Sat & Sun the 5th & 6th of November saw our 2nd "Gronk aid" diesel gala, to raise funds to repair the SDR Gronk 09 002, which is in need of a major wheel and traction motor overhaul before it can be used.

20 110, 20 118, 37 037 and the DMU were used, The locos performed faultlessly and the DMU was pretty good apart from a couple of problems with damp in relay boxes, it didn't stop it for too long though.

Damp was the theme of the weekend! it rained very hard most of the time until the line from Staverton to Totnes had to be closed on Sunday afternoon due to flooding.

Although it was a proper pain to us, it suited our London 'Routemaster' group just fine as they were able to show off their new paint and 'Rail substitution bus service' blinds they had just fitted. They bravely ferried our passengers back to Totnes to catch their mainline connections and I think the journeys were enjoyed by all.

Ironically it stopped raining not long after the line was closed, which at least allowed a few decent photos.

50 002 was turned out in a wonderful(?) shade of 'Electra' Blue for the event and certainly looked smarter than it did, though hopefully this isn't it's full restoration job!

On the whole I think it was a successful, if rather wet gala.