March 21st 2017 - Spring Steam Gala; it's been a good'n!

Cloudy skies did not dampen the spirits of passengers visiting our Spring Steam Gala…and 92 Squadron’s ‘go faster stripes’ certainly brightened up the weekend!!! Having totted up the passenger numbers, we had 4,537 tickets purchased against a budget figure of 4,300 (compared to 3,537 tickets purchased in 2016, a huge increase of 28%), which is a testament to all those who plan and take part in the event. Secondary spend was also up on 2016; with the shops, restaurants and bars up by 31%, taking £66k over the three days. Operationally the event was a success, bar one or two minor problems with late running during the evenings. Additionally, Sunday’s service was delayed due to an incident involving the scrambling of an air ambulance to a photographer near Bewdley. A full debrief will take place this week at Gala Committee. Plans are now afoot for our Autumn Steam Gala, as well as our Galas for 2018, with one or two interesting themes and locomotives to look out for!! All will be revealed soon… On behalf of the Gala Committee, thank you for everyone’s help and support in providing our customers with a fantastic event! Onwards and upwards!

Lewis Maddox Events Coordinator

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March 19th 2017

No. 34081 92 Squadron and No. 41312 have been such popular performers at our Spring Steam Gala, they'll be operating services for an extra weekend!
Following their three day appearances, the visiting locomotives will operate alongside No. 34027 Taw Valley for our Southern Sunset weekend on March 25th & 26th. 
To celebrate 50 years since the end steam in the south, the three locomotives, each synonymous with the Southern Railway, will operate our normal services.
Saturday 25th March, Timetable B:
Sunday 26th March, Timetable C:
Normal fares apply, with tickets available to pre-book or purchase on the day.

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March 16th 2017

7802, not 7812, will be the Manor working vice 1501, the Erlestoke Manor Fund has confirmed.

The Working timetable has been loaded to the Traffic Information page.

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March 14th 2017

34081 arrived late last night and is being unloaded today. Photo by Darren Shelmerdine

92214 arrived this afternoon
 

March 1st 2017

41312 has arrived, image added.

7812 will be the Manor working, the Erlestoke Manor Fund has confirmed.

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February 27th 2017

1501 will no longer be appearing at the event due to ongoing Valve/Piston exam and running repairs. One of the 'Manors' will work No. 1501's booked turns instead. Download the revised timetable here.

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January 17th 2017

British Railways 9F No. 92214 will be visiting the Railway for the second time to star in our Spring Steam Gala. The huge locomotive was built in 1959 and will be the youngest locomotive in steam at the event. The 9F’s were the last in a series of standardised locomotive classes designed for BR during the 1950s, and was intended for use on fast, heavy freight trains over long distances. It was one of the most powerful locomotive types ever constructed in Britain and successfully performed its intended duties. No. 92214 completes the Gala line-up.

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Tickets are now available to book for our Spring Steam Gala at www.svr.co.uk/springsteamgala.

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These locomotives are due to feature:

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British Railways 9F No. 92214

With thanks to Sarah Gregory and the Great Central Railway.

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No. 34081 '92 Squadron' - making its first visit

With thanks to Nene Valley Railway & The Battle of Britain Locomotive Society. 

 

LMS Ivatt 2 No. 41312 - first visit in over 16 years
With thanks to Mid-Hants Railway & John Jones

Last seen on Severn Valley metals in March 2000, the newly-overhauled 'Mickey Mouse' tank was built in May 1952 at Crewe locomotive works and spent its entire working career on the Southern region.

SVR special event page http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=65.