Class 31s action into 2022

Dora was due to work at the Spa Valley Railway on January 1 and 2 but was replaced by 33063 R. J. Mitchell due to driver availability. However, the BR blue Class 31 was back in traffic the following weekend during the railway’s Winter Steam Up event, working alongside the line’s steam locomotives.

Other Class 31s also working passenger services at the start of the year were 31130 at the Avon Valley Railway, 97205 at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and 31289 Phoenix at the Northampton and Lamport Railway.

James Pilbeam The Spa Valley Railway operated a Winter Steam Up event over the weekend of January 8-9, featuring a number of steam locomotives, along with 31430 Dora. On January 9, 31430 arrives at Eridge from Tunbridge Wells.