The Gala... One Step Forward... One Step Back

It is often said that nothing in life is guaranteed except death and taxes. Correspondingly, in the world of operating steam locomotives, it could equally be said that nothing is guaranteed except that it will cost more than you thought and it will take longer than expected.  The latter of those two has turned out to be true for the 5305 Locomotive Association, as their boiler re-staying exercise is taking longer than anticipated and as a result, 45305 won't be available for our "Workhorses of Steam" gala (May 27th - 29th).  You can probably blame me for jinxing this, as my distinctly better half is very fond of Black Fives, so I bought her an OO gauge model of 45305, with all the DCC sound, bells and whistles (well OK, hooter in this case) and working class A lamps for her recent birthday.  Needless to say, if I hadn't done so, the real thing would be up and running already.

No substitute for the real thing

Rest assured that the gala team is swinging into action like headless chickens a well oiled machine to obtain a suitable replacement.  At this point, it is appropriate to say thank you to the 5305 Locomotive Association for calling out that their loco this early, giving us plenty of time to find an alternative. 

Meanwhile, there is some good news, we are now in a position to reveal what we had expected to be the final loco to the gala lineup, but which will now be the penultimate one. 

The next locomotive to be announced is Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR) 7F, 2-8-0, 53808, which comes to us by kind permission of the West Somerset Railway.

53808 at Minehead on the West Somerset Railway

All of my photos of 53808 show her in her previous boiler ticket, as number 88 in Prussian blue livery.  She is currently running in BR black with the late "ferret & dartboard" crest.  Our original plans to double-head 53808 with 45305 would have created a very prototypical S&DJR pairing, however that is not to be any more.

53808 in action on the West Somerset Railway

 The S&DJR 7F's were designed specifically for hauling heavy loads over the steeply graded S&DJR line.  Only 11 of the class were built, 53808 being in the second batch in 1925, built by Robert Stephenson & Company in Darlington.

53808 again in action on the Mid Hants Railway

 53808 like so many other locomotives on our heritage railways, only survived into the preservation era by being fortunate enough to be sent to Barry Island Scrapyard, which she left relatively early, in 1970.

7F & snow in Somerset

As a reminder of the other locomotives announced thus far for the gala, the other two visitors are:

USATC, 2-8-0, 6046, which comes to us by kind permission of the Churnet Valley Railway:

American muscle power at Kinglsey & Froghall on the Churnet Valley Railway

6046 in action on the Churnet Valley Railway

I notice that Ian Crowder has placed an excellent article on these fine machines on the main GWSR website.  I can do no better than refer you to it, please follow this link.

Also appearing, by kind permission of the Severn Valley Railway and Push, Pull LTD is Collett 0-4-2T, 1450.  1450 will be paired with auto-coach W238W

1450 gives a shunting demonstration at Dunster on the West Somerset Railway

1450 is no stranger to our line, and in fact was the first steam loco to cross Stanway Viaduct when the northern extension beyond Toddington was first opened.

1450 sandwiched between 2 auto coaches on Stanway Viaduct

 Although Hayles Abbey Halt won't be open for the gala, 1450 will be passing through every day.  1450 will also be staying on for the official opening of Hayles Abbey Halt on June 5th.

1424 & auto W238W screeching to halt at Hayles (photo courtesy of Hugh Ballantyne)

This of course is all in addition to our home fleet, which just to remind you consists of:

Churchward 2-8-0, 2807:

2807 glinting in the sun at Gotherington

Churchward 2-8-0T, 4270

4270, seen here with the demonstration freight train that will be offering brake van rides during the gala

Collett, 4-6-0, 7820, Dinmore Manor:

Dinmore Manor passing Didbrook

Hawksworth, 4-6-0, 7903, Foremarke Hall

Foremarke Hall on the Cheltenham Spa Express, approaching Winchcombe

Last, but by no means least, class 8 super power in the form of Bulleid Pacific, 35006, Peninsular & Oriental SN Co.

35006 approaching Southam bridge

A very limited number of footplate rides are available on the home fleet locomotives each day.  If the idea of a trip on the footplate appeals to you, then details can be found by following this link.  Be quick, they sell out fast every year.