Didcot’s Diamond Jubilee gala

THE Great Western Society celebrated its diamond jubilee with a gala at Didcot Railway Centre on July 31/August 1.

Four steam locomotives were in action over the weekend. Starring alongside residents ‘Saint’ No. 2999 Lady of Legend and 0-4-0ST

No. 1340 Trojan were two visitors – Churnet Valley Railway-based ‘S160’ 2-8-0 No. 6046 and Lambton No. 29 from the North Yorkshire Moors.

Diesels were not forgotten

– Class 08 No. 08604 Phantom made a rare appearance working passenger trains and Class 14 No.

D9516 also hauled public services. The Saturday was a sell-out with more than 800 visitors, while Sunday attracted 700 people through the gate.

Didcot’s Autumn Steam Days are scheduled to operate on weekends and Wednesdays until October 20. As reported last issue, the second part of the Diamond Jubilee Gala is due to be held on October 23/24. No. 6046 moved to the Bluebell Railway on August 11, where it is due to remain until early November.

■ See Didcot feature on p22.

GARETH EVANS ‘Saint’ 4-6-0 No. 2999 Lady of Legend works a passenger train on the main demonstration line on August 1, carrying a commemorative 60th anniversary headboard.

GARETH EVANS ‘S160’ No. 6046 moves off shed, passing No. 1340 Trojan, No. 6023 King Edward II and Lambton No. 29.