Severn Valley Railway - Winter Steam Gala (2024)

A rare winter steam gala on the Severn Valley Railway would kick start the new year in fine style, the gala itself was a rather poignant one due to the fact there was a significant retirement of the life long resident locomotive, 43106 The 'Flying Pig' The LMS Ivatt would be seen in steam for the final time over the two day gala as its boiler ticket is up and its now due to be retired. There are no current plans to overhaul the loco due to unavailable funds. This video captures its final outings along the Severn Valley and it put in a few tasty performances as it sounded better than ever. A sad sight to see but from all accounts it went out in style !
It wasn't just the Flying Pig which was due to be retired at the winter gala, it was also Taw Valley's last runs before its due to be overhauled, so more of a temporary retirement if anything. The loco shouldn't be out for too long and it should return in its traditional southern guise. The loco is currently running in a wartime black livery and number 21C127. The gala was also showcasing the recent return of Stanier Mogul 2968 which recently returned last year after a near 11 year overhaul. The loco is firm favourite among enthusiasts and footplate crews.
The gala was a homefleet only event and the lack of a visiting engines did not put off the crowds with the the event being well attended across the two days. Great Western Manor Class 7812 'Erlestoke Manor was also in action after its Summer and Autumn visit to the West Somerset Railway. The Manor was in fine voice throughout as the video will show. The other homefleet locos were STD 4 75069 and everyone's favourite Pannier tank 7714 which looked resplendent with a short rake of Great Western Coaches whilst running along the flooded fields of the adjacent River Severn. The prolonged heavy rainfall we've had this winter has caused issues countrywide. The River Severn has now peaked thankfully and the weather is now beginning to settle down.
Top marks to the Severn Valley Railway for unusual steam gala but a much welcomed start to the new year. Action is captured on the day one of the event (06/01/24) I hope you enjoy the video.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Sadly the flying pig has reached the end of the boiler certificate as well as 34027 taw valley this engine is also gone due to piston examination and the overhaul

[@JBTEvans]

34027 will be back in 2025.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

@@JBTEvansthat’s about next year because they are going to renumber her back to 34027 and Brunswick green livery

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Thumbs up to you boys I came here on Saturday and I’ve finally caught the stanier mogul in its 1990s guise of 2968

[@russ3069]

GREAT STUFF!! WELL DONE LADS.

[@NeilM01989]

Nice video, i was there last Saturday. Great turnout. 👍🏻🚂

[@trainsacrossthenorth]

Excellent video! Really enjoyed it 😁👍

[@davidhartwell4826]

Really good. You cannot beat using a tripod

[@lnerrules-iw6ry]

Excellent footage there Liam and Phil. Happy New Year to you both? Really like the footage of the Flying Pig and Stanier Mogul. Both sound fantastic.

[@totally-transport]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing! Lovely clips of the Flying Pig and 42968 - I love that whistle! And 7714 as well :) Saving the best till last with that shot of 7812 though!

[@michaeltaylor1869]

Nice video great camera work as usual

[@PeterChandler5551]

Sad that 43106 has no plan for returning to service. An iconic SVR loco, it is also unique in preservation. Good to see the Stanier crab back though, another SVR stalwart.

[@mattlander9119]

Stainer Mogul, Crabs were earlier designs by Hughes.

[@JBTEvans]

Some great performances captured in this video!

[@LiamsLocos]

Superb locations as usual lads! Great having a chat with you Sunday phil :) Catch up soon, Liam

[@Greendot319]

Love the videos, top notch, thanks gents

[@EMuksteam]

Excellent video Liam and Phil. Great way to start the new year, capturing this fantastic steam gala. Superb selection of locations. Enjoyable watching. Kind regards C&A

[@user-xz9dn2ub1x]

Excellent video Thank you Happy new year😮😊

[@Aaaeendrew]

Great video!!

[@gwr3845]

Beautiful captured footage. Its nice how as sone great engines bow out, great new ones come back to service. As an LMS fan shame no stanier hooter will echo the valley for a good amount of time but glad steam is still much alive! Lovely sequence at bank farm can't say ive seen many from that location before. Is that inbetween arley and highley? Is a pass needed for there?

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Music to my ears. What more could we have asked for?

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brillaint video! I was there and had a great weekend!

[@SimonTog]

Klasse video :)

[@michaelculham1299]

Why is #43106 called the flying pig, I do not live in the UK and I see and was wondering.

[@boblovell5789]

Think it was a earlier LMS loco that had an outsized tender that originally was referred as such. Come on you LMS people, cough up the answer. Don't rely on a GWR man!