A huge lineup of mainline stars would grace the Severn Valley Railway for possibly the biggest gala of the year across heritage railways. The event's theme was aimed at the big engines, with the LMS, LNER, GWR, S.R & B.R all represented. The star of the show was no other than 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland' which has just returned from major repairs and re-painted into her glorious Crimson lake which she is most well known for !
The Duchess was backed up by 46100 'Royal Scot' which had replaced 45231 late on. 70000 'Britannia' was now hauling paying passengers after nearly three year's out on the sidelines and having completed loaded test runs a week prior to the gala she was ready to go. The fourth and final visitor would be the North York Moors resident Q6 '63395' head to the Valley, this loco was also straight out of the workshop having being steam tested one week prior to the event. An unusual sight to see three visiting locomotives straight out the workshop in the space of a few weeks and all staring at the same time.
All locomotives performed well with very little issues. Just two of the homefleet are captured as the main coverage is of the star guests ! The action is captured on the Friday with some half decent weather. As usual thanks to the SVR for their mammoth effort on putting on this four day steam fest !
I hope you enjoy =)