Britannia is back!

BRITISH RAILWAYS ‘7MT’ No. 70000 Britannia has returned to steam following a major overhaul, and efforts to get the Pacific back in main line service are now underway. The 4-6-2 rolled out of LSL’s Crewe depot on January 17. A week later, it moved by road to the Severn Valley Railway for a month of testing and shakedown running. The loco is then expected to return home to Crewe Diesel Depot under its own steam. Following a main line loaded test run, Britannia is due to receive a new coat of Brunswick Green paint and be ready to join the roster for use with Saphos tours from March. ■ Public trains resume at the SVR on April 2. The line’s spring steam gala is due to be held on April 21-24.