Spa Valley Railway – Summer Diesel Gala 3rd to 5th August

[Spa_Jonnie]

Main Event Info from website:
Our popular three-day Summer Diesel Gala, will commence at 09:30 on Friday 3rd August with a variety of locomotives in action over the event including the visit of a 'Deltic' and the unique Class 17 'Clayton'!

Courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society Class 55 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' will be visiting the Spa Valley Railway in August 2018 and will star in our Summer Diesel Gala alongside our home fleet and hopefully some other visiting locomotives! Built to haul express passenger trains, such as the Flying Scotsman, the sight of a Deltic passing through the High Weald will be one to remember!

Joining the Deltic will be the very unique Class 17 'Clayton' D8568 courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group and visiting us from its usual home at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway. The only remaining member of the once 117 strong Clayton Type 1's will be making its first visit to Kent for our 2018 Summer Diesel Gala, whilst visiting us D8568 will also be available for Clayton Driver Experience.

The Locomotives/Units:
• Drewry 2591 'Southerham'
• Class 10 D3489 'Colonel Tomline'

• Class 17 D8568 – Courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group/Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
• Class 33/0 33063 'R.J.Mitchell'
• Class 33/2 33201
• Class 55 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' – Courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 73 73140
• Class 207 DEMU 1317
• Class 421 3CIG 1497

Timetables
An intensive train service will apply all three days, the first trains on the Friday, Saturday & Sunday will be connecting with the earlier Southern services arriving at Eridge. We are intending to operate a standard two train hourly service with an intermixed shuttle service operating fast trains between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge Platform.

Fares
• Adult Day Rover - £25.00
• Child Day Rover - £15.00
• Adult 2 Day Rover - £40.00
• Child 2 Day Rover - £25.00
• Adult 3 Day Rover - £55.00
• Child 3 Day Rover - £35.00

Book online in advance prior to the 2nd August and save 25%, discount is applied at the checkout! We do not offer any discounts at special events other than the one stated above, this includes reciprocal travel arrangements, HRA passes and we do not accept BR Privs.

Driver for a Tenner
As with all our diesel events, an opportunity to drive a diesel locomotive will be on offer, for 2018 it will use one of our shunting or spare mainline locomotives in between trains at Tunbridge Wells West only.

Brake Van Rides
These popular Brake Van services will run from Groombridge Station to the end of the Ashurst Spur and return using Class 10 D3489 'Colonel Tomline' subject to completion of engine repairs. These Brake Van rides will be a total distance of about 1/2 mile and are included in the price of a day rover ticket.

Class 33 Running Day – Thursday 2nd August
The day before the main event takes place will see the two resident Crompton's Class 33/0 33063 'R.J.Mitchell' and Slim-Jim Class 33/2 33201 taking part in a mileage day vice our previously advertised Purple timetable. They will run top and tail all day between Tunbridge Wells West & Eridge with 33063 and 33201 swapping ends as the day goes on, finishing in early evening to allow for continued preparation for the following day's Gala activities. The train will either be the 3CIG combined with DEMU or Set A (5 MK1).
http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/82/class-33-running-day

The return of the 'Rare Track Excursion'!
Alongside the Crompton running day the 'Rare Track Excursion' will be making a welcome return to the calendar, this time visiting a lot of rarely used bits of track in one hit. Taking in areas of Tunbridge Wells West previously not usually accessed such as the East/West 2 siding (as far as something can go) and No.3 road. Both roads of the carriage siding at Groombridge will also be included along with the available space in the Groombridge Engineers Siding, the former Up Line from Birchden Junction.

A quick pop along to Eridge will also be fitted in to visit Platform 3 and the stub of track beyond the normal stopping point in Platform 2 before returning to Tunbridge Wells West. The traction for this train will be one of our shunting locomotives and Class 73/1 73140 if required. The stock will be limited to the Queen Mary Brake Van in the first instance. However, if demand is there then our Class 101 Trailer Car will be added to the consist.

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/83/the-rare-track-excursion

At the Stations:
Tunbridge Wells West
• Our Buffet Car 'Emily' will be serving hot and cold drinks and light refreshments.
• Station shop stocking a large variety of diesel traction products, shop will close at approximately 16:30 - 17:30.
• Driver for a Fiver.
• Miniature Cinema.
• Sales stands including the well-stocked Deltic Preservation Society's and South East Locomotive Groups.

