PART ONE

Your guide to the galas, special events and main line railtours

One of the features of the Severn Valley’s Autumn Galas is overnight running. The chance to see steam operating after dark draws many enthusiasts to the event. But what is involved behind the scenes in making this unique gala feature a reality? GARY ESSEX talks to some of the SVR volunteers involved in the event.

1M86, the 09.35 Glasgow Central-St Pancras, was the famous Up Thames Clyde Express and ran via the Glasgow Sou’ Western route, then the Settle and Carlisle line to Leeds, and then took the Midland Mai

Being too young to go to Shildon in 1975, my railway hobby started with the Liverpool and Manchester Rocket 150 celebrations in May 1980. I have lasting memories of visiting Rainhill for the cavalcade

D4107 – Williton: Although out-stationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations, the Class 09 will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so bodywork repairs started last winter