The forthcoming Autumn Steam Gala at the Severn Valley Railway will be the first opportunity to see the brand-new LMS livery that’s just been applied to guest locomotive 11456.

The saddle tank engine appears courtesy of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Trust and the East Lancashire Railway and has been repainted and varnished into its authentic identity as LMS 11456. It will make its first public appearance in this guise at the SVR’s enthusiast event between 19 and 22 September.

‘Quite simply, it looks stunning,’ said SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster. ‘We can’t wait to see it paired with our beautiful set of vintage LMS carriages at the Autumn Steam Gala. It’s going to an historic moment, as this is something that hasn’t been seen for more than 80 years!

‘Alongside our own Stanier Mogul, No 13268, it’s going to be quite the sight! This really is shaping up to be a fabulous event.’

There’s even more to entice visitors as Black Five 44932 will also be joining the line-up. This locomotive is usually in service on the main line and rarely visits heritage lines. Further guests include 45596 ‘Bahamas’ and 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’, alongside home-based locomotives 13268, 4930, 7714 and 75069.

Local services to Eardington, the SVR’s smallest station, will also operate as part of an intensive timetable, featuring early morning and late evening running as well as double headers and goods trains.

Narrow gauge engine ‘Douglas’ from the Talyllyn Railway will be on display at The Engine House, Highley, and visitors will be able to catch the RailArt 2024 exhibition at Kidderminster Railway Museum.’

For further information and to book tickets, visit svr.co.uk