ESR Vintage Vehicle & Steam Gala



Credit: Gavin Moore, 22 Jun 2011

The East Somerset Railway?s ?Vintage Vehicle and Steam? gala takes place over the weekend of the 23 and 24 June 2011. Locomotives in traffic will be ex GWR 56xx nr 5637 (based in South Wales throughout her working life and subsequently the 61st engine to leave Barry), Nr 47 Moorbarrow and resident Barclay 0-4-0ST nr 1719 ?Lady Nan?. Services will be a mix of freight and passenger services.

On display will be ex London, Brighton & South Coast Railway E1 Class 0-6-0T nr 110. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture this unique locomotive in a series of photo opportunities around the site. There will also be information to find out how you can help this historic locomotive, out of traffic since 1997, steam again.

The E1 will be available at:-

In addition look out for static displays of motor cars, motorcycles, busses and vans from earlier in the 20th Century.

In addition to our timetabled services, a demonstration ?Engineer?s Train? will run between Cranmore and Cranmore West at 10:35, 13:15 and 14:35. The 10:35 and the 14:35 service will be hauled by 1719 ?Lady Nan? and terminate at Cranmore Depot and the 13:15 service will be hauled by heritage diesel. We regret that it will not be possible for passenger?s to travel on this service.

Trains depart at regular intervals, both days, between 10:00 and 16:30, as follows:-

?Lady Nan? will be carrying out shunting demonstrations at Cranmore Depot and we will be offering Driver for a Fiver where you can realise a dream and drive a steam engine at Cranmore Depot. This will take place when ?Lady Nan? is not involved in shunting demonstrations, please ask a member of staff on the day for more information. All money raised helps goes towards restoration and maintenance of our fleet of steam engines, diesels, carriages and wagons.

We will also be repeating our popular ?Freight Train Experience?, giving the opportunity to allow passengers to travel the full length of the line in the Guard?s Brake Van of some of our freight trains. This offers a not to be missed experience and a view of the line and that you simply don`t get from the coaches! These will run at 11:40 and 15:45 and Passengers must board and alight at Cranmore West Station platform. Please note that space is limited and on a first come ? first served basis.

Lineside Passes are available in advance from Cranmore Station for ?10.00 but must be accompanied by a valid ticket to travel. Lineside Pass Holders will require to undertake an ESR Personal Track Safety Test (This should be done in advance and will be valid for 12 months) and must wear a High Viz jacket of a type approved for Railway use. For further details, please email the Booking Office with the subject 'Lineside Pass Request - VVG12'.

For pictures from our previous galas, please visit our photo gallery by clicking here.

Tickets are available ? either book in advance online or on the day.

Fares are as follows:-

Please note, while the ESR will make every effort to try and maintain the above timetable, locomotive roster and attractions, all are subject to availability

News item added on 11th June 2012, by Gavin Moore


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