Spa Valley Railway | Winter Steam Gala with 34066 Spitfire, 80078 & 78019! - Sat 10th February 2024

#steam #train #kent
Friday 9th to Sunday 11th February would see the return of the Spa Valley Railway's 'Winter Steam Gala. After the cancellation of the Winter Steam Up in 2023 it was back for 2024, and in a new date of February, having been in January in 2022 and planned for January in 2023. In another change this years event was to be all steam having featured a diesel in the line up back in 2022.
Visiting this year was Std 2 no.78019 from the Great Central Railway. She joined Std 4 no.80078, who has been on hire at the Spa Valley Railway since 2023, and home fleet BOB no.34072 '257 Squadron', Caledonian Railway 812 Class no.828 and Andrew Barclay no.2315 'Lady Ingrid'. 'Lady Ingrid' would be making her first runs since returning from overhaul operating brake van rides from Tunbridge Wells West to Groombridge and '257 Squadron' would be running as BOB no.34066 'Spitfire' throughout the event.
The Gala would see a two train every 50 minutes service throughout the day, with three 'Lady Ingrid' hauled brake van rides in between. The first train of the day was a full line brake van train and there was also an early evening full line brake van trip before on the Friday and Saturday only evening dining specials. Loco changes would happen at Eridge, and frequently at Tunbridge Wells West and some services were double headed.
We visited on Saturday 10th February, starting the day at Forge Farm Crossing for the first passenger service of the day, the 10.10am from Eridge, before moving to Eridge station. Leaving the car there we had two round trips split across the day with time at Groombridge, Eridge and Tunbridge Wells West in-between. We had a great day, with a frequent service over a short line there was never much time when nothing was happening! Many thanks as always to everyone involved in the event!
Photos...
www.flickr.com...
Locations and Locos...
80078 at Forge Farm Crossing, Eridge.
34066 at Groombridge.
78019 & 80078 at Groombridge.
34066 at Groombridge.
2315 at Groombridge.
34066 at Eridge.
2315 at Tunbridge Wells West.
34066 at Tunbridge Wells West.
80078 at Tunbridge Wells West.
34066 at Eridge.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Great video! I was there Sunday and had an enjoyable day.

[@alts1985]

Thanks Henry! Yes we had a really good day on the Saturday, I do like the Spa Valley Railway! Ashley

[@Shark30006]

34066 Spitfire was considered a candidate for preservation when it was in good condition but 34023 Blackmoor Vale was chosen instead for being in good condition than 34066 Spitfire. It’s so sad that 34066 Spitfire was not preserved.

[@alts1985]

Thanks for info! Yes a shame although luckily plenty of Bullied's did at least survive! Ashley