Dean Forest Railway Diesel Gala 12+13 Sept

[Peter749]

Does anyone have information regarding a Timetable and what is running?
The BLS Gen page quotes

The following visitor has been announced 31130
The following locos are expected to work from the home fleet 08888, 09106, 73003

I looked on their website and it says I can purchase tickets but without any other info

Thanks

Peter

 

[xotGD]

08888

A former Gateshead 'celebrity', purely due to the number. Was usually working at Heaton.

 

[Peter749]

Timetable info went live as I posted

Saturday Timetable - https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/wp-.../3675/2020/01/2026-Public-Saturday-12th-1.pdf
Sunday Timetable - https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3675/2020/01/2026-Public-Sunday-13th-1.pdf

Mainline services at Lydney
Saturday - https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/wp-...2026-Mainline-Connections-Saturday-12th-1.pdf
Sunday - https://deanforestrailway.co.uk/wp-...1/2026-Mainline-Connections-Sunday-13th-1.pdf

However 73003 is not working so just 08888, 09106 + 31130

Peter

 

[BillStampy]

I volunteer at the railway and will be working both days of this gala. We're really sad that both 73003 and the unannounced 2nd visitor were unable to come, put we hope to put on a show as best we can, working with what we have.
Additionally, we're running the DMU as a shuttle between Norchard and Lydney Junction on Saturday only, see the Saturday timetable for proper timings.

Hope all that attend enjoy the event, even if it's a bit less of a major weekend than in previous years (particularly 2025!), we've tried our hardest but things are and were quite tough to sort this year!

 

[Falcon1200]

I enjoyed last year's Gala, and am sure I will enjoy this year's too - The efforts of all concerned are appreciated. 73003 next year!

 

[BillStampy]

73003 next year!

Hopefully! Also hope that our visitor B for this year is able to make it's visit next year!
The 73 was pushed to it's limits during the summer, particularly for the steam ban period. Still a shame it won't be able to make the weekend but we hope to see it out again very soon!

 

[brstd4260]

I drove the 31 on the front of a goods train on a Driver experience on Saturday and she was in fine fettle then with lots of power and noise when you pushed her past notch 4. She's apparently had a lot of work done and it shows in her performance. Should give a good show particularly on the Lydney - Parkend leg with its mainly up gradient

 

[D1015]

Why not see if a 14 could be sent there? Regardless of that, best of luck to the DFR, a lovely line to visit.

 

[Forty29]

Wonder how the gala went?

 

[BillStampy]

Wonder how the gala went?

It went relatively smoothly!
We had a few issues with the 31, a fault we were aware of crept up (air compressor issues) which led one departure from Parkend to come to a stand twice, once at Parkend itself and again just on the crossing at Lydney Junction

Apart from that, all was well. Hopefully we won't have as much misfortune next year for the loco lineup!

Thanks to everyone who came, too!