KWVR’S 1968 IVATT STEAMS AGAIN

41241: The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s Ivatt ‘2MT’ 2-6-2T moved under its own steam for the first time since 2013 on March 31, in the course of an in-house steam test. Pictured with the engine at Haworth shed are volunteers Alex Simkins, Pete Turner and Tom Kay. It clocked up its first two miles with seven runs up and down Haworth loop, and will take centre stage at the KWVR’s 50th anniversary gala of June 24-July 1, re-enacting its role as pilot engine on the line’s reopening train in 1968. The other engine from the reopening train – ‘USA’ 0-6-0T No. 72 – is being overhauled by Andy Booth, and the KWVR plans to include four of the original coaches in the formation of the anniversary train; SR ‘Chatham’ Brake Third No. 3554 and the trio of Metropolitan Railway vehicles.