As heritage railways reopen their doors to the public, it raises the prospect of some lines hosting galas and events once again, as we head out of winter towards summer. As such, the Severn Valley Railway opted to host their annual spring steam gala over the weekend of 15th-18th of April.
Visiting from the Didcot Railway Centre, courtesy of the Great Western Society, 'Saint' Class - 2999 "Lady of Legend" made its preservation debut away from its base at Didcot for the event. The 'Saint' received some maintenance at the SVR prior to the event, to ensure the locomotive was on top form for the duration of the gala. Alongside 2999, 6 members of the home-fleet would grace the rails over each day of the event - with a resulting 7 locomotives in service.
To ensure the event complied with current Covid restrictions, four carriage sets were in use one the railway, with passengers unable to switch between coaching sets during the day. However, due to locomotive swaps at each end of the line, each set would feature every locomotive for haulage over the course of each day.
Locomotives:
Ex-SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 34027 "Taw Valley"
Ex-PTR Saddle Tank - 813
Ex-GWR 5700 'Pannier Tank' Class - 7714
GWR 2900 'Saint' Class - 2999 "Lady of Legend"
BR(M) Class 4MT - 43106
GWR 6959 'Modified Hall' Class - 6960 "Raveningham Hall"
GWR 2800 Class - 2857
All footage filmed on Thursday the 15th, and Friday the 16th, of April 2021.