What makes a good gala?

[1708]

Not with regards to type of locos/coaches etc....

But what would make you enjoy a gala.

What do you expect from a railway when you attend. This includes fares, timetables and also any extra events/things to spend your hard earned pennies on.

And what would you like to see.

This applies to diesel and steam galas

 

[theblackwatch]

Timetables and planned loco roster made public (and free of charge) in advance of the event. People want to be able to plan their day ahead. I don't want to turn up to find the loco(s) I specifically went for is rostered as 'spare' or only worked the 09.00 departure then went on display when I got there at 10.00.

 

[PUFFINGBILLY]

The most repeated feedback I get from visitors is for an opportunity to see behind the scenes. This from those with a general curiosity as well as the dedicated enthusiast. As a bonus to the railway such access provides a superb opportunity to underline the work of volunteers and the lenght of time and skills required to adminstrate organise rebuild replace and restore.

 

[Tomnick]

Interesting - given that 'behind the scenes' is often a key part of the experience being recreated (Absolute Block and mechanical signalling, for example) so I'm always happy to entertain interested visitors where practical. However, everyone (operationally at least) is under a lot of pressure at a busy gala, so it's perhaps not the best time to be encouraging (for example) visitors to signal boxes.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Agree with blackwatch completely. Enjoyed the KWVR diesel gala for this reason.

I enjoy galas on KWVR for the reason that (i volunteer there obviously...) but also the short line with lots of stops allows you to swap locos a lot during the day breaks for photography without ages for next train.

 

[ElectronicaL33]

Agree with blackwatch completely. Enjoyed the KWVR diesel gala for this reason.

I enjoy galas on KWVR for the reason that (i volunteer there obviously...) but also the short line with lots of stops allows you to swap locos a lot during the day breaks for photography without ages for next train.

Nail on the head mate, ive only recently got back into my childhood trainspotting days, & from the view of someone who is fairly new to the preserved railway scene, a chance to 'break a journey' for some photos without having to wait an hour for the next service is a bonus. Also as a 1st gen DMU fan i cringe at a unit being used as coaching stock instead of running under its own power! anyone else think the same? or maybe a shortage of coaching stock 'needs must' !?

 

[YorkshireBear]

Nail on the head mate, ive only recently got back into my childhood trainspotting days, & from the view of someone who is fairly new to the preserved railway scene, a chance to 'break a journey' for some photos without having to wait an hour for the next service is a bonus. Also as a 1st gen DMU fan i cringe at a unit being used as coaching stock instead of running under its own power! anyone else think the same? or maybe a shortage of coaching stock 'needs must' !?

Well KWVR run DMUs not dragged by locos all year so ill point yuo our way Only on sunday of gala usually though.

 

[mikado]

Not with regards to type of locos/coaches etc....

But what would make you enjoy a gala.

What do you expect from a railway when you attend. This includes fares, timetables and also any extra events/things to spend your hard earned pennies on.

And what would you like to see.

This applies to diesel and steam galas

tasty bacon baps and good coffees
regards
noel

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Interesting - given that 'behind the scenes' is often a key part of the experience being recreated (Absolute Block and mechanical signalling, for example) so I'm always happy to entertain interested visitors where practical. However, everyone (operationally at least) is under a lot of pressure at a busy gala, so it's perhaps not the best time to be encouraging (for example) visitors to signal boxes.

Agreed. And given that we run two maybe three really intensive services a year, unfortunately box visits and such like are very unusual because, as you say, operational staff are under a lot of pressure.

 

[yorksrob]

Good ale in the buffet car. Something which the K&WVR excells at.

 

[yummy125]

A good mixture of Classes & hopefully a triple / Quad header at lunchtime or near the end of the day.

 

[Waddon]

Something more than just a more frequent train service... themed events are good. Also I like winter galas, because the atmospherics from the steam locos are better, and they tend not to be as rammed full of people as peak summertime ones. It's also good if the little details are correct, not just the trains but period road vehicles, things of that kind. Plus goods trains too

 

[9K43]

Agree with blackwatch completely. Enjoyed the KWVR diesel gala for this reason.

I enjoy galas on KWVR for the reason that (i volunteer there obviously...) but also the short line with lots of stops allows you to swap locos a lot during the day breaks for photography without ages for next train.

That railway is just a derailment waiting to happen, its the longest siding I have ever seen, with a 350 with super worn flanges to go with it.

 

[YorkshireBear]

That railway is just a derailment waiting to happen, its the longest siding I have ever seen, with a 350 with super worn flanges to go with it.

What makes you say that? evidence reasons etc.

 

[12CSVT]

Things I like to see at gala events.

1) A loco roster published ahead of the gala - and then adhered to on the day (unless there is a good reason such as a loco failure)
2) Each loco (whether a visitor or resident of the line) having roughly equal number of passenger workings, and spread out throughout the day - ie, not having loco X doing an out and back trip at 09:00 then do nothing for the rest of the day, or loco Y not working until 16:30
3) If the line has several operational diesel shunters, perhaps they could be rostered a passenger turn, or maybe brakevan shuttles at one of the stations.

 

[scotsman]

1. Timetable with locos available well in advance
2. A competitively priced day rover that also has an extra, like a ticket holder only shed visit, included
3. Standard fares on all trains, no "special event fares"
4. A charge for platform tickets - just to get something off the freeloaders
5. A buffet car
6. Good company
7. Good lager/ale/cider available (either from the buffet, or somewhere close by - I'm thinking of Bo'ness here!)

You'll note there