FANS of Bulleid ‘Battle of Britain’ No. 34053 Sir Keith Park are being given the opportunity to enjoy the Pacific at the Spa Valley Railway prior to its withdrawal. A special timetable is due to be in operation between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge on May 14/15.
No. 34053 will operate six trips both days, with additional trains on the Saturday evening along with a heritage diesel.
Other dates of operation for the loco prior to withdrawal are expected to include April 2, 3, 30 and May 1 and 2.
The 4-6-2’s owning group, Southern Locomotives Limited (SLL) said it is planned to move the loco to the Swanage Railway’s Herston Works for stripping and releasing the boiler and smokebox, as far as is possible, before transfer to the North Norfolk Railway. No. 34053 will be delivered by road to Sheringham and brought to Weybourne by rail.