Rounding-off the season in style, the Severn Valley Railway will be welcoming some Royal visitors at this year’s Autumn Steam Gala, from September 20th-23rd.

The Railway’s flagship gala returns, bigger than ever, with its famed all-night running, intensive timetable and array of visiting locomotives, which this year features some very regal headliners.

The line up includes, resplendent in its Crimson Lake livery, LMS Princess Coronation No. 6233 ‘Duchess of Sutherland’. Built at Crewe in 1938, ‘Duchess’ and other members of its class were the most powerful passenger steam locomotives working on the British railway network during the 1930s. It worked express passenger train services for the London Midland & Scottish Railway before becoming part of the British Railways nationalised fleet in 1948.

A second Royal locomotive will be among the starring line-up; world-famous locomotive No. 46100 ‘Royal Scot’. Built in 1927, Royal Scot was the flagship locomotive of the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company, operating the fastest services on the West Coast from London to Manchester and Glasgow.

An early morning, walk-on breakfast train will run from Bridgnorth and Kidderminster on Saturday and Sunday and the Severn Valley Limited Dining Train will offer passengers an indulgent experience on Sunday (pre-book only).

A busy timetable will be in operation throughout the event and visitors can also head to The Engine House at Highley to see two new residents: Small Prairie No. 4566 and Pannier Tank No.5764. Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s events co-ordinator said:

“Our 2018 season finale gala is set to a real crowd-pleaser and we are extremely privileged to have two ‘royal’ visitors heading our way this year – they really should be a breath-taking sight as they pass along the line, especially the Duchess of Sutherland in its bright red livery with gold detailing.

“We’ve got lots to see and do for all ages, with plenty of locomotives to-ing and fro-ing along the line, the chance to experience a journey with a difference along the SVR after the sun goes down and a wealth to explore at The Engine House.”

For more information and bookings, you can visit svr.co.uk or call 01562 757900.