LNER Class A4 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley at SVR

LNER Class A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley has been confirmed as the third guest locomotive at the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Steam Gala between 21^st and 24^th April.

Its potential appearance at the SVR’s first major event of 2022 has been the subject of much recent speculation and debate, and the news comes as a real coup for the railway.

Following its recent overhaul at Crewe and York, 60007 will arrive at the SVR in the next few weeks for running in, and will stay on to play its starring role at the Spring Steam Gala. Its appearance has been arranged by agreement with Locomotive Services Group and the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust.

Celebrating its 85^th birthday this year, the locomotive is iconic for many reasons, including its 112mph post-war speed record, achieved in May 1959. It last visited the Severn Valley Railway in 2009.

Sir Nigel Gresley, numbered 4498 and in black livery. Locomotive Services Group

It will be coming to the SVR for testing in finished LNER wartime black livery, and will appear in this exclusively at the Spring Steam Gala. When it returns to Locomotive Services Group in Crewe, it will be repainted into BR Express blue before returning to main line operations.

Sir Nigel Gresley at Bewdley South 6-3-2009 Spring Steam Gala. Alan Corfield

Michael Dunn, the SVR’s head of visitor experience, said:

“We’re thrilled that this spectacular locomotive is joining our other special guests, 2999 Lady of Legend and A1X Terrier 2678 at our first big steam event of the year. It really is a headline locomotive and will prove a big draw for visitors.

GWR 2999 Saint Lady of Legend leaving Arley Cutting - 2021 Spring Steam Gala, 16th April, credit Steve Richards — GWR 2999 Saint Lady of Legend leaving Arley Cutting – 2021 Spring Steam Gala, 16th April, credit Steve Richards

“Alongside our popular home fleet, we’ve assembled an array of locomotives for maximum appeal. Following all the restrictions and adaptations that Covid forced on us over the past two years, it will be wonderful to get back to ‘normal’ for this Gala.”

2678 pictured at Eridge, Spa Valley Railway credit Kenny Felstead

The event is planned to run traditionally, with passengers allowed to hop on and off at their leisure, swapping services at all of the SVR’s stations. The event also sees the re-introduction of Multi-Day Rover tickets that give substantial savings on individual day ticket fares.

Tickets for the Spring Steam Gala are available at svr.co.uk or by calling 01562 757 900. Passengers can pre-book and save against prices at the booking office.