Bluebell Railway 'Giants of Steam' Oct. 12-14

[TRP]

The Bluebell Railway has just announced the planned visiting locomotives for the 'Giants of Steam' Autumn gala October 12-14:
Ex-LNER A4 No.60009 'Union of South Africa' & ex-LNER B1 No.61306 'Mayflower'. Both of these locos are first time visitors to the Bluebell (61306 is also the first B1 to visit) and it is a good opportunity to see 60009 before withdrawal and retirement to static display in 2019. I had expected 'Mayflower' to be one of the visitors as it is due to haul a railtour from Sheffield Park to Worcester 2 weeks later on October 27, but No.9 is a nice surprise!
Alongside these visitors, locos from the home fleet should include:
BR 5MT No.73082 'Camelot, SR S15 class No.847, Ex-SR Q class No.30541 and BR 4MT tank No.80151 should also be back in traffic by then as well.

Tony

[mburdett555]

Sounds exciting, I haven't seen a A4 with my own eyes. Ive seen Mayflower but looking forward to seeing Union of South Africa before it retires. Its also down to work a railtour from Three Bridges to Oxford in September so Ill hopefully see that too

[TRP]

Timetables now published for Bluebell Railway 'Giants of Steam':

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp-...imetable-1.pdf

No official word about the availability of both 60009 or 61306 but at the moment both seem to be out of traffic - 60009 has been declared unavailable for several railtours recently, but I don't know the reason; 61306 has been under overhaul and this has not yet been completed.
Fingers crossed!

Tony

[TRP]

Announced on Bluebell Railway's website that 61306 won't now be visiting for the gala - the B1's overhaul won't be completed in time for the visit. No news regarding whether an alternative visitor is being arranged or if it will just be 60009 and the home fleet of O1 No.65, Q class No.30541, S15 No.847 & 5MT No.73082 'Camelot.

Tony