Severn Valley Railway makes early guest announcement for 2024 Spring Steam Gala
The Severn Valley Railway has made a surprise early reveal on the identity of one of the guest locomotives for its Spring Steam Gala, which takes place between 18th and 21st April next year.
No 72 ‘Fenchurch’, the Class A1 Terrier 0-6-0T has been named as the first of the guest line up, and will be appearing courtesy of the Bluebell Railway where it’s based, subject to availability.
Built in 1872, 72 was the first of its class to enter service on 7th September that year. The Terriers were a light-weight design, intended to give rapid acceleration on suburban trains of light-weight carriages on the 11-mile South London line, where stations were only about a mile apart.
“We’re extremely pleased that we’ve secured an early agreement with the Bluebell to host their locomotive,” said Duncan Ballard, the SVR’s head of steam engineering. “It’s a great opportunity to start making a stir with what promises to be one of the most significant enthusiast events in 2024’s calendar.
“Having a 152-year-old engine on the Valley is going to be quite something. We’re actively negotiating for other guest locomotives for the event, so stay tuned for further announcements!”
The SVR says tickets for the Spring Steam Gala 2024 will be on sale in the coming months.
