Four in store for Spa Valley

There will be four steam locomotives in action at the Spa Valley Railway’s forthcoming ‘Summer Steam Festival’ on July 1/2 - the largest number of steam engines to operate on the line in six years.


Destined for Tunbridge Wells: Hunslet 0-6-0ST Beatrice stands at Bolton Abbey station on November 9 2015. The six-wheel coaches are Great Eastern Railway Nos. 14 and 37 from Stephen Middleton’s Stately Trains fleet. RICHARD HAMPSON/SR.

Hunslet 0-6-0ST Works No. 2705 Beatrice has been announced as the second visiting locomotive to the SVR’s July event, courtesy of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and owner John Beasley. It is believed the 1945-built saddle tank will be making its first ever visit to the South East during the festival.

Beatrice will be joining previously announced Hunslet stablemate, 1940-built 0-6-0ST Ring Haw (Works No. 1982), which is on long-term loan from the North Norfolk Railway.

The Hunslet pair will be in steam alongside the Spa Valley’s resident Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns No. 62 ‘Ugly’ and Vulcan-built ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 72.

The Spa Valley Railway says: “This is the largest number of steam locomotives we've operated on the line at any one time since opening to Eridge in 2011 and it is set to be one spectacular event!”

Steam enthusiasts will have plenty to savour at the ‘Summer Steam Festival’, as in addition to the quartet of tank engines, 13 road locomotives are booked to appear, and a range of model railways and 30+ vintage vehicles will be on display.

Tickets can be booked online in advance, with a saving of 25% on offer up until June 30. Visit: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/11/2nd-annual-summer-steam-festival.

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