It's all been a bit exciting!

Nearly a month on from the Gala and things are only, now, just starting to calm down a little in the department. A lot has been going on - changes to the timetable because of the weather, a one-off celebration event as well as trying to tie in ongoing maintenance. 

We have seen the incredibly successful 'DELTIC DAY' on Friday 19th August which was run in conjunction with the Deltic Preservation Society (DPS) to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the first two production Class 55's entering preservation. 

BR Blue heaven!

The fleet has also been called upon to run all our normal timetabled services - ending on 21st August - because of the fire risk caused by the extremely dry weather, demonstrating the flexibility of the department staff who, at the last minute, were asked to take days off work and crew services all day in very high temperatures. As a positive, all of this has further enhanced the standing that the department has on the railway. It has also led to some high praise from visitors and fellow volunteers alike...including the picture below, which is now hung up on our shed notice board!

Thanks to Rory for taking the time to draw us this. It is greatly appreciated and is nice to know that our efforts are recognised. 

So, lets rewind and take a look back at things post-Gala and bring you up to date. 

As it stands, we haven't had any concrete financial detail from the GWSR Board as to how successful the Gala was. However, anecdotally, it would appear that a significant return has been generated through ticket sales, food and retail sales. In one conversation with a Station Master at Toddington on the Sunday, it was proudly stated that they had taken over £3000 by the lunch time on Sunday just in ticket sales at Toddington! Sunday, historically, is the quietest day of the Gala! Organiser, Peter Smith, was also heard to remark that we had broken even on the event by the Friday lunchtime!!   

37215 and 47376 'Freightliner 1995' sit in the sun at Toddington during the 2022 Gala.

After the Gala, focus was then due to shift to the 'DELTIC DAY' that had been scheduled for Friday, 19th August. However, due to the continuing dry and hot conditions, the railway took the decision to withdraw steam traction after consulting with Gloucestershire Fire regarding the increased risk of large scale fires. The decision meant that the diesel fleet was pushed into action at very short notice to run timetabled services from the 10th August. 

Domino Day!! Thursday 18th August saw one-time Cardiff Canton stablemates, 47105 and 37215 operating services.

The timetable was recoloured to GREEN to reflect the change to diesel traction, although there would be no change to timings that we run on other timetables, with a RED timetable on Sundays to allow the running of the Class 117 with one diesel hauled rake on our quieter day of the week. These changes allowed our locos to stretch their legs a bit more than usual, covering 84 or so miles each per day and earning more for their respective owning groups/owners. Some excellent feedback was received from the 'non-crank' public, with one couple actually commenting to me on the 18th that it was good to see the diesels out on normal services. 

It also meant that we could make a bit more use of the visiting Class 55 'Deltics' over the weekend of 19th - 21st August. Of course, the crowning day was the 'DELTIC DAY' on Friday, 19th August. It was pretty special to be asked by the DPS to hold their 40th Anniversary bash at the GWSR - there was only one answer! 

DPS Sales Officer, Darrell Marsh (l) and GWSR Diesel HoD, Andy Durham, cement the contract signing for 55009's visit. (Courtesy of Nigel Lacy)

Although you may not be a fan of the class (I'm certainly not!), they have an immense following amongst the enthusiast fraternity, but also amongst the general public, and this would be a master stroke and bring the railway a large injection of prestige as well as cash! 

Our second visitor arrives at Toddington from the GCR on the afternoon of the 18th August. 

55009 'Alycidon' arrived at Toddington from it's stint on the Great Central Railway on the 18th August, causing quite a spectacle as it sat on it's Allely's low loader adjacent to the station building. The loco couldn't be offloaded until the car park had cleared and the tractor unit could swing around and point the loco towards the unloading road. At 70-odd feet long, a very large turning circle was needed and, although the car park offers the room required, it needs to be reasonably empty to provide the clearances. An advanced party from Allely's had arrived with the ramp and this had been constructed on the unloading road.    

55009's arrival draws some attention.

With the car park emptied the low loader could swing around and the delicate operation to get the 100 tonne, EE/Napier Type 5 onto the rails again. Once off the trailer the loco was shunted onto the shed apron and over a pit so that the Fitness to Run exam could be completed by Tim L, Peter S, and DPS Loco Managers, Mike Hallam-Rudd and Fiona Napier-Page. 

