The Churnet Valley Railway has announced that Class 31 31271 ‘Stratford 1840-2001’ will be visiting them this springtime.

31271 is visiting the railway for their Diesel Gala for 2019.

This visit is thanks to A1A Locomotives, and to the Llangollen Railway Diesel Group, who have altered their roster ahead of the locomotives visit.

It will be the first time a 31 has worked on the Churnet Valley Railway in preservation, though a tour did continue onto Ironbridge in 1984.

31271 was initially bought by A1A Locomotives as a source of spares in 1998 for their other Class 31s. It was purchased by them from EWS Railways and transferred from Toton to the Midland Railway Butterley where the locomotive was placed on display. In 2000 it was decided to restore the locomotive, return to service happened in April 2002 and following bodywork repairs, the locomotive was named at the National Railway Museum at their RailFest 200 in 2004.  Since repairs, 31271 has performed well at the Nene Valley Railway, though now she is moving to the Llangollen Railway on a 2 year period.

The only opportunity for the members of the public to travel behind the locomotive will be during the diesel gala over the May Bank Holiday of the 4 – 6th May.

As part of her visit, 31271 will be being used on Driver Experience courses. This is a must for any 31 fan and will encompass the whole 14 miles. The experience will last for approximately 2.5 hours and includes a meal plus an invite to bring up to six guests to join you for your experience who can ride on the carriages as you take the controls. Priced at £395 per person, there are only four spaces available per day. Pre-booking is essential, for more information please contact our office on 01538 750755 or email [email protected].

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