Summer Steam Gala

Summer Steam Gala - with visiting GWR Large Prairie 4144 and the return to service of Bulleid Pacific 34053 'Sir Keith Park'
Our Summer Steam Gala takes place on Friday 12th, Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of up to four steam locomotives operating an intensive train service between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge.

Visiting us for the first time is GWR Large Prairie 4144 courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre and this 2-6-2 locomotive, not that often seen on the Southern region will join Rebuilt Bulleid Pacific 34053 'Sir Keith Park' which is returning to service after overhaul, Original Bulleid Pacific 34072 '257 Squadron', Caledonian Railway N^o. 828 and if the locomotive is still with us Andrew Barclay N^o. 2315 'Lady Ingrid'. 

GWR Large Prairie 4144 – Courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre
Four similar classes of this type were built between 1903 and 1949, being known as 31xx, 51xx, 61xx and 81xx. They began with No. 3100, introduced as one of the new Churchward standard designs, in 1903. Building of the type continued under Churchward's successor Collett, sometimes incorporating parts from the earlier engines as these were withdrawn from service.

Apart from London, with only one example, the 51xx class engines were allocated to many depots throughout the Great Western system. They often became the mainstay of the suburban services, besides being employed to bank heavy trains uphill in Somerset, Devon and through the Severn Tunnel. They lasted until replaced by dieselization from 1957 onwards.

4144 was built at Swindon in September 1946 and, having spent time as the Severn Tunnel banker, was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction depot in March 1965.  The locomotive was sent to Woodham Bros. of Barry for cutting up but survived until it was bought jointly by the Society and one of its members in 1974.

The rebuild was completed in 1997 and 4144 was used on the ‘Steam on the Met’ in 1998.

The locomotive had its boiler removed for overhaul in August 2010 and officially re-entered service on 2nd May 2015. As well as use at Didcot the locomotive has visited several other heritage railways since returning to service. 

SR Battle of Britain Class 34053 'Sir Keith Park'
At this gala, resident Bulleid Pacific 34053 'Sir Keith Park' is returning to service following an intensive overhaul by Southern Locomotives Limited at Tysley and Herston Works. The boiler is from fellow Bulleid Pacific 'Sidmouth' and has enabled 34053 to return to service much sooner. We operated 'Sir Keith Park' between 2020 and 2022 when the locomotive was withdrawn for overhaul, this was after the engine found a home with us at Tunbridge Wells West. 34072 is also now based at our railway and this gala is the only time in 2024 you can enjoy both Bulleid's operating together, 34072 is off on hire until the end of 2024. 

Locomotives:

• GWR Large Prairie N^o.4144 – Courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre
• SR Bulleid Pacific N^o. 34053 'Sir Keith Park'
• SR Bulleid Pacific N^o. 34072 '257 Squadron'
• Caledonian Railway 812 Class No. 828
• Andrew Barclay N^o. 2315 'Lady Ingrid'

All locomotives except 2315 face Tunbridge Wells West.

Timetable & Brake Van Rides
Further details to follow.

Catering
Set A will convey our bar car 'Kate' and set B our Restaurant Miniature Buffet serving a range of drinks and light refreshments throughout the day, at Tunbridge Wells West our station shop serves teas, coffees, hot chocolate and light snacks and there are catering outlets at Groombridge and Eridge serving hot and cold drinks and light refreshements too. 

Bar car 'Kate' will also be selling hot soup and a roll and pre-boxed Cream Teas for you to purchase and enjoy on board the train.

Real Ale & Cider Bar – Kate
Visit bar car 'Kate' on Set A to enjoy a pint or two! Brewery to be confirmed.

Dining Trains
The popular Fish & Chip Supper and Real Ale trains will operate on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th July from Tunbridge Wells West departing at 19:30, non-dining passengers can travel on these services without needing to book an additional ticket.

On Sunday 14th July the popular Kent Cheese Train will operate from Tunbridge Wells West, tickets must be pre-booked.

• Click here to book for the Fish & Chip Supper
• Click here to book for the Real Ale Train
• Click here to book for the Kent Cheese Train

Tickets are now available and they'll also be available on the day from our ticket offices. Tickets are valid for unlimited travel on the day of issue/date shown on your eTicket.