NEWS OF SIR NIGEL
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Since preservation Sir Nigel Gresley has accumulated the following miles:
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News item 23 November 2024
Please note that last dates for placing online orders for sales items to ensure delivery by 24th December are:
Clothing orders: 1st December
All other orders: 7th December
News item 5 October 2024
The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust appoints second full-time engineer.
The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd. (SNGLT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David Allinson to the full-time role of Assistant Locomotive Engineer.
The appointment is to complement the work of the current Locomotive Engineer, Darrin Crone. The new role will focus on supporting the mainline and heritage railway operations of 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, allowing Darrin to give more time to the upcoming overhaul of 60019 Bittern which, as announced last year, will be carried out in North Yorkshire by SNGLT under contract from its owner Jeremy Hosking.
David Allinson has recently worked with us as a volunteer, and has experience of working with another mainline locomotive group. He has a long volunteering history at the Tanfield Railway in various operational and management roles. David is a trained mechanical engineering technician being employed at some large engineering companies before joining SNGLT. Being based in the North-East, David is also well placed to contribute to the work on Bittern.
Nigel Wilson, Chairman of SNGLT, said:
"I am very pleased that David is joining the team; we had a number of very strong candidates for the role but when our engineers interviewed David the fit with our team was clear immediately. This appointment puts in place another element of our long-term plan for 60007 which is built around our relationship with Locomotive Services Ltd. The contract overhaul of Bittern will help us build funds for the next overhaul of our locomotive and will allow us to ensure we have a pool of skilled people available to undertake it. A key objective of the Bittern project is to ensure skills and experience are passed on within the organisation."
The overhaul of Bittern is expected to start shortly. Mr Wilson said "it may seem like not much has happened since we announced the plan to overhaul 19 however, having identified a suitable workshop location, we have been working with LSL to secure the lease and then establish suitable facilities. This is now well progressed, and we expect Bittern to arrive in the near future."
David Allinson, who joined SNGLT as assistant Locomotive Engineer on 30th September, at work in the cab of 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. Photo © Darrin Crone / SNGLT.
News item 28 March 2024
11th, 12th, 13th October 60007 will be taking part in the Bluebell Railway's Giants of Steam Gala
18th October, SNGLT Members' Day at the Bluebell for SNGLT Members only - SNGLT AGM
19th, 20th October 60007 is scheduled to haul the Bluebell's Golden Arrow Pullman Evening Dining train.
News item 17 March 2024
At East Lancashire Railway
Extra dates for 60007 at the East Lancs Railway announced: Sir Nigel Gresley / Britannia - extra running dates - The East Lancashire Railway (eastlancsrailway.org.uk).
News item 12 March 2024:
Visit to East Lancashire Railway
60007 will be running at LEGENDS OF STEAM - EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday 15th, 16th and 17th March.
Visit the SNGLT Sales Team - we will have tables on the footbridge at Bury. Further details and tickets at: Legends of Steam - The East Lancashire Railway.
News item 2 February 2024:
News item 11 January 2024:
The following is the planned tours list for 2024:
2nd March 2024: King's Cross - York and return, SteamDreams, 60007 throughout (subject to completion of winter maintenance)
6th March 2024: London - Bath & return, SteamDreams, 60007 throughout (Cancelled by the tour operator)
6th April 2024: King's Cross - Newcastle & return,Steam Dreams, 60007 Newcastle - King's Cross (diesel outbound)
23rd April 2024: Euston - Bletchly - Bedford - Leicester to Nottingham Midland then Lincoln Central and Return, Steam Dreams; 60007 throughout (Cancelled by the tour operator)
27th April 2024: London Paddington - Cardiff (routevia Gloucester or Severn Tunnel TBD), Steam Dreams; 60007 throughout. (Cancelled by the tour operator)
11th May 2024: London Euston - Chester and return, SteamDreams, 60007 outbound only (return diesel hauled)
23rd May 2024: 112 mph Anniversary. Crewe - Shap -Carlisle - Ais Gill - Crewe (Fellsman variant). Saphos Trains, 60007throughout. (Note: SNGLT members discount available on this train)
3rd June 2024: Chester - York via Hope Valley andreturn via Calder Valley, (Third party charter for group travel)
5th June 2024: Crewe - Carlisle & return(Fellsman), Saphos Trains, 60007 throughout.
3rd July 2024: Blackpool North - Carlisle & return (Fellsman), Saphos Trains, 60007 throughout.
28th Aug 2024: Blackpool North - Carlisle & return (Fellsman), Saphos Trains, 60007 throughout.
11th September 2024: Crewe - Carlisle & return(Fellsman), Saphos Trains, 60007 throughout.
