In a preservation first this Spring, Didcot Railway Centre will host three British Railways blue steam locomotives together in one place. No. 60163 Tornado will join forces with the illustrious ex GWR 'King' No. 6023 King Edward II and sublime Gresley class A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley in an all blue line up at Didcot on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April 2014.
Mark Allatt said "The salivating prospect of seeing not two but three main line express locomotives present in one place and in the same stunning blue livery has been on the wish list of many enthusiasts for decades. This dream will soon become a reality and we are very pleased that Tornado will be joined by such illustrious company."
Nigel Wilson, Chairman of The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust which owns and operates No. 60007, said "No. 60007 has carried BR Blue livery for the last 20 years but this must be the first time since the 1950s that three locomotives in this livery have been seen together let alone in steam, SNGLPT is very pleased to be part of the event."
Richard Croucher, Chairman of the Great Western Society, said "After a considerable amount of quiet discussion behind the scenes, we are very pleased to be able to announce the appearance of a trio of blue express locomotives at Didcot Railway Centre when King Edward II plays host to Sir Nigel Gresley and Tornado over the first weekend of April. This is a line up which we have been hoping to achieve ever since No. 6023 entered traffic and will be a unique opportunity to see these locomotives together."
Tornado is seen wearing blue for the first time at Didcot in November 2012 - Ian McDonald
Event highlights include:
- All 3 locos will operate at some point on the main demonstration line with double and even triple heading at certain times.
- Times when the 3 locos are lined up outside of the shed for photo purposes
- Additional train service operating on our branch line (currently planned for our GWR 1930s diesel railcar)
- Souvenir leaflet to all visitors detailing the 3 locos with some historical background on why the colour blue was chosen by BR
- Early opening for general photos of the locos lined up at the shed being prepared for work
Additional photo charters planned (separate and additional charges will apply - contact Neil Cave, Timeline Events, on 07770 227625 for more details)
Didcot offer a 50% discount to all Covenantors upon showing their membership cards on the day. They can’t offer a discount on the pre booking so it will only apply to tickets on the day.
The resultant prices will be £10 adult, £8.50 child and £9 for over 60’s, plus family £30.
See here for advance booking details.