All aboard for the ‘Scottish Steam Up’ event at the Spa Valley Railway
Visit the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells on 2 and 3 April 2022 and enjoy a magnificent weekend of steam including the rare opportunity to see two terrific Caledonian Railway steam locomotives together for the first time at one of the South East’s most popular heritage railways.
It will also be possible to book a Fish & Chip Supper or hop on board the Real Ale Train to enjoy a pint! on Saturday 2 April at 7pm.
The railway’s commercial manager Jonnie Pay said “We’re delighted that both Caledonian Railway No. 419 and Caledonian Railway No. 828 will be visiting the Spa Valley Railway and featuring at our Scottish Steam Up weekend. This is the first time in their existence the two Caledonian locos will be seen outside of Scotland together and the first time they have operated together this far south. Caledonian Railway No. 419 is staying on loan at the Spa Valley Railway until October 2022.”
Caledonian Railway Class 439 No. 419
Based at the Bo’ness & Kinnell Railway No. 419 was built by the Caledonian Railway at St Rollox Works, Glasgow, in 1907. The locomotive was designed by J. F. Mcintosh for branch line work, fast suburban and banking duties and is now the flagship of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.
Caledonian Railway Class 812 No. 828
Owned by the CR828 Trust No. 828 was built by the Caledonian Railway at in 1899. The locomotive was designed by J. F. Mcintosh to handle a variety of stopping passenger and express goods workings and is now the flagship of the Strathspey Railway, Aviemore. The Spa Valley Railway first started discussing the prospect of 828 visiting back in 2019 and are extremely grateful to the Caledonian Railway 828 Trust and Strathspey Railway for making this visit possible. 828 will be at the Spa Valley Railway until October.
No. 419 and No. 828 will be joined by resident Bulleid Pacific No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ and Hunslet Austerity No. 2890 ‘Douglas’ operating an intensive train service between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. Expect to see double heading of 419 and 828 and a unique pairing of two 0-6-0 tender engines with 828 and 2890 pairing up on at least one occasion!
Visitors can take a ride in the Queen Mary Brake Van which will make two return trips per day to Eridge, there is no extra charge to travel on the Queen Mary Brake Van, but space is limited so trips will be on a first come first served basis.
Locomotives in steam during the Scottish Steam Up Weekend:
Caledonian Railway Class 439 No. 419
Caledonian Railway Class 812 No. 828
Bulleid Pacific No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’
Hunslet Austerity No. 2890 ‘Douglas’
Catering
Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments will be available throughout the day including from Bar Car ‘Kate’. At Groombridge the kiosk on the station platform will be open both days serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and delicious ice cream!
Timetable
Trains will depart Tunbridge Wells West at: 08:50, 09:30, 10:10, 11:00, 11:50, 12:40, 13:30, 14:20, 15:10, 16:00, 16:36, 16:50, 17:40, 19:00, 20:20 & 21:35.
Trains will depart Eridge at: 09:30, 10:10, 11:00, 11:50, 12:40, 13:30, 14:20, 15:10, 16:00, 16:36, 16:50, 17:40, 18:07, 18:20, 19:40, 21:00 & 22:10
Save money by booking tickets in advance. One day rover tickets are £20 for adults, £10 for children and £40 for a family. Two-day tickets are £30 for adults, £15 for children and £60 for a family.
Fares on the day for one day rover tickets will be £25 for adults, £12.50 for children and £50 for a family. Two-day rover tickets will be £40 for an adult, £20 for children and a family £75.
To book in advance visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk