Watch out - Spa Valley Ped

[465fan]

Won't bore anybody with any amazingly gritty details, but be prepared to keep August 2nd - August 4th in your diaries.

Rushden's 31206 is now a confirmed attendee for the Summer Diesel Gala. They haven't had a 'Goyle' on that line as the current incarnate, what happened before 1985 mind is another matter.

Whilst I can't speak on the railway's behalf, I will speak as a Preservation advocate. The chequebook has been opened for everyone's collective enjoyment, but more so to raise funds. Obviously, your support for this line in their first "Proper" Diesel Gala since the Eridge Extension would be greatly appreciated, not least from a local boy that wants them to succeed.

Don't forget the delights of Birchden and Ramslye banks, the usual Real Ale nonsense both at stations and on board, the evening Supper trains and whatever else. By all accounts you can also expect action from 33063, 37254, 73140 and the Thumper Unit 1317.

I look forward to seeing all of you there!

 

[TGVDUDE]

Sounds very tempting, been wanting that canton 37 for a while, and August is usually a quiet month for me, so this is very much on the cards for now!

 

[465fan]

Won't bore anybody with any amazingly gritty details, but be prepared to keep August 2nd - August 4th in your diaries.

Rushden's 31206 is now a confirmed attendee for the Summer Diesel Gala. They haven't had a 'Goyle' on that line as the current incarnate, what happened before 1985 mind is another matter.

Whilst I can't speak on the railway's behalf, I will speak as a Preservation advocate. The chequebook has been opened for everyone's collective enjoyment, but more so to raise funds. Obviously, your support for this line in their first "Proper" Diesel Gala since the Eridge Extension would be greatly appreciated, not least from a local boy that wants them to succeed.

Don't forget the delights of Birchden and Ramslye banks, the usual Real Ale nonsense both at stations and on board, the evening Supper trains and whatever else. By all accounts you can also expect action from 33063, 37254, 73140 and the Thumper Unit 1317.

I look forward to seeing all of you there!

Something else about a Class 10 (D3489) also emerging from Overhaul being used. If you like your Rods, head on down!

Also, check out the new Spa Valley Railway website;
http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/

 

[yummy125]

The 31 will be a lovely addition to the railway for their gala, i'll be there for the sounds of a light thrash.

I was there for their Class 33 "toad" push / pull service, their triple shunter service & an "ED" sandwich train a few years ago. Class 33 -73 -33 Perfect southern trash

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Please visit: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/SUMMER_DIESEL_GALA/ for full details of the event but here's the summery:

Line up:
31206 - Courtesy of the locomotives owner and Rushden Transport Museum
33063
37254
73140
15224 (Class 12)
D3489 (Class 10, Fresh from Overhaul)
DEMU 207017 (1317)
Ex Gatwick Express GLV 489014 working with 73140

BBQ at Eridge Station all three days, Breakfasts available in Bar Car 'Kate' and Buffet Car 'Emily' until 1230 each day. Evening Dining (Curry/Fish & Chips TBC) on Friday & Saturday with late night running too.

Plenty of Real Ale and Cider available all three days at Eridge station and on the train.

Sunday will see 31206 taking the heaviest train of the gala back up the bank at the end of the event. This is the most intense gala we've held since opening to Eridge so don't miss out!!!

Jonnnie

 

[yorksrob]

I need to do your Sussex thumper at some stage.

 

[steamybrian]

I need to do your Sussex thumper at some stage.

Send me a PM when you are coming and I will arrange for a tour of the loco shed at Tunbridge Wells West for you.

 

[yorksrob]

Send me a PM when you are coming and I will arrange for a tour of the loco shed at Tunbridge Wells West for you.

Many thanks, that's very kind - I will do

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

For those interested on August 5th & 6th visiting Class 31 31206 will be available for Driver Experience at the Spa Valley Railway.

Please visit: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Drive_visiting_Class_31_31206!/ where you can also book online.

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Further details are now available of what is looking to be a very big event.

We are being sponsored by the ever popular Visions International who will be releasing Carry on Clagging 7 at the event. At Eridge there's a Bus Rally happening on the Saturday and Sunday Beer and a BBQ taking place there too.

Class 31 31206 will be taking the first train from the West Friday morning and then making its first public thrash up the bank on the return. Beerex Trains until gone 10pm both nights, the last train will connect with an Uckfield Line train or (with a 10/15 minute walk) the last Tun Wells Central to London CX to enable those not wishing to stay the opportunity to travel. Bar Car 'Kate' will be open from the beginning to the close of play all three days serving beer, bacon rolls (until lunch time) along with the usual snacks and drinks. Planned so far is a Curry night for the Saturday with Friday awaiting a quote, these will be available to book in advance or buy on the day (limited amounts)

Class 37 37254 is currently in the shed having a lot of body work done and also a repaint, the locomotive won't be in traffic until the Friday of the Gala, this will be joining Class 10 D3489, Class 12 15224, Class 33 33063, Class 207 1317, Class 73 73140 and also our Class 489 ex Gat Ex Luggage Van which will be working with the Class 73 on a couple of occasions over the event.

So for those that like clag, thrash, beer and burgers don't miss out! Bacon rolls will be available in our buffets early on all three days, the shed will be open for you to look around, 33065s cab will be open for visits as well as under restoration Centre Car from 1317. Sales stands including Visions International, the Network South East Society and Bufferbeam Ltd will be there to join in the fun!

Cab rides and drive a loco will be on offer over all three days with advanced booking through our website, this should go live next week.

For all the current up to date details please visit http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/SUMMER_DIESEL_GALA_2nd_3rd__4th_August/
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
If you're interested in Buses too then further details of the vehicles booked to attend our Bus Rally so far are listed on the website. We've 10 on Saturday and 14 on Sunday with potentially a few more coming along too.

Diesel gala news, the Class 10 is out on test to see how it performs after several years under overhaul, 31206 has had some minor metal work repairs undertaken at Rushden and 37254s repaint continues rapidly!

The final train of the gala will see 31206-37254-73140-33063 quadruple heading down to Eridge with 31206 then dragging the whole lot back!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
If you're interested in Buses too then further details of the vehicles booked to attend our Bus Rally so far are listed on the website. We've 10 on Saturday and 14 on Sunday with potentially a few more coming along too.

Diesel gala news, the Class 10 is out on test to see how it performs after several years under overhaul, 31206 has had some minor metal work repairs undertaken at Rushden and 37254s repaint continues rapidly!

The final train of the gala will see 31206-37254-73140-33063 quadruple heading down to Eridge with 31206 then dragging the whole lot back!

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Summer_Bus_Rally_-_August_3rd__4th/

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Advanced discounted Diesel Gala Rovers and Evening Supper Train Tickets are now available on our website. There are 10 departures (from Tun Wells) on Friday, 18 (from Tun Wells) on Saturday, 5 of these are Brake Vans with the Class 10 and Class 12 either TnT or Double Heading, and Sunday sees 10 departures (from Tun Wells) 2 of these will be 1317 to High Rocks and one will be the Class 10 and Class 12 double heading a Brake Van shuttle.

A Lasagne Supper on the Friday Evening and a Chicken Curry the Saturday Evening. Three Beerex trips each night with Bar Car 'Kate' serving Real Ales, Ciders and Wines as well as Soft Drinks as well as a lot of music from the locos.

Friday nights trains will be TnT with 31206 on the Tunbridge Wells (TWW) end and 37254 on the Eridge (ERD) end. Saturday nights trains will be 31206+37254 working separately and together on the TWW end and 33063+73140 in multiple (we hope) on the ERD end. With the equivalent of about load 12 behind the locos this should make them work, especially the 33 pulling away from Forge Farm Crossing towards ERD and either 206 or 254 storming away from High Rocks towards TWW.

Trains until 2200 on the Friday and 2230 on the Saturday. Last train on the Sunday will have 31206+37254+33063+73140 in a quadruple header formation, 206 then coming off just before Eridge to work the whole train back to TWW.

Class 10 D3489 will be making two whole line trips on the Saturday and two on the Sunday. DEMU 1317 is out all day on the Thursday before the gala, don't miss out! Might be able to get two visitors in next year!

Please visit: Advanced discounted Diesel Gala Rovers and Evening Supper Train Tickets are now available on our website. There are 10 departures (from Tun Wells) on Friday, 18 (from Tun Wells) on Saturday, 5 of these are Brake Vans with the Class 10 and Class 12 either TnT or Double Heading, and Sunday sees 10 departures (from Tun Wells) 2 of these will be 1317 to High Rocks and one will be the Class 10 and Class 12 double heading a Brake Van shuttle.

