It has been said that good things always come in threes. Well for the SVR Autumn Steam Gala this year that was certainly true as I and George of SVR Steam were out in force between the Thursday and Saturday filming lineside again (please see pinned comment for safety info).
Since the Spring Gala we’ve both found some new spots which make up the bulk of this video to be honest with some old favourites thrown in too. This year was branded an LMS themed event starring newly overhauled Stanier Mogul 13268 and technically Jinty 47383 form the home fleet flying the flag. Supporting them were hired guests Jubilee 45596 ‘Bahamas’, Black 5 44932 and Lanky Tank 11456. Bringing up the numbers were the rest of the operational home fleet starring 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, Pannier Tank 7714 and Standard 4 75069. Technically a guest but also semi home fleet by this point also included 2999 ‘Lady of Legend from Didcot. Lots of exciting stuff!
George and I started at the south end to follow the pick up goods on its trundles on Thursday and it was around lunchtime we heard that 11456 had been failed. In simple terms, she was making heavy going of her local due to the steam going everywhere except up through chimney. Fortunately 75069 jumped into action as the spare. Lanky was soon mended and worked her booked 1945 evening run to Bewdley the following day.
The promised heavy rain and thunderstorms didn’t materialise until Sunday (not a problem for us then) but we did have a brief spattering on the Saturday afternoon. Overall, an excellent gala which showcased replicas of main line expresses, branch line locals and the every pleasant and satisfying sight of freight by rail. This is particularly relevant as Royal Mail have (as of Friday 20th September 2024) terminated their post train in favour of cheaper road transport.
I’m back out filming again on Tuesday as I’m taking part in a charter with 2999 so expect some footage of that in due course. Speaking personally I’m so proud of 2999 for making it through all four days of the gala as she’s done a few summer weekend runs and set many fires, caused several hours of delays and been a general nuisance. Now, she’s shaking off that reputation and has, to me anyway, definitely proved her worth. Well done Lady.
For now though sit back and enjoy three days of pure steam. Thanks again to George again for his company, his channel is linked here https://youtube.com/@SVRSteam?si=SAg6xUn1svpgYfCS and thanks to Joe for his clips which he kindly offered, his instagram is linked here https://www.instagram.com/21c.railphotography?igsh=eDFpNGt0c3A1eHVq
Cheers very much folks, see you again soon.
- Alex.