Tunbridge Wells West – Lifting Demonstrations and Shed Access
A number of years ago the Spa Valley Railway’s supporting charity, the Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society was left a legacy, some of this money was used to purchase four 25t Matterson Lifting Jacks. These very important items of equipment aren’t always seen in action by the public however provide great interest in what is involved in locomotive or carriage restoration/maintenance.

Over the 2018 gala, an item of rolling stock or a locomotive will spend the weekend on the lifting jacks being lifted up and down at intervals throughout the event. Times of these demonstrations will be published much closer to the event and are subject to volunteer availability.

It is anticipated that the centre aisle of our shed down as far as the end will be opened up to the general public, items of stock available to view should be:
• Under restoration LBSCR Terrier No. 32650 ‘Sutton’, which is well on the way to completion.
• Under overhaul LMS Jinty No. 47493.
• Under overhaul Class 09 09026 with its freshly overhauled generator.
• Under restoration Class 33/0 33065 'Sealion'.
• Under restoration MK1 TSO 5037.
• In service steam locomotive’s at rest.
• Another unique and soul survivor of its class, the Class 12 15224 on display (not in working order).
• Access to see the interior restoration of Class 207 DEMU 1317s unique Centre Car No. 60616.

High Rocks
• Access to the famous High Rocks or Tea Garden Lane which can provide great photographic opportunities.
• High Rocks Inn and Garden.
• A great place to watch the trains from the Inns' garden.
• Please note that some trains DO NOT call at High Rocks.

Groombridge
• Trains crossing throughout.
• Brake Van Rides to the Ashurst Spur & return.
• Popular BBQ on the station!
• Lots of books on our bookstall under the canopy, grab a bargain.
• Photo opportunities from the station bridges.

Eridge
• Mainline connections with Southern services to Central London, East Croydon, Oxted and Uckfield.
• Catering outlet.

Other event details including the Fish & Chip Supper trains can be found on the website Summer Diesel Gala page here: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/52/summer-diesel-gala

 

[31160]

Not 09026 then? That's a pity

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

09026 is highly unlikely to be running, it won't be in an operational condition.

09026s original main generator had a number of segments down to earth. An overhauled generator ex-09005 was purchased to replace 09026s. The engine from 09026 is out of the loco and the next step is the generator swap.

The problem of too few volunteers then comes into the mix as it's the same small group that look after the other locos and undertake operational roles.

D3489 suffered a bearing failure leading to its engine seizing in February. Luckily the crank shaft has escaped unscathed and a new bearing sourced but this has taken volunteers away from other things to repair.

73140 has required a lot more work than originally planned to get it back in service, we are now on the verge of this happening.

2591, 33063, 33201 & 1317 all require their routine maintenance too.

So it is unfortunately a shortage of voluntary labour that means 09026 isn't likely to be operational for the gala. Work is steadily progressing though and the loco has a Facebook page for that purpose for those interested, just search 09026 Supporters Group.

I hope this helps explain the reasons, if the loco worked then it'd be taking part.

 

[gazthomas]

What a great line up!

 

[31160]

09026 is highly unlikely to be running, it won't be in an operational condition.

09026s original main generator had a number of segments down to earth. An overhauled generator ex-09005 was purchased to replace 09026s. The engine from 09026 is out of the loco and the next step is the generator swap.

The problem of too few volunteers then comes into the mix as it's the same small group that look after the other locos and undertake operational roles.

D3489 suffered a bearing failure leading to its engine seizing in February. Luckily the crank shaft has escaped unscathed and a new bearing sourced but this has taken volunteers away from other things to repair.

73140 has required a lot more work than originally planned to get it back in service, we are now on the verge of this happening.

2591, 33063, 33201 & 1317 all require their routine maintenance too.

So it is unfortunately a shortage of voluntary labour that means 09026 isn't likely to be operational for the gala. Work is steadily progressing though and the loco has a Facebook page for that purpose for those interested, just search 09026 Supporters Group.

I hope this helps explain the reasons, if the loco worked then it'd be taking part.

Thank you for the reply

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

The South Devon Diesel Tractions popular Class 25 D7612 is making a return to the Spa Valley Railway from July to October and will star at our Summer Diesel Gala 3rd to 5th August. The Sulzer Type 2 last visited in 2007 and 2015, both times proving extremely popular with our visitors and we're looking forward to a return visit again this year.

The 25 joins D8568 and 55019 plus the homefleet of 2591, D3489, 33063, 33201, 73140, 1317 and 1497. A selection of 14 Real Ales & 6 Ciders all from different locations will be available around the railway with a three train service linking it up. There will be two main sets A (which includes 'Kate' with its freshly refurbished bar) and CIG crossing at Groombridge with our DEMU 1317 shuttling in between. For those that remember the timetables of a few years ago with 1317 going as far as Groombridge, this time following some alterations to our signalling it goes as far as Eridge using Platform 3.

