Ideally, it would have been “15 reasons”, but most people would stop reading by then. So, we’ll just go with the best five.
1:- Eight steam locos in operation – a new record for Apedale. The plan is that three will be operating on the Field Railway, and five on the mainline, with regular swaps. Every loco will, at some stage, haul both passenger and freight trains on the mainline. Hunslet 125 (the WDLR 4-6-0) and the Orenstein tender loco cannot operate on the Field Railway due to their size – so they will be all-day on the main line. The two visiting locos are “Diana” and “Jennie” from Amerton.
2:- Unique photo ops at Apedale Road. The museum build is running a little late, so we still have a restricted platform at Silverdale station. This limits photo ops at that end of the railway. So, to compensate, we have arranged things so that there will normally be two locos laying-over at Apedale Road. They will be posed for photos and footplate rides will be available in between trains (a donations tin may be rattled in your direction – we have a museum to fit out…).
3:- Last chance to see the 20″ gauge railway in operation for a while. The 20″ railway is now extended to its maximum extent (thanks to National Grid volunteers!). The Ruston loco, “Moseley” is going back to Darlington for their Rail200 event, and its not clear when it will return. See it while you can – all being well, it will be used for “drive-a-loco” during the weekend.
4:- Lots of action on the Field Railway, including a new operating process which sees trains running from three departure points and crossing at Loos Loop on the Field.
5:- It’s only £9 for adults – and that’s a ride-all-day Rover ticket.
The Gala will be running from 1100 until 1600 next weekend, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14th. Did we mention the Hudswell steam loco in its new green livery?
