The Severn Valley Railway 'Winter Steam Gala', held over the weekend of January 6th-7th, would feature 6 locomotives in steam operating an intensive timetable over SVR metals, with a frequent passenger service operating over the full line length between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, bolstered by a local service working the line in sections.
The event would serve as a swansong for two SVR stalwarts, as they would bow out of service after featuring at the gala; the first of which would be 43106. The Ivatt Class 4MT arrived on the fledgling Severn Valley Railway under its own steam on the 2nd of August 1968, from 10D Lostock Hall. Last returning from a major overhaul in 2009, the Ivatt received some intermediate boiler work in 2013, ensuring its status as a regular performer in the SVR fleet over the past 14 years. Following the gala, 43106 would be withdrawn from service, pending a future overhaul. A similar situation is true for 34027 "Taw Valley", which would be withdrawn after the gala for an intermediate overhaul. The Bulleid pacific has spent recent months in Bulleid wartime black to see it through until overhaul. Though no Rebuilt Bulleid pacific carried the livery in the days of steam, since the rebuilding programme postdates World War II, it serves well as a 'what-if'. In line with the livery, "Taw Valley" has been adorned by its original Southern number of 21C127.
At the other end of the scale, the 'Winter Steam Gala' would serve as the first gala appearence for recently overhauled Class 5 Stanier Mogul - 2968. Last steamed in 2013, 2968 is effectively taking the place of 43106 in the SVR's regular operating fleet while the latter is out of service. USATC S160 Class - 2253 "Omaha" had been due to operate at the event, but could not be made serviceable in time, with 75069 taking on the majority of its planned duties.
Locomotives:
BR(M) Class 4MT - 43106
LMS Class 5 - 2968
SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 21C127 "Taw Valley"
Ex-GWR 5700 'Pannier Tank' Class - 7714
BR Standard Class 4MT - 75069
Ex-GWR 7800 'Manor' Class - 7812 "Erlestoke Manor"
00:00 43106 Foley Park
02:28 43106 Foley Park Tunnel
03:14 2968 Foley Park
04:30 21C127 Foley Park
05:38 7714 Highley foot crossing
06:50 75069 Northwood
08:30 7812 Tenbury Wall
09:29 7714 Tenbury Wall
10:25 43106 Northwood
11:49 2968 Orchard Crossing
All footage filmed on Sunday the 7th of January 2024.