Sadly, I couldn't make it to the 'DELTIC DAY' as I was working, but it is safe to say that all the feedback heard has been glowing. As with the Gala, we still wait for specific financial details from the Board, but speaking with people on the Sunday following, the income generated seemed to run into significant numbers.....Toddington, alone, was rumoured to have taken £6000 in 'on the day' ticket sales!

55019 and 55009 prepare to work the final service of the day from Cheltenham Racecourse back north - the slightly diverted 'Flying Scotsman'! (Courtesy of Andrew Stratford)

The day saw one-time Finsbury Park resident, 55009 'Alycidon' and Haymarket's 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' operate a two train timetable, giving 168 miles of Deltic haulage, before finishing with a double-headed round trip in the evening. It had been hoped that this would enlist all 14 coaches of the main rakes, however, this was vetoed for some reason and only the chocolate and cream rake was used. There have been some absolutely stunning photos and videos uploaded on to the various social media platforms, so do make sure you take a look!!

But, that wasn't all! The following days of the weekend also saw 55009 in use on the Saturday (along with our own 37215) and on the Sunday (alongside L425 and crewed by yours truly, along with Tony R as Secondman, and Andy Pepper from the DPS/GCR). Although I am not a fan of the Class, I can safely say that it was an incredible experience to crew the loco and to get a taste of what it would have been like to work these iconic locomotives! 

Preparing to awaken the slumbering beast! Andy P and Fiona, from the DPS, had already completed the preparation ready for the day.

After prepping and starting the loco, it was soon time to look at heading around to the stock in Platform 1 at Toddington. As the DMU was the second train it meant that there was no rush to release a second loco as there usually would be. The first service is usually an ECS to Cheltenham, however, on this occasion it ran as 1C01 - non stop express to CRC. 

One thing that strikes you about the prep and disposal of a Class 55, compared to any loco in the GWSR fleet, are the noises the 'Deltic' power plant makes when starting up and shutting down. On start up, it makes a 'whooshing' noise followed by a 'belch' of exhaust when the engine fires into life. On shut down, it is even more dramatic! Not wishing to be derogatory, but it is the only way to describe it, when stopping it sounds like someone has just poured a bag of spanners into a cement mixer! However, it is worth remembering that the 'Napier Deltic' engine is a two-stroke engine (Class 55's have two of them but only run on one when on heritage railways or when under a certain speed on the mainline) whereas most other locos - including all on the GWSR - are four stroke. 

  

Awaiting departure from Broadway after the first run from CRC. These beasts are not the easiest to couple up or run round and it took confidence to do it as fluidly as Andy was demonstrating!  

After the first arrival at Broadway, Fiona remarked that 55009 was throwing out a large amount of oil. Deltics were well known for their oily exhaust when in BR service, however, Fiona explained that '9' was still set up for it's mainline exertions and therefore wasn't keen on idling. The oil starts to build up and, when it starts to power, the engine needs to get rid of it! 55019 is less prone as it has been set up to be more efficient on heritage lines. 

On arrival at Broadway on the second run; a trip that Andy very kindly allowed me to take the controls and experience the loco at first hand. It is a very different beast to the Class 37, although the cab controls are very similar. 

After another 84 miles, it was time to park the loco up on shed and travel home. Firstly, though, we had to position 55009 on the unloading road ready to be transported up the road to our friends at the Severn Valley Railway, where it is due to star in their Autumn Diesel Gala, as well as having some work on it's second engine conducted at Kidderminster. The Allely's wagons had been parked up at Toddington all weekend so that a quick load up and get away could be facilitated on the Monday morning. 

55009 sits on the unloading road after it's Sunday exertions. With Andy having done the disposal, Mike and Fiona cleaned away the oil that had continued to be thrown from the exhaust as we all talked about how successful the visit of both locos had been as well as the relationship now forged between the DPS and the GWSR Diesel Department. 

The GWSR Board had, in the meantime, announced that Steam traction would return from the 23rd August as the weather was due to change and the fire risk had dropped. This meant that things return back to the advertised PURPLE and PINK timetables until the start of BLUE midweek timetables from the 20th September. This also means that a return can be made to the ongoing maintenance that has been paused a little due to the increase in running. 

