This Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd March, the Watercress Line will be holding their Great Spring Steam Gala.  In anticipation of this; today we look at the planned steam locomotive line-up for the event, in order of build date.

This beautiful locomotive returns to it’s former operating base for the weekend!

Class:  T9 class
Region:  Southern (London and South Western Railway)
Number:  30120
Livery:  Lined BR black
Built:   1899, Nine Elms
Home Base: Bodmin & Wenford Railway (owned by the National Collection)

The last time I saw this locomotive was in 1992, so I am very excited to see it again!

Class:  N15 King Arthur class
Region:  Southern
Number:  777
Name:  Sir Lamiel
Livery:  Southern Malachite Green
Built:   1925, North British Locomotive Company
Home Base: Mainline certified (owned by the National Collection)

Currently a resident of the Watercress Line, 850 Lord Nelson is owned by the National Railway Museum.  This powerful 4 cylinder 4-6-0 is a unique survivor of its class.

Class:  Lord Nelson class
Region:  Southern
Number:  850
Name:  Lord Nelson
Livery:  Southern Malachite Green
Built:   1926, Brighton
Home Base: Watercress Line (owned by the National Collection)

This large GWR Prairie is a last-minute replacement for 3717 City of Truro.

Class:  5101
Region:  Western
Number:  5164
Livery:  GWR Green
Built:   1930, Swindon
Home Base: Severn Valley Railway

This beautiful three cylinder Southern locomotive is a regular performer on the Watercress Line.

Class:  Schools class V
Region:  Southern
Number:  925
Name:  Cheltenham
Livery:  Southern Malachite Green
Built:   1934, Eastleigh
Home Base: Watercress Line (owned by the National Collection)

The Watercress line’s resident ex-LMS “Black 5” will stand in for cancelled S15 class 825.

Class:  LMS “Black 5” (5MT)
Region:  Midland
Number:  45379
Livery:  BR Lined Black
Built:   1937, Newcastle
Home Base: Watercress Line

Long term resident 34007 Wadebridge will be the only working representative of engineer OVS Bulleid.

Class:  West Country Class
Region:  Southern
Number:  34007
Name:  Wadebridge
Livery:  BR Brunswick Green
Built:   1945, Brighton
Home Base: Watercress Line

Hopefully this has given you food for thought on what we can expect during the Watercress Line’s Spring Steam Gala in 2012.  During the forthcoming week we shall be reporting on the steam action, so as usual, watch this space!