Farewell "Cheltenham" | Watercress Line - 'Autumn Steam Gala' 07-08/10/2022
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- Опубліковано 8 жов 2022
- Participating in its final steam gala before withdrawal, 'Schools' Class - 30925 "Cheltenham" was the star of the 'Autumn Steam Gala' at the Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line', with the event held over the weekend of October 7th-9th.
"Cheltenham", owned by the National Railway Museum, has been a resident of the Watercress Line for the duration of its expiring boiler ticket, having returned to steam on the railway in 2012 following an overhaul at Eastleigh. With 30925 due to bow out, an effort was made during the event to highlight a historic anniversary for the class, an in particular a tidbit of 30925's working life. 1962 proved to be the final year of operation for the 'Schools' Class under BR, making 2022 the 60th anniversary of their withdrawal. On the 7th of October 1962, RCTS organised a railtour exploring the south-east network of Ex-SR metals; 'The Sussex Special Rail Tour'. 30925 "Cheltenham" worked the outbound leg of the tour, from London Bridge to Brighton. With the Friday of the gala being the 60th anniversary to the day of the railtour, an effort was made for 30925 to appear as it did on the day; complete with the RTCS headboard, correct route indicator discs shown, and the code SPL 102 displayed.
Though the event featured no visiting locomotives, not for lack of trying, there was still plenty to attract enthusiasts over the weekend. An intensive timetable was in use throughout, with 5 steam locomotives in action across the 10 mile line between Alresford and Alton; working a mix of passenger services and a demonstration freight set. In addition, Ivatt 2MT Tank - 41312 would be renumbered as 41294 for the event.
Locomotives:
Ex-LSWR S15 Class - 506
Ex-S&DJR 7F Class - 53808
BR(M) Class 2MT Tank - 41294 (41312)
Ex-SR V 'Schools' Class - 30925 "Cheltenham"
BR Standard Class 4MT - 76017
Ex-Kilmersdon Colliery Peckett R3 Class - 1788 "Kilmersdon" would also be in service, providing shunting demonstrations within the station limits of Ropley.
All footage filmed on Friday the 7th, and Saturday the 8th, of October 2022. - Авто та транспорт
Thanks. A nice 'chillout' video to mark the end of a good summer. Soon be Springe again. 🙂
Great Video of the Watercress Line Steam Gala - I really wanted to see 30925 but couldn't get down due to the Strike Action! - I would have liked to have caught 925!!
Going to miss you, one of the best locos to be pulled by, up the Alps with no fuss or effort👍👍👍 Always good to see a freight working! Cheers Matthew🙂
Thoroughly pleasant. Great sounds from 506, as it usually does. Love the silhouette shot of the 7F making a signal stop with the Goods.
I'll miss this great loco. I was lucky enough to have a footplate ride on her a few years ago, brilliant!
Amazing video as always with the autumn colours appearing. I often wonder what viewers from other, sometimes dry and barren lands think of our beautiful countryside. I thought the 7F appearing in the cutting with the local goods taken from the over bridge was very reminiscent of the Somerset and Dorset. Those were the days. All the best. Mick
As always, brilliant!
Thank you
Stunning as ever! Thank you for sharing!
Fantastic footage 👍
Thank you
Great captures. Regards, John
Cheers
I'm so mad I was tied down with work for this. We probably won't see Cheltenham for another few years
You've got till the 30th bud. She's out every weekend until then.
After that it'll be curtains for a VERY long time.
Nice done video and good sound :)
Brilliant footage Matthew. I don't know if Cheltenham is to be overhauled for another period of operation or if the NRM have decided not to steam her again.
will it ever be run again
I presume the renumbering of 41312 as 41294 has some deep numerological significance?
Because they can
Is Cheltenham going to the NRM or will she going for another overhaul?
Will it be refurbished, or is this it?
Whats happing with Cheltenham
Boiler ticket has expired.