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Third guest for the Severn Valley Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala announced

The Severn Valley Railway has announced that the third guest for its Autumn Steam Gala will be Hunslet Works No 1873 ‘Jessie’, courtesy of Pontypool & Blaeanvon Railway and Mike Pearce.

The 0-6-0 ST locomotive joins Black Five No. 45231 ‘The Sherwood Forester’ and GWR-inspired Mogul No. 9351 as VIP visitors for the 15th-18th September event.

Built in 1937, ‘Jessie’ spent its working life at a steelworks in Cardiff before being withdrawn in 1965 and displayed in the Welsh capital for over a decade.  

Purchased by Mike Pearce, the locomotive underwent an extensive restoration, moving under its own steam for the first time in 2003.

Having never appeared at the Severn Valley Railway before, ‘Jessie’ completes a trio of locomotives that will star alongside 4930 Hagley Hall, returning after its £1.4 million overhaul and 36-year absence from traffic. A stark contract to the GWR Green Hagley Hall will appear in, Jessie will be wearing striking yellow and black wasp stripes to accompany its black livery!

Other home fleet locos at the event include GWR No. 7714, LMS No. 43106 ‘The Flying Pig’ and BR Riddles No. 75069, GWR No. 2857 and BR(W) No. 1501, with the latter pair making their final Gala appearances before their boiler tickets expire.

Following its starring role throughout 2022, the SVR’s now-famous purple locomotive SR No. 70 ‘Elizabeth II’ will also haul services – the final time in its royal guise.

The SVR has one final locomotive to announce to complete the Autumn Steam Gala line up – a much smaller addition than passengers may expect!

Michael Dunn, head of commercial and visitor experience, celebrated the addition: “Alongside our fantastic home fleet, the trio of guests we’ve announced for our Autumn Steam Gala make this event truly unmissable.

“There’s something for everyone – an industrial, duo of pannier tanks, a Black Five, a Mogul and a purple Bulleid Pacific. Plus, with pie-and-mash and breakfast services in LNER 7960, we have so much going on.”

“We know we’re in for another bumper four day extravaganza and encourage visitors to book their tickets in advance to get the best offer!”

Other star attractions at the event include good trains, a narrow-gauge railway at The Engine House Visitor Centre and an intensive timetable running until midnight on both Friday and Saturday.

Tickets for the event – including tables for the breakfast and pie & mash services – are available now at svr.co.uk or by calling 01562 757 900.