Are ordinary service days more enjoyable than galas?

ON Good Friday I visited one of the UK’s better-known heritage railways. Two steam-hauled trains and one diesel were running, and I managed at least one trip with all three.

I was also able to ‘exchange merry quip and jest’ with loco crews, staff at stations, and in the various retail outlets, and with other passengers. I took photos, and had one taken of me by a fellow traveller.

The day was leisurely and, above all, highly enjoyable.

Contrast that with steam galas, where it is frequently difficult to move around due to sheer passenger numbers, or diesel events, which seem to be populated by those whose apparent aim is to spoil everyone else’s day by leaning out of windows, shouting and waving their arms about.

I try to avoid galas. What do other readers think?

Graham R Pearson, Hall Green, Birmingham

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