Avon Valley Railway Gala 2010

gwrmarcus · Post by **gwrmarcus** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 12:09 am

Looking ahead to the railways Ã¦End of Season GalaÃ† on the 24th of October, we have been looking for a suitable guest loco.

We have decided that due to the fact that we are a Midland line, in the heart of the Western region and the low attendance of last years gala with GWR small prairie 5521, we would choose a loco that provides something of an alternative to GW175.

The railways Traction Inspector began his railway career as a fireman on the Eastern region, starting at Epping, before eventual transfer to Stratford shed, often working commuter trains out of Liverpool St.

As a thank you for his involvement at the railway for so many years and with his seventieth birthday about a year and a half away, we have decided to look at the possibility of bringing in Ã¦N7Ã† 69621, courtesy of the East Anglian Railway Museum and itÃ†s current custodians, the North Norfolk Railway.

The loco is symbolic, as it was one of the engines that our Traction Inspector regularly fired in his last months as a fireman before passing over to diesel traction at Stratford. He has not seen or stepped foot on a N7 since.

We are currently in a position where all we require to do is to sign the hire agreement and arrange final transport arrangements. The only problem is funding, for the hire of the loco and the transport cost from the NNR to Bitton and return.

We need to know the level of support for the idea, which will require donations to help with the additional costs.

We are planning to run a Photo Charter/Pie Ã†nÃ† Pint train as well as an experience course. The Charter/Course will both be run with either a suitable suburban/branch passenger or a freight service.

At the moment we are trying to gauge peopleÃ†s interest. We need to be able to see sufficient interest by Monday 1st March at the latest otherwise we will need to seek an alternative, although from what I can see, that will also present the same problems.

As far as I know, the loco has only been in the area once, with a visit to the West Somerset a couple of years ago (correct me if I am wrong), so we are presenting a rare opportunity to see and ride behind a extremely different engine, as well as allowing us to thank a special man for many years commitment.

Post by **madhattie** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 7:54 pm

It's certainly a loco I'd turn up for a ride behind. My current financial status would restrict donations to a family ticket plus two grand parents! (but we would probably spend quite a bit on tea and cakes, we usually do!)

mow · Post by **mow** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:31 pm

I would be happy to see the engine on the AVR.

mastermuddle · Post by **mastermuddle** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 6:00 pm

As the traction inspector at the present time I wondering who the other one is ?It is not a good ideal to have two in case there is a clash of policy.With out naming the other one whom I believe to be my very good friend from he knows where lol.

mow · Post by **mow** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:18 am

The N7 has had an axle failure, and if recent posts on In The Works forum are anything to go by, other problems include damage to the crank axle and axle boxes.

get_that_bus_out · Post by **get_that_bus_out** » Mon Aug 16, 2010 6:09 am

We know...! Alternative loco under very active investigation at the moment

gwrmarcus · Post by **gwrmarcus** » Sun Aug 22, 2010 4:03 am

Whilst running a service train at North Norfolk, the N7 suffered an axle box failure. After further investigative work, both centre driver boxes are broken and require replacement, as well as other minor repair jobs that need to be carried out.

Even though there are problems with the N7, having spoke to the owning group they are aiming to have the loco back in traffic for our gala (Fingers Crossed!). We are looking at other possible alternative's just in case though.

The timetable for the day is beginning to take shape, utilising the guest loco, RSH 7151, TKH 4015, LSSH 429 and the CL107 DMU.

We are still trying to finalise the events around the gala and we will let you know more as we get nearer to the event.

Anybody wanting to make a donation towards the loco's visit (transport and hire costs) then send a cheque, made payable to the 'Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust', to:

Avon Valley Railway Gala Fund
Bitton Station
Bath Road
Bristol
BS30 6HD

Thanks for the on-going support!

mow · Post by **mow** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 7:45 pm

Not on the Gala, but this thread on RMweb shows a Sentinel Shunter from the Fry's factory arriving at the AVR.

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index. ... ns-nearly/

Marsh'Un · Post by **Marsh'Un** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:20 pm

Good to see the Sentinel back in Bristol.

Last time I saw her was in a scrapyard at Grove Road, Fishponds circa 1964-65. If I remember correctly, it carried a dark blue livery with the "Frys" logo on the side tanks....

john2006 · Post by **john2006** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 2:58 pm

Full information about the Gala is now available on our website http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/events/gla.html

Pages includes information about the locomotive line-up, prices, booking forms and lots more.

BristleGWR · Post by **BristleGWR** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:15 pm

Hi John,

I noticed on the AVR website that the N2 is rostered for the 27th, will it also be running on the 23rd, 29th, 30th or 31st?

Thanks,

Ian

john2006 · Post by **john2006** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 5:05 pm

Hi all, below are details of the special/extra events that are being held in October for the N2 visit. The N2 will be hauling all trains at these events (subject to availability). Please note that not all services are open to the public:

Members Train - Mon 25th October

An opportunity for AVR Operating staff to fire and drive the locomotive, pre-booked only. A non-timetabled train service will be operating for members only. No public travel.

This may be an ideal time to photograph the engine along the line.

N2 Steaming Day - Wed 27th October

The N2 will haul all passenger trains to the usual Timetable A. Usual steam fares of Adult Ãº6.00, Concession Ãº5.00, Child Ãº4.50 and Family Ãº16.50. AVRHT Members travel free (subject to availability)

N2 Evening Charter - Wed 27th October (eve)

A special service between 6pm and 9pm open for members and general public. Limited availability please book early. Fares Adult Ãº6.00, Concession Ãº5.00, Child Ãº3.00. Members complimentary tickets valid.

This should be a good photo opportunity considering the unusual operating time.

N2 Steaming Day - Fri 29th October

N2 hauls all passenger trains again to the Timetable. Usual steam fares of Adult Ãº6.00, Concession Ãº5.00, Child Ãº4.50 and Family Ãº16.50. AVRHT Members travel free (subject to availability).

The recently arrived Sentinel locomotive will also be put on display near the good shed and access for viewing/photography will be granted for a donation.

Pie & Pint Special - Fri 29th October (eve)

A chance to enjoy a pint or two behind the N2 through the Avon Valley. Please contact Bitton Station for more details, prices and booking information. Advanced booking strongly advised, limited availability

Ghost Train Special - Sun 31st October

Special halloween themed train, especially for the families. This is the last time the N2 will be used before it returns for the Great Central Railway. Standard steam fares apply.

All this informaton will be provided in a 'N2 visit' programme which will be available from Bitton Station on the Gala day and throughout the N2s visit. The programme will also include details of the locomotives appearing at the gala - offering a sneak preview of the stock book which will be available to purchase during the Gala or from our Station shop.

For more information please contact Bitton Station on 0117 932 5538 or post a message on this board. All events subject to availability.

BristleGWR · Post by **BristleGWR** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 10:29 pm

The Gala appeared to go OK, well done and thank you to all the staff and volunteers.

A few photo's from today:

A couple more shots...

jules · Post by **jules** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 11:49 pm

Lovely photos! I particularly liked the "Liverpool Street" headboard

mow · Post by **mow** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:39 pm

Stunning shots from the riverside. Thanks for posting them.

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