18th September 2024: Holyhead - Crewe (The WelshDragon holiday by steam) Steam Dreams, 60007 throughout (one-way).
News item 17 December 2023.:
On 12th December the shortlists for theHeritage Railway Association Annual Awards 2024 were announced. The awardsbring together a host of preservation and restoration projects from oppositeends of the heritage rail spectrum. Sponsored by Inspire Structures, thelong-running awards feature no fewer than 11 categories designed to capture themost innovative, eye-catching and exciting projects and achievements from rightacross the sector in the UK.
The prestigious Coiley Award for Steam Locomotive Engineering,sponsored by Hargreaves, will be contested by the Sir Nigel GresleyLocomotive Trust for their overhaul of post-war steam speed record holder 'A4' Class 'Pacific' N°60007 Sir Nigel, 0-4-4-0T James Spooner, and the Richmond Light Railway for the overhaul of 2ft gauge Bagnall 0-4-0ST Pixie.
The shortlist has been created following anextensive debate and vote by a panel of experts drawn from leading heritagerail figures and journalists. It is chaired by National Railway Museum Senior Curator Anthony Coulls. The panel scored dozens of entries from a strong fieldto create the shortlist.
The awards are announced at the HRA's annualceremony on 10th Feb 2024.
News item 29 November 2023:
Unfortunately 60007 will not be available to work the Rail Tour on 12th December which will instead use one of the other steam locomotives in the LSL pool.
News item 27 November 2023:
We can confirm the following plans for 2024:
2nd March 2024: King's Cross - York and return, Steam Dreams, 60007 throughout (subject to completion of winter maintenance)
6th March 2024: London - Bath & return, Steam Dreams, 60007 throughout (subject to completion of winter maintenance)
6th April 2024: King's Cross - Newcastle & return, Steam Dreams, 60007 Newcastle - King's Cross (diesel outbound)
23rd May: 112 mph Anniversary. Crewe - Shap - Carlisle - Ais Gill - Crewe (Fellsman variant). 60007 throughout.
Other dates will follow.
News item 24 November 2023:
During the Northbound working from York to Edinburgh on 23rd November 2023, Sir Nigel Gresley suffered a failure to its Right Hand cylinder. Large pieces of piston ring become detached in the steam circuit, causing damage to the valve heads. Unfortunately the damage is such that the locomotive cannot continue on the tour. The locomotive is expected to move back to Crewe with diesel assistance for full repairs. SNGLT would like to apologise to all those impacted by this failure, especially the Cathedrals Express passengers.
News item 3 November 2023:
EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY'S 'LEGENDS OF STEAM' IS SPRINGING BACK East Lancashire Railway#39;s upcoming steam gala will be extra special - thanks to legendary locomotives with royal connections.
The #39;Legends of Steam#39; event will welcome two locomotive icons, BR Standard, Class 7, 70000 #39;Britannia#39; and LNER, A4, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley to the tracks. These special locomotives have helped transport the Queen and the then Prince Charles and will be the stars of the show at the event in March, next year.
The Britannia - completed in 1951 - was the first UK standard locomotive to be built and spent 15 years serving the national network. This Locomotive is Owned by Royal Scot Locomotive &: General Trust and regularly operates charter trains on the national network run by Locomotive Services Limited based in Crewe.
In 2011 she returned to the mainline after a 14-year absence and hauled the Royal Train with the then Prince Charles onboard from Preston to Wakefield in 2012.
ELR will also host LNER, A4, 60007 #39;Sir Nigel Gresley#39;, which was built in 1937 and worked for 29 years before being purchased by the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd to rescue the locomotive from the cutter's torch. The Locomotive recently returned to service in 2022 following an extensive overhaul. This locomotive also operates regular mainline charter trains operated by Locomotive Services.
In 1956 she had the honour of hauling the Royal Train from King#39;s Cross to York while the Queen was onboard.
Sir Nigel Gresley is the only A4 class locomotive to be owned by a charitable trust, and it can be seen regularly running on mainline and heritage railways up and down the UK. These two iconic locomotives will also be supported by LMS Jubilee Locomotive 45690 #39;Leander#39; for the three days of this event.
Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said: "Over the years we have welcomed a great many iconic locomotives to the ELR and we are very proud and excited to make these locomotives available to the many thousands of enthusiasts to see, hear and ride behind them.
"These exciting additions to the ELR#39;s #39;Legends of Steam#39; event promises to make the celebration even more special.
I'd like to thank the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd, Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust, Locomotive Services and the Jubilee Locomotive Co for allowing these icons to operate on our railway."