A Lasagne Supper on the Friday Evening and a Chicken Curry the Saturday Evening. Three Beerex trips each night with Bar Car 'Kate' serving Real Ales, Ciders and Wines as well as Soft Drinks as well as a lot of music from the locos.

Friday nights trains will be TnT with 31206 on the Tunbridge Wells (TWW) end and 37254 on the Eridge (ERD) end. Saturday nights trains will be 31206+37254 working separately and together on the TWW end and 33063+73140 in multiple (we hope) on the ERD end. With the equivalent of about load 12 behind the locos this should make them work, especially the 33 pulling away from Forge Farm Crossing towards ERD and either 206 or 254 storming away from High Rocks towards TWW.

Trains until 2200 on the Friday and 2230 on the Saturday. Last train on the Sunday will have 31206+37254+33063+73140 in a quadruple header formation, 206 then coming off just before Eridge to work the whole train back to TWW.

Class 10 D3489 will be making two whole line trips on the Saturday and two on the Sunday. DEMU 1317 is out all day on the Thursday before the gala, don't miss out! Might be able to get two visitors in next year!

Please visit http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/event ... th_August/ for all the details and to book tickets now, timetables will be published shortly.

 

[jnjkerbin]

^ Thanks for letting us know. I'm looking forward to it

 

[jnjkerbin]

Just a warning that Drive a Diesel tickets are now available online with all locos including 73140 and the GLV over the weekend available. £5 in the bay platform at Eridge and £10 between TWW and the A26 bridge (1/2 mile with 1 in 88 gradient!)

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

The timetables for the Diesel Gala are now online! See here: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Summer_Diesel_Gala_-_2nd_3rd__4th_August/

I've done what I can with the locos we've got and our operational limitations.

Roll on the arrival of 206 later next month!

Enjoy!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The Drive a Diesel is selling fast so be quick if you want to book your place!

Only £10 for Tunbridge Wells West and £5 at Eridge.

You can drive 31206, 37254, 33063, 73140, D3489, 15224 and also the GLV with 73140!

Links are here:

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Drive_a_Diesel_-_Tunbridge_Wells_West_020813/

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Drive_a_Diesel_-_Eridge_020813/

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Drive_a_Diesel_-_Tunbridge_Wells_West_030813/

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Drive_a_Diesel_-_Eridge_030813/

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Drive_a_Diesel_-_Tunbridge_Wells_West_040813/

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Drive_a_Diesel_-_Eridge_040813/

Don't delay book now via our website, for other event details please see: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Summer_Diesel_Gala_-_2nd_3rd__4th_August/
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Yet another update!

Cab rides are now available to buy online!

Just £10 per single trip from either Eridge or Tunbridge Wells West (TWW), or there's the opportunity to cab the Gronks on the High Rocks shuttle return trips from TWW for just £5!

Don't delay, book now! Drive a Loco is also gradually selling out!

Please see our diesel gala webpage for all the links: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/events/Summer_Diesel_Gala_-_2nd_3rd__4th_August/

 

[snowball]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what's a ped?

 

[12CSVT]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what's a ped?

Here's your answer (ninth on the list)
http://www.encyclo.co.uk/define/ped-

 

[snowball]

Thank you.

Any known reason why?

 

[a1a.a1a]

Some appear to believe you can peddle faster than the mighty goyle will go.. :eek:

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Visions International who are the sponsors of this event will be realising 'Carry on Clagging 7' at 11am on the Friday of the event.

Visions will also have a full trade stand at Eridge Station over the whole gala event selling their merchandise which includes a vast range of books, DVDs and clothing. For those who remember the popular 'Carry on Clagging' Headboard this is scheduled to make a re-appearance for the first time in a while.

Buses confirmed are online, other trade stands including the Network South East Society are also listed online.

Don't miss out!

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

The livery of resident Class 37 37254. Intercity Swallow!

Photographs are on the railways Facebook page, the livery was chosen by a volunteer who has worked on 37254 since it was preserved and a major part in the locos return to traffic. The livery was privately funded.

First runs in the identity are 09:15 ex TWW & 11:25 ex ERD on Friday 2nd August at the gala, see you there!

 

[jnjkerbin]

WARNING FOR ANYONE GOING SPECIFICALLY FOR 31206:

The following update has been posted on WNXX:

PRESS RELEASE

Please note that due to a failure of the Hydraulic system on the lorry which was scheduled to depart today with Class 31 31206 from the Rushden Transport Museum we regret to announce that we cannot guarantee the appearance of the locomotive at the Spa Valley Railway Diesel Gala this weekend.

