Once again, the Severn Valley Railway excelled itself with its spring gala, with Stanier mogul No. 13268, newly resplendent with its gold leaf, as highlighted last issue, and in its full LMS lined livery being the undoubted star of the show.
About 4700 passengers travelled over the four days and numbers were especially high on the Saturday, while the railway reported that secondary spend was also very good.
However, the build-up to the gala was far from straightforward, partially to the nonappearance of new-build GWR 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange, which was not ready in time to be delivered from Tyseley Locomotive Works, as reported on our special webpage, www.heritagerailway.co.uk/18671/betton-grange, after we closed for press last issue.
The winter gala was intended’s last appearance. As another large locomotive was needed and still in ticket, it was brought back into action for the spring event to makea welcome, quick return to traffic, and once again proved to be a good performer.