On that score, our Class 122 'Bubble Car', W55003, has remained at Winchcombe after it's repaint into BR Green as it was identified that the floor space still contained asbestos! Most items, when sold from BR stock to preservationists, had the asbestos removed however it seems that quite a few items of rolling stock 'slipped the net'! However, quick identification and then sourcing a removal firm, meant that the 'Bubble' was deemed 'asbestos free' by the 21st Aug and members of the CDRL could head down to Winchcombe and start to plan the next stages of the vehicles refurbishment. 

The protective tent can clearly be seen inside the 'Bubble' on Thurs 18th Aug as the asbestos removal team head towards the conclusion of removing the remaining hazardous material. 

A collective sigh of relief was also exhaled by members of the Growler Group last week when the eyelets that had been requested to be borrowed from our friends at the Scottish Class 37 Group at Bo'ness finally arrived. These are needed to enable to long awaited lift of D6948 so that repairs to it's air system and maintenance of the traction equipment can be completed. The Growler Group don't own their own (they would cost about £25k to have manufactured!) and have historically borrowed them from the SC37G, however they have had a significant amount of work to complete on their own Class 37s before the Growler Group could borrow them. Frustratingly, this work was delayed a number of times but the frustration was finally released with their arrival. 

The long wait is over!! The eyelets have arrived from our friends at Bo'ness. (Courtesy of Kev Jarvis)

It also enabled the Group to react quickly and secure some time on the jacks during this week to lift D6948. This took place today (Wednesday 24th) with a hearty team supporting the work alongside Growler Group Chief Engineer, Paul Good and one of the owners, Kev Jarvis. It is hoped that the work can be completed quickly so that the 'Green Machine' can be back in service after a near three year absence from the roster.  

With the timetable back to normal, the roster currently looks like this for the next month - 

Date	Timetable	Loco Allocated
Tues 23 Aug		5081
Wed 24 Aug		5081
Thurs 25 Aug		5081
Sat 27 Aug		5081
Sun 28 Aug		47376
Mon 29 Aug		47376
Tues 30 Aug		20137
Wed 31 Aug		20137
Thurs 01 Sept		45149
Sat 03 Sept		47105
Sun 04 Sept		20137
Tues 06 Sept		37215
Wed 07 Sept		37215
Thurs 08 Sept		37215
Sat 10 Sept		37215
Sun 11 Sept		37215
Tues 13 Sept		5081
Wed 14 Sept		5081
Thurs 15 Sept		5081
Sat 17 Sept		5081
Sun 18 Sept		5081
Tues 20 Sept		L425
Wed 21 Sept		L425
Thurs 22 Sept		L425
Sat 24 Sept		47105
Sun 25 Sept		47105 and 47376
Tues 27 Sept		L425
Wed 28 Sept		L425
Thurs 29 Sept		L425

  

ROSTER UPDATE W/C 15TH August 2022

With the ongoing dry conditions and risk of fire from using the steam engines, the GWSR Board have set out to use the diesel fleet on all services until further notice. Even with the rain forecast for the next few days, the risk of lineside fires remains incredibly high. This gives the diesel fleet a chance to shine. 

37215 was rostered along with 47105 on Saturday, 13th August and is seen basking in the sun at Winchcombe.  

Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st are all scheduled for the GREEN two-train timetable with the first train off of Broadway at 1015 and the first off of Cheltenham at 1000. On Friday 19th we have our DELTIC DAY which will see 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' joined by sister, 55009 'Alycidon' for a whole day of running to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of these two machines entering preservation with the Deltic Preservation Society, who have worked closely with the GWSR Diesel Department to pull of this amazing opportunity. 

55009 and 55019 at their handover to the Deltic Preservation Society. Doncaster Works on 20th August 1982. (Photographer unknown.)

