257 Squadron and 4MT tank for Great Central gala

SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34072 257 Squadron and BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80080 will be the guest locomotives for the Great Central Railway’s Winter Steam Gala.

Lending the air of a Southern main line to the January 28-30 event, it will be the first time that either locomotive has worked on the GCR, as well as

257 Squadron’s first visit away from its Swanage Railway home since its most recent overhaul was completed in 2018.

Owned by the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust, No. 80080 is currently on loan to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Up to seven GCR residents will also run: WR 4-6-0 No. 6990 Witherslack Hall; Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46521; LMS 8F No. 48305; BR 5MT No. 73156; 2MT No. 78018; and 9F No. 92214.

Hudswell Clarke Austerity 0-6-0ST No. 1752 of 1943, in the guise of LNER J94 No. 68067, may appear subject to completion of repairs.

Set to visit the Great Central Railway’s gala, Battle of Britain Pacific No. 34072 257 Squadron departs from Swanage with a loaded test run on December 10 following the replacement of its main internal steam pipe. DAVID ENSOR