Weekend break at GWSR

[mickoo]

First visit to GWSR last weekend, well Friday and Saturday. Actually bleedin cold and miserable on Friday but Saturday afternoon it cleared out and sunny enough to actually get sun burnt

There were a couple of engines I needed to get detail shots off and frankly the rest of the time was spent just enjoying the trains, beer and good company of Neil (Podders), Mick Roffe and his brother.

It was indeed, a grand day(s) out.

 

[oldravendale]

I've never been there, Mick. Looks as though it'd be a worthwhile trip.

I assume it was a gala - there appear to be visiting engines.

Brian

 

[mickoo]

Neither had I and never knew it existed until Mick mentioned it a few weeks back.

Yes it was their spring/summer three day steam gala, they need some landscaping to make some grades though, whilst the area is hilly the line isn't.....particularly.

 

[Tim Birch]

It makes for a good day out if you are in the area. The line is a decent length of former main line and so it doesn't feel like a branch line with caged engines. My suggestion is park at Cheltenham (the station is next to the capacious racecourse car parks) and take the line to Broadway for lunch and then return.

 

[mickoo]

We parked at Toddington as we found out not all trains go to Broadway so you can be stuck there for quite some time, it's also free at Toddington but pay to park at Broadway, no idea about Cheltenham.

They also did a lot of engine swapping at Toddington so that adds a bit more activity and spice to things.

 

[Lyndhurstman]

I used to be loco crew there back in the 90s. Along with @TimC. And others. It’s a lovely line. I think it was the last GWR main line built.

The gradients aren’t spectacular, it’s true. But you can still get a good beat out of your steed going north between Cheltenham and Gotherington (I had it in second valve once, but that was purely for my pleasure ). I wouldn’t envy the Pug fireman going back from Winchcombe to Toddy; even the hill at Hailes would be troublesome if you weren’t on top of your game. And Winchcombe tunnel has its moments, too.

Cheers

Jan

 

[Scale7JB]

I've never been there, Mick. Looks as though it'd be a worthwhile trip.

I assume it was a gala - there appear to be visiting engines.

Brian

Brian,

It’s arguably one of the least exciting railways in the UK. Straight and flat. Even the Nene Valley is more exciting and that’s saying something..

JB.

 

[mickoo]

Brian,

It’s arguably one of the least exciting railways in the UK. Straight and flat. Even the Nene Valley is more exciting and that’s saying something..

JB.

This statement is not untrue

But, in my case, I was there for detailed photos of specific engines which I achieved and despite the relative flatness, the scenery on the whole is quite pleasant.

 

[Mick LNER]

Beautiful part of the Cotswolds. A visit last year.

 

[76043]

I had a very enjoyable day on the line in 2019. What they have achieved since I was last there in the early 80's is absolutely incredible. I found the restoration quality of the infrastructure to be top notch and not the least bit dull, the stations at Broadway and Cheltenham are wonderful, they still have what looks like the original race day fencing. Broadway wasn't finished then, but again the reconstruction this time was very well done.

It's the small details that make it, such as using contemporary typefaces for signage. Something I also wish the model rivet counters would get right. It's all very well getting the correct this and that, but then using a typeface designed in the 1990's just ruins it for me.
Tony

 

[simond]

I'm not keen on blue Kings!

Like Ferraris is red, Kings is green

 

[MarkR]

Ferraris is red, Kings is green

Absolutely!

 

[Richard Gawler]

I spent a year working near Bishops Cleeve and the GWSR was a good place to unwind at lunch time and explore at weekends. Here are some favourites from 2011.


Greet.

Prescott.


Racecourse.


Southam.


Panorama at Greet might suit compact layout

 

[Lancastrian]

Did you go to the Swan at Broadway ? That was an occasional haunt during my time at BBC Wood Norton in the late 80's.

Ian

 

[Richard Gawler]

Did you go to the Swan at Broadway ? That was an occasional haunt during my time at BBC Wood Norton in the late 80's.

Ian

No. I rarely went to Broadway at all. My favourite haunts with the camera were the railway bridge over the Avon near Eckington and a level crossing on an unclassified road near Tredington, here are a couple of favourites.


17:28 on Friday 18 March 2011, an evening after work. Voyagers are easier because you get two goes.


12:13 on Wednesday 6 April 2011, a lunch break.