Gresley 100 Gala

[Quicksilver95]

I have come across a few references to this gala in my reading of forums, but can find almost no references to it online, and no photos or videos either. Searching in Google throws out about 30 results, most of which are passing references with no explanation or detail. From what I can tell it took place in approximately 2005 (when I would have been 10 years old and my LNER interest somewhat nascent) at the NYMR, and involved movement of teak carriages from various locations (SVR, Bluebell, ?Bo'ness?) to NYMR, funded by HLF. I understand that Green Arrow and 61264 featured, but that is the extent of the information I can find. I would very much appreciate it if someone could give me a complete summary of proceedings, the rationale behind organising the gala and its focus on coaches, and most importantly some pointers to any photos and/or videos.

Thanks in advance,

Joshua

[STAFFORDA4]

From what I recall the NYMR played a part in getting together a decent rake of teaks for a Gala weekend. In reality I expect the LNERCA were heavily involved so would suggest checking with them. I’ve a feeling they commissioned a DVD of the event.
Good luck

[4493]

The Gresley 100 gala was organised on the NYMR in April 2005 to celebrate the centenary of Gresleys appointment as carriage and wagon superintendent of the GNR. All the operational LNER coaches in the country at the time (bar four I think) were gathered together to form three rakes of LNER stock, the NYMR swapped a MK1 rake for the SVR teak set, the SRPS sent their two Thompsons and the Bluebell sent the Howlden GN directors saloon with staff! Stephen Middleton also fielded his three six wheelers for the Levisham shuttle This gala is still talked about on the NYMR as probably the best ever! In addition to the usual NYMR locos, K1 62005, B1 61264 and V2 60800 starred. The stock list was- LNERCA TTO 56856, TTO 23956, RB 641, BTO 43567, CL 88339, Saloon 3087, SVR TTO 24105, BCK 24068, RB 643, TTO 43612, TTO 43600, SRPS BC 80417, TTO 13803 and Bluebell GN saloon 43909.
The LNERCA launched TTO 23956 and GN saloon 3087 into service at this event and I remember standing on a very foggy Levisham station with "Sawdust" of this parish witnessing a ECS test train (unfortunately hauled by a Sulzer 2) which we thought was the longest preserved LNER train consisting of the LNERCA and SVR sets coupled together 11 vehicles. This week also saw another record of the time- a fully Thompson train- B1 61264, TTO 13803, CL 88339 and BC 80417. Happy days indeed!

[sawdust]

I believe it was the most financially successful gala in NYMR history.

It was brilliant. My favourite moment was being on a teak train with a GN saloon on both ends.

Sawdust.

[Quicksilver95]

Thanks for the replies folks! It's strange that something so popular throws back so little information on Google - can't find any photos at all! I'll see what I can get hold of from LNERCA. I assume that the gala was profitable only assuming that the HLF funded the moving of the vehicles? Otherwise a repeat would surely be on the cards? In general I prefer themed galas whatever region that be rather than a mix and match of various regions and periods. With recent Southern steam and GWR galas aplenty, it seems a shame that so few LNER (or LMS for that matter) galas seem to take place. I suppose that the comparative shortage of LNER locos and stock means that it's considerably more expensive to get a reasonable collection in one place for a weekend. The most recent equivalent I can think of have been Barrow Hill's various east coast steam events. Are there others I've missed?

[MikeTrice]

A few from the event:

[MikeTrice]

[MikeTrice]

[MikeTrice]

And finally:

[Dave]

Thanks Mike.
It was the best gala I've been to.
Amazing how Pickering has changed since then.

[Atlantic 3279]

As Dave says, Pickering station has changed a great deal, and wonderfully authentic as the overall roof may be, I'm afraid I feel it spoils the viewing and photography of the trains.

I remember a magnificent Autumn gala on the NYMR around 1997, featuring a feast of locomotives including several ex-LNER, LNER design, or LNER-related examples - so many locos in fact that several services were double-headed and the place was thronged with people. There were also a couple of smaller specific LNER weekends in the mid-late nineties too.

I'd love to see a large-scale LNER gala event once again, and with most of the locos and rolling stock in proper LNER livery instead of the now almost universal application of dreary GWR-inspired green and Riddles-imposed LNWR black, designed to appeal to 50s/60s fans, but which conjures up in my mind only a period of lost LNER identity, neglect, ineffective state control, deliberate run-down and almost universal grime.

But what if any current prospects are there for anything like such an event? There are relatively few LNER or LNER-related locos that survive compared to other former companies' locos, So many of the locos available in the 1995-2005 period are now either laid-up long term awaiting funding and opportunity for overhaul (Blue Peter? Q7? WD 2-10-0, others...) or seem to have been proclaimed "never to be steamed again" (Green Arrow, thank you SO much NRM...) or appear to be destined to shortly be stuffed and mounted for the remainder of the life of the current owner (if I understand correctly the plans for Union of South Africa and The Great Marquess).

[richard]

Not necessarily all bad.
I think the Q7's certificate was expired by then? (if not, then very close). The Q6 is back. The N2 is back. A4 Bittern is back.

Blue Peter is making its way towards steaming. As is the J21. Slow progress so far, but forward movement in both cases.

A Peppercorn A1 can be added to the list, followed by a P2 in a few years (same timescale as the J21 and A2?).

A functioning Autocar has been added to the list. (and the Quard-Art at North Norfolk if we start adding coaches)

[Autocar Publicity]

A fair few people have asked about the autocar being involved in either an Edwardian, NER or LNER Gala - subject to existing commitments then it's something we'd be happy to look at.

I remember the Gresley Gala with some nostalgia, for all the reasons mentioned in previous posts. Plenty of frames shot, though only the one below is to hand - will post some more if I can find them quickly this weekend.

(Cranford No. 2 and Stephen Middleton's three six-wheelers at Levisham).

[Albert Hill]

Has work started on the J 21 ? where ?

The G 5 should beat the P 2 to steaming ?

[2392]

I can but echo and agree with both 4493 and Sawdust. What with those teak coloured carriages, it's also hard to think/remember that it's been coming on 14 years ago now. As galas' go it was quite different with it highlighting the rolling stock rather than the more usual locomotives visitors.