Elizabeth II reigns supreme for rename

FOLLOWING a ballot that saw thousands of votes cast from around the world, the Severn Valley Railway has announced the new temporary name for Bulleid West Country light Pacific No. 34027 Taw Valley to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Elizabeth II beat Severn Majesty, Valley Monarch and Gloriana to gain over a third of public support, with thousands of comments on social media from France, Singapore, Australia, USA, China, and India.

As reported last issue, the locomotive is being repainted at the SVR’s Bridgnorth workshops in a special ‘royal’ purple livery for the jubilee. The railway has now commissioned traditional metal nameplates bearing the new name.

SVR’s head of visitor experience, Michael Dunn, said: “By repainting and renaming 34027, we’ve chosen a way of celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee that brings maximum impact!

“We’ve got plenty more surprises up our sleeve for our celebrations over the extended Bank Holiday weekend on June 2-5, so keep those eyes peeled.”

Following its livery change, the locomotive will haul Severn Valley services during the spring and summer and will play a central role in the railway’s celebrations for both the platinum jubilee and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The railway has said that the locomotive will be returned to its normal livery and identity later this year, once these special events are over.