IT’S full steam ahead for the Flying Scotsman’s visit to the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) after all seats were snapped up within three minutes of going on sale, writes Lola Griffin.
The 60103, ‘Flying Scotsman’, will trail the first service when the SVR reopens its full line on July 25 following repairs to the damage caused by a landslip at Mor Brook bridge between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth stations in Shropshire in January.
So far this year, the railway has only been able to operate between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade, with its Northern section cut off.
Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director, said: “We simply couldn’t have wished for a better result than this.
“It’s amazing and a real vote of confidence in the Severn Valley Railway and the fact that we’ve been able to secure ‘Flying Scotsman’ for this very significant milestone in our history.”
The SVR is looking into adding on extra tickets for the ‘Flying Scotsman’, with a potential opportunity for an on-train dining experience.
For anyone who has missed out on the opportunity to travel on board the ‘Flying Scotsman’, the SVR will host their Swinging Sixties weekend on July 26 and 27, where it will haul three return services each day to celebrate 60 years of the SVR in preservation.
With steam and heritage locomotives, live music, a Ferris wheel, vintage cars and a real ale festival, Mr Dunster said the SVR was going to celebrate in true style.
Visit the website at svr.co.uk for full information on the timetable and tickets for the Swinging Sixties weekend.
