Visitors to The Spa Valley Railway over the August Bank Holiday can join the railway in celebrating 20 years of the line reopening between Tunbridge Wells and Groombridge.
Often described as the South East's friendliest railway and now the biggest tourist attraction in Tunbridge Wells, the railway is absolutely delighted to announce today the visit of BR Standard 4MT No.80078 for the 20th birthday event between 26th and 28th August 2017.
80078s visit is courtesy of the locomotives owner and is subject to continued running in following a full overhaul.
General Manager Jonnie Wesson says "We are overjoyed to be seeing the return to our line of a 2-6-4 4MT tank, once an everyday sight between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. The recently restored MK1 BCK into BR(S) colours will look fantastic behind 80078 and our 3 other Green MK1s"
Built at Brighton Works and out shopped in February 1954, the locomotive did in its short 11yr operating life with British Rail haul trains over what is now the Spa Valley Railway.
Steam Engineering Assistant Matt Dives said "Seeing 80078 back at 75F, a former Brighton Engine Shed will be a fantastic sight to see. The locomotive previously visited the Spa Valley in 2004, however in 2017 we'll be able to return a 4MT to Eridge for the first time since the late 1960s when Steam on the Southern came to an end".
Also operating alongside 80078 will be home based steam locomotives Ugly & No.72, resident Class 33s 33063 & 33201, visiting Class 55 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society and finally 3CIG 1497 'Freshwater'.
To book tickets visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
< Back to the newsTake a ride from Tunbridge Wells to High Rocks or Groombridge Place Gardens by steam train. Special events in the year include 'A Day Out with Thomas'.
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