The Severn Valley Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala is set to deliver a spectacular celebration of steam, with two major new visiting locomotives joining the line-up and the highly anticipated return to service of GWR Prairie tank No 4150 potentially adding a landmark moment to the four-day event.

Taking place from 17 to 20 September, the Gala will now feature the much-anticipated visit of LMS ‘Royal Scot’ No 46115 Scots Guardsman and GWR ‘2884’ Class No 3850, alongside the locomotives already announced for the event.

The arrival of the two new visitors has been made possible thanks to the efforts of West Coast Railways, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway and Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd, who have worked at short notice to help create an impressive line-up for the Gala.

The SVR’s chief executive officer Gus Dunster said: “The past few days have certainly kept everyone on their toes, but what the team has achieved is quite remarkable. The additions of Scots Guardsman and 3850 give our Autumn Steam Gala an even greater range and variety, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has gone above and beyond to make these visits possible.

“There has been an extraordinary amount of goodwill and generosity from organisations and individuals across the heritage railway movement. I want to pay tribute to everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make these last-minute changes happen. Their commitment will ensure that visitors can look forward to a highly enjoyable and successful Gala.”

The new arrivals will join Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotive No 41313, making its first-ever appearance at the SVR, and BR(W) pannier tank No 9681. The line-up will also provide opportunities for 9681 to be paired with the SVR-based pannier tank No 7714, adding further variety to the intensive steam programme.

The Gala is also expected to mark a momentous occasion for the SVR with the debut in service of newly restored GWR Prairie tank No 4150.

The locomotive is the last unrestored ex-Barry scrapyard locomotive at the SVR and, if all goes to plan, its return to traffic will come 61 years after it was withdrawn from British Railways service in 1965.

The return of 4150 to steam represents the culmination of an extraordinary restoration journey and a significant milestone for the 4150 Fund, as well as an important moment in the history of the SVR.

Gus Dunster said: “The prospect of seeing 4150 finally return to service is hugely exciting. This is a locomotive whose restoration has taken almost a lifetime for some of the people who have taken up the challenge, and the dedication, skill and foresight that have brought her to this point deserve enormous recognition.

“The 4150 Fund team and the SVR’s locomotive department should be applauded for achieving such a magnificent standard of restoration. If all goes to plan, seeing 4150 begin its new working life will be a sight to behold. It will be an incredibly appropriate addition to the SVR’s locomotive fleet and a wonderful reward for everyone who has worked so hard for so long to make it happen.”

The SVR has expressed its thanks to the East Lancashire Railway, Bury Steam Loco Group and South Devon Railway for their efforts in seeking to bring BR Standard Tank No 80097 and GWR Small Prairie No 5526 to the Gala. Unforeseen circumstances have meant that those planned visits cannot now go ahead.

More information on the event with an updated timetable and loco allocations are available at svr.co.uk.