Over the weekend of the 18th-21st of April, the SVR's coveted 'Spring Steam Gala' was one of surprises and timeless scenes this year. With last minute substitutes and celebrity cameos, there was plenty to enjoy as always.
With a tank engine heavy line up, the Gala held an atmosphere of branch line about it. Star guest from the Bluebell Railway was LBSCR A1 Terrier N.o.72 'Fenchurch' which put in some fine performances on the Hampton Loade locals, while Weymouth Pannier Tank 1369 (despite substituting last minute for new build Grange 6880 'Betton Grange) looked very at home on the GWR byway on both goods and passenger trains. Lambton Colliery Tank N.o.29 completed the line up of guest engines.
The lines home fleet was in fine form, with recently out shopped Stanier Mogul 13268 sporting a fresh coat of LMS Lined Black, being one of many highlights paired with the lines matching set of Stanier coaches. Also on static display between running in terns was Locomotive Services owned LNER A2 60532 'Blue Peter' which despite it not running at the event was still a bit of a crowd puller.
0:00 60532 'Blue Peter'
0:47 21C127 'Taw Valley'
3:47 Pannier Tank 1369
11:37 Class 108 DMU
12:22 7812 'Erlestoke Manor'
18:08 4930 'Hagley Hall'
24:43 Lamberton N.o.29
31:27 BR 4MT 75069
35:10 Stanier Mogul 13268
41:25 N.o.72 'Fenchurch'
45:24 13268 fire fighting
All in all this was, as always, a fantastic event. The timetable was superb with a tone of variety, goods trains, local and express passenger. The DMU was, from what I could see, a useful addition to help relieve the steam locos, and the weather was superb to top it off. Many thanks to all involved in organising and running yet another super SVR Gala. Hope you enjoy!
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