2024 Annual Steam Gala
Photo credit. Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway.
Friday 13th / Saturday 14th / Sunday 15th September 2024
​STOP PRESS!
Small Prairie 5552 is our first confirmed gala visitor courtesy of our friends at the Bodmin Railway.
5552 will be one of the stars of our steam gala weekend on September 13th, 14th and 15th .
KWVR Ivatt Tank 41241 is confirmed as our second guest locomotive.
This locomotive hauled the opening train on the Worth Valley and has been returned to its striking and historic livery carried on this day.
A huge thank you to our friends at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway for allowing us to loan this beautiful locomotive.
Save 10% off the 'on the day' prices when booked online in advance.
Kids Go Free for one day only on our Steam Gala Sunday 15th September, when booked online only. (not available at the station).
To redeem the offer simply use code GALAKIDS when booking your tickets online in advance.
​ ​The two visiting locomotives will be complimented by three of our home fleet engines.
Extensive passenger timetable and demonstration freight trains.
Static locomotive displays in the car park.
FREE coach and car parking.
Buffet coach serving a selection of Rhymney beers and other alcoholic beverages.
Driver for a tenner - gala ticket holders only - must be booked in advance. (18+ years) - SOLD OUT.
Fish and chip BEEREX train on Saturday evening.
1857 Fact File:
Builder: Hudswell Clarke.
Build Date: 1952
Built for: NCB Gawber Colliery
Wheel arrangement: 0-6-0T
Boiler Pressure: 160 PSI
Cylinder Size: 18”
Gala running days: 14th & 15th
Gala Highlight: Non-stop freight run from Coed Avon to Whistle inn on Saturday.
1857 was first preserved by the Coventry Railway centre, after the closure of the Gawber colliery in 1987, with the intention for restoration to working order. However, the restoration was not completed until 2022 under new ownership.
It has called Blaenavon home since its overhaul was completed and works the passenger services alongside 1873. Whilst packing a fair bit of power she is known for a poor ride quality due to the nature of the design.
Seemingly a bit of a marmite locomotive people either love it or hate it.
1219 Fact file:
Builder: Andrew Barclay .
Build Date: 1910
Built for: Stewart & Lloyd Ltd
Wheel arrangement: 0-4-0ST
Boiler Pressure: 160 PSI Cylinder Size: 10”
Gala running days: 13th,14th & 15th
Gala Highlight: Solo passenger working on Friday 13th.
Last seen at Blaenavon in 2021. After a long spell out of action awaiting restoration 1219 was finally restored to working order in 2016 at the West Somerset Railway. After visiting various railways in the subsequent years, she now calls Blaenavon home and whilst too small to operate normal passenger services she sees use at special events and in previous years has played a key role in our Halloween and Santa Events.
The loco has just returned from a period of hire to the Mid Suffolk Light Railway.
1873 'Jessie' Fact File:
Builder: Hunslet Works
Build Date: 1937
Built for: Eastmoors steelworks Cardiff
Wheel arrangement: 0-6-0ST
Boiler Pressure: 70PSI
Cylinder Size: 18"
Gala running days: 13th, 14th & 15th
Gala Highlight: Non-stop freight run from Coed Avon to Whistle inn on Sunday.
In 1965, 1873 was withdrawn from service at Eastmoors and presented to the City of Cardiff. The loco was put on display as part of a play area in Splott park, many children old and young played on on Jessie up until 1980 when she was saved for preservation by Mike Pearce, also known as 'Jessie's Dad', and it is still being owned by that very man today.
Since then the loco has travelled far and wide including trips abroad masquerading as that famous blue engine. The loco came to Blaenavon in 2019 and has remained with us since. During her time with us she's been out on hire to various railways most recently to the West Somerset's spring gala. This year will be her first gala appearance since 2022 resplendent in the original Hunslet works livery.
