The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed that LMS 46115 ‘Scots Guardsman’ will appear at its Railway 200: Trains though the Ages event on 5 and 6 July, as a replacement for 60163 ‘Tornado’.
Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director said:
‘As one door closes, another one opens! Whilst obviously we’re sorry that ‘Tornado’ is no longer able to come to us, we’re delighted that ‘Scots Guardsman’ has been drafted in to appear at our event, and we’re very grateful to David Smith and West Coast Railways for providing such a high profile replacement locomotive.
‘This particular loco will be a big draw. It’s rarely seen on a preserved line – we believe the last time was more than a decade ago – and it hasn’t hauled any train now for two years. It’s definitely what enthusiasts would term a ‘red pen’ locomotive!
‘60163 is needed for main line tour duties, following the failure of another locomotive, and this is just one of those unavoidable situations that you encounter in heritage rail. Plus, it means we’ve got something to look forward to, as ‘Tornado’ will definitely be coming to us for a future visit.’
Railway 200: Trains through the Ages promises a weekend packed with interest, with rolling stock from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries taking part. Joining ‘Scots Guardsman’ will be fellow narrow gauge guests ‘Chaloner’ and ‘Holy War’, providing footplate rides on specially installed rails at The Engine House, Highley. The very latest in rail development will also be on display at Kidderminster with HydroFLEX, the UK’s first hydrogen-ready passenger train.
Rostered members of the SVR’s own fleet include GWR 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, GWR 1450 operating an Autotrain, LMS Stanier Mogul 13268 as well as a range of heritage diesels. There’ll be a pre-grouping goods train and a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster.
The event will also be the final opportunity at the SVR to visit ‘Inspiration’, the Railway 200 exhibition train, as it comes to the end of the first leg of its UK tour.
There’s more information, a timetable and ticket information at svr.co.uk.