It will take place from March 15-17, next year, with more information available on the website.
Weekend tickets are available, alongside individual day tickets, which are all available to buy here.
News item 8 October 2023:
The Trust was very sad to learn that our Vice-President and Trustee Charles Newton passed away yesterday aged 88. C.D.D. Newton joined the organisation circa 1966, contributing a substantial sum to the first overhaul in present ownership of Sir Nigel Gresley. He was appointed a Director for life in recognition and remained an active Trustee until his passing. Charles was immensely knowledgeable on a diverse range of railway topics, including whistles, livery and Kylchap exhausts. In addition to his involvement in saving 60007 he owned two 2-6-0 locomotives (a BR Class 2 and an Ivatt Class 2). Although his contribution had been limited by mobility issues in the last few years he remained an enthusiastic supporter of N°4498 and was particularly pleased to see it running regularly on the mainline as he, and the other society pioneers, had dreamed back in the 1960'. |
News item 30 July 2023:
Update to the planned operating schedule for 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley:
Wednesday 10th May 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Paignton, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Dawlish, Exeter SD, Tiverton Pkwy, Tauton, Bridgwater, Yatton, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol
Saturday 3rd June 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Newbury, Hungerford, Pewsey, Westbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Wednesday 14th June 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Stourbridge Jct, Kidderminster, Droitwich Spa, Worcester SH, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol ** CANCELED due to RMT Strike Action **
Saturday 24th June 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Whitchurch, Shrewsbury, Church Strettom, Craven Arms, Ludlow, Leominster, Hereford, Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Severn Tunnel Jct, Patchway, Bristol TM - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Saturday 8th July 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Wolverhampton, Tame Bridge Pkwy, Stourbridge Jct, Kidderminster, Droitwich Spa, Worcester SH, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway, Bristol TM - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Thursday 13th July 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Didcot Pkwy, Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol ** 60007 unavailable, operated by 46100 one-way **
Saturday 22nd July 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Woking, Guildford, Haslemere, Petersfield, Havant, Cosham, Fareham, Botley, Eastleigh, Romsey, Salisbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren. ** RE-SCHEDULED due to RMT Strike Action (rescheduled date not planned for 60007) **
Thursday 27th July 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Haddenham & Thame, Bicester Village, Oxford Pkwy, Oxford, Swindon, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol
Saturday 5th August 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Northampton, Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Watford Jct, - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Saturday 12th August 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Poole, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, Southampton, Eastleigh, Romsey, Salisbury, Warminster, Westbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Saturday 19th August 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Haddenham & Thame, Bicester Village, Oxford Parkway, Oxford, Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Westbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
*NEW* Saturday 24th August 2023
THE GOLDEN HIND (Saphos Trains – Fully booked) Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Newbury, Hungerford, Pewsey, Trowbridge, Bradford-On-Avon, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads – Plymouth 60007 on/off at Taunton / Norton Fitzwarren, diesel assisted over the Devon Banks).
*NEW* Thursday 31st August 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Woking, Farnborough, Basingstoke, Andover, Salisbury, Warminster, Westbury, Bradford-On-Avon, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads – Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol / TBA.
Wednesday 20th September 2023
THE SETTLE & CARLISLE FELLSMAN (Saphos Trains Details)
Crewe, Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan NW, Euxton Balshaw Lane, Blackburn, Clitheroe, - Carlisle 60007 from Chester (60007 on the rear Crewe to Chester).
21st September to 1st November 2023
Heritage Railway Visit - North Yorkshire Moors Railway; details: 60007 operating during NYMR Gala, SNGLT/LNER(CA) members train and public services on 9th-11th October, 23rd-25th October and 30th October-1st November. www.nymr.co.uk/Event/sir-nigel-gresley-services#null
Tuesday 12th December 2023
THE CHRISTMAS WHITE ROSE (Saphos Trains Details)
Rugby, Nuneaton, Tamworth LL, Lichfield TV, Rugeley TV, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington BQ, Newton-le-Willows, Manchester Vic - York 60007 on/offf at Crew.e
23rd to 26th November 2023
EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKET to Edinburgh (Steam Dreams Details)
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh and return. 60007 York - Edinburgh (23th Nov) and Edinburgh - York (26th Nov) {Deltic on Kings Cross - York and return}
Use of Diesels
SNGLT members should be aware that we have been advised that for operational reasons it is expected that a diesel locomotive will be attached to the rear of most of the planned tours. The diesel will assist if requested by the steam driver or inspector due to either poor rail head conditions or excessive gradient against load and timings. An initial response is typically that the steam driver asks for the diesel to be run in "notch one", which equates to the diesel taking its own weight and very little else. The steam footplate crews are very minded that it's a steam rail tour and so do drive the loco as designed.
