Seasonal show of autumn gold in the Cotswolds
SEASONAL hues have been in abundance as a stand-out feature of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in recent weeks, as the line continued not only with weekend running but also midweek steam trains throughout October on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – at a time when many other heritage lines have reduced their steam services due to the fire risk during this year’s freak summer heatwave and to save coal.
The first early-morning trains are not in the timetable because they are empty stock workings. Both start from Toddington, heading in opposite directions at about 9.15am, with one heading to Broadway and the other to Cheltenham Racecourse. These can run early and depart when they are ready. Saturdays in October saw a two-train steam service, with the first departure from Broadway at 9.55am, followed by 11.10am, 12.35pm and 2.10pm. From Cheltenham Racecourse, trains leave at 10am, 11.15am, 12.45pm and 3.40pm. Another working from Broadway is at 3.30pm behind a diesel. All trains had seven coaches and completed their services at Toddington at the end of each day.
Two big engines were in use during my visit on October 8, when the services were hauled by rebuilt Merchant Navy Pacific No. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S.N.Co., which has four years left on its boiler ticket, and WR 4-6-0 No. 7820 Dinmore Manor, which has three years.
The regular season finishes with a welcome return of the popular mixed traffic gala on October 29/30. It will follow the same formula as last year, with an intensive timetable, double-heading, non-stop, topand-tailing, and a goods train. The David Page locomotive works at Toddington and the Winchcombe Carriage & Wagon Works will open their doors for rare looks behind the scenes.
This event showcases both the complete steam fleet as well as diesel locomotives. Operating over both days is visiting Class 55 Deltic No. 55019/D9019 Royal Highland Fusilier, which will be leaving the line after the event.
Rostered steam locomotives are No. 35006, No. 7820, GWR 2-8-0T No. 4270 and WR Modified Hall 4-6-0 No. 7903 Foremarke Hall. Nos. 4270 and 7906 will face Broadway and Nos. 5006 plus 7820 will face Cheltenham.
The Saturday will see Class 47s Nos. 47105/D1693 and 47375/ D1895 in service. On the Sunday, 1963-built Class 37 No. 37215/D6915 and Class 20 No. 20137/D8137 will run, while the line’s DMU Class 117 will work a local service, stopping at Hailes Abbey Halt.
During November there is no service apart from a sold-out fish and chips special on the 12th. The Santa Express begins on November 26 and continues throughout December.
Post-Christmas services from December 27 until January 2 to the same timetable as October 8 will be in operation.