 

[nat67]

Not bad gala line up some Crompton action and Clayton, not badly priced. Never bin there.

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Driver Experience is available on the Clayton during its visit: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/81/clayton-driver-experience

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Sales Stands:
We always like to welcome other locomotive groups/societies to our galas and all we ask for is a donation in exchange for a pitch space. We've limited spaces at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge or Eridge for our Summer Diesel Gala this year, for one, two or all three days, the choice is yours.

If you're interested in a pitch and haven't already made your booking then please contact the event organiser Jonnie Wesson on [email protected] or via a PM on here to discuss.

 

[D1002]

Visit of Lancashire & Yorkshire A-Class Locomotive No. 52322.
Filmed at Groombridge, High Rocks, Eridge and Forge Farm Crossing:

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Confirmed Beers & Ciders plus their locations... Beers are cask, ciders are bag in a box.

Real Ale's in Kate for the 2018 gala:
• Westerham Brewery – Summer Pearle 3.8%
• Tonbridge Brewery – Blonde Ambition 4.2%
• Kent Brewery – Twelfe Night 7.4%
• Gun Brewery – Zamzama IPA 6.5%
• 1648 Brewing – Signature 4.4%
• Arundel Brewery – Sussex Gold 4.2%

Ciders in Kate for the 2018 gala:
• Kent Cider – Rhubarb 5.0%
• Rough Old Wife – Rough Old Wife 7.5%
• Wise Owl Cider – Pear 6.0%
• Biddenden – Sweet 8.4%

Real Ale's at Groombridge for the 2018 gala:
• Caveman Brewery – Neanderfal 4.4%
• Top Notch Brewing Company – Panzific 4.5%

Real Ale's at Eridge for the 2018 gala:
• High Weald Brewery – Off The Chart 5.0%
• Pig & Porter Brewery – Dance First 4.2%
• Darkstar Brewery – Revelation 5.7%
• Longman Brewery – American Pale Ale 4.5%
• Old Dairy Brewery – Blue Top 4.8%
• Dartford Wobbler – Peddlers Best 4.0%

Ciders at Eridge for the 2018 gala:
• Kentish Pip – Wild Summer Elderflower Cider 4.0%
• Duddus Tun – Cherry Cider 4.0%

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Gala Brochure advertising spaces!

We have some advertising spaces available in our full colour A5 Summer Diesel Gala brochure for railways, locomotive groups or other attractions that would like a space!

We've a full 20 pages packed with information relating to the event but we've also the option to have an advert placed in the magazine which is distributed to all those that purchase a Day or Mutliple Days Rover ticket.

Money raised from advertising goes towards the printing costs of the brochure, the brochure itself is made internally.

Full page:
£100 - 148mm wide by 210mm high

Half page:
£50 - 148mm wide by 105mm high

Quarter page:
£25 - 74mm wide by 105mm high

Artwork can be supplied in PDF, JPEG or as a package with Adobe InDesign. 5mm bleed is requested.

If you're interested please contact Jonnie Wesson on [email protected] to reserve your space.

Artwork deadline will be Friday 6th July 2018.

 

[a340egkk]

In addition to the Summer Diesel Gala, on the day before, Thursday 2nd August, we have the following events on:

Class 33 Running Day
The day before the main diesel gala takes place will see the two resident Crompton's Class 33/0 33063 'R.J.Mitchell' and Slim-Jim Class 33/2 33201 taking part in a mileage day. They will run top and tail all day between Tunbridge Wells West & Eridge with 33063 and 33201 swapping ends as the day goes on, finishing in early evening to allow for continued preparation for the following day's Gala activities. The train will be our 4 car MK1 set which will include Bar Car 'Kate' serving a range of drinks, including the real ale & cider bar!

Locomotives:
• Class 33/0 33063 'R.J.Mitchell'
• Class 33/2 33201
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The return of the 'Rare Track Excursion'!
Alongside the Crompton running day the 'Rare Track Excursion' will be making a welcome return to the calendar, this time visiting a lot of rarely used bits of track in one hit. Taking in areas of Tunbridge Wells West previously not usually accessed such as the East/West 2 siding (as far as something can go) and No.3 road. Both roads of the carriage siding at Groombridge will also be included along with the available space in the Groombridge Engineers Siding, the former Up Line from Birchden Junction.

A quick pop along to Eridge will also be fitted in to visit Platform 3 and the stub of track beyond the normal stopping point in Platform 2 before returning to Tunbridge Wells West. The traction for this train will be Class 10 D4389 'Colonel Tomline' and Class 73 73140. Drewry 2591 'Southerham' will be on the train as far as Groombridge from Tunbridge Wells West where it will be outstationed for the event. The Drewry works one way only.

This will be the last time a train operates on the Ashurst Spur! They will no longer be available after this!

Locomotives:
• Drewry 2591 'Southerham'
• Class 10 D3489 'Colonel Tomline'
• Class 73 73140

 

[Journeyman]

Not bad gala line up some Crompton action and Clayton, not badly priced. Never bin there.

Quite apart from the great lineup, it's well worth a visit as it's a well-run and interesting railway that passes through a very attractive area. It's been a couple of years since I've been (I live in Scotland now) but it's a good day out when I'm in the area.

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Thursday 2nd August Class 33 Running Day/Rare Track Excursion, prelude to the Summer Diesel Gala.

Timetable: https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/shopimages/Public 2nd August.pdf

• Tunbridge Wells West departures with 33201:
  09:30, 10:40, 11:40 & 12:40.
• Tunbridge Wells West departures with 33063:
  13:55, 15:05, 16:05 & 17:05.
• Eridge departures with 33063:
  10:10, 11:10, 12:10 & 13:10.
• Eridge departures with 33201:
  14:25, 15:35, 16:35 & 17:35.

The set is expected to be 5 MK1 plus Queen Mary Brake Van. Bar Car 'Kate' will be in the set and open for the purchase of Real Ales and Ciders.

The following are planned and ordered to be in 'Kate':
Real Ales:
• Westerham Brewery – Summer Pearle 3.8%
• Tonbridge Brewery – Blonde Ambition 4.2%
• Kent Brewery – Twelfe Night 7.4%
• Gun Brewery – Zamzama IPA 6.5%
• 1648 Brewing – Signature 4.4%
• Arundel Brewery – Sussex Gold 4.2%

Ciders:
• Kent Cider – Rhubarb 5.0%
• Rough Old Wife – Rough Old Wife 7.5%
• Wise Owl Cider – Pear 6.0%
• Biddenden – Sweet 8.4%

Other refreshments available including wine, spirits, cream teas, sandwiches, crisps etc.

Adult fares are £12 for One Return Trip or £17 for a Day Rover.

For anyone interested, the Class 17 and 55 are being collected and delivered w/c 23rd July, the Class 25 following the week later and should arrive on Tuesday 31st August.

 

[E759]

Thursday 2nd August Class 33 Running Day/Rare Track Excursion, prelude to the Summer Diesel Gala.

Timetable: https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/shopimages/Public 2nd August.pdf

• Tunbridge Wells West departures with 33201:
  09:30, 10:40, 11:40 & 12:40.
• Tunbridge Wells West departures with 33063:
  13:55, 15:05, 16:05 & 17:05.
• Eridge departures with 33063:
  10:10, 11:10, 12:10 & 13:10.
• Eridge departures with 33201:
  14:25, 15:35, 16:35 & 17:35.

The set is expected to be 5 MK1 plus Queen Mary Brake Van. Bar Car 'Kate' will be in the set and open for the purchase of Real Ales and Ciders.

The following are planned and ordered to be in 'Kate':
Real Ales:
• Westerham Brewery – Summer Pearle 3.8%
• Tonbridge Brewery – Blonde Ambition 4.2%
• Kent Brewery – Twelfe Night 7.4%
• Gun Brewery – Zamzama IPA 6.5%
• 1648 Brewing – Signature 4.4%
• Arundel Brewery – Sussex Gold 4.2%

Ciders:
• Kent Cider – Rhubarb 5.0%
• Rough Old Wife – Rough Old Wife 7.5%
• Wise Owl Cider – Pear 6.0%
• Biddenden – Sweet 8.4%

Other refreshments available including wine, spirits, cream teas, sandwiches, crisps etc.

Adult fares are £12 for One Return Trip or £17 for a Day Rover.

For anyone interested, the Class 17 and 55 are being collected and delivered w/c 23rd July, the Class 25 following the week later and should arrive on Tuesday 31st August.

You got me at Zamzamer!

Tickets purchased for Thursday and Saturday (London Craft Beer Festival, Tobacco Dock on Friday).

 

[gazthomas]

Are there are any campsites nearby? Website suggests not which given the lovely open countryside really surprises me

 

[E759]

Are there are any campsites nearby? Website suggests not which given the lovely open countryside really surprises me

I don’t know the area but Google Maps shows Crowborough CC which is apparently 10 mins from the town and thus a short rail trip to Eridge.