Disclaimer
This information is provided in good faith as representing current plans for the 2023 programme at date of release. SNGLT cannot accept any responsibility for any losses, damages, inconvenience etc. if, for any reason whatsoever, there are changes to this schedule. SNGLT will however, endeavour to keep members informed should changes occur.
News item 3 July 2023:
Hopefully the 22nd July "English Rivera Express" will be able to run after all.
News item 25 June 2023:
Unfortunately the "English Rivera Express" scheduled for 22nd July will not now be running due to national strike action by the RMT union.
News item 17 February 2023:
Updated planned operating schedule for 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley.
Heritage Railway visit from 7th to 17th April 2023
This will take place at the Nene Valley Railway - details and tickets from the NVR website. SNGLT Members' Day details will be published on the Members' Area shortly.
Wednesday 10th May 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Paignton, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Dawlish, Exeter SD, Tiverton Pkwy, Tauton, Bridgwater, Yatton, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol
Saturday 3rd June 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Newbury, Hungerford, Pewsey, Westbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Wednesday 14th June 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Stourbridge Jct, Kidderminster, Droitwich Spa, Worcester SH, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol
Saturday 24th June 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Whitchurch, Shrewsbury, Church Strettom, Craven Arms, Ludlow, Leominster, Hereford, Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Severn Tunnel Jct, Patchway, Bristol TM - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Saturday 8th July 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Wolverhampton, Tame Bridge Pkwy, Stourbridge Jct, Kidderminster, Droitwich Spa, Worcester SH, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway, Bristol TM - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Thursday 13th July 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Slough, Maidenhead, Reading, Didcot Pkwy, Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol,
Saturday 22nd July 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Woking, Guildford, Haslemere, Petersfield, Havant, Cosham, Fareham, Botley, Eastleigh, Romsey, Salisbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Thursday 27th July 2023
WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Haddenham & Thame, Bicester Village, Oxford Pkwy, Oxford, Swindon, Bristol TM - Shrewsbury 60007 on/off at Bristol
Saturday 5th August 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Northampton, Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead, Watford Jct, - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Saturday 12th August 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
Poole, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, Southampton, Eastleigh, Romsey, Salisbury, Warminster, Westbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Saturday 19th August 2023
ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Saphos Trains Details)
High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Haddenham & Thame, Bicester Village, Oxford Parkway, Oxford, Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Westbury - Kingswear 60007 on at Taunton/off at Norton Fitzwarren.
Wednesday 20th September 2023
THE SETTLE & CARLISLE FELLSMAN (Saphos Trains Details)
Crewe, Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan NW, Euxton Balshaw Lane, Blackburn, Clitheroe, - Carlisle 60007 from Chester (60007 on the rear Crewe to Chester).
Late Sept / Oct 2023
Heritage Railway Visit - North Yorkshire Moors Railway; details: TBD
Tuesday 12th December 2023
THE CHRISTMAS WHITE ROSE (Saphos Trains Details)
Rugby, Nuneaton, Tamworth LL, Lichfield TV, Rugeley TV, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington BQ, Newton-le-Willows, Manchester Vic - York 60007 on/offf at Crew.e
23rd to 26th November 2023
EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKET to Edinburgh (Steam Dreams Details)
London Kings Cross to Edinburgh and return 60007 York - Edinburgh (23th Nov) and Edinburgh - York (26th Nov) {Deltic on Kings Cross - York and return}
Disclaimer
This information is provided in good faith as representing current plans for the 2023 programme at date of release. SNGLT cannot accept any responsibility for any losses, damages, inconvenience etc. if, for any reason whatsoever, there are changes to this schedule. SNGLT will however, endeavour to keep members informed should changes occur.
News item 4 November 2022:
4498 is the rostered locomotive to work:
- Thursday 17th November - Kings Cross to York & return.
- Friday 2nd December - Ealing Broadway to Lincoln & return.
- Monday 5th December - London Victoria to Bath Spa & return.
All with Steam Dreams.
News item 15 September 2022:
Sir Nigel Gresley passed a full steam test today. A test run will precede the movement to Grosmont on Tuesday ready for the NYMR Gala 22-24 September and special trains in October. Thanks go to our engineering team for a big effort they have put in to keep the programme on schedule and also to LSL for the support we have had from their boilersmiths.
News items 19 August 2022:
EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY WITH SIR NIGEL GRESLEY AT THE NYMR
To mark the return of the renowned locomotive after a majoroverhaul lasting 7-years, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) hasannounced that tickets can now be purchased for a pre-booked journey hauled byiconic locomotive, Nº4498 Sir Nigel Gresley. Passengers will also get to travel in authentic teak carriages, restored by the LNER Coach Association (LNERCA).
