The Severn Valley Railway has announced the two VIP guest locomotives that will star at its 2021 Autumn Diesel Gala. Nos 24081 and 31466 will join members of the SVR’s home fleet for four days of diesel traction from September 30th to October 3rd.
Demand for tickets is expected to be high, especially following the SVR’s announcement yesterday that it’s able to return to a traditional operating pattern from September 7th, with full flexibility for passengers to choose the services they travel on. The new, flexible arrangements will apply to both the Autumn Diesel and Steam Galas.
The Class 24 visitor, 24081, is one of four surviving examples of its class, and was the last one to be withdrawn from main line service in 1981. It’s owned and maintained by the 24081 Locomotive Group, based at the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway.
The Class 31 31466 is a diesel-electric locomotive, originally classified as the Brush Type 2, and its striking EWS livery makes it something of a head-turner. It’s owned by the Dean Forest Diesel Association and has arrived recently on hire at the Severn Valley Railway.
The visitors join the SVR-based fleet which includes D9551, D8568, D1015 Western Champion, D1062 Western Courier, 40106 Atlantic Conveyor and Class 50s from a pool of 50007, 50035 and 50049.
Services will start early morning and run through to the evening.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to welcome our special guest locomotives,” said Jonathan Dunster, chairman of the SVR’s diesels committee. “These ‘type 2’ engines are sure to be popular with visitors. The Class 24 is making its third visit and we’ve had many requests for its return, whilst the Class 31 is making its first SVR Gala appearance. Many have already commented on its superb condition, following its recent arrival at Kidderminster.”
Pre-bookable tickets go on sale at 10am Thursday August 19th at www.svr.co.uk and will also be available on the day.
Photo credit: Peter Hudson
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