The Watercress line have announced that two appropriate visitors will be visiting for next year’s Spring Steam Gala. T9 class 30120 will be returning and will be joined by the Bluebell line’s Q class 30541.  Both locomotives are the only survivors of their respective classes and the opportunity to see both side by side will be worth catching!  I have been hoping to catch the Q class in steam for some time, so I am very happy to hear that it’ll be visiting the Mid-Hants Railway!The Southern BR era atmosphere should be heightened by the return to service of Ivatt 2MT tank 41312. These Midland designed locomotives were a common sight in the south of England towards the end of steam.  The locomotive’s overhaul is nearly complete and is pictured below on 3rd December.

The gala is to be held over Valentines Weekend (12th – 14th February 2016) and should be a great start to the year!

Thanks for reading!