Hawksworth pannier for Epping gala

THE Epping Ongar Railway’s 10th anniversary Steam Gala is set to have a Western theme, with Hawksworth 0-6-0PT No. 9466 confirmed as the final visiting steam engine, courtesy of owner Jonathan Jones-Pratt.

It will appear alongside resident GWR Hall class No. 4953 Pitchford Hall and small prairie No. 5521 (L150), which is on long-term loan.

Previously confirmed visitor Standard 4MT No. 75069 may not be a Western engine as built, having spent its working life on Southern region metals, but it has spent its preserved working life based on a Western line at the Severn Valley. The pannier and small prairie also previously worked together on steam on the Met specials in 2013.

On Thursday, June 2,

Nos. 9466 and 4953 will recreate the re-opening train from May 2012. All four engines will be operating Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4, with Sunday, June 5 seeing Nos. 9466 and 75069 operate on a mixed traction day.