Mayflower pays a visit to Severn Valley Railway – but only for crew training
FOLLOWING the successful installation of an air pump for braking on a B1 4-6-0 for the very first time, No. 61306 Mayflower was tested with air-braked stock at the Severn Valley Railway.
The air pump is located completely out of view between the frames and the centre driving wheel.
The first fire was lit soon after the installation at Mayflower’s home base of Crewe on the evening of October 24 to warm the locomotive through gently, in preparation for a light main line test run to Chester on October 27.
This was scheduled to be followed by a loaded run the following day around Crewe’s test circuit to Shrewsbury, Stafford, and return.
However, neither took place, so the locomotive instead headed to Kidderminster and the Severn Valley Railway under light steam on Saturday, October 29 behind Class 20s D8107 and D8096, with a support coach in tow.
As suspected, it was not there for proving or running in, but for Crewe’s crew training; three footplate staff members from Locomotive Services Limited were being trained in preparation for going out on the main line.
LSL stores some of its air-braked stock at Kidderminster, and the close connection that has developed between Crewe and the SVR make it an ideal location for such events.
The B1 hauled a motley collection of six Mk.3 coaches made up of Great Western HST trailers and Caledonian Sleepers, plus its support coach used as the brake van. On October 31, November 1, 2, 5 and 6, the B1 ran three daily round trips of the valley. The original idea was to turn the locomotive upon arrival, but the turntable road was blocked, so for the first two days it faced north.
Midway through its visit, the B1 was turned, appearing on November 2 facing south, which opened up completely different photographic angles, especially with the support coach now behind the locomotive. On November 8 it returned to Crewe with its support coach behind the two Class 20s in light steam for lubrication.
It was due to head south with LNER A4 No. 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley to Southall on November 15 but an outstanding repair to its main line equipment saw LMS ‘Black Five’ No. 45231 take its place.
The pair have been booked to operate Steam Dreams’ Christmas trains alongside West Country light Pacific No. 34046 Braunton with the B1 meant to work a trip on December 9 from Southend to Chichester, before taking up duties on the Christmas Santa Steam Express trains.