The loco roster for this coming week (up to, and including, Sunday 21st August) is, with usual caveats:

Date	Timetable	Locos Rostered
Tues 16 Aug		37215 and 47xxx
Weds 17 Aug		37215 and 45149
Thurs 18 Aug		37215 and 47105
Fri 19 Aug	Deltic Day	55009 and 55019
Sat 20 Aug		37215 and 55019
Sun 21 Aug		55019 and TBC

 

Things are also being finalised with regards the end result of the Diesel Gala. On face value it appears that the whole event was incredibly successful - although numbers are yet to be formally announced. However, it isn't always the financial detail that demonstrates how successful the event is. Sometimes, there are other things that show you just how successful an event is such as this.......

This drawing has been received and pinned up on our board, pride of place, in the shed. Drawn by Rory (no surname) to say thanks for showing him around. Sometimes, it's the small showings of gratitude that mean the most. Thanks Rory!

ROSTER UPDATE W/C 08 August 2022

Due to the sustained hot weather, lack of rain and, increased fire risk, the GWSR have taken the step to suspend steam running for this week, at least. This has been taken in consultation with the Fire Service and the HRA. 

This means that the diesel fleet will take up the slack and operate all services this week (except the PINK timetable on Tuesday 9th). The services will operate under the GREEN timetable - this is the same as the PINK but with two diesels. We also have the RED timetable on the Sunday which is one diesel and the DMU. You can see details on ====>>>

https://www.gwsr.com/planning_your_visit/visiting_gwsr/2022_Calendar_and_Timetables.html

Photo by Alex Raybould.

The new loco roster looks like this.....

Date	Timetable	Train 1 Loco	Train 2 Loco
Tues 09 Aug		Steam	37215
Weds 10 Aug		47105	37215
Thurs 11 Aug		45149	37215
Sat 13 Aug		47105	37215
Sun 14 Aug		5081	DMU (L425)

Don't forget that we also have the 'Go Wild at Winchcombe' event everyday until the 21st August. As opportunity to explore nature and conservation. This event will especially appeal to children between the ages of 3 and 9, and takes place at Winchcombe in the Tim Mitchell room on Platform 1 and also on the grassed area behind Platform 2. 

What a show!!

It's nearly a week on from our flagship event, the Summer Diesel Gala, and the general feeling is one of exhausted elation. Exhausted, as the weekend was incredibly busy, warm and predominantly sunny. Elation, because we put on one hell of a show!! Safe to say that it was probably the best gala that I have been involved with since joining the railway in 2013. When you look back at some of the previous events, that is some claim!

The money shot! (Alex Raybould)

Of course, our visitor was a high profile one in English Electric/Napier Type 5, or Class 55, 'Deltic' 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' and this probably played a big part in the success of the three days as these locos have a huge following in railway (and non-railway) circles, but it was also the gala debut of Class 20, 20228, although it was a non-runner; the first gala of 47105 since the end of it's comprehensive restoration and, the first gala since 'bubble car', W55003 had been outshopped in it's new coat of BR Green. Beyond that, it was the first Diesel Gala since 2019. 

The main attraction, 55019 enters Winchcombe on 29 July 2022.

Certainly, initial results have given some excellent indications of how successful the weekend has been. Even on the Saturday, our Gala organiser, Peter Smith, was pleased to tell us that the event had broken even on the Friday afternoon!! If the indications bear out then it would not only be a hugely successful event for the department and the railway, but it will be a fitting swansong for Peter who is stepping down as Gala Event Organiser after 10 years.  

Before all of the fun was the preparation. This normally starts the weekend before the Gala itself and goes on throughout the week. This will involve getting the locos looking their best, ironing out any minor faults, cleaning the shed, planning where everything will go (especially for the photo at the beginning of the blog) and then ensuring all rosters and movement orders are printed off. Peter may have been the one to organise the event itself but, without the input of everyone from the Roster Clerks to the maintenance personnel, it truly is a team effort. 

The weekend of the 23/24 July saw the start of the preparation. 47105 had already had a spruce up prior to working it's Diesel Ex and, the weekend saw Class 45, 45149 have it's wash and wax. It is amazing just how much difference a wax can make on faded and weatherworn paintwork. The following photos are by Alex Raybould.

45149 in it's weather-beaten and faded BR Blue. 

After a few hours of combined elbow grease, the 'Peak' gleams in the late afternoon sun.

