With the dust settling on another successful 2024 GWSR Diesel Gala, it is time to look forward to the 60th Anniversary event for 37215 and D6948 on Friday, 16th August.
Firstly, a look back at the Gala where both of our locos performed excellently, although D6948 was in need of a hasty repair on the Saturday morning when, on preparing, could not get brake at no. 1 end – it would swap diagrams with 37215 to buy some time. This worked and, after a frantic 25 minutes trying to diagnose and rectify any fault, D6948 was declared serviceable and was able to take on ‘215s’ original diagram.
Even after the length of time both locos have been in service from their last overhauls, they are still receiving plaudits and platitudes on their condition and performance.
Having ended day 1 of the Gala as a pair (this was timetabled), the scheduled round trip in a pair on Day 3 had to be scrapped when ‘Peak’ 45149 was declared a failure on the Saturday (the first ‘in Gala’ failure we have had for some time). D6948 took on 45149’s schedule on the Sunday with 37215 continuing through until the end of the day in lieu of the scheduled pairing-up in the afternoon.
Our Sales Stand in the Diesel Shed saw a steady stream of customers with a number of new enquiries regarding memberships. The stand saw a number of new items unveiled for the first time (these will be available on our webstore shortly), including new coasters, t-shirts and mugs.
So, on to our rapidly approaching 60th Anniversary event. The timetable has now been released and you can view it and download it below.
As you can see, the first train of the day is due off of Toddington at 0920 with the final arrival at Toddington at 1731. A small number of ‘on the day’ tickets will be available at Toddington prior to the first departure so, if you are planning on attending, visit our webstore and purchase an advance ticket – remember GG members get at discount on ticket price via the webstore.
https://thegrowlergroup.square.site/shop/friday-16th-august-2024-60th-running-day-tickets/7
We hope to see you on the 16th August.
