Deltic tops bill at Toddington gala – but not all goes to plan
AN EXAMPLE of a locomotive type that never ran on the Stratford-upon-Avon to Cheltenham Spa route became the highlight of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway’s October 29/30 mixed traffic gala.
Class 55 Deltic No. 55019 (D9019) Royal Highland Fusilier, built in 1961 for the expresses on the East Coast Main Line, was at the end of the first-ever visit of a Deltic to the heritage line.
No. 55019 performed faultlessly over the two days, running several return trips from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse, and proved very popular with passengers, with its trains fully loaded. The gala was the last opportunity to ride behind No. 55019 on the line because it left soon afterwards to return to its home at Barrow Hill.
The railway’s spokesman, Ian Crowder, said: “The Deltic has been a real draw. It has been a joy to host it, and, for one weekend, sister No. 55009 Alycidon. It is the diesel equivalent of having No. 60103 Flying Scotsman on the line, such is the draw of these magnificent locomotives.”
The formula was the same as last year with an intensive timetable, double-heading, non-stop running, and a goods train.
Steam locomotives in action were rebuilt Merchant Navy Pacific 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co. and WR Modified Hall class 4-6-0 No. 7903 Foremarke Hall.
“I would like to express my appreciation of all our volunteers. We worked so well as a team to overcome the problems and, most importantly, our visitors were not
disappointed.”
Making its last appearance at a gala for some time was Jeremy Hosking’s 1919-built GWR 2-8-0T No. 4270. Its boiler ticket ran out in October, and it was given a three-month extension so it can run over the festive period – but after that, its future is uncertain. It could now go on static display at the One:One Collection museum in Margate, which Jeremy has established.
A reliable performer on the railway over the past decade, No. 4270 looked completely at home at the head of a short rake of freight stock (see also centre spread).
WR 4-6-0 No. 7820 Dinmore Manor ran double-headed tender to tender with No. 7903 on the Sunday. No. 7820 afterwards visited the South Devon Railway to work that
line’s Polar Express trips and will be ‘Americanised’ with the fitting of a headlight and cowcatcher.
Footplate trips over the line were available on the steam locos for £125 between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse. A supplement of £10 a brake van trip on the goods train was offered either in the GWR Toad at the south end or SR bogie Queen Mary brake at the north.
Challenges
Other modern traction of the Saturday included Class 47s No. 47105 (D1693) and No. 47375 (D1895) double-heading. On the Sunday it was the turn of Class 24 No 5081 (24081). The line’s Class 117 DMU worked a local service, stopping at Hailes Abbey Halt.
On the Saturday the service ran marginally late which was made up during the day, but locomotive allocations remained unaffected throughout.
On the Sunday, a fuse blew in Cheltenham signalbox, which prevented Gotherington ’box opening. The first goods train ran into Cheltenham Racecourse but the following passenger was unable to access the line south of Winchcombe because the tokens could not be released, and so for a short time pilotman working was used.
The issue was resolved relatively quickly thanks to a signal and telegraph technician being available.
However, Andy Smith, the duty operations officer on the day – and a planner on the national network – said: “We had one train about an hour-and-a-half late, and the rest of the services were about 20 minutes late.
“In consultation with Mark Harding, who was gala controller that day, the timetable was abandoned to ensure that trains ran as frequently as possible with locomotive changes at both Cheltenham and Toddington.
“After all, people had in many cases travelled many miles to see either the Deltic or No. 4270 and we made sure that they were not disappointed.”
Despite the problems, all locomotives performed perfectly.
By mid-afternoon on the Sunday of the gala, the published timetable was resumed – but not necessarily with the locomotives rostered for its particular services. That did not seem to detract from the enjoyment of the occasion as the frequency of services was maintained, and, as the clocks had gone back, the final trains were run in darkness, which proved popular.
Comments about the gala and the way the issues had been managed on social media were positive.
‘Show on the road’
Andy added: “I must say my heart sank when it became clear we had a major problem on our hands with Gotherington ’box, but I suppose my professional crisis management training kicked in. The important thing was that we managed to keep people moving and keep the show on the road, and it was clearly appreciated.
“The number of people who came up to me afterwards and shook me by the hand was extremely gratifying. I would like to express my appreciation of our volunteers. We worked so well as a team to overcome the problems and, most importantly, our visitors were not disappointed. I think everyone – whether passengers or volunteers – went home that night having got through an extraordinary but thoroughly enjoyable weekend.”
Passenger numbers were extremely good despite the mixed weather, including torrential downpours, and all trains ran mainly full. Also proving popular was the opening to visitors of the David Page locomotive works at Toddington and Winchcombe Carriage & Wagon Works for a rare look behind the scenes.
➜ The line’s Santa Express starts on November 26 and runs throughout December, with tickets bookable at www.gwsr.com There will be a two-steam train service with one diesel train at the end of the day from December 27 until January 2. It will be the last chance to ride and see No. 4270 in action before its withdrawal. See also pages 54-55.