East Somerset Railway - Steam Gala - 17/03/24

The weekend of the 16th - 17th March saw the East Somerset Railway open their doors for the 2024 season in style, as they hosted their annual 'Steam Gala'. A total of four locomotives would be in action during the event, which included a highly anticipated visitor.

The star attraction for the event was GWR Saint No. 2999 'Lady of Legend', which was visiting from the Didcot Railway Centre. Incidentally, the new-build 'Saint' was a replacement for another new-build, in the shape of GWR Grange No. 6880 'Betton Grange', which was unavailable to attend. The loco is close to completion, but was not ready in time for this event.

Running alongside 2999 on the one train service between Cranmore and Mendip Vale were a duo from the home fleet - GWR Large Prairie No. 4110 and LMS Ivatt 2MT No. 46447. Meanwhile, Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 Saddle Tank No. 1719 'Lady Nan' would be used on 'Driver for a Tenner' duty at Cranmore.

The lineup for the event:

Visiting:

GWR Saint 4-6-0 No. 2999 'Lady of Legend' (Didcot Railway Centre)

Resident:

GWR Large Prairie 2-6-2T No. 4110
LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46447
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 1719 'Lady Nan' *

Used on 'Driver for a Tenner' duties at Cranmore

All scenes were captured on Sunday 17th March 2024.

Timestamps:

00:00 2999 - Mendip Vale Distant Signal
02:35 4110 - Mendip Vale Distant Signal
05:02 2999 - Maesdown Road Bridge
07:55 46447 - Maesdown Road Bridge
09:26 4110 - Mendip Vale Station
11:48 46447 & 4110 - Mendip Vale Station
14:30 46447 & 2999 - Cranmore
16:30 1719 - Cranmore West
19:17 2999 & 46447 / 1719 - Cranmore West
21:31 2999 & 4110 - Cranmore

A very enjoyable first time visit to the Railway, and a return is definitely on the cards! Special thanks to everyone at the East Somerset Railway, the Didcot Railway Centre and Great Western Society for making this event possible.

There is extra cause for celebration in the Mendips, as 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary since the East Somerset Railway opened to the public, back in August 1974.

Here's to the next 50 years!

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