The Severn Valley Railway is set to welcome LNER Thompson Class B1 61306 ‘Mayflower’ for a short visit. This follows maintenance work on the locomotive and the installation of an air-braking system by Locomotive Services Group, which is based at Crewe.

It’s part of a commercial arrangement between the two organisations to enable the training of LSG crew members, and the locomotive will not be used for any public services. Mayflower’ has never visited the SVR before, and is one of just two of its class that remain in preservation.

Mike Ball, chairman of Severn Valley Railway, said: “Over recent years, we’ve strengthened our relationship with Locomotive Services Group and we are very pleased to be hosting them again, along with another of their impressive engines.”

‘Mayflower’ follows in the tracks of other Locomotive Services Group engines – 4498 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’, 34046 ‘Braunton’, 70000 ‘Britannia’ and 46100 ‘Royal Scot’ – that have visited the Severn Valley Railway for testing in recent years.

“This is the perfect venue for us,” said Ian Walker, head of steam locomotive engineering for LNWRH, part of LSG. “The main line connection at Kidderminster makes accessing the SVR very easy. With no public services due to run on test days, we’ve got 16 miles of track to put our crews through their paces. We’re delighted to be working once again with our friends and colleagues at the SVR.”

The locomotive’s training runs will take place from Monday 31^st October whilst the SVR’s public services have temporarily halted, as the Railway prepares for its busy Christmas schedule – including Santa, Steam in Lights, Enchanted Express, Dining and Carol Trains.

Tickets to travel on the Severn Valley Railway for these events or a post-Christmas journey are available from svr.co.uk or by calling 01562 757 900.