A short blog this time as I haven't been able to get to Toddington since the Gala, however it is all about celebrations as August will see a number of them - coupled with some specific 'Double Up Sundays' that will be continue celebrations, if you are unable to make it to the main events.
Today saw the Brush Type 4 Fund celebrate the 30th Anniversary of 47105 entering preservation.
 |
| 47105 rests in the shed along with its doppelganger celebration cake. (Courtesy of the Brush Type 4 Fund) |
'105' entered preservation in 1994 after its withdrawal from BR capital stock. The loco was one of only a handful of the class that remained in BR Blue until the end of its BR life - in fact, one of only a handful of mainline locos (not shunters) that retained BR Blue until withdrawal! Whilst based at Tinsley '105' was one of the chosen locos to receive a painted name....'Goldcrest'
The loco arrived at Toddington in decent condition and it didn't take long before it was fired up and running on timetabled services and since arriving has only ever worn its BR Blue livery, albeit with both 4-character headcode blinds and, currently, domino headcode box.
Hopefully, the shareholders and their attendees had a great day and celebrated in style. However, if you did miss out don't fret. Both 47105 and 47376 'Freightliner 1995' will be operating on Sunday 4th August at their 'Double Up Sunday' Event. Get along if you can!
However, the celebrations don't stop there!
Friday, 16th August sees not one, but two special trains running. Firstly, The Growler Group will be celebrating the 60th Birthdays of both 37215 and D6948 on Train 1 (the chocolate and cream rake). On board will be a raffle, real ale bar and sales stand. Tickets are available at https://thegrowlergroup.square.site/s/shop and are valid on this train only. See http://thegrowlergroup.org.uk/ for more information and the all important timetable.
On the same day, and utilising Train 2 (the maroon rake), the Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group will be celebrating a decade in service for both D5343 and 45149 - it's actually 11 years, but who is counting! 'Peak' 45149 is fit and running after its minor tantrum during the Gala and will be the locomotive is use. Again, tickets are only available from the group themselves and details can be found on their website http://www.cmdg.online/ or the CMDG Facebook page. As with The Growler Group event, tickets for the CMDG event are only valid on Train 2.
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| The 'Peak' has had its repairs and is back in traffic ready for the 16th August and the CMDG special event. |
For those of you who are Class 37 fans but you can't make the 16th August, then don't panic. Sunday 11th August will see D6948 and 37215 make their bow on the 'Double Up Sunday'.
As for the rosters for August, please see below. You will notice that our Class 20s get in on the 'Double Up Sunday' act on Sunday 25 August, so if you missed them at the Gala......make sure you don't miss this!
|
Date |
TT |
Loco (s) |
|
Sat 3 Aug |
|
47376 |
|
Sun 4 Aug |
|
47105 & 47376 |
|
Tues 6 Aug |
|
47105 |
|
Weds 7 Aug |
|
47105 |
|
Thurs 8 Aug |
|
L425 |
|
Sat 10 Aug |
|
37215 |
|
Sun 11 Aug |
|
37215 & D6948 |
|
Tues 13 Aug |
|
D6948 |
|
Weds 14 Aug |
|
D6948 |
|
Thurs 15 Aug |
|
L425 |
|
Fri 16 Aug |
|
37215 & D6948 (GG) 45149 (CMDG) |
|
Sat 17 Aug |
|
37215 |
|
Sun 18 Aug |
|
47376 |
|
Tues 20 Aug |
|
47376 |
|
Weds 21 Aug |
|
47376 |
|
Thurs 22 Aug |
|
L425 |
|
Sat 24 Aug |
|
20137 |
|
Sun 25 Aug |
|
20137 & 20228 |
|
Mon 26 Aug |
|
45149 |
|
Tues 27 Aug |
|
45149 |
|
Weds 28 Aug |
|
45149 |
|
Thurs 29 Aug |
|
L425 |
|
Sat 31 Aug |
|
45149 |
 |
| Our Class 20s jump in for their first 'Double Up Sunday' on the 25 August. Here are 20228 and 20137 arriving at Winchcombe during the 2024 Diesel Gala. |