Tickets for the experience available on the 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 & 12 October departing from Grosmont to Pickering at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm and cost £51.00 (return) for adults and free for children under 16. For a more exclusive experience, you can purchase a compartment ticket for up to a maximum of six people for £204.00. As part of the ticket, each fare-paying passenger will receive a limited-edition gift bag featuring a Sir Nigel Gresley Enamel Badge, NYMR Guide Book & Pen as well as some delicious local Lottie Shaw Fudge. On arrival at Pickering visitors will have 15 minutes to take photographs of the iconic locomotive. For passengers wanting to make their experience extra special, a limited number of tickets will be available on the day to visit the locomotive footplate via the unique corridor tender – originally used for footplate crews to change shifts without the need to stop.
Train Truckers programme
This programme, featuring the transfer by road of 60007 from Crewe to the Severn Valley Railway, will be on UK Freeview Channel 27 "Yesterday" on Thursday 25th August at 21:00 hrs.
News item 23 July 2022:
Train Truckers Season 2 will be airing weekly from the 28th of July at 9pm on UKTV. 4498 will be featuring in an episode that will cover the movement if the Loco by road from Crewe to Bridgnorth for running in earlier this year after reassembly at Crewe. Both Darrin Crone and Richard Swales were interviewed for the programme.
News item 25 April 2022:
SNGLT is please to announce that Sir Nigel Gresley returned to revenue earning service on 21st April 2022. The locomotive worked the 10:35 Bridgnorth to Kidderminster service which was followed by a short ceremony at Kidderminster with speeches by Helen Smith (SVR General Manager) and Nigel Wilson (SNGLT Chairman) who thanked the Trust's engineering team for the six years of skilled and dedicated work. The traditional spraying of Champagne was performed by the Chairman's wife Susan Wilson. The locomotive then worked the train back to Bridgnorth.
News item 13 April 2022:
At the culmination of a six-year, £1 million overhaul, Gresley LNER class A4 No. 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley will return to revenue-earning service at the Severn Valley Railways Spring Steam Gala on Thursday 21st April. A short midday ceremony at Kidderminster station will mark the occasion.
Nigel Wilson, Chairman of The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust, which owns N°4498, said, "The event marks the return of our popular A4 class locomotive following the tremendous efforts of our essentially volunteer engineering team. This overhaul is probably the most thorough the locomotive has ever had. Thanks to all involved and the results of the hard work are now for everybody to enjoy. We're also very grateful to the SVR for hosting us for the all-important running in tests."
Sir Nigel Gresley, brother of world speed record holderMallard, is now the only operational A4 locomotive; the other surviving members of the class are unlikely to return to steam in the next few years, and in many cases will never steam again.Sir Nigel is owned by a charitable trust committed to keeping it steaming as long as is possible. It will operate at the SVR's Spring Steam Gala between 21st and 24th of April before relocation to the Locomotive Services Group depot at Crewe where it will be prepared for main line trips from May onwards.
The overhaul, which started in late 2015, was completed in March this year prior to a period of running in at the SVR. The loco is currently in a temporary livery of LNER black, which it carried in the 1940s. Later this year it will be repainted in British Railways express passenger blue and returned to its other running number of 60007.
SNGLT purchased the locomotive from British Railways in 1966 and have been maintaining and operating it ever since.
The SVR's managing director Helen Smith said, "It's been a pleasure to host this iconic locomotive at the railway for its running in tests in recent weeks. We’re delighted that it’s staying to make an exclusive guest appearance at our Spring Steam Gala, where we know it will prove tremendously popular. I'd also recommend visitors take the opportunity to visit The Engine House at Highley, where Sir Nigel Gresley's famous top hat is on display.”
News item 16 March 2022:
Another milestone in the overhaul of Sir Nigel Gresley was achieved today with the locomotive passing its official steam test including setting the safety valves during the test. Work continues on checking the electrics with the TPWS unit, OTMR powered up and the GSMR checked. The air pump was run and the new in-cab lubricator worked well.
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News item 8 March 2022:
The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust is pleased to announce that, subject to successful completion of the running-in, Sir Nigel Gresley as LNER N°4498 will participate in the Severn Valley Railway gala 21-24 April. We can also announce that the locomotive is expected to attend the North Yorkshire Moor Railway Autumn Gala (22-25 September) as BRN°60007 after which the locomotive is likely to stay at the NYMR for a few weeks to take part in other events.
Copyright © The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd