SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY AUTUMN GALA PREVIEW The Severn Valley Railway is preparing to host the number one steam enthusiast’s event of the year – its annual Autumn Steam Gala in September. This event over 20th-22nd September has established itself as one of the country’s most popular railway events and is a key date for fans of the line – young and old – with a fantastic line up of visiting engines, an intensive train service through the day and all night; 45 hours from beginning to end and a host of other attractions. Visiting the railway this year are four prestigious guests – topped by the famous Metropolitan No. 1 locomotive used to celebrate 150 years of London Underground earlier this year. It is actually the second visit of Metropolitan No. 1 in 12 months as London Underground chose the SVR to test the locomotive prior to the celebrations in January. This iconic engine will be paired with Metropolitan coach No. 353 - passengers can travel behind this locomotive in this authentic coach for a small supplement across the weekend. The Southern Railway is well represented at the Gala with three express passenger locomotives in operation. No. 777 Sir Lamiel and No. 850 Lord Nelson are both visitors alongside resident Battle of Britain No. 34053 Sir Keith Park. This unique gathering represents the three main classes of Southern fast passenger locomotive and should prove an extremely popular draw. The railway will be bolstering its home fleet of Great Western engines with roving Hall class locomotive No. 4936 Kinlet Hall. This mainline engine is named after the fine Grade 1 listed building a short distance from the line. From the home fleet, in operation will be No. 7812 Erlestoke Manor and also appearing at its first gala for 12 months is resident unique Ivatt 2-6-0 No. 43106 (The Flying Pig). This popular engine has returned following its recent interim overhaul. No. 5643 will also make its second autumn gala appearance as a visiting engine. Talyllyn No. 3 Sir Haydn will also be visiting as an additional spectacle. This narrow gauge engine will be transported along the line on a Weltrol wagon for spectators to spot en- route! There will also be sales stands from locomotive owning groups, the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust and a last chance opportunity to purchase shares in the Railway under the EIS scheme. The railway has also teamed up with the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway to offer free travel throughout the weekend with any Autumn Gala ticket and the beer tent at Bewdley is back by popular demand! “The Autumn Gala is traditionally the weekend when the SVR shows off what it does best – intensive services, all night running and lots of variety ”, says SVR marketing manageress Clare Gibbard. “This year is no different and we have a number of surprises and special attractions planned. We are extremely excited about the mix of visiting locos.” The railway is hoping that those visitors who were unable to visit the Spring Steam Gala in March due to the snow and sub-zero temperatures will be rewarded with a bumper spectacle in September.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 08:54:58 +0000
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