Spa Valley Railway - Winter Steam Gala - 09/02/24

The Spa Valley Railway's first major event of 2024 would be their 'Winter Steam Gala', which was held over the weekend of the 9th - 11th February. A total of five locomotives would be in operation, including a trio of visitors!

Making the journey from Leicestershire was BR Standard 2MT No. 78019, which was visiting from the Great Central Railway. The mogul would run alongside BR Standard 4MT No. 80078 and CR 812 Class No. 828, which have both been on long term hire to the Spa Valley Railway. The former arrived in the Autumn of 2023, with the loco taking charge of several 'Polar Express' trips during the Festive Period. The latter has spent an extended period away from its base at the Strathspey Railway, arriving in the High Wealds back in 2022.

Also in operation was resident SR Unrebuilt Battle of Britain No. 34072 '257 Squadron', which was running as scrapped classmate No. 34066 'Spitfire'. This particular locomotive hauled a section of the RCTS / LCGB 'Sussex Downsman' railtour, which saw the Pacific travel via Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge and Eridge! This took place nearly 60 years ago, on the 22nd March 1964. The loco was also involved in the Lewisham Rail Disaster, which took place on the 4th December 1957.

Completing the lineup was Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 No. 2315 'Lady Ingrid', which was hauling its first revenue earning trains since returning from overhaul. The loco would take charge of brake van rides between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge. The last time 'Lady Ingrid' was seen running through the High Wealds was back in 2008!

The opening day of the 'Winter Steam Gala' also saw a brief cameo appearance from resident Class 73 No. 73140, which was a late replacement for both 78019 and 80078 on a couple of morning diagrams. 78019 had only arrived at the Railway the previous evening, following delays with the road transportation. Meanwhile, 80078 was undergoing last minute maintenance.

The lineup for the event:

Visiting:

BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 No. 78019 (Great Central Railway)
BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80078 (Stewart Robinson)
CR 812 Class 0-6-0 No. 828 (Strathspey Railway)

Resident:

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 2315 'Lady Ingrid'
SR Unrebuilt Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34072 '257 Squadron'
(Running as 34066 'Spitfire')
Class 73 No. 73140 *

replacement for both 78019 and 80078 during the morning of Friday 9th February

All scenes were captured on Friday 9th February 2024.

Timestamps:

00:00 73140 - Eridge
01:15 828 - Eridge
02:56 34066 - Groombridge
04:37 2315 - Groombridge
06:30 73140 - Groombridge
07:53 828 - Adams Well
09:53 34066 - Poke Hill
11:51 2315 - Poke Hill
13:21 828 & 78019 - Poke Hill
15:32 80078 & 34066 - High Rocks Lane
16:51 78019 - High Rocks
18:02 2315 - Tea Garden Lane

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