The Severn Valley Railway has announced that GWR Grange No. 6880 Betton Grange will no longer be appearing at their upcoming gala.

6880 has now begun testing at Tyseley Locomotive Works, but the completion of this has come too late for transport to be organised and loaded test runs to be carried out at the Severn Valley Railway.

It is still planned that testing of the locomotive will take place during May at the Severn Valley Railway.

The Betton Grange Society saying that following this, the Grange will appear at other events as planned, subject to repairs that may be necessary.

“Of course, it’s disappointing that ‘Betton Grange’ isn’t going to make it in time for our event, but as ever with anything related to heritage locomotives, there is unpredictability. We acknowledge that every effort has been made by all parties concerned for the locomotive to be with us for the Gala, but sadly this just isn’t possible.

“We are pleased that No 6880 will come to us for running in after the event, and subject to successful testing, we’re delighted that it will stay with us to work trains on the Severn Valley Railway during May.”

SVR’s managing director, Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster

“Following its running, testing and entering service at the Severn Valley Railway, No 6880 ‘Betton Grange’ will appear at events as advertised, subject to any required maintenance or repairs that may be necessary as part of the commissioning of the new-build locomotive.”

Quentin McGuinness, chairman of the Betton Grange Society