Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email enquiries@spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Spring Steam Gala - 18th - 20th May 

After a two year absence, this event made a return to its May slot. This year's event also marked the 10th anniversary since the re-opening of the line by the preservationists. To mark this, not one but two visiting engines were arranged to attend the event. L&SWR "Beattie Well Tank" No. 30587 from the National Railway Museum and LB&SCR E4 No. 32473 "Birch Grove", from the Bluebell Railway gave the gala a very strong Southern theme and lined up alongside Jinty 47493 and Andrew Barclay "Lady Ingrid". 

Friday 18th was mainly a shunting preparation day for the gala, but instead of using a diesel shunter, the Jinty was steamed and used instead. The engine was then used to haul some Brake Van Specials in the evening, which kicked off the gala.

Above Left:- The Jinty was used to haul a works train on Friday 18th and is seen transporting the water tanker to Groombridge and on its return to Tunbridge Wells West with the Queen Mary brake van (Above Right) - Photos M. Dives

Above Left:- 32473 recreates a scene that was once a common sight at Tunbridge Wells West in steam days, when the E4s were serviced there, as it moves off shed for its first train - Photo M. Dives
Above Right:- 30587 rests at Groombridge in between trains - Photo M. Dives
Below:- 32473 and 30587 line up at Tunbridge Wells West - Photo M. Dives
Below Right:- With the former steam shed as a backdrop, 30587 and 47493 rest in between duties - Photo M. Dives

Above Left:- 32473 rests beside the water tower at Tunbridge Wells West - Photo M. Dives
Above Right:- 47493 passes 32473 as it enters Tunbridge Wells West with a train from Groombridge - Photo M. Dives
Below Left and Right:- 47493, 32473 and 30587 pose for photos at the end of the gala weekend - Photos M. Dives

Above Left and Right:- 47493, 32473 and 30587 pose for photos at the end of the gala weekend - Photos M. Dives
Below Left:- 30587 passes the site of the new Groombridge signal box on 20th May - Photo D. Staines
Below Right:- Later in the day, 30587 rests at Groombridge with two Southern utility vans - Photo D. Staines

Above Left:- 30587 and 32473 haul a mixed passenger train away from Groombridge - Photo D. Staines
Above Right:- 32473 hauls a train below the High Rocks on 20th May - Photo D. Staines
Below Left:- 32473 hauls a mixed passenger train with utility van, away from High Rocks towards Tunbridge Wells West - Photo D. Staines
Below Right:- 1957 or 2007?? 32473 recreates a timeless scene in the former steam shed at Tunbridge Wells West shed, as it is prepared for the days service - Photo D. Staines 

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Last Updated 13th November 2007. ©M. Dives