 

[gazthomas]

I don’t know the area but Google Maps shows Crowborough CC which is apparently 10 mins from the town and thus a short rail trip to Eridge.

That's a great idea, thank you

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Both the Deltic and the Clayton have arrived at Tunbridge Wells West. The Class 25 is being collected on Monday and should arrive on Tuesday.

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Just a reminder for anyone wishing to take advantage of a 25% discount on Rover tickets that this will switch off late on Thursday 2nd evening. There are no other discounts available for the event itself and full price tickets will need to be purchased on the day.

It knocks of £6.75 from the final bill so you pay £20.75 vice £27 (£2 booking fee added onto the £25 ticket) for a one day rover if booking online, you also save time and don't have to queue on the day to get your tickets!

Main gala page where tickets can be purchased from: http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/52/summer-diesel-gala

Very limited seats also remain for the Friday 3rd Fish & Chip Supper. The Saturday 4th one is now sold out.
http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/e...&xRunningID=1083&xFwd=product.php%3FxProd%3D3

 

[E759]

What's stock for the RTE Spa_Jonnie? I've got a ticket (33 running combined plus another ticket for Saturday) and assume that more than 20 must have been sold which I read up-thread is the capacity of the Queen Mary? Happy to queue to be in the Queen Mary if that is required

Thanks,
Stephen

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

I've just taken it down actually. We've quite a lot more than originally expected booked on the RTE, its upwards of about 60 people now! It is likely to be replaced with the 101 trailer car or the DEMU (which would still be loco hauled).

 

[E759]

I've just taken it down actually. We've quite a lot more than originally expected booked on the RTE, its upwards of about 60 people now! It is likely to be replaced with the 101 trailer car or the DEMU (which would still be loco hauled).

Cheers Jonnie, good news regarding the demand! I'll try for a brake van ride on Saturday. Sounds like this is going to one epic event

 

[Chrisgr31]

What no beer from Cellarhead Brewery at Framfield, or Cider from Hurstwood Cider at High Hurstwood? Admittedly latter isn't cheap, and is in bottles. However Cellarhead might be worth a try in future. I sold their Amber Ale at Sussex Day and the Summer Fair in Crowborough and it proved popular and was liked by all.

Not sure if I will be able to get down to the Gala, never know might see some of the units as I pass on the 171 on Friday evening

 

[Spa_Jonnie]

Ta for the info. The bottled range we have is Kentish Pip Elderflower, Kent Cider Blend 23 and Biddenden Red Love. The bottled beer range is Spitfire, Harvey's Best, Whitstable Bay and Westerham British Bulldog.

Cask Real Ale's in Kate for the 2018 gala:
• Tonbridge Brewery – Blonde Ambition 4.2%
• Kent Brewery – Twelfe Night 7.4%
• Gun Brewery – Zamzama IPA 6.5%
• 1648 Brewing – Signature 4.4%
• Arundel Brewery – Sussex Gold 4.2%
• Darkstar Brewery – Revelation 5.7%
• Dartford Wobbler – Peddler’s Best 4.0%
• Westerham – Viceroy 5.0%

Bag in Box Ciders in Kate for the 2018 gala:
• Kent Cider – Rhubarb 5.0%
• Rough Old Wife – Rough Old Wife 7.5%
• Wise Owl Cider – Pear 6.0%
• Biddenden – Sweet 8.4%

Cask Real Ale's at Eridge for the 2018 gala:
• High Weald Brewery – Off The Chart 5.0%
• Pig & Porter Brewery – Dance First 4.2%
• Longman Brewery – American Pale Ale 4.5%
• Old Dairy Brewery – Blue Top 4.8%

Bag in a Box Ciders at Eridge for the 2018 gala:
• Kentish Pip – Wild Summer Elderflower Cider 4.0%
• Duddus Tun – Cherry Cider 4.0%

 

[jnjkerbin]

I just happened to see this coming down through Tunbridge Wells in the last few minutes

 

[E759]

View attachment 50300 View attachment 50301 I just happened to see this coming down through Tunbridge Wells in the last few minutes

Yay! Right place at the right time.

 

[Chrisgr31]

Yay! Right place at the right time.

As a matter of interest how does all this guest loco stuff work? Presumably the trains aren’t cheap to move, but presumably the Spa Valley railway have to pay those costs? Do you also pay a rent for the loco or are the owners just glad to have them out and about and running?

 

[E759]

A couple of visitors on 75F