LMS 5XP ‘Jubilee’ 45596 ‘Bahamas’ was outshopped from the North British Locomotive Company in 1934. Designed by William Stanier, the ‘Jubilee’s were the LMS’ backbone express passenger engines, providing the primary motive power to numerous semi-fast services. After many years of faultless operation, British Railways modified her in 1961 to carry a double chimney, increasing her boiler pressure and ability to run on lower-quality coal. When she was eventually withdrawn in 1966, the Bahamas Locomotive Society purchased her for preservation. Initially moved to the embryonic Dinting Railway Centre, the group relocated to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in 1990. Having returned to steam following a £800,000 overhaul in 2018, ‘Bahamas’ has continued to delight passengers on the mainline and preserved railways, but her boiler ticket would not last forever.
Therefore, the Great Central Railway’s ‘Autumn Steam Gala’ would be the final time to see 45596 in action before withdrawal for overhaul. She would be the first ‘Jubilee’ to visit the line since classmate 5690 ‘Leander’ visited in 2010. Joining her would be society stablemate LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ 1054. Once owned by the National Trust, the BLS have been custodians of the locomotive since the 1970s. The final visitor would also be of midland heritage; Stanier ‘Mogul’ 13268 from the Severn Valley Railway. Having returned to traffic in 2024, the engine is now wearing the beautiful LMS Lined Black livery following a lengthy spell in BR colours. Sadly, the GCR’s own Stanier 8F 48305 would be unable to participate following the discovery of a cracked firebox.
Nevertheless, five engines from the home fleet supported the three guests. GWR ‘Modified Hall’ 6990 ‘Witherslack Hall’ could be found on various workings. ‘Standard Five’ 73156 gave some great performances, including standing in for ‘Bahamas’ on Saturday’s express at short notice! J94 Saddle Tank 68067 was out and about on goods trains, as were Standard 2MT twins 78018 and 78019. Although not featured in this video, Derby Lightweight Single Car DMU ‘Iris’ also provided additional passenger services across the event. The GCR’s superb van and mineral rakes could be seen in action, as well as a short mixed freight set on selected days. All in all, eight engines were in steam over the four day gala, running from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 October.
I visited on the Saturday and Sunday of the event. Unfortunately, much of the UK was amidst the grip of Storm Amy, bringing gusts of over 50mph and heavy rain to the East Midlands. Coverage of Saturday from 10:30 onwards therefore became impossible, with filming suspended until the late afternoon. Sunday was decidedly brighter although the wind was still a challenge. Sadly, numerous lineside locations on the GCR have given way to vegetation, significantly blocking camera angles. Furthermore, more than half of the locomotives were facing north, ruling out many classic photo opportunities. Consequently, several shots have been left on the cutting room floor. Thankfully, the event was still bustling with activity, even if trains up to fifteen minutes late at times. The full lineup consisted of:
Visiting:
LMS Stanier 5XP ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0 45596 ‘Bahamas’ (from the Bahamas Locomotive Society and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Final gala appearance before withdrawal)
LNWR Webb ‘Coal Tank’ 0-6-2T 1054 (from the Bahamas Locomotive Society and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway)
LMS Stanier 5P6F ‘Mogul’ 2-6-0 13268 (from the Severn Valley Railway)
Home Fleet:
GWR Hawksworth ‘Modified Hall’ 4-6-0 6990 ‘Witherslack Hall’ (ran on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 73156 (ran on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 78018 (ran on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 78019 (ran on Thursday, Friday and Sunday only)*
Hudswell Clarke ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST 68067 (ran on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)*
BR Derby Lightweight Railcar 77900 'Iris' (On long-term loan from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway)*
*does not feature.
I hope you all enjoy the video. Despite the difficulties with the storm and missing out on a few planned shots, I enjoyed my time at the Great Central Railway. My personal picks would have to be the Stanier ‘Mogul’ on the minerals and ‘Bahamas’ on the vans at Rothley. Special thanks to all staff, volunteers and locomotive owners for their service over the event. Don’t forget to check out our Instagram page at / secondvalvesteam for photos, stories and more content! Subscribe for more and feel free to leave a like and comment!
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