Nothing to do with unsavoury language, nor to do with some virus thing that is doing the rounds (you really would have to be living under a rock not to know that one!) but Christmas. Or Xmas, if you prefer the abridged version.
Since the end of November it has all been about the Santa Trains and, this year, we are having to top and tail services between Toddington and Winchcombe 'The North Pole' due to major embankment works that have started on the opposite side of Greet Road bridge to Winchcombe station. For those that remember this is the slip at the site of the old Harvest Home pub that has required the huge 'Lego' blocks to be placed next to the turnout between the bridge and Greet Tunnel.
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| On 11th December, Class 24, 5081 and Class 37, 37215 are on the north end of the two Santa sets with steam locos on the south end. Courtesy of John Garrett. |
The roster originally had a reasonably equal amount of running for our serviceable mainline fleet with the Class 117 operating the Toddington-Broadway services. However, quick changes have had to be made as Class 45, 45149 was withdrawn from the roster and then 37215 was withdrawn after suffering a power fault that was traced back to the engine governor air piston. Swift repairs meant that 37215 was back in traffic within the week - the picture above being its first day back. In the meantime Class 47, 47376 'Freightliner 1995' had an extra run to cover. Sadly, the 'Peak' is now out of service for the remainder of the year.
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| With 37215 having been declared a failure the night before, 47376 was hastily readied on the 4th December to work the Santa Trains. 47105 was originally booked power for Train 2. Courtesy of John Garrett. |
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| 47376 sits next to 37215, the loco it replaced on the 4th December. Courtesy of John Garrett. |
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| The Class 117 set at Toddington on 12 December on the 'Ride with Santa' service. Courtesy of the GWSR DMU Facebook page. |
We have just one week of Santa trains left before the last hurrah for this season with the ORANGE timetable which, because of the works at Winchcombe, means that services will be top and tailed again with services running between Winchcombe and Broadway. 37215 and one of the 47's will be in use for these days, so come join us for some post Christmas mixed traffic action.
Finally, December 5th was International Volunteer Day and, with the GWsR being a 99% volunteer-run railway, it was an opportunity to raise a metaphorical glass to everyone who helps to keep the railway running. On our Twitter feed (@GWSRDiesels), and across the various owning group feeds, there were a selection of photos highlighting the work that the members of the Diesel Department undertake to keep these machines running. A small selection, some stretching back a number of years showing much younger depictions of some of our volunteers, are included below (the first five are courtesy of Richard Drewitt)….
As you can see, it's not all about 'playing trains' and there is a huge amount that goes on behind the scenes. We, as a whole railway not just the Diesel Department, are always looking for volunteers so, if you feel a New Years resolution coming on to get involved, then head over to the GWRT website and express an interest -
https://www.gwrt.org.uk/Volunteering.html.
You may have to be patient for some departments as they may only require volunteers when there is a specific need, but it is always worth getting involved elsewhere and learning how the railway runs - many volunteers have several roles across the railway, if their spare time allows - but others may only do one role and only do a few days a month. There is, literally, something for everyone!!
Finally, here's hoping you all have a peaceful and joyful Xmas and New Year!
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| Courtesy of Richard Drewitt. |