For those wondering, it is no different to washing and waxing the car.....only a car that is 68 feet long and weighing 139 tonnes!

New volunteer Harry gets to grips with the Turtle Wax and the buffer.

 

Harrison and Tom start from the other end. 

The 'Peak' was also receiving some running repairs after blowing a resistor earlier in the week. This caused the loco to shut down just prior to heading out to work a service train. With the Gala now out of the way, 45149 will be removed from traffic so that work can be started on rectifying an electrical fault at No. 1 end that has left the loco with no working lights at that end - hence the use of a headlamp at that end over the last few weeks. There is also a diesel leak that can also be looked at. 

It was then the 'Wednesday Gang' on the 27 July that then had the job of getting the shed cleaned and the locos being used as static displays were placed in the right places. The previous blog has the details of that, which also culminated in a mass shunt. 

'Welsh Deltic' and 'Deltic'! 37215 and big brother, 55019.

Andy T and Kev J get to grips with cleaning the shed floor and making a start on the exhibits. 

With the cleaning on Road 11 continuing, John G and Paul C get ready to shift 20228 and 37215 out of Road 10. 

A huge shunt was also conducted on the Thursday so that locos would be in the correct places to start on Friday, but to also get the epic photo that you can see at the very beginning of this blog. Six BR Blue liveried locomotives lined up in front of the shed building - is there any other heritage railway that could give a shot like that??

It also allowed for some 'group' shots, too. 55019, 37215, 45149 and 47105. (Alex Raybould)

Know your noses! Each of these locomotives have been queried by people as being a 'Deltic', but only one actually is! (Alex Raybould)

The photo above was taken by Alex in response to a common question we get asked about our locos that have noses......'is that a Deltic?' On one of our service trains prior to the Gala, one punter was heard to exclaim very loudly on seeing 45149 that 'the Deltic had arrived early!' 

For those who don't know, from left to right we have a Class 45 'Peak', a Class 37 'Tractor/Growler' and the real 'Deltic', the Class 55, on the right. 

In all seriousness, and with tongue firmly removed from cheek, most of our visitors wouldn't know the difference from one loco to the next, so part of the Gala experience is to educate so that people are a little more knowledgeable of the differences. This also includes the component parts of the loco, the differences in design or engines and the loco classes and uses. Over the Gala we had a number of exhibits that people could visit and get up close and personal with. This included having Class 26, D5343 and Class 37, D6948 as exhibits in the diesel shed and offering visits to the engine room (Class 26) and cab (Class 37). 

Being part way through it's overhaul, D5343 gave a great opportunity to demonstrate the level of work that goes into restoring these locos. It also gave the opportunity for people to get up close to the engine. 

D6948 was used for cab visits while it awaits it's body lift and repairs. 

Not only were these two locos used as static exhibits, we also had some engine and ancillary parts on display for people to look at and read about. This included some reclaimed items from Class 37, 37207 that the Growler Group purchased to back up their own spares. 37207 is being used as a donor for a new hybrid diesel/battery loco experiment and is being completely re-engined...hence the availability of these spares. 

A brake cylinder from a Class 45.

Blowers from 37207 that will be used for spares on 37215 and D6948. 

Compressor from a Class 37.

A pair of exhausters from a Class 37.

We also had other exhibits that ranged from other loco owning groups, model shops and railwayana sellers. All to raise the profile of the diesels on the GWSR and other railways. Finally, Class 20, 20228 was placed outside the old Goods Shed, over the coaling and disposal pit, so that visitors could see the final stages of the comprehensive restoration of the 'Chopper'. 

20228 sits in the morning sun at Toddington on 29 July 2022.

At various points during the Gala, the other Class 20, 20137, was stabled in front of 20228 to give a glimpse into the eventual pairing of the locos when the restoration is complete on 'the blue one'.

In contrast, 20228 and 20137 stabled up for the night on 30 July 2022.

So, onto the Gala itself. Friday is, historically, the 2nd busiest day of the Gala however, by 0930, the car park at Toddington was half full! Rather than have an empty car park and use the adjacent field, it was decided to keep the field as back up and, although it wasn't used, we still needed to open up the area in front of the old Garden Centre which is normally reserved for coaches! The weather was glorious, continuing the trend of the previous month or so and, despite a few scattered showers on Saturday and Sunday, it stayed that way for the whole weekend. Very rare! 

