First loan visit in 45 years
WHEREAS this summer many Midlanders will be heading for the beaches of sunny Cornwall, and prices for holiday accommodation at a premium, one steam locomotive will be making the trip in the opposite direction for the first time in 45 years.
Berwyn Engineering 0-6-0 Muffin, which has been based at the Lappa Valley Railway since 1976, will be the star guest at the Evesham Vale Light Railway's annual railway gala and historic transport show on July 10/11.
Muffin was designed by David Curwen and built in 1969 for the Longleat Safari Park, where it stayed until 1975. It will be reunited with 1970-built Severn Lamb 0-6-2T No. 3
Dougal for the first time since they were together at Longleat.
The weekend will feature an intensive service with trains every 20 minutes from 10.30am until 4.30pm, with double heading and a triple header with all of the line's coaches. Rover tickets will be available on the day.
The showground behind the railway will stage a historic transport show, featuring full-size and miniature traction engines, cars, motorcycles and two tents of crafters.
There will be a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight each day, weather permitting. For more information, visit www.evlr.co.uk