staverton Bridge area scene with 20110 whistling South to Totnes
In
immaculate condition like the rest of the SDR fleet 25262 gleams at Totnes
Could
perhaps pass for a hilly scene in Anglia in the late 60’s, 37037 at
Buckfastleigh.
A big thanks to all the volunteers at these galas, your hard work paid off big time.