The Deltic was one of the first locos off shed so that might have been a good reason for the early arrivals!

37215 on the back of a Broadway bound service as 45149 arrives with a mid-morning service for CRC. You can see that there were already a huge number of attendees. 29 July 2022. (Alex Raybould)

The first ever arrival of a 'Deltic' on a service train at Cheltenham Race Course! 29 July 2022. (Alex Raybould)

I didn't get the opportunity for many photos on Day 1 as I was crewing on 37215 for the first time since the repairs to its generator were completed. 

37215 ready for departure from Broadway on 29 July 2022. 

On arrival at Toddington, 47376 'Freightliner 1995' was attached to the back of the next north-bound service. 

One great thing about Gala's is it gives an opportunity to meet up with people that you may not have seen for some time. This Gala gave us a double whammy. Two of our longstanding volunteers from within the Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group had, at different times, to stand down from their respective activities due to serious health issues. Mike Pember and Richard Graves were both instrumental in restoring and operating both D5343 and 45149 after their arrivals on the railway and it was absolutely fantastic to see them attend Day 1, and both look so well. Mike was to pop in for Days 2 and 3 as well.  Safe to say it gave everyone a lift to see them both. Alex captured a wonderful photo of both at Broadway on 45149.

Mike Pember (l) and Richard Graves reacquaint themselves with old friend, 45149. Both had worked on the initial restorations of 45149 and D5343, as well as being footplate crew until being medically retired.  

Day 2 carried on from where day 1 had ended. Despite the heritage bus operator dropping out at the last moment, and several mainline TOCs on strike, the car park at Toddington was again half full by about 0930 - and was completely full by about 1030. Again, I was rostered, this time on 45149 on the early turn. 

What a line up to arrive to! It could almost be a depot open day in the 1970s!

Class 122, 'bubble car', W55003 was supposed to be at Toddington as part of the static exhibits following its external repaint. However, asbestos was identified as being still present internally and so it remains at Winchcombe until the experts can come in and remove it. However, it made for a a great sight on arriving at Winchcombe from the north as it was parked in the bay. 

W55003 sits at Winchcombe on 30 July 2022.

The 'bubble' looks fantastic in it's new green coat and, hopefully, it will be ready in time for next years running season. 

One of the challenges on Gala or three-plus train operating days is the double token exchanges at Winchcombe and at Gotherington. Winchcombe is a normal event as you generally cross the other service there. However, Gotherington is normally switched out on two-train days and so token exchanges don't happen. Gotherington has a big issue for both crews and the signalman....the token exchange platform! It requires both the signalman and the secondman of the loco to be slightly off balance when performing the exchange and can cause a token to be dropped. 

Signalman Robin Walker stretches up towards the cab of Class 24, 5081 for the double exchange. The northbound exchange is much easier as the token is passed out of the box window!

Whilst waiting for 5081, a prime opportunity for a quick photo! Note the lamp on the left hand side above the buffer. The lights at this end don't work for some reason so this requires the use of a lamp.  

One of the bonuses of the Saturday is the evening Beer-ex which is usually hauled by the guest loco. It was also decided to have a bit of a barbecue on the mezzanine of the Good Shed mess room. The Steam Department had acquired a large BBQ barrel and so we asked if we could use it also. Chef Alex was in charge of the cooking while some of the department went off for a spin behind the 'Deltic'. 

BBQ and BR Blue!

With no reported digestive problems, the Sunday got of to another great start. Usually the quietest of the three gala days, it was difficult to see that this was going to be any quieter than the previous two days. In fact, in conversation with one of the Station Master's at Toddington, it was revealed that as many tickets had been sold on the Sunday as we saw on the Saturday! Unheard of. One reason may have been the fact that the Great Central Railway were also running a DPS-owned Deltic, 55009 'Alycidon' on the Friday and Saturday, so people may have gone to that first before heading to the GWSR. 

55019 arrives into Toddington with the first northbound service of the day. The heavy clouds in the background were testimony of a slight change in the weather. 

