Back in black: ‘Saint’ steps out

Steam Railway readers who supported ‘Saint’ No. 2999 Lady of Legend are invited to a special event at Didcot next month to see the locomotive.

Although the Churchward two-cylinder 4-6-0 will not be in steam for the event on November 17/18, the newbuild engine will be visually complete in unlined black.

Great Western Society Chairman Richard Croucher says: “We are drawing up a timetable to pose the ‘Saint’ in different locations around the site, which will include at least one turn on the turntable, sitting under the coal stage and in front of the shed. I also intend to have Nos. 5322, 6998 and possibly 1466 on show.

“Everyone who gave more than £200 will also be invited to the VIP pre-launch event during the week prior to the public launch. This will include all the Saint Partners who put in large sums.”

The event is open to nondonors, but they will have access with a standard entry fee on the day.