CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY May Steam Gala 2024:

The first full two train gala at the CVR since 2019 and held over the three day May bank holiday weekend.
With four steam loco's in operation, run rounds at Leekbrook Jct loop, followed by loco swaps at Cheddleton, trains passing at picturesqe Consall and no less than four runs up to Ipstones on the gruelling 1 in 39 & 1 in 45 gradient it was quite an event.
Locomotives Seen are:
The two Baldwin USA S160's 6046 & 5197
BR Std 4 45014 'Braveheart' Visiting from the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
GWR 4-6-0 4079 'Pendennis Castle' visiting from Didcot Railway Centre.
As captioned in this video. The full climb behind 4079 from Leekbrook to Ipstones loop was recorded (primarily for the audio) and will be produced & uploaded seperately .
Note: Apologies for the repeat clip of 45014 near the end at Leek Brook. it should have been the LE returning to the stock.
it was very late after a long day 😆.

[@antman09ful1]

Its a great little railway this is Brian, regards Mike.

[@SYKAROST]

It is Mike.... I bet you're hoping for a diesel gala though...lol. Regards, Brian.

[@robmasterman]

Never been there Brian, but with footage as good as this I don't have to. That lest scene of the Double headed train was outstanding ...Now on to the next part...Best wishes...Bob

[@SYKAROST]

Well worth a visit on a gala event but a bit of a trek for you Bob. The spur up the bank isn't used on normal running days but the extension back into Leek is well on way to reopening . Those pair of S160's are a sight to behold. Last time I was there with John & Andrew there were three including 'Omaha'..... Best Wishes, Brian.

[@GreatBritishRailways1]

Brian, The weather was better than on the Saturday and your videos at the stations were a nice contrast to my "action" shots. Your capture of the S160s at the end were very good. Regards, John

[@SYKAROST]

A bit like our GCR days then John. Yes I was more constrained due to riding the trains from Cheddleton . Yes those pair where certainly clagging it in unison and the field was very quiet. I wanted 4079 on the last run but a long time to wait as the schedule had slipped by around 30 mins. Regards, Brian.