I was rostered on an early turn again, this time with Class 20, 20137. We were rostered to drop on to the back of the first northbound service to Broadway. This was hauled by the visiting 'Deltic'. This gave the unusual occurrence of a English Electric Type 5 on one end and an English Electric Type 1 on the other. 

After dropping the 'Deltic' off at Toddington, 20137 gets ready to head back north from CRC. However..... 

After two days of little in the way of problem, 20137 decided to throw a little spanner in the works. Having run around at Cheltenham, we went to pull away when given the 'Right Away' but did not move! The vacuum had gone completely! After a quick check of things, my secondman, Adrian, and I narrowed it down to the vacuum pipe at the blunt end. It had slipped off it's housing and was slowly leaking off. During our midday break, a quick chat with owner, Steve M, led to a quick rectification that held tight for the rest of the day. Luckily, it didn't knock the timetable out and it ran to time throughout the three days. 

Elsewhere on the Sunday, we had a visit from a certain social media star and his entourage. Francis Bourgeois was in attendance with Ryan Windridge, chaperoned by our own Jack Boskett. Now, I don't know anything about Tiktok or Instagram so these guys are new to me, but apparently they have a bit of a following!

Social media 'star' Francis Bourgeois at the controls of 55019 on a brief visit. The loudest thing in the loco was that jumper! (Alex Raybould)

Later in the afternoon the weather decided to offer up some much needed precipitation, although the humidity stayed very high. It didn't, however, dampen the buzz around the railway. 

From one Sulzer to another. In a brief shower, 45149 passes 47105 at Winchcombe. (Alex Raybould)

As quick as a flash, the Sunday had come to an end and the three days had reached it's conclusion. However, it wasn't quite home time just yet. Locos needed to be moved around again so that they were in the right places. This included moving the order of locos in the shed. Whilst Adrian and I were out with the Class 20, those on an early finish had already started the shunting at Toddington. By the time we got back it was all done and we could park up, dispose and go. 

55019 arrives back on shed as 45149 looks on. (Alex Raybould)

Here are a selection of other photos from myself and Alex Raybould from across the weekend....

47105 at Winchcombe (AR)

55019 at Toddington. (AR)

47376 at Winchcombe. 

37215 at Winchcombe.

55019 at Toddington with Richard Scott about to take the token for Winchcombe. (AR)

37215 at Winchcombe.

With the Gala over for 2022, the collective view returns to the remainder of the running season. Of course, we have another impending event with the Deltic Day on Friday 19 August 2022. Details can be found here - https://www.gwsr.com/Deltic_Running_Day_19th_August--post--123.html 

We have agreed with the Deltic Preservation Society (DPS) to host their 40th Anniversary event showcasing both 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier' and 55009 'Alycidon' running on one day on the GWSR. This event will commemorate both locos being the first of the class to enter preservation at Doncaster Works on 20 August 1982. They will operate a standard two train timetable exclusively hauled by both 'Deltics'. One of them is also scheduled to operate the diesel turn on the Purple timetable on Saturday 20 August and the diesel turn on the Pink timetable on Sunday 21 August.

We also have an event running at Winchcombe from the 6 Aug to 21 Aug called 'Wild at Winchcombe' for children - https://www.gwsr.com/Go_Wild_at_Winchcombe_A_Bugs_Life_6_to_21_August_2022--post--114.html 

The loco roster for August is as below, with the usual caveats for availability. Tuesday 09 August has been changed to a Pink timetable day due to staff availability. 

Sat 06 Aug		5081
Sun 07 Aug		5081
Tue 09 Aug		37215
Wed 10 Aug		37215
Thu 11 Aug		37215
Sat 13 Aug		20137
Sun 14 Aug		5081
Tue 16 Aug		37215
Wed 17 Aug		37215
Thu 18 Aug		37215
Fri 19 Aug		55009 AND 55019
Sat 20 Aug		55009 OR 55019
Sun 21 Aug		55009 OR 55019
Tue 23 Aug		5081
Wed 24 Aug		5081
Thu 25 Aug		5081
Sat 27 Aug		5081
Sun 28 Aug		47376
Mon 29 Aug		47376
Tue 30 Aug		20137
Wed 31 Aug		20137