Prince for Severn Valley Autumn gala

The Severn Valley Railway has announced the fourth and final guest for its forthcoming 'Autumn Steam Gala' on September 21-24 – the Ffestiniog Railway's 0-4-0STT No. 2 Prince.


Ffestiniog Railway 'Small England' 0-4-0STT No.2 Prince, pictured at Boston Lodge on its home railway, is the fourth visiting locomotive to the Severn Valley Railway's 'Autumn Steam Gala' on September 21-24. FR

The 1863-built narrow gauge locomotive will running on all four days of the gala at the Engine House at Highley station, paired with a replica Victorian carriage.

It will be a return visit of sorts for the George England-designed engine. It was on static display inside the Engine House between 2010 and 2012, as Boston Lodge did not have the capacity to overhaul Prince immediately following the expiry of its boiler 'ticket'.

There will be four visiting locomotives at the SVR's four-day event. Joining Prince will be GER 'Y14' 0-6-0 No. 564, courtesy of the North Norfolk Railway, and SECR 'P' 0-6-0T No. 323 'Bluebell', courtesy of the Bluebell Railway. Both locomotives will be making their SVR debuts at the gala.

Rounding out the line-up is North Yorkshire Moors Railway-based 'Schools' No. 926 Repton. The Maunsell-designed 4-4-0 will be making a second visit to the SVR, having first visited in 2004 for that year's 'Autumn Steam Gala'.

Both the Severn Valley's resident Bulleid rebuilt 'Light Pacifics' – 'West Country' No. 34027 Taw Valley and 34053 Sir Keith Park - will be hauling overnight trains throughout the gala, marking 50 years since the end of Southern Region steam.

GWR ‘Manor’ No. 7812 Erlestoke Manor will be making its last gala appearance at the 'Autumn Steam Gala', as the Collett 4-6-0 is due to be withdrawn for its ten-year overhaul. The locomotive’s boiler ‘ticket’ expires on December 31 this year.

For full details about the SVR's 'Autumn Steam Gala', and to purchase advanced tickets, visit: www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=100.

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