Watercress Line - Somerset & Dorset 'Autumn Steam Gala' 01-03/10/2021

A hindered weekend, with fuel shortages and wildly varied weather; from pleasant autumn sunlight, to torrential rain. The Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line' would use their annual 'Autumn Steam Gala' to officially welcome the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust to its metals (having migrated from the West Somerset Railway), running the event as a celebration of the S&D.

34092 “City of Wells” would showcase as the star guest at the event, as the Bulleid pacific made a return to its home territory. Courtesy of the Bluebell Railway, 4MT Tank – 80151 would also star at the event, running alongside S&D relevant home-fleet locomotives. In addition, a new museum would be opened at Alresford during the event, incorporating many artifacts and memorabilia from the S&D Trust.

Each day of the gala focused on a different aspect of the Somerset and Dorset Railway; the Friday showcased a variety of freight workings, while the Saturday focused on its frequent holiday traffic and passenger services, while the Sunday aimed to emulate the prestigious 'Pines Express'. As such, both the Saturday and Sunday featured a recreation of the famous titled service - 80151 and 34092 took the helm for the former run, while 34092 worked the latter run amid a downpour with 41312 banking.

Locomotives:
BR(M) Class 2MT Tank - 41312
BR(S) 'West Country' Class - 34092 "City of Wells"
Ex-S&DJR 7F Class - 53808
BR Standard Class 4MT Tank - 80151
BR Standard Class 4MT - 76017

Ex-Austerity Saddle Tank - 3781 would also be in service during the event, mainly providing brakevan rides around Alton.

All footage filmed on Friday the 1st, Saturday the 2nd, and Sunday the 3rd of October 2021.