The Great Central Railway has released a short update on BR Standard Class 2 No. 78019, which is approaching completion.

As can be seen from the photo above, volunteers and staff at Loughborough have worked round the clock to get the locomotive ready for the upcoming Great Central Railway Autumn Steam Gala, but work is still needed and means it wont be ready for the gala.

The locomotive is close to completion but the new Main Steam Pipes need completing as well as the fitting and timing of the Piston Valves.

Once this is completed, painting, lining and varnishing can take place – but there is still hope that three Class 2s can still run together, even if for a short time.

Meanwhile, preparations are well underway for the Autumn Steam Gala, which takes place this weekend (Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October 2022). The event sees LNER J27 No. 65894 visit the line from the NELPG / North Yorkshire Moors Railway as well as Ivatt Class 2 No. 41312 thanks to the Mid Hants Railway and the BR Derby Lightweight Railcar, ‘Iris’, visits thanks to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

You can book tickets for the gala over on the GCR website.