THE Severn Valley Railway has announced that industrial locomotive No 401 ‘Vulcan’ will be the second guest visitor at its Autumn Steam Gala.

The railway has also confirmed that for the first time in more than 40 years, Eardington Halt will feature as a stopping point throughout the four days of the event, which runs between September 14 and 17.

The appearance of ‘Vulcan’ will be the first time a Bagnall-built steam locomotive has ever visited the Severn Valley Railway, but 401 is no stranger to the West Midlands. It spent a number of years at the Austin Motor Company’s Longbridge works until its withdrawal from service in the early 1970s.

Appearing courtesy of North Tyneside Steam Railway and Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, ‘Vulcan’ looks set to be a crowd-puller, with its bright red original Steel Company of Wales livery and unusual outside valve gear.

“It will be real pleasure to welcome this particular guest,” said SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster.

“The class was commissioned in the early 1950s to compete with the diesel shunters that were growing in number and usage. It featured what was very modern technology at the time, such as roller bearings, Walschaerts valve gear and a rocking grate. They were notorious for their rough riding, and got the nickname ‘camel class’. We’re delighted to be welcoming the first-ever Bagnall locomotive to the SVR!”

‘Vulcan’ joins the visiting Class B1 61306 ‘Mayflower’ at the Autumn Steam Gala, as well as members of the SVR’s home fleet. The autumn enthusiast event continues the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the formation of the ‘Big Four’ railway companies, and another guest announcement is anticipated very soon.