LUXURY IN THE VALLEY: The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) welcomed its first incoming main line charter train of the year on June 5. Formed of the prestigious VSOE Pullman cars, the outward leg from London Victoria was worked by GBRf Class 66 No. 66737 Lesia with Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance at the rear. The 'Hoover' was detached upon arrival on SVR metals, with the Class 66 continuing to Bridgnorth. The SVR's resident air-braked steam locomotive, SR West Country Pacific No. 34027 Tow Valley headed the train from Bridgnorth with a trailing load of 620 tons. Bedecked with the 'Golden Arrow' regalia, the Bulleid 4-6-2 makes an impressive sight as it crosses Oldbury viaduct.
No. 34027 Tow Valley was replaced by No. 50007 Hercules at Kidderminster, which hauled the train back to London, No. 66737 Lesia being attached to the rear.
JOHN TITLOW
HALF A CENTURY OF STEAM: The Isle of Wight Steam Railway celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala on June 4-6. Making its first visit across the Solent in 85 years was LBSCR 'Terrier' No. 2678 Knowle, visiting from the Kent & East Sussex Railway. The 0-6-0T was temporarily renumbered and renamed with vinyl numberplates as No. W14 Bembridge, for the gala. The'A1X'had re-entered service on May 21 at the head of celebratory members'specials as its home line reopened following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Among the highlights was what is believed to be the loWSR's inaugural triple-header -from Haven Street to Wootton on the Saturday morning -followed by the opportunity to photograph all three locomotives at Wootton station. Pictured during the aforementioned photo line-up are, from left to right, LBSCR 'A 1 X' No. W11 Newport, LSWR '02' 0-4-4-T No. W24 Calbourne and No. W14 Bembridge.
JORDAN
SKINNER
AN alternative supplier for the new axle material that is needed for No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior has now been found. An 18-month lead time was initially expected from the South African supplier, but this has now receded.
After the discovery of cracking on one of the driving wheel pans, it was decided that the other five driving wheels would be tested. These wheels have yet to be shot-blasted before the testing can be carried out. Active liaison with Riley & Son (E) Ltd to get this done is ongoing.