SVR DEBUT:
Thompson B1 No. 61306 Mayflower has paid its inaugural visit to the Severn Valley Railway – but not hauling public trains. The Crewe-based 4-6-0 operated on the SVR for a week from October 31 and was used by Locomotive Services Group to train crews on the loco’s newly installed air-braking system. Prior to returning to Crewe on November 8, hauled by two Class 20s, Mayflower received its fitness-to-run exam at Bewdley. The ‘B1’ is pictured running through a deserted Hampton Loade station after a rain shower with the first training trip on November 1 – the stock being LSG Mk.3s stored on the SVR, plus a Mk.1 support coach.