Icons of Steam Update September 2015

Icons of Steam have a collection of remarkable steam locomotives. Where possible the locomotives are kept in working order and where possible on the mainline. The locomotive in the collection that is in the news currently is world famous 46100 Royal Scot. Today Royal Scot was delivered to the Severn Valley Railway, where it will run a number of times on test before staring in their Autumn Steam Gala. All being well, Alex will be reporting on this exciting event that will be held 17th-20th September.

Meanwhile the overhaul of 34046 Braunton is proceeding, although it is taking longer than originally expected, with replacement of boiler tubes and hundreds of stays required (click here to read the full report.)As Shirl reported last night, BR Standard 7MT Britannia class 7000 Britannia has been running on the mainline. Nunney Castle on the other hand is withdrawn for repairs, but 70000 will be joined by 46100 on the mainline soon.4464 Bittern has been withdrawn from mainline duties for a number of months and is residing in Ropley on the Watercress Line. The next planned steaming of 4464 is at the Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala (23rd-25th October).

Also on the Mid-Hants Railway, 9F 92212 continues being a valuable member of the railway’s fleet, whilst 42xx 4270 serves the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway and Raveningham Hall on the West Somerset.

Unique A2 class 30532 Blue Peter is planned to be back in running in 2018, which will give the opportunity for two Thompson Pacific’s to steam side by side for the first time since BR days. GWR King Edward I is planned to be back in service a year sooner.Icons of Steam Merchant Navy class locomotives 35022 Holland America Line and 35027 Port Line are both awaiting their turn in the overhaul queue.