22–24th September Autumn Steam Gala

While this year’s gala took a distinct LMS theme, it was the return of two ‘big red’ stars from previous years that drew the crowds. Both the Duchess and Lizzie showed that there’s no real substitute for size, power and glamour at such events, with vast numbers of people appearing when either graced their presence. (Just see the news page!) While not having the prestige of the pacifics, the third visitor was ‘Super D’ 49395, which saw extensive use on the line’s demonstration goods train throughout the weekend. The remaining four LMS and four GWR locos came from the SVR’s home fleet, making a grand total of 11. Locos in steam were; LMS 7P 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 8P 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, Super D 49395, Stannier Mogul 42968, Black 5 45110, 8F 48773 and Ivatt Class 2 46443; GWR Manor 7802 Bradley Manor, Large Prairie 5164, Pannier tanks 1501 and 5764.