The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed that BR Standard Class 5 73082 ‘Camelot’ will join the line-up for its Autumn Steam Gala between 18 and 21 September
It’s the first time this locomotive has ever visited the railway, and organisers says it will work alongside the already announced visitor Merchant Navy 35006 ‘Peninsular and Oriental S N & Co’, itself a first time visitor to the line.
Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director, said:
“We’re delighted that the Bluebell Railway and the 73082 Camelot Locomotive Society have agreed to the loco’s appearance at our event. It looks like we’re in for a very exciting event, and it is set to be an impressive collection of first-time visitors. We have another two ‘new to the SVR’ guests in the pipeline, and we will confirm these as soon as we can.
“One of our home fleet will also be making quite a splash during the Gala, as GWR Port Talbot Tank 813 will return to traffic after its overhaul, and with a brand new tank, as NCB No 11. This is just a temporary livery as the loco will revert to its usual Great Western livery in due course. It’s going to be a rare opportunity to see it in the identity of No 11, without its brass safety valve bonnet and with its cabside number plates removed.”
The event will also feature overnight running on the Friday and Saturday nights, in celebration of the SVR’s 60th anniversary. This will entail a huge operation for the railway, which will operate continuously for a 60-hour stint.
As well as 813 returning to service, other members of the SVR’s resident steam fleet will be in action, including 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, 7714, 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’, 13268, 75069 and 1450 operating as an Autotrain.
Advance tickets are discounted by up to 10% and great value multi-day rovers are available at svr.co.uk.