The move was originally planned to take place on July 22nd however problems which occurred in the past two weeks lead to the only option for delivery to be today.

This is a great disappointment for the organisers and all involved at the Spa Valley Railway as well as the Rushden Transport Museum and we apologise for the disappointment this will cause however we do have a freshly repainted Class 37 37254 in Intercity Swallow livery, the Class 10 D3489 hauling its first passenger trains since 2006 and also our Gatwick Express GLV working with E6047.

We will keep you updated as soon as we know more,

Jonnie Wesson
Director
Wealden Railway Company

Fingers crossed
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I went along today and had a great day out despite the late changes. Most trains were a bit late but it was great fun and good value.

Thank you to the SpVR for a great gala!

 

[gazthomas]

Sunday - first service already delayed due to a line side fire just east of Groombridge which has now been extinguished. Class 37 looks outstanding in its new livery though!

 

[12CSVT]

One suggestion for future galas - instead of shunter shuttles to High Rocks, perhaps the shunters could do a full line trip each day ? (from what I could see yesterday, the brakevan shuttles to High Rocks were the main cause of the timetable going out the window, and a single brakevan was quite frankly nowhere near enough capacity for the number of people wanting the gronks for haulage).

And for the benefit of the track bashers who can't get to Tunbridge Wells by 0820 on a Sunday (impossible by public transport) - would they consider a repeat of today's 0820 Tunbridge Well Loop to Eridge bay platform at a future gala, but run it later in the day (and of course using something with more capacity than a single brakevan !)

Otherwise a good day yesterday. 37254 looked and sounded great !

 

[paul1609]

I had a couple of hours there yesterday afternoon. They desperately need more rolling stock for this event.
Also the line is now too long in my opinion for shunter trips. Its pretty tedious 1 1/2 hours at 10 mph!
Very impressed with the 37254 paint job. Shame about the Class 31 I met 2 guys from the Rushden Museum who had already booked their hotel so came anyway they were gutted.

 

[steamybrian]

I had a couple of hours there yesterday afternoon. They desperately need more rolling stock for this event.
Also the line is now too long in my opinion for shunter trips. Its pretty tedious 1 1/2 hours at 10 mph!
Very impressed with the 37254 paint job. Shame about the Class 31 I met 2 guys from the Rushden Museum who had already booked their hotel so came anyway they were gutted.

On Saturday- No-one has yet noticed that for the first time ever in preservation two trains were in operation passing each other at Groombridge under temporary pilotmen working.
One train set consisted of five coaches which is the maximum length that the platforms at TWW and Eridge and the loop at Groombridge will hold. Further carriages were available but could not be attached as the train would be too long. The other train set consisted of the 2 car thumper however work on the middle third coach has started and was on display at TWW loco yard. When completed it will then become the only 3 car Thumper in preservation.
There were 13 round trips along the whole length of the line which is the highest ever in one day.
On Saturday the railway was overwhelmed with visitors which caused some trains around midday/early afternoon to be overcrowded.
I was there...!!!!!

 

[yummy125]

Sunday - Had an excellent day, the timetable did not matter when the trains got later, did the triple header happen as I left Tunbridge Wells when there was a Class 12 on the front with the 73, Gatwick brake van & 33 on the rear.

Had a tour of the engine bays of the 33 & 73, drove the 33 from Tunbridge station platform to the sheds and hit the shutdown button.

Lovely livery suites the 37 very well:



Name Plaque:



Nose from Brake Van at 9am:

 

[gazthomas]

My photos from the Sunday can be found here:

http://railwayherald.com/imagingcentre/photographer/2421

 

[B&W]

My photos from the Sunday can be found here:

http://railwayherald.com/imagingcentre/photographer/2421

Some very good photos there - thanks for posting.

I should point out however for D3489, the loco actually came to the Spa from the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Co who kindly allowed us to use their logo and indeed supplied the roundels for the side doors, so it only fair they get the correct recognition.
The Loco is named after Colonel Tomline who was the local landowner who first developed Felixstowe Docks.

Regards

Brian

 

[a1a.a1a]

Sunday 25th - 31206 is finally due to make it's passenger debut on the SPA working the diesel diagram - 1110, 1410 & 1706 off Eridge, tails 1010 from the West and works 1155 & 1455 from there too.

Bar Car 'Kate' open on the train with bottled ale and cider available.