'Severn Valley Railway at 60' | Autumn Steam Gala 19th & 20th Sept 2025

In a year of many commemorations and celebrations, the Severn Valley Railway still managed to find time to celebrate their 60th Birthday by ways of a most elaborate 'Autumn Steam Gala'.

Held over the weekend of the 18th - 21st of September, the line showcased a grand total of 11 steam locomotives on a wide variety of local trains, goods trains, express passenger trains and much more! The goal was to complete 60 hours of non-stop running over the weekend to celebrate 60 years of running trains up and down the valley of the River Severn.

Four guest engines were brought in for the event, of which the star of the show being BR Standard 5MT 73082 'Camelot' making only its 3rd visit away from the Bluebell Railway. Alongside the 5 was Southern Region counterpart Bulleid Merchant Navy 35006 'Peninsular & Oriental S.N C.o' making a rare foray away from it's home at the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway. A much anticipated guest was LMS 'Jinty' 47298 from the East Lancs Railway, bringing with it memories of the lines own 'Jinty' 47383. And finally was Hunslet Austerity N.o.49 from the Tanfield Railway.

The home fleet of current operational engines at the SVR supported these guests on the many trains crammed into a packed timetable which ran day and night from Friday to Sunday. Myself and ‪@82AStudios‬ made the effort to capture what we could of the many unusual movements across the gala, such as the overtaking manoeuvre at Arley early each morning, or the continuous use of the down yard at Highley.

0:00 Port Talbert Saddle Tank N.o.813
9:59 NCB N.o.49
12:27 BR 4MT 75069 (ft 813)
14:41 GWR Auto Tank 1450
15:52 GWR Pannier Tank 7714
16:35 GWR Manor 7802 'Bradley Manor'
19:33 SR Merchant Navy 35006 'Peninsular & Oriental S.N C.o'
23:29 LMS Jinty 47298
31:11 BR 5MT 73082 'Camelot'

A challenging weekend due to the weather, but the SVR Autumn Gala never ceases to entertain. It is, as always, not just a gathering of steam locos but a gathering of railway friends far and wide. A most enjoyable weekend catching up with many a fellow steam enthusiast. Hope you enjoy!

‪@82AStudios‬
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