Following a high-profile cancellation, Severn Valley Railway has announced a last-minute guest for its upcoming Spring Steam Gala.

With a little over a week to go before the event from Thursday 18 to Sunday, April 21, organisers have welcomed GWR No 1369 to the lineup.

The historic locomotive is brought in as a replacement guest following the cancellation of the appearance of new-build locomotive 6880 ‘Betton Grange’ due to incomplete testing and running procedures.

 

 

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SVR’s managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster said: "We’re extremely grateful to the South Devon Railway for agreeing to the appearance of 1369 at our Spring Steam Gala.

"It will be a great attraction, as the sole survivor of its very small original class of just six engines."

Despite a few last-minute changes, the SVR team is optimistic about the guest rearrangement which sees locomotive 813 being replaced with the 1369 due to a leaking saddle tank problem.

Mr Dunster added: "Stanier Mogul 13268 will take over 6880’s diagram, which gives it the opportunity for very high mileage across the event.

"Additionally, 21C127 ‘Taw Valley’ will re-enter service, taking up the space vacated by 13268.

"And, we’ve drafted in guest loco 1369 to replace 813."

The appearance of Stanier Mogul in service is set to be a major highlight of the event.

Mr Dunster said: "We’ve kept it under wraps since it has received its superb new livery, and it will debut at the Gala in the LMS lined black livery it originally carried when it first entered service in the 1930s."

The gala promises an intensive timetable on all four days, including goods trains and double-headers, with services set to make a stop at the recently re-opened Eardington Station.

There will be a BBQ at The Engine House, Highley and a Travelling Tavern on selected services from Friday to Sunday.

For more details and to book tickets visit svr.co.uk.