West Somerset Railway - 2022 Spring Steam Gala - 7th May

Early May saw the West Somerset Railway holding their 2022 spring steam gala, running from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th. Making a star appearance was Caledonian Railway No.419, currently on an English tour from her home at the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, in Scotland. For the event, she was fitted with a temporary spark arrestor, at the WSR's request. This was later removed, after it caused serious performance issues, which resulted in numerous delays on the Friday with a purpose built spark arrestor being brought down from Scotland and fitted in time for the weekend. Unfortunately, she then suffered further troubles and would end up being piloted by another loco all day Saturday.
Two further guests came in the form of BR Standard 4MT No.75069 and GWR No.2857, both courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway. This would be the former's first trip away from home since its return to steam in 2018, while the latter was brought in as a last minute replacement for Pannier Tank No.9466.
The Saturday evening of the gala saw the operation of a 12 coach "mega train" from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back. This was double headed by 7822 'Foxcote Manor' and 75069 on the outward run, while 2857 took the place of the Standard for the return. This was to be quite a sight and sound along the WSR's twisting gradients.
The full gala line up included:
Home fleet:
- WSR 2-6-0 No.9351
- GWR 5101 Class 2-6-2T No.5199
- BR(W) 7800 Class 4-6-0 No.7822 'Foxcote Manor'
- BR(W) 7800 Class 4-6-0 No.7828 'Odney Manor'
Guests:
- CR 439 Class 0-4-4T No.419 *
- GWR 2800 Class 2-8-0 No.2857
- BR Standard 4MT Class 4-6-0 No.75069
* Does not feature
Timestamps:
00:00 9351, Combe Florey
01:07 2857, Crowcombe Heathfield
03:40 5199, Roebuck Woods
04:38 7822, Kentsford
05:50 7822, Stogumber
08:14 75069, Bye Farm
10:00 2857, Leigh Bridge
11:36 5199, Castle Hill
12:41 7828, Washford
14:05 7822 & 75069, Cleeve Hill
Filmed on Saturday 7th May 2022, using a Panasonic HC-X1500 with an Audio-Technica BP4025 microphone.
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