New-build GWR 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange – which, as reported in Heritage Railway issue 317 had been booked to feature in the Severn Valley Railway’s April 18-21 Spring Steam Gala – will no longer take part in the event, it has been announced.
The 81st Grange, which has taken 26 years to complete, will instead arrive on the SVR shortly after the event, and subject to the completion of satisfactory testing and running in, will haul trains on the line during May.
It will then leave to fulfil other bookings, starting with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway’s Cotswold Festival of Steam on May 25-27.
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At Tyseley Locomotive Works, the final preparations of No. 6880 including testing were still being completed. However, it is too late to organise transport and allow sufficient loaded testing at the SVR in order that the locomotive can take part in the gala as had been planned.
SVR’s managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster said: “Of course, it’s disappointing that Betton Grange isn’t going to make it in time for our event, but as ever with anything related to heritage locomotives, there is unpredictability. We acknowledge that every effort has been made by all parties concerned for the locomotive to be with us for the gala, but sadly this just isn’t possible.
“We are pleased that No 6880 will come to us for running in after the event, and subject to successful testing, we’re delighted that it will stay with us to work trains on the Severn Valley Railway during May.”
Quentin McGuinness, chairman of the Betton Grange Society. added: “Following its running, testing and entering service at the Severn Valley Railway, No. 6880 Betton Grange will appear at events as advertised, subject to any required maintenance or repairs that may be necessary as part of the commissioning of the new-build locomotive.”
Meanwhile, the SVR has booked another gala guest at the last minute, in GWR panner tank No. 1369.
Jonathan said: “We’re extremely grateful to the South Devon Railway for agreeing to the appearance of No. 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.
“No 1369 will act as a welcome replacement for our home fleet member, No. 813. This locomotive has been undergoing extensive repairs, and has now developed a problem with a leaking saddle tank.”
“There have been a number of late changes to this year’s Spring Steam Gala, but we’re determined to put on a top-notch show. Our timetabling team has been working hard to adjust the diagram and has achieved this without the need to lose any services.
“Stanier mogul No. 13268 will take over No. 6880’s diagram, which gives it the opportunity for very high mileage across the event. Additionally, No. 21C127 Taw Valley will re-enter service, taking up the space vacated by No. 13268.
“The Stanier Mogul’s re-entry into service is set to be a major highlight of the event. 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 will feature an intensive timetable on each of the four days, and will feature goods trains and double-headers. Local services between Bridgnorth and Highley will also stop at the SVR’s smallest, recently-reopened Eardington station, there will be a barbeque 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
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