LNER B1 No. 61306 Mayflower is to visit the Severn Valley Railway for their Autumn Steam Gala this September.

Appearing over the four days between the 14th and 17th September, Mayflower visits thanks to an agreement in principle between the SVR, Locomotive Services Limited and 61306 Limited.

It will be the first time that the B1 has visited to haul services on the heritage railway, although it did visit in October and November last year for testing following the installation of its air-braking system.

“Securing this locomotive is definitely a coup for us,” said SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster. “As one of only two B1s in preservation, we know it’s going to prove a big draw.

“Our autumn event continues our celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the formation of the ‘Big Four’ railway companies, and ‘Mayflower’ will be a superb representative for the LNER, and it’s going to look absolutely the part paired with the SVR’s matching rake of Gresley-designed teak carriages.”

“We’re delighted to continue our close working relationship with Locomotive Services Group,” added Gus, “And the fact that this prestigious loco is appearing at our Gala is testament to the ongoing success of that. We were privileged to host testing for ‘Mayflower’ last year, and this came on the back of  testing ‘Braunton’, ‘Britannia’, ‘Royal Scot’ and ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’, all LSG-owned locos.

“We’ve already extended the event to four days, and added two nights of overnight services, and in the coming weeks, we’ll have further guest announcements. Plus, we’ve got some other exciting news up our sleeve, that’s sure to go down very well with our visitors. The Autumn Steam Gala is lining up to be another occasion where the SVR shows its prominence and pulling power.”