Dean Forest railway steam gala 2024 with guest loco 6695 2/11/24

I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the Forest of Dean railway for the annual steam gala in November. This was a wonderful event and yes being slightly behind the schedule but what gala isn’t always running late. Included in the gala was the majority of the Dean forest railways fleet including small prairie tank. No 5541, pannier tank 9681 and Peckett no 1 uskmouth 1 the have returned for the first time back to running order. It was a privilege to have brake van rides behind the little engine as it was the first engine to be preserved on the de Forest Railway. Originally there was going to be another locomotive from the west Somerset Railway. 94xx no 9466 unfortunately it’s didn’t pass its inspection so it was unable to visit the Dean Forest Railway for the gala. But fortunately announced guest was still able to arrive and that was the great Western taffy tank no 6695 from my local railway the Swindon & Cricklade railway it was a treat seeing one of her class through the forest of Dean and I’ve always said that her class suited the Forest of Dean when they announced that she will be arriving there for the gala. I jumped the chance to go see her. Even though this scar is over plans are ready for the 2025 steam gala and I hope to make that one too .


[@XxBec3509]

Lovely ! Thanks for sharing.

[@JBTEvans]

Amazing video, you captured an alternative take of the gala compared to a lot of other people, I loved and had to re-watch a few times the shot of 5541 on dogfish at New Mills 11:15 - great performance there! The shots around Norchard Low Level, like 5541 moving across the crossing, were once so common but now so rare, thanks for capturing those. The angle with 'Beware of Trains' on the left and the signal on the right with Uskmouth 1 shuttling in between was very good. Interesting shot at the end with the signal box all lit up in the background as 5541 passed by. Interesting commentary at 14:36 haha!