The Severn Valley Railway has unveiled two more visiting locomotives for its Spring Steam Gala, taking place from 16 to 19 April.
The railway has confirmed that diminutive industrial favourite Port of Par Judy and Lancashire stalwart LMS ‘Pug’ 11243 will be joining the line-up. The pair will operate an intensive shuttle service between Bewdley and Kidderminster throughout the gala, including some double-headed appearances that promise plenty of character in a surprisingly compact package.
Their presence of the two guest locos offers a striking contrast to the mighty BR 71000 Duke of Gloucester, already confirmed as the event’s star attraction. While 71000 is one of the most powerful express passenger locomotives ever built in Britain, Judy is among the smallest standard gauge steam locomotives in preservation; proof that at the SVR Spring Steam Gala, size really doesn’t matter.
SVR managing director Gus Dunster said:
“After announcing Duke of Gloucester, we’re delighted to follow up with something completely different. Judy and the ‘Pug’ may be small, but they’re full of personality and history. Their shuttle services and double-headers will add a wonderful sense of fun and variety to the event, perfectly complementing the larger locomotives in service.”
Built by W G Bagnall in 1937 for service at the Port of Par on the Cornish coast, Judy was specially designed to work beneath a notoriously low bridge carrying the Penzance to London main line. To achieve this, the locomotive stood just 90 inches high, with its cab floor dropped between the frames, giving it a distinctive, squat appearance that has made it a firm favourite with enthusiasts.
Costing £1,200 when new and weighing just 16 tons, Judy spent decades shunting China clay traffic at Par, at one time working alongside its sister engine Alfred. Over the years it wore a variety of green liveries, depending on ownership and, reputedly, the availability of affordable paint!
Withdrawn in 1969, Judy later became a static exhibit before an ambitious restoration returned it to steam in 2008, moving under its own power for the first time in nearly 40 years. Now a regular performer in Cornwall, its visit to the SVR is made possible thanks to the Bodmin Railway.
The equally characterful LMS ‘Pug’ 11243 began life in 1910 at Horwich Works as Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway No 19. After early service in Lancashire, it passed into industrial use, including work extending Southampton Docks, and later spent many years as a static exhibit. The class of loco was nicknamed ‘Pug’ thanks to its short and stout appearance.
Unlike many preserved locomotives, 11243 had never steamed successfully in preservation until recent years. Careful assessment and overhaul work, including detailed boiler testing and the fitting of vacuum brakes, culminated in its long-awaited return to steam in 2022. Its appearance at the SVR’s Spring Steam Gala comes courtesy of the East Lancashire Light Railway Co Ltd and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust.
Gus Dunster added:
“Both these locomotives have fascinating back stories, from China clay docks in Cornwall to Lancashire industry. Bringing them together at the SVR, alongside giants like Duke of Gloucester and our superb home fleet, really showcases the extraordinary breadth of Britain’s steam heritage.
“This year is particularly special for us, as it marks 50 years since our first-ever Spring Gala in April 1976. We’re determined to make the 2026 event one to remember.”
Duke of Gloucester’s visit will be its first appearance in public service at a heritage railway following completion of its third major overhaul last year, after undertaking loaded test runs on the SVR in 2025. It will appear alongside home-fleet locomotives including GWR 813, 1450, 4150, 4930 Hagley Hall, 7714 and 7802 Bradley Manor, LMS 13268 and BR Standard 4MT 75069.
Tickets, including great-value multi-day rover tickets, are available now at svr.co.uk.