Spa Valley welcomes Ring Haw

Hunslet 0-6-0ST Ring Haw will be based at the Spa Valley Railway this year, on long-term loan from the North Norfolk Railway from May 22 to the end of October 2017.


With two of the railway’s suburban set in tow, Hunslet 0-6-0ST W/No. 1982 Ring Haw blasts along the North Norfolk Railway. SVR

The arrival of the 1940-built locomotive boosts the SVR’s operational steam fleet to three, alongside Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns No. 62 ‘Ugly’ and Vulcan-built ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 72.

Spa Valley Railway General Manager, Jonnie Wesson, said: “It will be fantastic to see such an array of steam action over the line this summer, during our 20th anniversary year.

“Alongside Ring Haw during 2017 we will have our own ‘Ugly’ and No.72 in action, which will demonstrate the unique contrast between different types of industrial steam locomotives, often unseen in favour of glamourous classes of engines.

“It is these very industrials which contribute so greatly to keeping steam on preserved railways alive.”

Steam Engineering Assistant at the Spa Valley Railway, Matt Dives said “The visit of Ring Haw will assist our locomotive department greatly throughout the summer months.”

Ring Haw’s visit will coincide with the SVR’s Summer Steam Festival, taking place on July 1/2. All three Spa Valley operational steam locomotives will be in action at the event, which takes place primarily at Eridge station where an array of traction engines, steam rollers, vintage cars, miniature railways and event miniature steam engines will be on show.

Says Mr Dives: “this event will be West Kent’s biggest gathering of road steam engines in 2017. We’re preparing quite a show with the event shaping up to have at least 10 road engines, 3 steam locomotives plus vintage vehicles, miniature railways and more!”

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