SDR is holding a half–term week gala from February 14th – 22nd 2015 with a strong British Railways (Western Region) period atmosphere. It will feature visiting guest loco, former GWR 45xx “Prarie” ( 2-6-2T ) tank NO 4566, painted in BR Black livery, plus newly restored former GWR 64xx 0-6-0 Pannier tank No. 6412, painted in BR Green, making its public debut.
6412 was test run on 13th February, however there were a few last minute jobs outstanding; so 1369 was steamed in the morning to cover for 6412 in the event that was not quite ready to make its début.
In the event 6412 was passed fit to run so 1369 doubled headed it up to Totnes on the 11.35 as planned.  On the basis that there were no faults found then 6412 worked the train back as an auto leaving 1369 at Totnes where it then double headed 2305 on the 13.17 back down to Buckfastleigh.

4566 was renumbered as 4555 for Saturday 14th February only.

6412 is expected to work autotrains with trailers W225 and W228. W225 has been painted in all over maroon to match W228.  For more information see this.

Please note: 6412 will be replaced by GWR 0-6-0PT 1369 on all services between Monday 16th and Friday 20th. Timetables remain the same and W55000 remains the second train.
1369 has been chosen to operate these services because its time on the SDR is limited since it will soon be returning to the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway for the summer.
GWR 0-6-0PT 6412 will return for the auto workings over the weekend on 21st and 22nd as per original timetables.

Reports on the gala so far....

• Public Timetable to download (PDF Format)
• Working Timetable to download (PDF Format)
• DDS Poster to download (PDF Format)